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Whilst transgenerational effects (TGE) of abiotic conditions are becoming generally accepted in plants, those of biotic interactions remain largely unexplored. We therefore investigated the influence of TGE due to arbuscular mycorrhiza, the most widespread mutualistic interaction of plants with microorganisms, on clonal and sexual offspring of Fragaria vesca. We hypothesized that the ecological and evolutionary significance of TGE will vary between clonal and sexual offspring based on mycorrhizal status and phosphorus (P) availability experienced by the parent. In a two‐generation greenhouse experiment, parental plants were exposed to full‐factorial combinations of mycorrhizal status and high or low P availability. TGE on mycorrhiza establishment and plant performance were evaluated in their clonal and sexual offspring, which experienced the parental or all non‐parental environments. Consistently in both generations, mycorrhiza improved plant growth at low P availability, but had no or even negative effect at high P availability, concomitantly with decreased root colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. TGE due to mycorrhiza was generally stronger in sexually derived offspring, both on mycorrhiza formation and plant growth. In sexual offspring, parental mycorrhizal status was adaptive if the offspring's mycorrhizal status was of disadvantage: for mycorrhizal offspring growing in high P availability and for non‐mycorrhizal offspring at low P availability. Synthesis: Our results suggest that clonal and sexual reproduction are under different evolutionary pressures, leading to the development of stronger TGE mechanisms in response to mycorrhizal symbiosis in the latter. The complexity of the observed effects highlights the need for disentangling the mechanisms contributing to the TGE in clonal and sexual reproduction. Our study underlines the importance of considering reproductive strategies and the interplay between environmental factors and TGE in understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant–symbiotic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fopius arisanus (Sonan) is an important egg–pupal endoparasitic wasp of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). As traditional method of sorting nonparasitic B. dorsalis from parasitic wasps is labor‐intensive, requires specific equipment and poses the risk of spreading fertile hosts, the development of a more convenient, economical and safe sorting procedure is important. Results: The optimal cyromazine emergence inhibition procedure (CEIP) involved facilitating the pupation of B. dorsalis mature larvae (Bdml) in 3 mg kg−1 cyromazine sand substrate (CSS) for 48 h. When the Bdml that had been exposed to F. arisanus during the egg stage were treated with 3–7 mg kg−1 CSS for 48 h, no negative effects on the emergence parameters of parasitoids were observed. Treatment with 3–4 mg kg−1 CSS had insignificant effects on the biological and behavioral parameters of F. arisanus. However, treatment with 5–6 mg kg−1 CSS adversely affected the fecundity and antennating activity of the wasps; specifically, 6 mg kg−1 CSS negatively affected the lifespan and flight ability of wasps. Fortunately, no transgenerational effects on these parameters were observed in the progeny. Regarding the nutrient reserves of both sexes of F. arisanus, significant dose‐dependent effects were observed. Moreover, 5–6 mg kg−1 CSS significantly reduced the protein and carbohydrate content in F. arisanus; in particular, 6 mg kg−1 CSS notably reduced the lipid content. Conclusion: CEIP provides a more flexible, economical and safe mass‐release program for F. arisanus. In addition, it has profound implications for the biological control of other dipteran pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epigenome is the suite of interacting chemical marks and molecules that helps to shape patterns of development, phenotypic plasticity and gene regulation, in part due to its responsiveness to environmental stimuli. There is increasing interest in understanding the functional and evolutionary importance of this sensitivity under ecologically realistic conditions. Observations that epigenetic variation abounds in natural populations have prompted speculation that it may facilitate evolutionary responses to rapid environmental perturbations, such as those occurring under climate change. A frequent point of contention is whether epigenetic variants reflect genetic variation or are independent of it. The genome and epigenome often appear tightly linked and interdependent. While many epigenetic changes are genetically determined, the converse is also true, with DNA sequence changes influenced by the presence of epigenetic marks. Understanding how the epigenome, genome and environment interact with one another is therefore an essential step in explaining the broader evolutionary consequences of epigenomic variation. Drawing on results from experimental and comparative studies carried out in diverse plant and animal species, we synthesize our current understanding of how these factors interact to shape phenotypic variation in natural populations, with a focus on identifying similarities and differences between taxonomic groups. We describe the main components of the epigenome and how they vary within and between taxa. We review how variation in the epigenome interacts with genetic features and environmental determinants, with a focus on the role of transposable elements (TEs) in integrating the epigenome, genome and environment. And we look at recent studies investigating the functional and evolutionary consequences of these interactions. Although epigenetic differentiation in nature is likely often a result of drift or selection on stochastic epimutations, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of it can be stably inherited and could therefore contribute to evolution independently of genetic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise is a robust lifestyle intervention known for its enhancement of cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, the extent to which these benefits can be transmitted across generations (intergenerational inheritance to F1, and transgenerational to F2 and beyond) remains a topic of limited comprehension. We have already shown that cognitive improvements resulting from physical exercise can be inherited from parents to their offspring, proving intergenerational effects. So, we set out to explore whether these enhancements might extend transgenerationally, impacting the F2 generation. In this study, we initially examined the behavioral traits of second generation (F2) male mice, whose grandfathers (F0) had an exercise intervention. Our findings revealed that F2 mice with physically active grandpaternal F0 progenitors displayed significantly improved memory recall, encompassing both spatial and non-spatial information when compared to their counterparts from sedentary F0 progenitors, and proving for the first time the transgenerational inheritance of physical exercise induced cognitive enhancement. Surprisingly, while F2 memory improved (as was the case with F1), adult hippocampal neurogenesis remained unchanged between experimental and control groups (unlike in F1). Additionally, our analysis of small RNA sequences in the hippocampus identified 35 differentially expressed miRNAs linked to important brain function categories. Notably, two of these miRNAs, miRNA-144 and miRNA-298, displayed