Effect of Maternal Sildenafil Supplementation During Gestation on the Reproductive Performance of Sows/Gilts and Growth Performance of Neonatal Piglets.

Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, provides an alternative and effective strategy to increase uterine blood flow and vascular development, thus improving fetal development. Previous studies have shown that sildenafil attenuates fetal growth restriction in rodents, sheep, and humans. However, the effect of sildenafil intervention on fetal growth in pigs remains unclear.

N-acetyl-l-cysteine protects porcine oocytes undergoing meiotic resumption from heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) is a notable risk factor for female reproductive performance. In particular, impaired oocyte maturation was thought to contribute largely to the HS-induced reproductive dysfunctions. In this study, we confirmed that oocytes undergoing GVBD were much susceptible to HS, and thus compromising subsequent embryonic development.

Melatonin protects in vitro matured porcine oocytes from toxicity of Aflatoxin B1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food and feed contaminant that threaten public health. Previous studies indicate that AFB1 exposure disrupted oocyte maturation. However, an effective and feasible method is unavailable for protecting oocytes against toxicity of AFB1.

Dynamic comparisons of high-resolution expression profiles highlighting mitochondria-related genes between in vivo and in vitro fertilized early mouse embryos.

Study Question: Does in vitro fertilization (IVF) induce comprehensive and consistent changes in gene expression associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and function in mouse embryos from the pre- to post-implantation stage?

Summary Answer: IVF-induced consistent mitochondrial dysfunction in early mouse embryos by altering the expression of a number of mitochondria-related genes.

What Is Known Already: Although IVF is generally safe and successful for the treatment of human infertility, there is increasing evidence that those conceived by IVF suffer increased health risks. The mitochondrion is a multifunctional organelle that plays a crucial role in early development.