The Impacts of Periconceptional Alcohol on Neonatal Ovaries and Subsequent Adult Fertility in the Rat.

Maternal exposures during pregnancy can impact the establishment of the ovarian reserve in offspring, the lifetime supply of germ cells that determine a woman's reproductive lifespan. However, despite alcohol consumption being common in women of reproductive age, the impact of prenatal alcohol on ovarian development is rarely investigated. This study used an established rat model of periconceptional ethanol exposure (PCEtOH; 12.5% v/v ethanol) for 4 days prior to 4 days post-conception. Ovaries were collected from neonates (day 3 and day 10), and genes with protein products involved in regulating the ovarian reserve analyzed by qPCR. Adult offspring had estrous cycles monitored and breeding performance assessed. PCEtOH resulted in subtle changes in expression of genes regulating apoptosis at postnatal day (PN) 3, whilst those involved in regulating growth and recruitment of primordial follicles were dysregulated at PN10 in neonatal ovaries. Despite these gene expression changes, there were no significant impacts on breeding performance in adulthood, nor on F2-generation growth or survival. This contributes additional evidence to suggest that a moderate level of alcohol consumption exclusively around conception, when a woman is often unaware of her pregnancy, does not substantially impact the fertility of her female offspring.

Periconceptional alcohol exposure causes female-specific perturbations to trophoblast differentiation and placental formation in the rat.

The development of pathologies during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, hypertension and fetal growth restriction (FGR), often originates from poor functioning of the placenta. In vivo models of maternal stressors, such as nutrient deficiency, and placental insufficiency often focus on inadequate growth of the fetus and placenta in late gestation. These studies rarely investigate the origins of poor placental formation in early gestation, including those affecting the pre-implantation embryo and/or the uterine environment. The current study characterises the impact on blastocyst, uterine and placental outcomes in a rat model of periconceptional alcohol exposure, in which 12.5% ethanol is administered in a liquid diet from 4 days before until 4 days after conception. We show female-specific effects on trophoblast differentiation, embryo-uterine communication, and formation of the placental vasculature, resulting in markedly reduced placental volume at embryonic day 15. Both sexes exhibited reduced trophectoderm pluripotency and global hypermethylation, suggestive of inappropriate epigenetic reprogramming. Furthermore, evidence of reduced placental nutrient exchange and reduced pre-implantation maternal plasma choline levels offers significant mechanistic insight into the origins of FGR in this model.

Prenatal alcohol consumption and placental outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was conducted to determine placental outcomes following prenatal alcohol exposure in women. DATA SOURCES: The search terms "maternal OR prenatal OR pregnant OR periconception" AND "placenta" AND "alcohol OR ethanol" were used across 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL) from inception until November 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Articles were included if they reported placental outcomes in an alcohol exposure group compared with a control group. Studies were excluded if placentas were from elective termination before 20 weeks' gestation, animal studies, in vitro studies, case studies, or coexposure studies. METHODS: Study quality was assessed by 2 reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Title and abstract screening was conducted by 2 reviewers to remove duplicates and irrelevant studies. Remaining full text articles were screened by 2 reviewers against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Placental outcome data were extracted and tabulated separately for studies of placentation, placental weight, placental morphology, and placental molecular studies. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes reported by >3 studies. RESULTS: Database searching retrieved 640 unique records. Screening against inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in 33 included studies. The quality assessment identified that 61% of studies were high quality, 30% were average quality, and 9% were low quality. Meta-analyses indicated that prenatal alcohol exposure increased the likelihood of placental abruption (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-1.60) but not placenta previa (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.34) and resulted in a reduction in placental weight of 51 g (95% confidence interval, -82.8 to -19.3). Reports of altered placental vasculature, placental DNA methylation, and gene expression following prenatal alcohol exposure were identified. A single study examined placentas from male and female infants separately and found sex-specific placental outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prenatal alcohol exposure increases the likelihood of placental abruption and is associated with decreased placental weight, altered placental vasculature, DNA methylation, and molecular pathways. Given the critical role of the placenta in determining pregnancy outcomes, further studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced placental dysfunction are required. Sex-specific placental adaptations to adverse conditions in utero have been well documented; thus, future studies should examine prenatal alcohol exposure-associated placental outcomes separately by sex.

