Nutrients

Editorial

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3 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease

by Sara Della Torre

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071669 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1833

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and other metabolic disorders is increasing worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

Research

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17 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abdominal Obesity in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Relationship with Diet, Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Study

by Justyna Jurczewska, Joanna Ostrowska, Magdalena Chełchowska, Mariusz Panczyk, Ewa Rudnicka, Marek Kucharski, Roman Smolarczyk and Dorota Szostak-Węgierek

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163652 - 20 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

Abdominal obesity is a common feature of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and it is known to exacerbate insulin resistance (IR). Improper dietary and physical activity patterns are crucial environmental factors involved in the development of obesity, and they can significantly influence [...] Read more.

Abdominal obesity is a common feature of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and it is known to exacerbate insulin resistance (IR). Improper dietary and physical activity patterns are crucial environmental factors involved in the development of obesity, and they can significantly influence the central deposition of adipose tissue. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between abdominal adiposity (measured by VAT (visceral adipose tissue), SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue), VAT/SAT ratio (visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio), and WHR (waist-to-hip ratio)) and the prevalence and odds ratios of IR (measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the homeostatic model assessment-adiponectin (HOMA-AD) and leptin to adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio)) in 56 PCOS women. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between these abdominal obesity indices and diet and physical activity. An original food frequency questionnaire and Actigraph GT3X-BT were used to assess adherence to the diet recommended in IR and the level of physical activity, respectively. We observed a higher prevalence of IR among women with higher VAT, VAT/SAT, and WHR values compared to women with normal values of those abdominal obesity indices. Moreover, VAT/SAT seemed to be the best predictor of IR measured by HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. However, VAT appeared to be the best and strongest predictor of IR measured by the L/A ratio. We also observed that higher adherence to the diet recommended in IR and higher levels of vigorous physical activity were associated with lower values of central fat accumulation indices and a greater chance of their normal values. Our findings indicate that central obesity increases the odds of IR and supports the beneficial role of diet and physical activity in the management of abdominal obesity in PCOS women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

10 pages, 1177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Modifiable Risk Factors of Infertility: A Mendelian Randomization Study

by Wentao Xu, Yueyuan You, Tianqi Yu and Jing Li

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4042; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194042 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3978

Abstract

Objective: Observational studies have linked lifestyle, diet, obesity, and biochemical measures with infertility. Whether this association is causal is unclear. We sought to identify the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors with infertility. Methods: Using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a genetic instrument variable, [...] Read more.

Objective: Observational studies have linked lifestyle, diet, obesity, and biochemical measures with infertility. Whether this association is causal is unclear. We sought to identify the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors with infertility. Methods: Using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as a genetic instrument variable, we carried out a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the causal effects for 22 modifiable risk factors on female infertility (6481 cases; 75,450 participants) and male infertility (680 cases; 73,479 participants). Results: The results of the study showed that BMI (OR: 1.24, 95% CI (1.09, 1.40)), body fat percentage (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.13, 2.64)), and alcohol consumption (OR: 6.57,95% CI (1.2, 36.14)) are associated with a higher risk of male infertility, and total fatty acids (OR: 1.16, 95% CI (1.03, 1.30), omega-6 fatty acids (OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.00, 1.27)), and monounsaturated fatty acids (OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.03, 1.28) are associated with a higher risk of infertility in women. We observed that higher education (OR: 0.77, 95% CI (0.64, 0.92)) was a protective factor for female infertility. Conclusions: BMI, body fat percentage, and alcohol consumption are risk factors for male infertility; total fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids are risk factors for female infertility, and education is a protective factor for female infertility. Full article

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21 pages, 17177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ERα-Dependent Regulation of Adropin Predicts Sex Differences in Liver Homeostasis during High-Fat Diet

by Clara Meda, Arianna Dolce, Elisabetta Vegeto, Adriana Maggi and Sara Della Torre

Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163262 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3223

