Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock

Abstract

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal biomarkers and mitochondrial metabolic dysregulation of premature ovarian insufficiency

“…Studies have shown that 9, 12-octadecadiynoic acid positively regulates neuronal activity by affecting antioxidant genes ( 15 ), and has been identified as a potential marker for rheumatoid arthritis ( 16 ). In summary, fatty acids and their derivatives regulate follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryonic development by participating in energy metabolism as well as synthesizing precursors for steroid hormones and prostaglandins ( 17 ).…”

The Potential Impacts of Selecting Viable Oocytes on Further Embryonic Development in Mammals: A Review

“…There are molecular mechanisms of functional fatty acids affecting follicular development, granulosa cell steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation (Zeng et al, 2023). There was a strong relationship between fat supplementation and follicle size and oocyte quality (Khatir et al, 2007;Yang et al, 2016;Labrecque et al, 2016).…”

“…There was a strong relationship between fat supplementation and follicle size and oocyte quality (Khatir et al, 2007;Yang et al, 2016;Labrecque et al, 2016). The unsaturated fatty acids yielded positive effects on reproductive performance but the saturated fatty acids were linked to negative outcomes as decreased follicle number and quality (Zeng et al, 2023). On the other hand, the negative effects of high-fat diets included increased inflammation and oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances and decreased blood flow (Dupont et al, 2014).…”

Potential use of phytochemical from ethanolic extract of green seaweed Ulva reticulata in aquaculture

“…Furthermore, fatty acid components also played a role in reproduction. Zeng et al (2023) added that these components played a role in increasing FSH and LH hormone precursors through molecular mechanisms, which could trigger follicular development, as well as facilitate oocyte maturation, and embryo development in animals. Terpenoid compounds were one of the bioactive components of seaweed, which had a role in animal health and reproduction.…”