Maternal choline supplementation in a rat model of periconceptional alcohol exposure: Impacts on the fetus and placenta.

BACKGROUND: Maternal choline supplementation in rats can ameliorate specific neurological and behavioral abnormalities caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. We tested whether choline supplementation ameliorates fetal growth restriction and molecular changes in the placenta associated with periconceptional ethanol exposure (PCE) in the rat. METHODS: Sprague Dawley dams were given either 12.5% ethanol (PCE) or 0% ethanol (Con) in a liquid diet from 4 days prior to 4 days after conception. At day 5 of pregnancy, dams were either placed on a standard chow (1.6 g choline/kg chow) or an intermediate chow (2.6 g choline/kg chow). On day 10 of pregnancy, a subset of the intermediate dams were placed on a chow further supplemented with choline (7.2 g choline/kg chow), resulting in 6 groups. Fetuses and placentas were collected on day 20 of pregnancy for analysis. RESULTS: Choline supplementation resulted in increased fetal weight at late gestation, ameliorating the deficits due to PCE. This was most pronounced in litters on a standard chow during pregnancy. Choline also increased fetal liver weight and decreased fetal brain:liver ratio, independent of alcohol exposure. Placental weight was reduced as choline levels in the chow increased, particularly in female placentas. This resulted in a greater ratio of fetal:placental weight, suggesting increased placental efficiency. Global DNA methylation in the placenta was altered in a sex-specific manner by both PCE and choline. However, the increased glycogen deposition in female placentas, previously reported in this PCE model, was not prevented by choline supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that choline has the potential to ameliorate fetal growth restriction associated with PCE and improve placental efficiency following prenatal alcohol exposure. Our study highlights the importance of maternal nutrition in moderating the severity of adverse fetal and placental outcomes that may arise from prenatal alcohol exposure around the time of conception.

Moderate episodic prenatal alcohol does not impact female offspring fertility in rats.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been associated with reproductive dysfunction in offspring. However, studies in females, particularly examining long-term infertility or impacts on ovarian reserve, are lacking. The current study utilised a moderate, episodic exposure model in rats to mimic 'special occasion' drinking, which is reported to be common during pregnancy. Our objective was to examine the consequences of this prenatal alcohol exposure on reproductive parameters in female offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either an ethanol gavage (1 g EtOH/kg body weight), or an equivalent volume of saline, on embryonic days 13.5 and 14.5 of pregnancy, resulting in a peak blood alcohol concentration of ~0.04%. Neonatal female offspring were examined for molecular markers regulating early follicle numbers in the ovary, and unbiased stereology was used to quantify primordial and early growing follicle numbers. Puberty onset (age at vaginal opening and first estrous) was measured post-weaning, and estrous cycles, reproductive hormones (progesterone and estradiol) and pregnancy success was measured in adults (5-6 months of age). We found no evidence that any of these reproductive parameters were significantly altered by PAE in this model. This animal study provides some reassurance for women who may have consumed a small amount of alcohol during their pregnancy. However, previously published effects on offspring metabolism using this model reinforce avoidance of alcohol during pregnancy.

Prenatal alcohol exposure programmes offspring disease: insulin resistance in adult males in a rat model of acute exposure.