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a public health issue, due to its prevalence and association with other cardiometabolic diseases. Growing evidence suggests that NAFLD alters the production of hepatokines, which, in turn, influence several metabolic processes. Despite accumulating evidence on the major [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a public health issue, due to its prevalence and association with other cardiometabolic diseases. Growing evidence suggests that NAFLD alters the production of hepatokines, which, in turn, influence several metabolic processes. Despite accumulating evidence on the major role of estrogen signaling in the sexually dimorphic nature of NAFLD, dependency of hepatokine expression on sex and estrogens has been poorly investigated. Through in vitro and in vivo analysis, we determined the extent to which hepatokines, known to be altered in NAFLD, can be regulated, in a sex-specific fashion, under different hormonal and nutritional conditions. Our study identified four hepatokines that better recapitulate sex and estrogen dependency. Among them, adropin resulted as one that displays a sex-specific and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-dependent regulation in the liver of mice under an excess of dietary lipids (high-fat diet, HFD). Under HFD conditions, the hepatic induction of adropin negatively correlates with the expression of lipogenic genes and with fatty liver in female mice, an effect that depends upon hepatic ERα. Our findings support the idea that ERα-mediated induction of adropin might represent a potential approach to limit or prevent NAFLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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12 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Chronic Moderate Caloric Restriction on the Reproductive Function in Aged Male Wistar Rats

by Pablo López de Jesús, Edith Arenas-Ríos, Mirna Ruíz-Ramos, Juan Carlos Flores-Alonso, Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez, Isabel Arrieta-Cruz and Marcela Arteaga-Silva

Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061256 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to be an effective nutritional intervention for increasing longevity in some animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate CR’s effects on metabolic and reproductive parameters in 12-month-old male Wistar rats. The rats were distributed [...] Read more.

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to be an effective nutritional intervention for increasing longevity in some animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate CR’s effects on metabolic and reproductive parameters in 12-month-old male Wistar rats. The rats were distributed in three groups: control, CR at 15%, and CR at 35% for 6 (up to 18 months of age) and 12 months (up to 24 months of age). At the end of CR treatment, we evaluated reproductive (male sexual behavior (MSB), sperm quality) and biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, glucose-regulating hormone, and sex steroid levels), and quantified annexin V in the seminiferous epithelium. Results showed that MSB and sperm quality were improved after 6 months of CR associated with increases in plasma testosterone and decrease annexin V in the seminiferous epithelium of the testicles compared to their control group. The metabolic profile of the CR rats also improved compared to controls. However, these effects of CR on reproductive parameters were not maintained after 12 months of CR. Findings suggest that beginning CR at the age of maturity reestablishes the behavioral sexual response and reproductive function in older animals after 6 months of CR and improves endocrine functioning during aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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17 pages, 2519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pronounced Trace Element Variation in Follicular Fluids of Subfertile Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction

by Lilly Johanna Schmalbrock, Gregor Weiss, Eddy Rijntjes, Nina Reinschissler, Qian Sun, Michael Schenk and Lutz Schomburg

Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 4134; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114134 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3855

Abstract

Female subfertility is a growing concern, especially in view of an increasing prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer a perspective for pregnancy, but the outcome rate is still suboptimal. The trace elements (TE), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and [...] Read more.

Female subfertility is a growing concern, especially in view of an increasing prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer a perspective for pregnancy, but the outcome rate is still suboptimal. The trace elements (TE), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) are essential for fertility and development. We hypothesized that TE concentrations are related to oocyte quality and growth and affect pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing ART. Concentrations of TE were measured by total reflection X-ray fluorescence. Extracellular glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) were determined as additional Se biomarkers. Corresponding serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were available from women with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) PCOS diagnosis undergoing hormone treatment within the ART procedure, respectively, and FF samples were classified into five groups based on morphological assessment. Serum showed higher TE concentrations than FF, and TE levels correlated positively between both matrices. Individual FF from the same women showed surprisingly high variability in TE concentration, and follicles without oocytes displayed the lowest TE concentrations. Both Se biomarkers GPX3 and SELENOP were present in FF and correlated positively to Se concentrations. Some notable relationships were observed between morphokinetic parameters, TE concentrations, and GPX3 activity. A slightly depressed serum Zn concentration was observed in PCOS. Our results indicate a direct relationship between TE in serum and FF, positive correlations between the three Se biomarkers in FF, and high variability between the FF from the same woman with the lowest TE concentrations in the follicles with the poorest quality. The differences observed in relation to PCOS diagnoses appear relatively minor. Collectively, the data support the notion that TE assessment of follicles may contribute to optimal oocyte selection and subsequently influence ART success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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18 pages, 4743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Generation Study of Male Rats Gestationally Exposed to High Butterfat and Bisphenol A: Impaired Spermatogenesis, Penetrance with Reduced Severity

by Shuk-Mei Ho, Rahul Rao, Bin Ouyang, Neville N. C. Tam, Emma Schoch, Dan Song, Jun Ying, Yuet-Kin Leung, Vinothini Govindarajah and Pheruza Tarapore

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3636; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103636 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3232

Abstract

Gestational high butterfat (HFB) and/or endocrine disruptor exposure was previously found to disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. This study addresses the data gap in our knowledge regarding transgenerational transmission of the disruptive interaction between a high-fat diet and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). F0 [...] Read more.

Gestational high butterfat (HFB) and/or endocrine disruptor exposure was previously found to disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. This study addresses the data gap in our knowledge regarding transgenerational transmission of the disruptive interaction between a high-fat diet and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). F0 generation Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing butterfat (10 kcal%) and high in butterfat (39 kcal%, HFB) with or without BPA (25 µg/kg body weight/day) during mating and pregnancy. Gestationally exposed F1-generation offspring from different litters were mated to produce F2 offspring, and similarly, F2-generation animals produced F3-generation offspring. One group of F3 male offspring was administered either testosterone plus estradiol-17β (T + E2) or sham via capsule implants from postnatal days 70 to 210. Another group was naturally aged to 18 months. Combination diets of HFB + BPA in F0 dams, but not single exposure to either, disrupted spermatogenesis in F3-generation adult males in both the T + E2-implanted group and the naturally aged group. CYP19A1 localization to the acrosome and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) localization to the nucleus were associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Finally, expression of methyl-CpG-binding domain-3 (MBD3) was consistently decreased in the HFB and HFB + BPA exposed F1 and F3 testes, suggesting an epigenetic component to this inheritance. However, the severe atrophy within testes present in F1 males was absent in F3 males. In conclusion, the HFB + BPA group demonstrated transgenerational inheritance of the impaired spermatogenesis phenotype, but severity was reduced in the F3 generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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Review

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30 pages, 7822 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sex, Nutrition, and NAFLD: Relevance of Environmental Pollution

by Arianna Dolce and Sara Della Torre

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2335; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102335 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4431

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease and represents an increasing public health issue given the limited treatment options and its association with several other metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The epidemic, still growing prevalence of NAFLD [...] Read more.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease and represents an increasing public health issue given the limited treatment options and its association with several other metabolic and inflammatory disorders. The epidemic, still growing prevalence of NAFLD worldwide cannot be merely explained by changes in diet and lifestyle that occurred in the last few decades, nor from their association with genetic and epigenetic risk factors. It is conceivable that environmental pollutants, which act as endocrine and metabolic disruptors, may contribute to the spreading of this pathology due to their ability to enter the food chain and be ingested through contaminated food and water. Given the strict interplay between nutrients and the regulation of hepatic metabolism and reproductive functions in females, pollutant-induced metabolic dysfunctions may be of particular relevance for the female liver, dampening sex differences in NAFLD prevalence. Dietary intake of environmental pollutants can be particularly detrimental during gestation, when endocrine-disrupting chemicals may interfere with the programming of liver metabolism, accounting for the developmental origin of NAFLD in offspring. This review summarizes cause–effect evidence between environmental pollutants and increased incidence of NAFLD and emphasizes the need for further studies in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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21 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review

by Simon Alesi, Anthony Villani, Evangeline Mantzioris, Wubet Worku Takele, Stephanie Cowan, Lisa J. Moran and Aya Mousa

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3914; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193914 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 18973

Abstract

Infertility is a global health concern affecting 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Infertility creates a significant economic and social burden for couples who wish to conceive and has been associated with suboptimal lifestyle factors, including poor diet and physical inactivity. [...] Read more.

Infertility is a global health concern affecting 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Infertility creates a significant economic and social burden for couples who wish to conceive and has been associated with suboptimal lifestyle factors, including poor diet and physical inactivity. Modifying preconception nutrition to better adhere with Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) is a non-invasive and potentially effective means for improving fertility outcomes. While several dietary patterns have been associated with fertility outcomes, the mechanistic links between diet and infertility remain unclear. A key mechanism outlined in the literature relates to the adverse effects of inflammation on fertility, potentially contributing to irregular menstrual cyclicity, implantation failure, and other negative reproductive sequelae. Therefore, dietary interventions which act to reduce inflammation may improve fertility outcomes. This review consistently shows that adherence to anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean diet (specifically, increased intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and reduced intake of red and processed meat) improves fertility, assisted reproductive technology (ART) success, and sperm quality in men. Therefore, integration of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns as low-risk adjunctive fertility treatments may improve fertility partially or fully and reduce the need for prolonged or intensive pharmacological or surgical interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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16 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessReview

Crohn’s Disease and Female Infertility: Can Nutrition Play a Supporting Role?

by Alessandra Vincenti, Federica Loperfido, Rachele De Giuseppe, Matteo Manuelli, David Bosoni, Alessandra Righi, Rossella E. Nappi and Hellas Cena

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122423 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3694

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease (IBD) that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract in a non-continuous mode. CD is generally diagnosed most commonly between 15 and 35 years of age and may affect female fertility. The role of diet in [...] Read more.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease (IBD) that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract in a non-continuous mode. CD is generally diagnosed most commonly between 15 and 35 years of age and may affect female fertility. The role of diet in supporting wellbeing outcome and reproductive potential in women is well-known; however, no effective efforts have been made to improve women’s awareness in CD. Our review aims to describe the burden of CD on women’s fertility, reporting the most relevant nutrients that support reproductive function to ensure women diagnosed with IBD an adequate health-related quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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19 pages, 1268 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Influence of Diet on Ovulation Disorders in Women—A Narrative Review

by Justyna Jurczewska and Dorota Szostak-Węgierek

Nutrients 2022, 14(8), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081556 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 10568

Abstract

Female infertility is commonly due to ovulation disorders. They are mostly related to polycystic ovary syndrome, which is currently viewed as one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Ovulation-related female fertility is influenced by multiple factors which may [...] Read more.

Female infertility is commonly due to ovulation disorders. They are mostly related to polycystic ovary syndrome, which is currently viewed as one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Ovulation-related female fertility is influenced by multiple factors which may include: age, smoking cigarettes, stress, use of psychoactive substances, and physical activity. Moreover, diet-related factors play an important role in the regulation of ovulation. Dietary components that exert a positive influence on ovulation include: carbohydrate products with low glycemic index, plant protein, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin D, antioxidants, and iron. A diet based on the structure of the Mediterranean diet also seems beneficial. Components that have a negative influence mostly include high glycemic index carbohydrates, large amounts of animal protein, saturated fatty acids, and trans fatty acids, which are typically found in the Western model of nutrition. Due to the paucity of studies that presented a direct link between nutrition and the risk of anovulatory infertility, this study aimed to summarize the most recent research on the influence of dietary factors on ovulation disorders and indicate the possibilities of future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nutraceuticals: A New Challenge against Cadmium-Induced Testicular Injury

by Herbert Ryan Marini, Antonio Micali, Giovanni Squadrito, Domenico Puzzolo, José Freni, Pietro Antonuccio and Letteria Minutoli

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030663 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal and a ubiquitous environmental toxicant. For the general population, the principal causes of Cd exposure are cigarette smoking, air pollution and contaminated water and food consumption, whereas occupational exposure usually involves humans working in mines or [...] Read more.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal and a ubiquitous environmental toxicant. For the general population, the principal causes of Cd exposure are cigarette smoking, air pollution and contaminated water and food consumption, whereas occupational exposure usually involves humans working in mines or manufacturing batteries and pigments that utilize Cd. The aim of the present review is to evaluate recent data regarding the mechanisms of Cd-induced testicular structural and functional damages and the state of the art of the therapeutic approaches. Additionally, as the current literature demonstrates convincing associations between diet, food components and men’s sexual health, a coherent nutraceutical supplementation may be a new valid therapeutic strategy for both the prevention and alleviation of Cd-induced testicular injury. The toxic effects on testes induced by Cd include many specific mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. As no specific therapy for the prevention or treatment of the morbidity and mortality associated with Cd exposure is available, the development of new therapeutic agents is requested. Dietary strategies and the use of nutraceuticals, particularly abundant in fresh fruits, beans, vegetables and grains, typical of the Mediterranean diet, are recommended against Cd-induced testicular injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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12 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessReview

Long-Term Outcomes of in Utero Ramadan Exposure: A Systematic Literature Review

by Melani R. Mahanani, Eman Abderbwih, Amanda S. Wendt, Andreas Deckert, Khatia Antia, Olaf Horstick, Peter Dambach, Stefan Kohler and Volker Winkler

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124511 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8822

Abstract

Health outcomes of in utero Ramadan exposure have been reported in a systematic literature review; however, the available literature on long-term effects were not fully covered. Our study aims to specifically review the long-term outcomes of in utero Ramadan exposure. We searched for [...] Read more.