a robust negative correlation with cognitive performance. These findings highlight the enduring transgenerational transmission of cognitive benefits associated with exercise, even after two generations, suggesting that moderate exercise training can have lasting positive effects, possibly orchestrated by a specific set of miRNAs that exert their influence across multiple generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmentative release of predators is used in agriculture to suppress pest populations and minimise crop damage. However, predators affect prey populations not only through consumption but by inducing changes to prey morphology, physiology, behaviour and life history. These risk‐induced trait responses can increase prey fitness, potentially reducing the efficacy of certain predators as biocontrol agents.We investigated how non‐consumptive effects contribute to the overall influence of predators by modelling the effect of the predator Podisus maculiventris on the population dynamics of a major agricultural pest, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). We developed a demographic model incorporating both consumption and non‐consumptive Podisus‐induced shifts in beetle reproductive strategy. Our model combines data from multiple mechanistic experiments showing that predator‐exposed beetles produce fewer offspring but increase offspring provisioning, and that provisioned larvae have increased survival when predators are present. We simulated beetle densities across multiple beetle generations and a range of predator densities.The influence of non‐consumptive effects depended on predator density. At low predator densities, non‐consumptive effects strengthened the negative effect of predators by up to 45%, and risk‐induced changes to offspring provisioning had a stronger effect on prey densities than reduced offspring quantity. In contrast, at high predator densities, non‐consumptive effects changed the effect of predators by <5%, likely because beetle densities were very low both with and without non‐consumptive effects.Our results suggest that even adaptive responses to predation risk by prey do not necessarily reduce the ability of predators to suppress pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous study using miRNA sequencing revealed that exposure to a mixture of phthalates during pregnancy and lactation dysregulated rno‐miR‐184 and rno‐miR‐141‐3p in the ventral prostate (VP) of offspring. Here, rno‐miR‐184 and rno‐miR‐141‐3 expressions were obtained by RT‐qPCR in the VP of F1 males as well as in F2 offspring, aiming to establish a relationship with possible oncogenic targets through in silico analyses with multigenerational approach. Additionally, some targets were measured by western blots to highlight a possible relationship between the deregulated miRNAs and some of their targets. VP samples from rats exposed to a mixture of phthalates maternally during pregnancy and lactation (GD10 to PND21‐F1) and VP from offspring (F2) were examined. The phthalate mixture at both concentrations (20 μg and 200 mg/kg/day) increased the expression of both miRNAs in the F1 (PND22 and 120) and F2 (descendants of F1‐treated males) prostate. Target prediction analysis revealed that both microRNAs are responsible for modulating the expression and synthesis of 40 common targets. A phthalate target association analysis and the HPA database showed an interesting relationship among these possible miRNAs modulated targets with prostate adenocarcinoma and other oncogenic processes. Western blots showed alteration in P63, P53, WNT5, and STAT3 expression, which are targeted by the miRNAs, in the VP of F1/F2 males. The data draw attention to the epigenetic modulation in the prostate of descendants exposed to phthalates and adds to one of the few currently found in the literature to point to microRNAs signature as biomarkers of exposure to plasticizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of reduced-risk insecticides in orchard management has raised concerns regarding their potential risk to beneficial arthropods. Depending solely on acute short-term effects tends to underestimate the risks posed by spinetoram to natural enemies. Limited information is available on the long-term consequences of low exposure to spinetoram on natural enemies. The survival and predation of Orius strigicollis gradually decreased with the increase in spinetoram exposure rate, and the preoviposition periods were prolonged above 0.208 g a.i. ha-1. However, the adult lifespan, reproductive rate, population parameters, intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate were reduced, while the transformation rate was increased with the increase in spinetoram exposure rate. The population size and predation potential of O. strigicollis at 0.104 g a.i. ha-1 were higher than other treatments but did not differ from those of the control. Field residue monitoring showed that the peak residue levels of spinetoram on Eriobotrya japonica and Bidens alba flowers were 0.525–0.589 g ha-1 and 0.139–0.148 g ha-1, respectively, and it required at least 28 and 9 days, respectively, for the residue levels to dissipate to a level with no toxic effect on O. strigicollis. Therefore, the sublethal effects resulting from trace residues is the primary factor responsible for O. strigicollis population collapse. We provide insights for mitigating the negative impacts of spinetoram on O. strigicollis and for integrated pest management development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to war is known to impact children's physical and mental health. Recent research reveals that war exposure might even affect the developmental outcomes of children who are yet to be conceived. In this study, we sought to extend such prior work by investigating longitudinal associations between pre-conception war exposure and the accompanying maternal emotional distress on child sleep. Israeli mothers, who conceived within a year after the Lebanon war in 2006 (N = 68), were followed until their children reached 10 years of age. At that age, child sleep problems were measured through mother and child reports. Results from analyses of covariances (ANCOVAs) showed that war exposure prior to conception itself did not predict child sleep. However, hierarchical regression analyses showed that higher levels of maternal emotional distress, as a result of pre-conception war exposure, predicted more sleep problems in girls. Further exploratory analyses revealed that these associations showed themselves in both maternal and child reports on various sleep domains. In boys, no evidence was found for associations between maternal emotional distress during wartime and sleep 10 years later. These results indicate that war-related pre-conception stress might have long-term, sex-specific effects on child sleep, though replication with larger samples is needed to corroborate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to the sharp drop in male fertility observed worldwide. This study evaluates the protective benefits of Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) against BPA-induced transgenerational sperm indices and reproductive hormone disruptions in rats. Twenty-four F0-male rats (aged 4–5 weeks) were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 4 each) after CMSO characterization for flavonoids. Group A received 1 ml of olive oil. Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of BPA whereas Group C had a BW of 7.5 ml/kg CMSO. Groups D, E, and F were administered 100 mg/kg_BW of BPA in addition to 7.5, 5.0, and 2.5 ml/kg_BW of CMSO, respectively. After two weeks of treatment, four mature female rats were introduced to each group and allowed to stay together with male rats for seven days to confirm mating. Thereafter, the pregnant female rats were separated from the male according to their groups and allowed to give birth after 21 days of gestation period. At six weeks, the F1-male rats were isolated from each group and sacrificed for biochemical analysis. In-silico, CMSO flavonoids were assessed for drug-likeness and oral absorbability, followed by molecular docking to study their androgen receptor targeting mechanisms. Results showed that total flavonoids were 17.3652 ± 8.85 g/100 g. In-vivo, BPA significantly (p

ABSTRACTThe establishment of transgenerational effects following chemical exposure is a powerful phenomenon, capable of modulating ecosystem health beyond exposure periods. This study assessed the transgenerational effects occurring due to copper exposure in the invertebrate D. magna at the transcriptional level, while evaluating the role of exposure history on such responses. Thus, daphnids acclimated for several generations in a copper vs. clean medium were then exposed for one generation (F0) to this metal, and monitored for the following non-exposed generations (F1, F2 and F3). Organisms differing in exposure histories showed remarkably different transcriptional profiles at the F0, with naïve organisms being more profoundly affected. These trends were confirmed for F3 treatments, which presented different transcriptional patterns for genes involved in detoxification, oxidative stress, DNA damage repair, circadian clock functioning and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, regardless of exposure history, a great number of histone modifier genes were always found transcriptionally altered, thus suggesting the involvement of histone modifications in the response of Daphnia to metal exposure. Lastly, remarkably distinct transgenerational transcriptional responses were found between naïve and non-naïve organisms, thereby highlighting the influence of exposure history on gene expression and confirming the capacity of metals to determine transgenerational transcriptional effects across non-exposed generations.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production-volume chemical with numerous industrial and consumer applications. BPA is extensively used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The widespread utilities of BPA include its use as internal coating for food and beverage cans, bottles, and food-packaging materials, and as a building block for countless goods of common use. BPA can be released into the environment and enter the human body at any stage during its production, or in the process of manufacture, use, or disposal of materials made from this chemical. While the general population is predominantly exposed to BPA through contaminated food and drinking water, non-dietary exposures through the respiratory system, integumentary system, and vertical transmission, as well as other routes of exposure, also exist. BPA is often classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical as it can act as a xenoestrogen. Exposure to BPA has been associated with developmental, reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, or immune effects, as well as oncogenic effects. BPA can disrupt the synthesis or clearance of hormones by binding and interfering with biological receptors. BPA can also interact with key transcription factors to modulate regulation of gene expression. Over the past 17 years, an epigenetic mechanism of action for BPA has emerged. This article summarizes the current state of research on the epigenetic effects of BPA by analyzing the findings from various studies in model systems and human populations. It evaluates the weight of evidence on the ability of BPA to alter the epigenome, while also discussing the direction of future research.

Dietary variation in males and females can shape the expression of offspring life histories and physiology. However, the relative contributions of maternal and paternal dietary variation to phenotypic expression of latter generations is currently unknown. We provided male and female Drosophila melanogaster grandparents with diets differing in sucrose concentration prior to reproduction, and similarly subjected their grandoffspring to the same treatments. We then investigated the phenotypic consequences of this dietary variation among the grandsons and granddaughters. We observed transgenerational effects of dietary sucrose, mediated through the grandmaternal lineage, which mimic the direct effects of sucrose on lifespan, with opposing patterns across sexes; low sucrose increased female, but decreased male, lifespan. Dietary mismatching of grandoffspring–grandparent diets increased lifespan and reproductive success, and moderated triglyceride levels of grandoffspring, providing insights into the physiological underpinnings of the complex transgenerational effects on life histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal lung development is a crucial and complex process that lays the groundwork for postnatal respiratory health. However, disruptions in this delicate developmental journey can lead to fetal lung development disorders, impacting neonatal outcomes and potentially influencing health outcomes well into adulthood. Recent research has shed light on the intriguing association between fetal lung development disorders and the development of adult diseases. Understanding these links can provide valuable insights into the developmental origins of health and disease, paving the way for targeted preventive measures and clinical interventions. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the association of fetal lung development disorders with adult diseases. We delve into the stages of fetal lung development, examining key factors influencing fetal lung maturation. Subsequently, we investigate specific fetal lung development disorders, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and other abnormalities. Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, considering the role of epigenetic modifications, transgenerational effects, and intrauterine environmental factors. Additionally, we examine the epidemiological evidence and clinical findings linking fetal lung development disorders to adult respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory ailments. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers, guiding future investigations and shaping strategies for preventive interventions and long-term care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ability to identify early epigenetic signatures underlying the inheritance of cardiovascular risk, including trans- and intergenerational effects, may help to stratify people before cardiac symptoms occur. Methods: Prospective and retrospective cohorts and case–control studies focusing on DNA methylation and maternal/paternal effects were searched in Pubmed from 1997 to 2023 by using the following keywords: DNA methylation, genomic imprinting, and network analysis in combination with transgenerational/intergenerational effects. Results: Maternal and paternal exposures to traditional cardiovascular risk factors during critical temporal windows, including the preconceptional period or early pregnancy, may perturb the plasticity of the epigenome (mainly DNA methylation) of the developing fetus especially at imprinted loci, such as the insulin-like growth factor type 2 (IGF2) gene. Thus, the epigenome is akin to a "molecular archive" able to memorize parental environmental insults and predispose an individual to cardiovascular diseases onset in later life. Direct evidence for human transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (at least three generations) of cardiovascular risk is lacking but it is supported by epidemiological studies. Several blood-based association studies showed potential intergenerational epigenetic effects (single-generation studies) which may mediate the transmittance of cardiovascular risk from parents to offspring. Discussion: In this narrative review, we discuss some relevant examples of trans- and intergenerational epigenetic associations with cardiovascular risk. In our perspective, we propose three network-oriented approaches which may help to clarify the unsolved issues regarding transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of cardiovascular risk and provide potential early biomarkers for primary prevention. Significance: What is already known on this subject?: Many maternal risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and obesity have been associated with CVDs risk in the offspring. Paternal factors are emerging as risk factors contributing to transgenerational effects. From a molecular point of view, DNA methylation may be responsible, at least in part, for early modifications during fetal development which set CVD risk trajectories during post-natal life. What this study adds?: Big data availability supports the importance of Network Medicine approaches for integrating environmental exposures, clinical information, and advanced next-generation sequencing platform data over time, representing one of the most potent research paradigms for identifying novel molecular routes underlying the potential transmittance of CVD risk from parents to their offspring. The possible inheritance of DNA methylation signatures from parents to offspring and the ability to detect them using cardiac tissue, or blood as surrogate, may provide useful biomarkers for primary prevention of CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects have become exciting model organisms for studying animal medication due to their comparative ease of rearing and experimental manipulation, short generation times, and diverse levels of sociality. Adopting an inclusive fitness framework has revealed the importance of medication for maximizing both direct and indirect fitness. Historically, medication research focused on chemicals or behaviors directly toxic to parasites. Recent studies have investigated how animal medication modulates the host immune system, revealing limited evidence of a strong role. Insect studies have led the way in showing that nutrients and toxins can alter animal microbiomes and thereby modulate disease resistance. A better understanding of the ecological interactions between insects and their natural enemies and environment will help to establish the relative costs and benefits of animal medication. Like humans, animals use plants and other materials as medication against parasites. Recent decades have shown that the study of insects can greatly advance our understanding of medication behaviors. The ease of rearing insects under laboratory conditions has enabled controlled experiments to test critical hypotheses, while their spectrum of reproductive strategies and living arrangements – ranging from solitary to eusocial communities – has revealed that medication behaviors can evolve to maximize inclusive fitness through both direct and indirect fitness benefits. Studying insects has also demonstrated in some cases that medication can act through modulation of the host's innate immune system and microbiome. We highlight outstanding questions, focusing on costs and benefits in the context of inclusive host fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on host plants have been well documented, whether the effects of AMF on parental generations affect offspring performance is not fully clear. We conducted a common garden experiment to determine whether AMF status of host plants (Medicago truncatula) affects phenotype and transcriptome expression of their offspring. Seeds from four type parental treatments (low-phosphorus (P) soil without AMF, low-P soil with AMF, high-P soil without AMF and high-P soil with AMF) were grown under low-P (LPS) and normal-P soil (OHS) conditions. The flowering pattern of LP offspring was similar to their parents, such that plants with AMF flowered earlier than those without AMF under OHS condition but were opposite under LPS condition. The transcriptome differential analysis showed that some differential transcripts (45 for parental plants growing under low-P condition and 3 for parental plants growing under high-P condition) expression patterns between offspring were comparable, and that only affected by parental AMF status regardless of the P environment that offspring was grown. Others (146 for parental plants growing under low-P condition and 2 for parental plants growing under high-P condition), however, were affected both by the parental AMF status and the offspring P environment. In addition, the number of differential transcripts between offspring whose parental plants grew under high-P condition was far less than under low-P condition. These results indicate that AMF may not only affect the current generation of host plants but also affect the offspring especially when their parents have experienced a stressful environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural plasticity allows organisms to respond to environmental challenges on short time scales. But what are the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie behavioural plasticity? The answer to this question is complex and requires experimental dissection of the physiological, neural and molecular mechanisms contributing to behavioural plasticity as well as an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary contexts under which behavioural plasticity is adaptive. Here, we discuss key insights that research with Trinidadian guppies has provided on the underpinnings of adaptive behavioural plasticity. First, we present evidence that guppies exhibit contextual, developmental and transgenerational behavioural plasticity. Next, we review work on behavioural plasticity in guppies spanning three ecological contexts (predation, parasitism and turbidity) and three underlying mechanisms (endocrinological, neurobiological and genetic). Finally, we provide three outstanding questions that could leverage guppies further as a study system and give suggestions for how this research could be done. Research on behavioural plasticity in guppies has provided, and will continue to provide, a valuable opportunity to improve understanding of the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of behavioural plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inheritable impact of exposure to graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs) on vertebrate germline during critical windows of gamete development remain undetermined to date. Here, we analyzed the transgenerational effects of exposure to nano-graphene oxide particles (nGO) synthesized in house with lateral dimensions 300–600 nm and surface charge of −36.8 mV on different developmental stages of germ cells (GCs): (1) during GCs undergoing early development and differentiation, and (2) during GCs undergoing