Maternal obesity and overnutrition increase oxidative stress in male rat offspring reproductive system and decrease...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Endocrinology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Maternal obesity (MO) has known long-term effects on offspring metabolism and cardiovascular health.
• Limited data exists on MO's impact on offspring reproductive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy and lactation on male offspring's testicular and sperm oxidative stress.
• To determine if MO adversely impacts male fertility in offspring.

Main Methods:

• Induced maternal obesity in rats using a high-fat diet before and during pregnancy and lactation.
• Assessed testicular and sperm oxidative stress markers (MDA, ROS, SOD, GPx) and testosterone levels in offspring at various postnatal days.
• Evaluated sperm parameters (concentration, viability, motility, abnormalities) and fertility rates in offspring.

Main Results:

• Maternal obesity offspring exhibited increased testicular oxidative stress (higher MDA, ROS; altered enzyme activity) and lower testosterone levels across all ages.
• Sperm quality (concentration, viability, motility) and fertility were reduced in offspring at later ages (450 and 650 days).
• Increased nitrotyrosine staining indicated higher oxidative damage in testes of offspring from obese mothers.

Conclusions:

• Maternal obesity during pregnancy and lactation leads to increased oxidative stress in offspring testes and sperm.
• This oxidative stress contributes to premature aging of reproductive capacity and reduced fertility in male offspring.