Health outcomes of in utero Ramadan exposure have been reported in a systematic literature review; however, the available literature on long-term effects were not fully covered. Our study aims to specifically review the long-term outcomes of in utero Ramadan exposure. We searched for original research articles analyzing any long-term outcome of in utero Ramadan exposure, excluding maternal and perinatal outcomes. Sixteen studies from 8304 non-duplicate search results were included. Most studies suggest negative consequences from in utero Ramadan exposure on health, as well as on economic outcomes later in adulthood. Higher under-five mortality rate, higher mortality under three months, and under one year, shorter stature, lower body mass index, increased incidence of vision, hearing and learning disabilities, lower mathematics, writing and reading scores, as well as a lower probability to own a home were associated with Ramadan exposure during conception or the first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, age and sex seem to play a pivotal role on the association. Existing studies suggest that in utero Ramadan exposure may adversely impact long-term health and economic well-being. However, evidence is limited. Meanwhile, increasing awareness of the potential risks of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy should be raised among pregnant women and clinicians and other antenatal care workers should promote better maternal healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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32 pages, 2294 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Insulin-Resistant Adolescents with Obesity: The Role of Nutrition Therapy and Food Supplements as a Strategy to Protect Fertility

by Valeria Calcaterra, Elvira Verduci, Hellas Cena, Vittoria Carlotta Magenes, Carolina Federica Todisco, Elisavietta Tenuta, Cristina Gregorio, Rachele De Giuseppe, Alessandra Bosetti, Elisabetta Di Profio and Gianvincenzo Zuccotti

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061848 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 89 | Viewed by 25178

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in young reproductive-aged women. PCOS is often associated with obesity and impairs reproductive health. Even though several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenic mechanism of PCOS, the role of insulin resistance [...] Read more.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in young reproductive-aged women. PCOS is often associated with obesity and impairs reproductive health. Even though several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenic mechanism of PCOS, the role of insulin resistance (IR) as a key etiological component, independently of (but amplified by) obesity, is well recognized. The consequent hyperinsulinemia activates excessive ovarian androgen production, leading to PCOS. Additionally, the state of chronic inflammation related to obesity impacts ovarian physiology due to insulin sensitivity impairment. The first-line treatment for adolescents with obesity and PCOS includes lifestyle changes; personalized dietary interventions; and, when needed, weight loss. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and the use of specific food supplements in these patients aim at improving symptoms and signs, including insulin resistance and metabolic and reproductive functions. The purpose of this narrative review is to present and discuss PCOS in adolescents with obesity, its relationship with IR and the role of MNT and food supplements in treatment. Appropriate early dietary intervention for the management of adolescents with obesity and PCOS should be considered as the recommended approach to restore ovulation and to protect fertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease)

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Other

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32 pages, 2075 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

High-Fat Diet and Female Fertility across Lifespan: A Comparative Lesson from Mammal Models

by Chiara Di Berardino, Alessia Peserico, Giulia Capacchietti, Alex Zappacosta, Nicola Bernabò, Valentina Russo, Annunziata Mauro, Mohammad El Khatib, Francesca Gonnella, Fani Konstantinidou, Liborio Stuppia, Valentina Gatta and Barbara Barboni

Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204341 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4062

Abstract

Female reproduction focuses mainly on achieving fully grown follicles and competent oocytes to be successfully fertilized, as well as on nourishing the developing offspring once pregnancy occurs. Current evidence demonstrates that obesity and/or high-fat diet regimes can perturbate these processes, leading to female [...] Read more.

Female reproduction focuses mainly on achieving fully grown follicles and competent oocytes to be successfully fertilized, as well as on nourishing the developing offspring once pregnancy occurs. Current evidence demonstrates that obesity and/or high-fat diet regimes can perturbate these processes, leading to female infertility and transgenerational disorders. Since the mechanisms and reproductive processes involved are not yet fully clarified, the present review is designed as a systematic and comparative survey of the available literature. The available data demonstrate the adverse influences of obesity on diverse reproductive processes, such as folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryo development/implant. The negative reproductive impact may be attributed to a direct action on reproductive somatic and germinal compartments and/or to an indirect influence mediated by the endocrine, metabolic, and immune axis control systems. Overall, the present review highlights the fragmentation of the current information limiting the comprehension of the reproductive impact of a high-fat diet. Based on the incidence and prevalence of obesity in the Western countries, this topic becomes a research challenge to increase self-awareness of dietary reproductive risk to propose solid and rigorous preventive dietary regimes, as well as to develop targeted pharmacological interventions. Full article

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