gametogenesis and maturation in adulthood. Biocompatibility analyses in Japanese medaka embryos showed lethality above 1 µg/ml and also an aberrant increase in germ cell count of both males and females at doses below the lethal dose. However, no lethality or anomalies were evident in adults up to 45 µg/ml. Long term exposure of embryos and adults for 21 days resulted in reduced fecundity. This effect was transmitted to subsequent generations, F1 and F2. Importantly, the inheritable effects of nGO in adults were pronounced at a high dose of 10 µg/ml, while 1 µg/ml showed no impact on the germline indicating lower doses used in this study to be safe. Further, expressions of selected genes that adversely affected oocyte maturation were enhanced in F1 and F2 individuals. Interestingly, the inheritance patterns differed corresponding to the stage at which the fish received the exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germline de novo mutations (DNMs) refer to spontaneous mutations arising during gametogenesis, resulting in genetic changes within germ cells that are subsequently transmitted to the next generation. While the impact of maternal exposures on germline DNMs has been extensively studied, more recent studies have begun to highlight the increasing importance of the effects of paternal factors. In this review, we have summarized the existing literature on how various exposures experienced by fathers affect the germline DNM burden in their spermatozoa, as well as their consequences for semen analysis parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring health. A growing body of literature supports the conclusion that advanced paternal age (APA) correlates with a higher germline DNM rate in offspring. Furthermore, lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, assisted reproductive techniques (ART), and chemotherapy are associated with the accumulation of paternal DNMs in spermatozoa, with deleterious consequences for pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. Ultimately, our review highlights the clear importance of the germline DNM mode of inheritance, and the current understanding of how this is affected by various paternal factors. In addition, we explore conflicting reports or gaps of knowledge that should be addressed in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of climate and environmental changes (CEC) are being felt globally and will worsen over the next decade unless significant changes are made on a global level. Climate change is having serious consequences for health, particularly for vulnerable women and their offspring and less resilient individuals in communities with socioeconomic inequalities. To protect human health from CEC effects, efforts need to be directed toward building resilience strategies. Building political and economic power, as well as directly addressing CEC‐related challenges, are critical components of climate resilience. Effective communication and tailored methods to engage women in preventive strategies are also necessary to ameliorate the deleterious effects of CEC on women's health. Furthermore, women from marginalized communities face more CEC‐associated challenges. Conclusions: Therefore, effective policies and programs targeting these at‐risk populations—are crucial to improve the overall state of global health. In closing, it is time to increase awareness of the effects of CECs on women's health and their transgenerational effects in order to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, education and income are protected from the detrimental effects of CECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The epigenome is the suite of interacting chemical marks and molecules that helps to shape patterns of development, phenotypic plasticity and gene regulation, in part due to its responsiveness to environmental stimuli. There is increasing interest in understanding the functional and evolutionary importance of this sensitivity under ecologically realistic conditions. Observations that epigenetic variation abounds in natural populations have prompted speculation that it may facilitate evolutionary responses to rapid environmental perturbations, such as those occurring under climate change. A frequent point of contention is whether epigenetic variants reflect genetic variation or are independent of it. The genome and epigenome often appear tightly linked and interdependent. While many epigenetic changes are genetically determined, the converse is also true, with DNA sequence changes influenced by the presence of epigenetic marks. Understanding how the epigenome, genome and environment interact with one another is therefore an essential step in explaining the broader evolutionary consequences of epigenomic variation. Drawing on results from experimental and comparative studies carried out in diverse plant and animal species, we synthesize our current understanding of how these factors interact to shape phenotypic variation in natural populations, with a focus on identifying similarities and differences between taxonomic groups. We describe the main components of the epigenome and how they vary within and between taxa. We review how variation in the epigenome interacts with genetic features and environmental determinants, with a focus on the role of transposable elements (TEs) in integrating the epigenome, genome and environment. And we look at recent studies investigating the functional and evolutionary consequences of these interactions. Although epigenetic differentiation in nature is likely often a result of drift or selection on stochastic epimutations, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of it can be stably inherited and could therefore contribute to evolution independently of genetic change.

The relationship between events occurring during intrauterine development and later‐life predisposition to long‐term disease, has been described. The fetus responds to excess intrauterine exposure to high levels of corticosteroids, modifying their physiological development and stopping their growth. Fetal exposure to elevated levels of either endogenous (alterations in fetal hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis) or synthetic corticosteroids, is one model of early‐life adversity; to developing adult disease. At the molecular level, there are transcriptional changes in metabolic and growth pathways. Epigenetic mechanisms participate in transgenerational inheritance, not genomic. Exposures that change 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme methylation status in the placenta can result in transcriptional repression of the gene, causing the fetus to be exposed to higher levels of cortisol. More precise diagnosis and management of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm birth, would potentially decrease the risk of long‐term adverse outcomes. More studies are needed to understand the potential roles of factors to alter fetal corticosteroid exposure. Long‐term infant follow‐up is required to determine whether methylation changes in placenta may represent useful biomarkers of later disease risk. This review, summarize recent advances in the programming of fetal effects of corticosteroid exposure, the role of corticosteroids in epigenetic gene regulation of placental 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme expression and transgenerational effects. Synopsis: Fetal exposure to elevated levels of either endogenous or synthetic corticosteroids contributes substantially to developing