Reproduction, Fertility and Development
Volume 37
Number 14 2025
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach against obesity and its related comorbidities; however, investigations on the role of IF in male fertility showed contradictory results. There are complex interactions between HFD and IF on male reproductive health. IF reduces inflammation and oxidative stress by upregulating SIRT-1/NRF2 and downregulating MAPK/NLRP3. IF may have a beneficial effect on male reproductive health, emphasizing the significance of customized dietary strategies for addressing male fertility issues. Image by the authors.
Understanding the relationship between fertility and metabolism is crucial, especially as fertility disorders become increasingly common. This study found that levelof irisin, a hormone produced by muscles and adipose tissue, and its receptor fluctuate in the pig pituitary across different phases of the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Additionally, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and insulin can suppress its release. These findings could improve our understanding of fertility regulation and potentially lead to better strategies for managing reproductive health in domestic animals. Diagram by the authors, Created in BioRender (2025) https://BioRender.com/gbwk71y.
This study explores the structural and functional dynamics of aromatase (CYP19A1) across cat species, including extinct and extant members. Using homology modelling and molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal key sequence differences affecting dimerisation stability and haem cofactor interactions. Compared to human aromatase, feline variants exhibit weaker dimer interfaces, particularly in solution, while membrane embedding enhances stability. These findings suggest evolutionary adaptations influencing enzymatic function and substrate processing, providing insights into steroid biosynthesis across species. Image by the authors.