Effects of isomeric fatty acids on reproductive parameters in mice

Abstract

Problem: The aim of this study was to determine if dietary fatty acids (FA) level or isomeric FA type may affect reproductive parameters in mice. Method of study: Mice were fed for 1month diets differing in cis FA (cFA) content or type of isomeric FA. Resorption, number of fetuses and placental cytokine expression were determined and sperm acrosome reaction was evaluated after induction by calcium ionophore. Results: Mice fed high fat diets showed increased fetal resorptions, a decrease in interleukin (IL)-4 placental expression in the first generation and an increase of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the second generation. In this generation, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) returned TNF-α to normal levels and diminished IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expressions; males fed trans FA (tFA) and CLA showed a lower rate of induced acrosome reaction. Conlusion: The amount and type of dietary FA may affect reproductive performance in mice by affecting sperm membrane functionality and placental cytokine production. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.