Effect of maternal dietary 25OHD3 on the gonadal development of offspring mice

Abstract

Context Studies have widely reported that a vitamin D3 metabolite 25OHD3 improves the growth performance of animals and offspring, but few studies have focused on offspring sex hormone secretion and gonadal development in the offspring. Aims This study focused on the effects of gestational feeding with 25OHD3 on the growth, serum calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (Pi) concentrations, and ovarian and testicular development in offspring. Methods From the beginning of gestation until the end of labour, maternal mice were gavaged daily with 25 ug of 25OHD3. We weighed offspring on Days 1, 10, and 21 postnatally and collected offspring serum and gonadal samples on Day 21. Key results The results showed that 25OHD3 significantly increased maternal serum Ca2+ and Pi concentrations, and increased the growth rate and serum Ca2+ and Pi concentrations of offspring, significantly increased the serum concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and accelerated the follicle development in the female offspring. Male offspring showed significantly increased LH, FSH, and testosterone serum concentrations, and 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD mRNA expressions, and a significantly decreased CYP17A1 mRNA expression. Conclusions In conclusion, the present findings indicated that maternal feeding with 25OHD3 during pregnancy positively affects offspring hormone secretion and gonadal development. Implications These insights have shed light on the potential significance of maternal nutrition in ensuring healthier animal populations and offer valuable considerations for animal husbandry practices.