Mealtime shift delays conception in mice. Issue 5 (5th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Jihyun; Kim, Mi-Hee; Han, Dong-Hee; Noh, Jong-Yun; Ji, Eun-Sang; Lee, Sung-Ho; Kim, Chang-Ju; Cho, Sehyung
• Is Part Of: Reproduction. Volume 163:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 323
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2022-04-05
• Subjects: Reproduction -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Molecular aspects -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Endocrine aspects -- Periodicals; Fertility -- Periodicals; Human reproduction -- Periodicals; 571.805
• DOI: 10.1530/REP-21-0336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-1626

Abstract

Abstract : The physiological processes of organisms in this rotating planet can adjust according to the time of day via built-in circadian clocks. However, more people are having different shift works, which can increase the risk of pathological conditions including altered reproductive function. Thus, circadian rhythm disturbance has become prevalent in the modern society. Specifically, epidemiological evidence has shown that shift-working women are at high risk of spontaneous abortions, irregular menstrual cycles, and low-birth-weight babies. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of circadian rhythm disturbances on the reproductive function of mice caused by dietary time shift, which is common among night-shift workers. According to the schedule of restricted feeding, the mice were classified into the free feeding, daytime feeding, and night feeding groups. The fertility indices of each group were then evaluated. Activity monitoring was performed to determine whether pregnancy delay might be attributed to mealtime shift. Moreover, the estrous cycle of female mice and the reproductive phenotype of male mice were investigated. Results showed that a 12-h mealtime shift significantly delayed successful conception, which could be attributed to a disrupted estrous cycle, in adult female mice.