adult disease. Recommendations and guidelines for practice are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities are increasing wildfires and livestock activity in arid ecosystems with potential implications for the spread of invasive grasses. The objective of this study was to test whether fire history and cattle activity alter soil resource gradients, thereby affecting patterns of Bromus rubens L. (red brome) invasion. Six paired burned and unburned transect lines (1-km long) were established in the northeast Mojave Desert along the boundaries of four independent wildfire scars. At 100-m transect increment points, we measured the distance to the two nearest cowpats, and two random points and measured the density, height, biomass, and seed production of red brome, soil moisture and inorganic nitrogen (N). Cattle activity was 29% greater along burned transects compared to unburned transects (P < 0.05). Red brome height, density, and seed production were 11–34% greater along burned transects than unburned transects (P < 0.05). Red brome height, biomass, density, and seed production were twofold to tenfold greater next to cowpats compared to random points (P < 0.05). Soils along burned transects and beneath cowpats had greater soil inorganic N (P < 0.05), which was positively correlated with red brome density, height, biomass, and seed production (R2 = 0.60–0.85, P < 0.0001). Transgenerational effects were evident as seeds from red brome next to cowpats had 27% higher germination than seeds collected from random points. Positive responses of red brome to increased inorganic N related to fire and cattle activity may contribute fine fuel infill that drives invasive grass-fire cycles in deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in the understanding of how sperm develop into offspring have shown complex interactions between environmental influences and genetic factors. The past decade, marked by a research surge, has not only highlighted the profound impact of paternal contributions on fertility and reproductive outcomes but also revolutionized our comprehension by unveiling how parental factors sculpt traits in successive generations through mechanisms that extend beyond traditional inheritance patterns. Studies have shown that offspring are more susceptible to environmental factors, especially during critical phases of growth. While these factors are broadly detrimental to health, their effects are especially acute during these periods. Moving beyond the immutable nature of the genome, the epigenetic profile of cells emerges as a dynamic architecture. This flexibility renders it susceptible to environmental disruptions. The primary objective of this review is to shed light on the diverse processes through which environmental agents affect male reproductive capacity. Additionally, it explores the consequences of paternal environmental interactions, demonstrating how interactions can reverberate in the offspring. It encompasses direct genetic changes as well as a broad spectrum of epigenetic adaptations. By consolidating current empirically supported research, it offers an exhaustive perspective on the interwoven trajectories of the environment, genetics, and epigenetics in the elaborate transition from sperm to offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal toxicity is a significant global health concern, with particular attention given to lead (Pb) exposure due to its adverse effects on cognitive development, especially in children exposed to low concentrations. While Pb neurotoxicity has been extensively studied, the analysis and molecular mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of Pb exposure-induced neurotoxicity remain poorly understood. In this study, we utilized Drosophila, a powerful developmental animal model, to investigate this phenomenon. Our findings demonstrated that Pb exposure during the developmental stage had a profound effect on the neurodevelopment of F0 fruit flies. Specifically, we observed a loss of correlation between the terminal motor area and muscle fiber area, along with an increased frequency of the β-lobe midline crossing phenotype in mushroom bodies. Western blot analysis indicated altered expression levels of synaptic vesicle proteins, with a decrease in Synapsin (SYN) and an increase in Bruchpilot (BRP) expression, suggesting changes in synaptic vesicle release sites. These findings were corroborated by electrophysiological data, showing an increase in the amplitude of evoked excitatory junctional potential (EJP) and an increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory junctional potential (mEJP) following Pb exposure. Importantly, our results further confirmed that the developmental neurotoxicity resulting from grandparental Pb exposure exhibited a transgenerational effect. The F3 offspring displayed neurodevelopmental defects, synaptic function abnormalities, and repetitive behavior despite lacking direct Pb exposure. Our MeDIP-seq analysis further revealed significant alterations in DNA methylation levels in several neurodevelopmental associated genes (eagle, happyhour, neuroglian, bazooka, and spinophilin) in the F3 offspring exposed to Pb. These findings suggest that DNA methylation modifications may underlie the inheritance of acquired phenotypic traits resulting from environmental Pb exposure.

BackgroundEndocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contribute to the etiology of metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic dysfunction. Concern is growing about the consequences of perinatal EDC exposure on disease predisposition later in life. Metabolomics are promising approaches for studying long-term consequences of early life EDC exposure. These approaches allow for the identification and characterization of biomarkers of direct or ancestral exposures that could be diagnostic for individual susceptibility to disease and help to understand mechanisms through which EDCs act.ObjectivesWe sought to identify metabolomic fingerprints in mice ancestrally exposed to the model obesogen tributyltin (TBT), to assess whether metabolomics could discriminate potential trans-generational susceptibility to obesity and recognize metabolic pathways modulated by ancestral TBT exposure.MethodsWe used non-targeted 1H NMR metabolomic analyses of plasma and liver samples collected from male and female mice ancestrally exposed to TBT in two independent transgenerational experiments in which F3 and F4 males became obese when challenged with increased dietary fat.ResultsMetabolomics confirmed transgenerational obesogenic effects of environmentally relevant doses of TBT in F3 and F4 males, in two independent studies. Although females never became obese, their specific metabolomic fingerprint evidenced distinct transgenerational effects of TBT in female mice consistent with impaired capacity for liver biotransformation.DiscussionThis study is the first application of metabolomics to unveil the transgenerational effects of EDC exposure. Very early, significant changes in the plasma metabolome were observed in animals ancestrally exposed to TBT. These changes preceded the onset of obesogenic effects elicited by increased dietary fat in the TBT groups, and which ultimately resulted in significant changes in the liver metabolome. Development of metabolomic fingerprints could facilitate the identification of individuals carrying the signature of ancestral obesogen exposure that might increase their susceptibility to other risk factor such as increased dietary fat.

