Maternal mitochondrial DNA copy number and methylation as possible predictors of pregnancy outcomes in a Michigan pregnancy cohort.

Little is understood about the roles of mitochondria in pregnancy-related adaptations. Therefore, we evaluated associations of maternal early-to-mid pregnancy mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and mtDNA methylation with birth size and gestational length. Michigan women ( = 396) provided venous bloodspots at median 11 weeks gestation to quantify mtDNAcn marker NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 1 () using real-time quantitative PCR and mtDNA methylation at several regions within four mitochondria-specific genes using pyrosequencing: (mitochondrially encoded tRNA phenylalanine), (D-loop promoter region, heavy strand), (cytochrome b), and (D-loop promoter region, light strand).

Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in early-to-mid-pregnancy.

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can disrupt metabolism. Early-to-mid pregnancy is characterized by amplified metabolic processes and inflammation to support maternal adaptations and fetal growth. Thus, we cross-sectionally evaluated whether PFAS are individually and jointly associated with these processes in early-to-mid pregnancy.

Increasing palmitic acid and reducing stearic acid content of supplemental fatty acid blends improves production performance of mid-lactation dairy cows.

We determined the effects of altering the ratio of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids in supplemental fatty acid (FA) blends on production responses of mid-lactation dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (mean ± standard deviation; 47.1 ± 5.

Ovarian volume partially explains associations of phthalate biomarkers with anti-Müllerian hormone and estradiol in midlife women.

Background/objectives: Women are ubiquitously exposed to endocrine disruptors, including phthalates. Ovarian follicles undergoing folliculogenesis (indirectly measured by ovarian volume) produce anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2). We evaluated associations of phthalates with ovarian volume to assess whether this explained prior positive associations of phthalates with AMH and E2.

Effects of Elevated Maternal Adiposity on Offspring Reproductive Health: A Perspective From Epidemiologic Studies.

One in seven couples in developed countries suffers from infertility. Maternal overweight or obesity have detrimental and lasting effects on offspring cardiometabolic health, and although substantially more data are needed, hormonal imbalances in utero resulting from excessive maternal adiposity could also disrupt reproductive programming and affect the future reproductive health of offspring. Therefore, this mini-review evaluates the human epidemiologic evidence that maternal overweight/obesity could be associated with poor reproductive health outcomes in offspring.