KEY POINTS: Prenatal alcohol exposure has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring. Previous preclinical models typically use high, chronic doses of alcohol throughout pregnancy to examine effects on offspring, particularly on the brain and behaviour. In this study we use a rat model of moderate, acute, prenatal alcohol exposure to determine if this can be detrimental to maintenance of glucose homeostasis in adolescent and adult offspring. Although female offspring were relatively unaffected, there was evidence of insulin resistance in 6-month-old male offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol, suggestive of a pre-diabetic state. This result suggests that even a relatively low-dose, acute exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can still programme metabolic dysfunction in a sex-specific manner. ABSTRACT: Alcohol consumption is highly prevalent amongst women of reproductive age. Given that approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring. We examined the effect of an acute but moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on glucose metabolism, lipid levels and dietary preference in adolescent and/or adult rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received an oral gavage of ethanol (1 g kg-1 maternal body weight, n = 9 dams) or an equivalent volume of saline (control, n = 8 dams) at embryonic days 13.5 and 14.5. PAE resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05-0.06% 1 h post-gavage in dams. Fasting blood glucose concentration was not affected by PAE in offspring at any age, nor were blood glucose levels during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in 6-month-old offspring (P > 0.5). However, there was evidence of insulin resistance in PAE male offspring at 6 months of age, with significantly elevated fasting plasma insulin (P = 0.001), a tendency for increased first phase insulin secretion during the GTT and impaired glucose clearance following an insulin challenge (P = 0.007). This was accompanied by modest alterations in protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in adipose tissue. PAE also resulted in reduced calorie consumption by offspring compared to controls (P = 0.04). These data suggest that a relatively low-level, acute PAE programmes metabolic dysfunction in offspring in a sex-specific manner. These results highlight that alcohol consumption during pregnancy has the potential to affect the long-term health of offspring.

Adverse health outcomes associated with fetal alcohol exposure: A systematic review focused on immune-related outcomes.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has well-known teratogenic effects on the developing fetus, potentially resulting in neurologic impairments. However, there is increasing interest regarding other potential adverse health outcomes related to prenatal alcohol exposure. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify all the available clinical and preclinical literature investigating immune-related outcomes in offspring with PAE. A systematic review searching four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase) was conducted. Potential articles were screened against strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. This review specifically focused on evaluating studies related to immune-related outcomes following PAE. Twelve clinical studies were included in the current review. Six included allergy outcomes, four included infection outcomes, and two studies included both. Thirty-nine preclinical studies were identified examining a wide range of immune outcomes. The current review provides some preliminary clinical evidence that PAE can influence immune function, including atopic allergy and infection outcomes. However, there was variability in results across studies, particularly in the atopy area. Preclinical studies demonstrated some changes in lymphocytes and cytokines in offspring following PAE. More research investigating the effects of PAE on immune responses is warranted.

Adverse Health Outcomes in Offspring Associated With Fetal Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies With a Focus on Metabolic and Body Composition Outcomes.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in well-characterized neurological, behavioral, and cognitive deficits in offspring. However, the effects on other health outcomes have not been comprehensively described. We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies investigating a broad range of health outcomes in offspring with PAE. This study specifically reports on outcomes related to metabolism and body composition. The literature was systematically searched across 4 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science), resulting in 3,230 articles following duplicate removal. Titles and abstracts were reviewed against specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, with 242 articles meeting the criteria for full-text assessment of eligibility. Articles with ineligible study type were removed (127) and articles added from reference lists (15) and an updated search closer to submission (9) for a total of 139 studies. Although 5 health domains were identified, here we focus on metabolism and body composition. Details of alcohol exposure, offspring demographics, and sample sizes were tabulated and quality of reporting assessed. Findings were summarized for body composition (percentage fat mass), physiological and molecular outcomes related to glucose metabolism, and outcomes related to lipid metabolism. There were 32 included studies (2 case-control, 1 prospective longitudinal cohort, and 29 preclinical). Studies had a range of alcohol exposures, both dosage and timing, although all clinical studies had heavy PAE and/or evidence of fetal alcohol syndrome in offspring. The preclinical studies provided evidence of glucose intolerance and/or insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and/or hypercholesterolemia; and increased adiposity in offspring with PAE. Due to the paucity of clinical studies, we recommend further studies be conducted to obtain a complete assessment of long-term metabolic health outcomes in children and adults with PAE, particularly in those diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Effect of Choline Supplementation on Neurological, Cognitive, and Behavioral Outcomes in Offspring Arising from Alcohol Exposure During Development: A Quantitative Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies.

