Maternal melatonin supplementation during late-gestation nutrient restriction alters placental fatty acid transporter expression and fetal fatty acid profiles in beef heifers
Abstract
Gestational nutrient restriction can reduce fetal growth efficiency, while melatonin supplementation can mitigate some of these negative outcomes. This study investigated placental fatty acid (FA) transporter gene expression and maternal-fetal FA concentrations in cattle supplemented with dietary melatonin during late gestational nutrient restrictions. Brangus heifers (n = 29) were fed a diet of 100% of National Research Council (NRC) requirements (ADQ) or 60% of NRC requirements (RES) from d 160 to d 240 of gestation. These groups were then randomly assigned to receive 20 mg of melatonin daily or no supplement, resulting in four treatment groups (ADQ-CON, n = 7; ADQ-MEL, n = 7; RES-CON, n = 7; RES-MEL, n = 8). On d 240, heifers underwent cesarean sections, in which amniotic fluid and blood samples from both the dam and fetus were collected to determine FA profiles. Placentomes were collected to determine transporter transcript abundance. Maternal concentrations of monounsaturated FA (P = 0.001) and total omega-3 (P = 0.041) were increased in RES versus ADQ-fed dams. Melatonin supplementation did not alter maternal FA profiles (P ≥ 0.081). Fetal concentrations of total omega-6 (n-6) were increased (P < 0.05) in RES-CON versus ADQ-CON, whereas ADQ-MEL and RES-MEL did not differ. Fetal concentrations of total branch chain fatty acids (BCFA) were increased (P < 0.05) in ADQ-MEL versus RES-MEL. Interestingly, maternal concentrations of C16:0, were increased (P = 0.015) in RES vs…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 29 participants or records.
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