Integrated fetal testicular transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles during maternal nutrient restriction with dietary melatonin intervention.

ABSTRACT: Fetal development is a critical period that establishes reproductive efficiency and herd performance depending on in-utero epigenetic modifications. Dietary restrictions may affect fetal testis development and the offspring fertility. Several studies have connected genetic instability to circadian cycle disruptions, including epigenetic modifications to melatonin, a key regulator. On day 160 of gestation, 17 male-bearing Brangus heifers were assigned to one of four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement: adequately fed (ADQ; 100% NRC recommendation, n = 3), nutrient restricted (RES; 60% NRC recommendation, n = 5), or ADQ or RES supplemented with 20 mg/d melatonin (ADQ-MEL, n = 5; RES-MEL, n = 4). On day 240 of gestation, heifers underwent Cesarean sections to collect fetuses and

SUBMITTER: El Daous H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863962 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature