In Utero Nano-Titanium Dioxide Exposure Results in Sexually Dimorphic Weight Gain and Cardiovascular Function in Offspring.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are capable of crossing the placental barrier and accumulating in fetal tissue. Specifically, the ENM nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO), has been shown to accumulate in placental and fetal tissue, resulting in decreased birthweight in pups. Additionally, nano-TiO is an established cardiac toxicant and regulator of glucose homeostasis, and exposure in utero may lead to serious maladaptive responses in cardiac development and overall metabolism.

Characterization of agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) in the bovine ovary and throughout early embryogenesis.

The oocyte expresses certain genes during folliculogenesis to regulate the acquisition of oocyte competence. Oocyte competence, or oocyte quality, is directly related to the ability of the oocyte to result in a successful pregnancy following fertilization. Presently, approximately 40 % of bovine embryos will develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro.