Maternal fat impacts embryo development

Exposing egg to high levels of fat prior to fertilization impacts the development of the embryo. With rising diagnoses of Type II diabetes and increasing obesity in the US, this is important news.

The study published in PLoS ONE and conducted by researchers from Antwerp, Hull and Madrid, found that cattle embryos exposed to high levels of fatty acids had fewer cells, altered gene expression and altered metabolic activity, all indicators of reduced viability meaning reduced ability to survive to full term.

Even though the research was down with cow embryos, the finings could help to explain why women suffering from metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes struggle with fertility. Women in these categories metabolize more of their stored fat which results in higher levels of fatty acids present in the ovaries. Researchers already knew this condition was toxic to developing eggs. “This is the first time we’ve been able to follow through to show a negative impact on the surviving embryo,” aid Professor Leroy, lead researcher from the University of Antwerp.

“In cows we can induce very similar metabolic disorders leading to reduced fertility in these animals and compromised egg quality in particular. This is one of the reasons that bovine eggs are a very interesting model for human reproductive research,” said Professor Leroy.

Co-researcher, Dr. Roger Sturmey from the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School explained, “Our findings ad further weight to the public health recommendations which emphasize the importance of women being a healthy weight before starting a pregnancy.”

Source: PLoS ONE, Medical News Today