Prenatal alcohol exposure results in cognitive, behavioral, and neurological deficits in offspring. There is an urgent need for safe and effective treatments to overcome these effects. Maternal choline supplementation has been identified as a potential intervention. Our objective was to review preclinical and clinical studies using choline supplementation in known cases of fetal alcohol exposure to determine its effectiveness in ameliorating deficits in offspring. A systematic search of 6 electronic databases was conducted and studies selected by reviewing titles/abstracts against specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study characteristics, population demographics, alcohol exposure, and intervention methods were tabulated, and quality of reporting was assessed. Data on cognitive, behavioral, and neurological outcomes were extracted and tabulated. Quantitative analysis was performed to determine treatment effects for individual study outcomes. A total of 189 studies were retrieved following duplicate removal. Of these, 22 studies (2 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 18 preclinical studies) met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria. Choline interventions were administered at different times relative to alcohol exposure, impacting on their success to prevent deficits for specific outcomes. Only 1 clinical study showed significant improvements in information processing in 6-month-old infants from mothers treated with choline during pregnancy. Preclinical studies showed significant amelioration of deficits due to prenatal alcohol exposure across a wide variety of outcomes, including epigenetic/molecular changes, gross motor, memory, and executive function. This review suggests that choline supplementation has the potential to ameliorate specific behavioral, neurological, and cognitive deficits in offspring caused by fetal alcohol exposure, at least in preclinical studies. As only 1 clinical study has shown benefit, we recommend more clinical trials be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of choline in preventing deficits across a wider range of cognitive domains in children.

Progesterone receptor-dependent regulation of genes in the oviducts of female mice.

Oviducts play a critical role in gamete and embryo transport, as well as supporting early embryo development. Progesterone receptor (PGR) is a transcription factor highly expressed in oviductal cells, while its activating ligand, progesterone, surges to peak levels as ovulation approaches. Progesterone is known to regulate oviduct cilia beating and muscular contractions in vitro, but how PGR may mediate this in vivo is poorly understood. We used PGR null mice to identify genes potentially regulated by PGR in the oviducts during the periovulatory period. Histologically, oviducts from PGR null mice showed no gross structural or morphological defects compared with normal littermates. However, microarray analysis of oviducts at 8 h posthuman chorionic gonadotropin revealed >1,000 PGR-dependent genes. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) we selected 10 genes for validation based on their potential roles in oocyte/embryo transport and support. Eight genes were confirmed to be downregulated (Adamts1, Itga8, Edn3, Prlr, Ptgfr, Des, Myocd, and Actg2) and one upregulated (Agtr2) in PGR null oviducts. Expression of these genes was also assessed in oviducts of naturally cycling mice during ovulation and day 1 and day 4 of pregnancy. Adamts1, Itga8, Edn3, Prlr, and Ptgfr were significantly upregulated in oviducts at ovulation/mating. However, most genes showed basal levels of expression at other times. The exceptions were Prlr and Ptgfr, which showed pulsatile increases on day 1 and/or day 4 of pregnancy. This is the first, comprehensive study to elucidate putative PGR-regulated genes in the oviduct and reveals key downstream targets potentially mediating oocyte and embryo transport.

Dynamic regulation of semaphorin 7A and adhesion receptors in ovarian follicle remodeling and ovulation.

The ovarian follicle is a complex structure that protects and helps in the maturation of the oocyte, and then releases it through the controlled molecular and structural remodeling process of ovulation. The progesterone receptor (PGR) has been shown to be essential in regulating ovulation-related gene expression changes. In this study, we found disrupted expression of the cellular adhesion receptor gene Sema7A in the granulosa cells of PGR-/- mice during ovulation. We subsequently found that expression of Sema7A in preovulatory follicles is promoted by gonadotropins and hypoxia, establishing an asymmetrical pattern with the SEMA7A protein enriched at the apex of large antral follicles. Sema7A expression was downregulated through a PGR-dependent mechanism in the periovulatory period, the abundance of SEMA7A protein was reduced, and the asymmetric pattern became more homogeneous after an ovulatory stimulus. Receptors for Sema7A can either repel or promote intercellular adhesion. During ovulation, striking inverse regulation of repulsive Plxnc1 and adhesive Itga5/Itgb1 receptors likely contributes to dramatic tissue remodeling. The adhesive receptor Itga5 was significantly increased in periovulatory granulosa cells and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), and functional assays showed that periovulatory granulosa cells and COCs acquire increased adhesive phenotypes, while Sema7A repels granulosa cell contact. These findings suggest that the regulation of Sema7A and its associated receptors, along with the modulation of integrin α5, may be critical in establishing the multilaminar ovarian follicle structure and facilitating the remodeling and apical release of the cumulus-oocyte complex during ovulation.

Transient invasive migration in mouse cumulus oocyte complexes induced at ovulation by luteinizing hormone.

Ovulation, the release of the oocyte from the ovarian follicle, is initiated by the luteinizing hormone surge. It is clear that highly controlled degradation of the follicle and ovarian wall is required for passage of the oocyte and accompanying cumulus cells from the follicle, but the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Here we show that cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) adopt transient adhesive, migratory, and matrix-invading capacities at the time of ovulation. We characterized cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in preovulatory and postovulatory mouse COCs collected over a time course post-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Adhesion of dispersed cumulus cells and intact COCs to extracellular matrix proteins present in the ovarian wall (collagens, laminin, and fibronectin) increased significantly after hCG treatment and declined immediately after ovulation. Cumulus cell migration was low in unexpanded, equine chorionic gonadotropin-only treated COCs, but increased 4, 8, and 10 h post-hCG, reaching a peak at 12 h post-hCG that coincided with ovulation. The ability of cumulus cells to migrate was rapidly diminished in COCs isolated from the oviduct within 2 h postovulation. Cell migration was cumulus cell specific and was not observed in granulosa cells. Invasion through three-dimensional collagen I and matrigel barriers by preovulatory expanded COCs was equivalent to that of a known invasive breast cancer cell line (MB-231). Cumulatively, these results demonstrate that cumulus cells in the expanded COC transition to an adhesive, motile, and invasive phenotype in the periovulatory period that may be required for successful release of the oocyte from the ovary at ovulation.

Epigenetic Mechanisms Responsible for the Transgenerational Inheritance of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Phenotypes.

A poorly functioning placenta results in impaired exchanges of oxygen, nutrition, wastes and hormones between the mother and her fetus. This can lead to restriction of fetal growth. These growth restricted babies are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, later in life. Animal studies have shown that growth restricted phenotypes are sex-dependent and can be transmitted to subsequent generations through both the paternal and maternal lineages. Altered epigenetic mechanisms, specifically changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of genes that are important for fetal development have been shown to be associated with the transmission pattern of growth restricted phenotypes. This review will discuss the subsequent health outcomes in the offspring after growth restriction and the transmission patterns of these diseases. Evidence of altered epigenetic mechanisms in association with fetal growth restriction will also be reviewed.

Prenatal Choline Supplementation Alters One Carbon Metabolites in a Rat Model of Periconceptional Alcohol Exposure.

