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Published on: December 12, 2010
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Select nutrients and their effects on conceptus development in mammals.
Fuller W Bazer1, Xiaoqiu Wang1, Greg A Johnson2
1Departments of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
Animal Nutrition (Zhongguo Xu Mu Shou Yi Xue Hui)
|May 17, 2018
Summary
Arginine is crucial for early pregnancy development, providing essential nutrients for the conceptus. This review explores how arginine supports fetal growth and implantation via specific cell signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mammalian pregnancy involves complex signaling between the conceptus and mother for successful implantation and development.
- Uterine histotroph, comprising nutrients secreted by the uterus, is vital for conceptus growth and has long-term health implications for the fetus.
- Arginine, an amino acid within histotroph, is essential for fetal-placental development, acting as a precursor for nitric oxide and polyamines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of arginine in supporting conceptus development during early pregnancy.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which arginine influences gene expression through cell signaling pathways.
- To highlight the importance of histotroph availability for fetal well-being and prevention of adult metabolic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on conceptus-uterus dialogue and histotroph function.
- Analysis of research on arginine metabolism and its role in reproductive processes.
- Discussion of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways in relation to arginine and conceptus development.
Main Results:
- Arginine is a key component of histotroph, essential for nitric oxide and polyamine synthesis required for fetal-placental development.
- Arginine influences gene expression via the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which is critical for implantation and placentation.
- Adequate histotroph, including arginine, has lasting effects on fetal health and can help prevent metabolic diseases later in life.
Conclusions:
- Arginine plays a multifaceted and indispensable role in mammalian early pregnancy.
- Understanding arginine's regulatory mechanisms via mTOR signaling is crucial for optimizing conceptus development and fetal health.
- The availability and utilization of uterine-derived histotroph are critical determinants of pregnancy success and long-term offspring health.
Keywords:
Amino acidsConceptus developmentInterferon tauPregnancySecreted phosphoprotein 1TrophectodermMore Related Videos
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