Abstract Higher temperatures are now observed in several ecosystems and act as new selective agents that shape traits and fitness of individuals. Transgenerational effects may be important in modulating adaptation of future generations and buffering negative impacts of temperature changes. The potential for these effects may be important in freshwater fish species, as temperature is a key abiotic component of their environment. Yet, still, relatively few studies have assessed the presence and importance of transgenerational effects under natural conditions. The purpose of this study was to test how parental thermal conditions influenced offspring growth and survival following stocking in Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis). To do so, part of the breeders were exposed to a “cold” treatment while others were exposed to a “warm” treatment during the final steps of gonad maturation (constant 2°C difference between treatments along the seasonal temperature decrease). The impact on offspring of a selection treatment targeting production traits of interest (absence of sexual maturation at 1+, combined with increased growth) in breeders was also evaluated. After 7–8 months of growth in captivity, offspring were stocked in natural lakes. Their growth and survival were assessed about a year later. Offspring from “cold” breeders showed lower survival than those from “warm” breeders and the selection treatment had no effect on survival. However, the selection treatment was linked to lower Fulton's condition index, which, in turn, was positively correlated to survival in lakes. This study highlights the importance of working in ecological/industrial context to fully assess the different impacts of transgenerational effects on traits and survival. Our results also have important implications for stocking practices used to support the sport fishing industry.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), emerging as pervasive environmental pollutants, present multifaceted threats to diverse ecosystems. This review critically examines the ability of MNPs to traverse biological barriers in fish, leading to their accumulation in gonadal tissues and subsequent reproductive toxicity. A focal concern is the potential transgenerational harm, where offspring not directly exposed to MNPs exhibit toxic effects. Characterized by extensive specific surface areas and marked surface hydrophobicity, MNPs readily adsorb and concentrate other environmental contaminants, potentially intensifying reproductive and transgenerational toxicity. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide profound insights into the repercussions of MNPs on fish reproductive health and progeny, highlighting the intricate interplay between MNPs and other pollutants. We delve into the mechanisms of MNPs-induced reproductive toxicity, including gonadal histopathologic alterations, oxidative stress, and disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis. The review also underscores the urgency for future research to explore the size-specific toxic dynamics of MNPs and the long-term implications of chronic exposure. Understanding these aspects is crucial for assessing the ecological risks posed by MNPs and formulating strategies to safeguard aquatic life.

During respiration, particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) suspended in the atmosphere enters the terminal alveoli and blood. PM2.5 particles can attach to toxic substances, resulting in health problems. Limited information is available regarding the effects of prenatal exposure to water-soluble PM2.5 (WS-PM2.5) and water-insoluble PM2.5 (WI-PM2.5) on male reproduction. In addition, whether exposure to these particles has transgenerational effects remains unknown. We investigated whether prenatal exposure to WS-PM2.5 and WI-PM2.5 disrupts sperm function in generations F1, F2, and F3 of male mice. Pregnant BALB/c mice were treated using intratracheal instillation on gestation days 7, 11, and 15 with 10 mg of a water extract or insoluble PM2.5. On postnatal day 105, epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the sperm chromatin DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and testicular DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) levels were evaluated in all generations. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to analyze the DNA methylation status of generation F3. According to the results, exposure to WS-PM2.5 affected sperm morphology, ROS production, and mean DFI in generation F1; ROS production and mean DFI in generation F2; and sperm morphology and MMP in generation F3. Similarly, exposure to WI-PM2.5 affected sperm morphology, ROS production, mean DFI, %DFI, and Dnmt1 expression in generation F1; sperm morphology, MMP, and ROS production in generation F2; and sperm morphology, ROS, and %DFI in generation F3. Two hypermethylated genes, PRR16 and TJP2, were observed in the WS-PM2.5 and WI-PM2.5 groups, two hypomethylated genes, NFATC1 and APOA5, were observed in the WS-PM2.5 group, and two hypomethylated genes, ZFP945 and GSE1, were observed in the WI-PM2.5 group. Hence, prenatal exposure to PM2.5 resulted in transgenerational epigenetic effects, which may explain certain phenotypic changes in male reproduction.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is ubiquitously present in the aquatic environment and has been identified as a bone toxicant. Previous studies have demonstrated that ancestral BaP exposure can cause transgenerational bone deformities in fish. Transgenerational effects are thought to be caused by heritable epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs. To investigate the role of DNA methylation in BaP-induced transgenerational skeletal deformities and the related transcriptomic changes in deformed vertebrae, we examined the vertebrae of male F1 and F3 medaka fish using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS). The histological results revealed that osteoblast numbers at the vertebral bone decreased in the BaP-derived F1 and F3 adult males in comparison with the control group. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) associated with osteoblastogenesis (F1 and F3), chondrogenesis (F1 and F3), and osteoclastogenesis (F3) were identified. However, RNA-seq data did not support the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of genes involved in skeletogenesis since there was very little correlation between the level of differential methylation and gene expression profiles related to skeletogenesis. Although DNA methylation plays a major role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, the dysregulation of vertebral gene expression patterns observed in the current study is most likely to be mediated by histone modification and miRNAs. Notably, RNA-seq and WGBS data indicated that genes related to nervous system development are more sensitive to ancestral BaP exposure, indicating a more complex transgenerational phenotype in response to ancestral BaP exposure.

Global attention has been focused on organic UV filters due to their ubiquity and potential damage to aquatic environment, yet the effects of their life cycle exposure on fish reproduction remain unknown. In the present study, the influence of 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) exposure on the reproductive endocrine system of zebrafish was examined, from 6 hours post fertilization (hpf) until 150 days, at levels that near-environmentally relevant (0 to 20 μg/L). Our results showed that exposure to PBSA at 20 μg/L caused a slight decrease in the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of female zebrafish in the F0 generation. Furthermore, this exposure had a negatively effect on reproduction, accompanied by delayed oocyte maturation, reduced cumulative egg production and decreased fertilization rate. Additionally, offspring embryos displayed reduced egg diameter at 0.75 hpf, delayed cumulative hatching rate at 60 hpf, and increased deformities rate at 72 hpf, indicating an adverse transgenerational effect. Moreover, PBSA exposure was associated with decreased plasma levels of sex hormones of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), as well as altered the transcriptional profiles of certain genes in the HPG (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal) and liver axis. Molecular docking (MD) simulations revealed that specific amino acid residues of PBSA interact with zebrafish estrogen receptors, confirming its xenoestrogenic properties. Therefore, exposure to PBSA during its life cycle can disturb fish reproduction through endocrine disruption, thus necessitating strict environmental regulations for the disposal of UV filters to protect ecological and public health.