Prenatal alcohol exposure disturbs fetal and placental growth and can alter DNA methylation (DNAm). Supplementation with the methyl donor choline can increase fetal and placental growth and restore DNAm, suggesting converging effects on one-carbon metabolism (1CM). We investigated the impact of periconceptional ethanol (PCE) exposure and prenatal choline supplementation on 1CM in maternal, placental, and fetal compartments. Female Sprague Dawley rats were given a liquid diet containing 12.5% ethanol (PCE) or 0% ethanol (control) for 4 days before and 4 days after conception. Dams were then placed on chow with different concentrations of choline (1.6 g, 2.6 g, or 7.2 g choline/kg chow). Plasma and tissues were collected in late gestation for the analysis of 1CM components by means of mass spectrometry and real-time PCR. PCE reduced placental components of 1CM, particularly those relating to folate metabolism, resulting in a 3−7.5-fold reduction in the ratio of s-adenosylmethionine:s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) (p < 0.0001). Choline supplementation increased placental 1CM components and the SAM:SAH ratio (3.5−14.5-fold, p < 0.0001). In the maternal and fetal compartments, PCE had little effect, whereas choline increased components of 1CM. This suggests that PCE impairs fetal development via altered placental 1CM, highlighting its role in modulating nutritional inputs to optimize fetal development.

Serum and urinary biomarkers to predict acute kidney injury in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants are at high risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) and current diagnostic criteria are flawed. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of urine and serum biomarkers not currently used in routine clinical practice to predict AKI in premature infants. METHOD: A systematic review was performed that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA). Data were extracted on the diagnostic accuracy of AKI biomarkers using serum creatinine or urine output as the reference standard. Quality and validity were assessed using modified Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) criteria. RESULTS: We identified 1024 articles, with 15 studies (791 infants) eligible for inclusion. Twenty-seven biomarkers were identified including serum cystatin C and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), osteopontin, kidney injury molecule-1, epidermal growth factor, and protein S100-P. However, many were only reported by one study each. A meta-analysis could only be conducted on uNGAL (288 infants from 6 studies) using a hierarchical, random-effects logistic-regression model. uNGAL had a summary sensitivity of 77% (95% CI 58-89%), specificity of 76% (95% CI 57-88%) and AUC-SROC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.80-0.86) for the diagnosis of AKI. By utilising uNGAL, the post-test probability of AKI increased to 52% (95% CI 37-66%) with a positive test and decreased to 9% (95% CI 5-16%) with a negative test if the pre-test probability was 25%. CONCLUSION: uNGAL shows promise as a diagnostically accurate biomarker for AKI in premature infants.

Intraovarian, Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Roles of Progesterone Receptor in Ovulation.

Progesterone receptor (PGR) activity is obligatory for mammalian ovulation; however, there is no established direct functional pathway explaining how progesterone receptor completely and specifically regulates oocyte release. This study examined the overarching cell- and isoform-specific effects of the PGR within each cellular compartment of the ovary, using mice null for the PGR (PRKO), as well as isoform-specific null mice. The PGR was expressed in ovarian granulosa and stromal cells and although PRKO ovaries showed no visible histological changes in preovulatory ovarian morphology, follicle rupture did not occur. Reciprocal ovarian transplant experiments established the necessity of ovarian PGR expression for ovulation. Cumulus-oocyte complexes of PRKO mice exhibited normal morphology but showed some altered gene expression. The examination of mitochondrial activity showed subtle differences in PRKO oocytes but no differences in granulosa cell respiration, glycolysis or ß-oxidation. Concurrently, RNA-seq identified novel functional pathways through which the PGR may regulate ovulation. PGR-A was the predominant transcriptionally active isoform in granulosa cells and 154 key PGR-dependent genes were identified, including a secondary network of transcription factors. In addition, the PGR regulated unique gene networks in the ovarian stroma. Collectively, we establish the effector pathways activated by the PGR across the ovarian cell types and conclude that PGR coordinates gene expression in the cumulus, granulosa and stromal cells at ovulation. Identifying these networks linking the PGR to ovulation provides novel targets for fertility therapeutics and nonhormonal contraceptive development.

