Gestational zinc deficiency impairs brain astrogliogenesis in rats through multistep alterations of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

We previously showed that zinc (Zn) deficiency affects the STAT3 signaling pathway in part through redox-regulated mechanisms. Given that STAT3 is central to the process of astrogliogenesis, this study investigated the consequences of maternal marginal Zn deficiency on the developmental timing and key mechanisms of STAT3 activation, and its consequences on astrogliogenesis in the offspring. This work characterized the temporal profile of cortical STAT3 activation from the mid embryonic stage up to young adulthood in the offspring from dams fed a marginal Zn deficient diet (MZD) throughout gestation and until postnatal day (P) 2.

Food Versus Pharmacy: Assessment of Nutritional and Pharmacological Strategies to Improve Bone Health in Energy-Deficient Exercising Women.

Purpose Of Review: The review aims to summarize our current knowledge surrounding treatment strategies aimed at recovery of bone mass in energy-deficient women suffering from the Female Athlete Triad.

Recent Findings: The independent and interactive contributions of energy status versus estrogen status on bone density, geometry, and strength have recently been reported, highlighting the importance of addressing both energy and estrogen in treatment strategies for bone health. This is supported by reports that have identified energy-related features (low body weight and BMI) and estrogen-related features (late age of menarche, oligo/amenorrhea) to be significant risk factors for low bone mineral density and bone stress injury in female athletes and exercising women.