Key Stakeholder Priorities for the Review and Update of the Australian Guide to Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Since the 2016 release of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), considerable progress has been made in the identification and diagnosis of the disorder. As part of a larger process to review and update the Guide, the aim of this study was to identify review priorities from a broad range of stakeholders involved in the assessment and diagnosis of FASD. Sixty-two stakeholders, including healthcare practitioners, researchers, other specialists, individuals with cultural expertise, lived experience and consumer representatives completed an online survey asking them to describe up to five priorities for the review of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD. A total of 267 priorities were described. Content analysis of responses revealed priority areas relating to diagnostic criteria (n = 82, 30.7%), guideline content (n = 91, 34.1%), guideline dissemination (n = 15, 5.6%) and guideline implementation (n = 63, 23.6%). Other considerations included prevention and screening of FASD (n = 16, 6%). Engaging stakeholders in setting priorities will ensure the revised Australian Guide can be as relevant and meaningful as possible for the primary end-users and that it meets the needs of individuals with lived experience who will be most affected by the diagnosis.

Increased beta-oxidation and improved oocyte developmental competence in response to l-carnitine during ovarian in vitro follicle development in mice.

Oocyte developmental competence is acquired throughout folliculogenesis and is associated with appropriate differentiation and responsiveness to the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The recent development of a novel system for culturing ovarian follicles in a three-dimensional alginate matrix shows promise in phenocopying in vivo folliculogenesis. However, oocytes from follicles grown in vitro have a reduced capacity to complete nuclear maturation and be fertilized compared to oocytes matured in vivo. Oocyte metabolism is closely linked with oocyte quality, and we have recently shown that beta-oxidation of lipids is essential for oocyte developmental competence. Thus we investigated whether upregulation of beta-oxidation by treatment with the fatty acid transport cofactor l-carnitine could improve folliculogenesis and developmental competence of mouse follicles following three-dimensional culture. Ovarian hormones (androstenedione, estradiol, and progesterone) and the induction of cumulus matrix proteins (hyaluronan and ADAMTS1) were similar to in vivo follicles, indicating that appropriate differentiation of follicular cells occurs in cultured follicles after an LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulus. l-carnitine did not alter survival, growth, or differentiation of follicles. However, l-carnitine supplementation significantly increased beta-oxidation, and markedly improved both fertilization rate and blastocyst development. Together, these results show that appropriate responsiveness of the follicle to the LH/hCG surge occurs following three-dimensional follicle culture but limitations on key metabolic requirements remain. l-carnitine supplementation during in vitro follicle culture increased lipid metabolism and improved oocyte developmental competence.

Is the link between elevated TSH and gestational diabetes mellitus dependant on diagnostic criteria and thyroid antibody status: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Clinical studies have investigated the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). While some studies demonstrate a clear association, others do not. It is possible this may be due to varied diagnostic criteria for SCH and the presence of thyroid antibodies (TA). We conducted a meta-analysis, separating patients diagnosed with SCH using a diagnostic cut-off <4.0 mIU/L from those diagnosed using a cut-off >4.0 mIU/L and determined the association with GDM and factored TA status into our analysis. METHODS: A computerised search of five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL returned 787 records. Two independent reviewers assessed abstracts and full texts against pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten cohort studies were included in the final analysis. The diagnostic criteria for SCH and incidence of GDM were extracted from each study. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers. RESULTS: TSH levels <4.0 mIU/L for SCH diagnosis was not associated with GDM unless patients were TA positive. Studies that used a diagnostic cut-off >4.0 mIU/L saw a significant increase in the odds of GDM, regardless of TA status (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.33-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Women with TSH levels >4.0 mIU/L have an increased odds of GDM regardless of TA status but at TSH levels <4.0 mIU/L, GDM is dependent on TA status. The use of TSH levels to identify pregnancies at risk of GDM is a novel concept that warrants exploration.