BACKGROUND: Insect pests cause major yield losses to Gossypium hirsutum, often requiring the use of chemical insecticides. To avoid human health, environmental and resistance problems, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can be used to control insect pests. In our study, the pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae to Oxycarenus hyalinipennis was determined by the immersion method. Furthermore, the sublethal and lethal effects of M. anisopliae on the biological parameters of O. hyalinipennis were investigated by age‐stage, two‐sex life table software. RESULTS: M. anisopliae infection was lethal to the fourth instar of O. hyalinipennis with LC50 values of 8.84 × 104 spores mL−1. The sublethal and lethal concentrations of M. anisopliae not only affected the parental generation (F0) but also the demographic parameters of the offspring of the filial generation (F1). Transgenerational results of F1 infected with M. anisopliae showed decreased net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and mean generation time (T) compared to those of the control group. The larval developmental duration significantly decreased to 15.52 and 19.02 days in the LC50 and LC20 groups, respectively, compared to 21.08 days in the control group. There was a noteworthy decline in mean fecundity in the LC50 and LC20 groups, i.e., 16.0 and 20.96 eggs, compared to 33.26 eggs in the control group. Adult longevity was likewise considerably reduced in the LC50 and LC20 treated groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that M. anisopliae can have an enduring impact on the biological parameters of O. hyalinipennis, which may enhance its use in eco‐friendly management programs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal maternal stress disrupts offspring behavior and cognitive abilities not only in the first but also in subsequent generations. Various stress factors that affect fathers before conception can also exert a similar transgenerational effect on the offspring phenotype. The aim of the study was to reveal the transgenerational effect of prenatal stress on female Wistar rats during gestational days 15–19 on memory and insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene expression in the brain of male and female offspring, as well as the effect of additional stress exposure within the stress–restress paradigm in prenatally stressed male rats prior to mating with intact females on memory and Igf2 expression in the brain of their offspring of both sexes. We demonstrated that prenatally stressed males and their F1 male descendants showed improved memory in the passive avoidance test and increased Igf2 expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. F1 female descendants of prenatally stressed males, on the contrary, showed a decrease both in the duration of memory retention and in hippocampal and neocortical Igf2 expression. Additional stress exposure of prenatally stressed males prior to mating with intact females worsened memory and decreased the duration of its retention, as well as reduced Igf2 expression in the brain of the offspring of both sexes. We concluded that the transgenerational effects of prenatal stress on memory and Igf2 brain expression depend on the sex of the offspring, while prenatal stress per se contributes to memory impairment and a decrease in Igf2 expression in the offspring brain provided that such males were additionally stressed prior to mating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM occurs when maternal insulin resistance develops and/or progresses during gestation, and it is not compensated by a rise in maternal insulin secretion. If not properly managed, this condition can cause serious short-term and long-term problems for both mother and child. Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for GDM, but if ineffective, insulin injections are the recommended pharmacological treatment choice. Some guidance authorities and scientific societies have proposed the use of metformin as an alternative pharmacological option for treating GDM, but there is not yet a unanimous consensus on this. Although the use of metformin appears to be safe for the mother, concerns remain about its long-term metabolic effects on the child that is exposed in utero to the drug, given that metformin, contrary to insulin, crosses the placenta. This review article describes the existing lines of evidence about the use of metformin in pregnancies complicated by GDM, in order to clarify its potential benefits and limits, and to help clinicians make decisions about who could benefit most from this drug treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) is an invasive weed species that has invaded over 50 countries worldwide. It was first detected in 1980 at Tirat-Zvi, in eastern-northern Israel. In recent years, there has been an increasing concern over the spread of this weed in agricultural and nonagricultural habitats across the country. However, very little is known about the biology of P. hysterophorus and its variation among populations. Methods: Seeds collected from five locations across Israel were germinated and plants were grown in pollen-proof cages under uniform conditions to produce the progeny populations. Spatial parameters, weight and germination under different environmental conditions were recorded for field and progeny populations. Results: Seeds originating from field populations were significantly smaller and lighter than seeds of the progeny populations. Germination occurred in the range of 10°C to 30°C (To ranges from 19°C to 22.3°C, Tb ranged from 9°C to 15° C, Tc ranged from 24 ℃ to 30.5°C), depending on generation and population. A water potential-based model was developed to estimate germination under different soil water content using specific parameters (b - slope, d - upper limit, e - infliction point). The model suggests a correlation between germination and water potential. Indeed, reduced germination was recorded for the lower water potentials especially for the progeny populations. Spatial parameters, weight and germination under different environmental conditions were recorded for field and progeny populations. Discussion: We identified differences in seed size and weight, germination under different temperatures, and osmotic potential among P. hysterophorus Israeli populations. Differences across generations may arise due to the transgenerational effects. Our results, may shed light on the germination abilities of P. hysterophorus populations and provide vital insight into understanding the invasive capabilities of this highly noxious weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differences in viability, root length, and pro/antioxidant features of Plantago major seedlings identified in seed progeny formed in areas of radioactive and chemical contamination can persist in subsequent generations after the elimination of the stress. The seed mixtures of F1 generation were collected from P. major natural populations (P plants) growing for a long time in the East Ural Radioactive Trace, the Karabash Copper Smelter zone, and background area. The seeds of F2 generation were obtained from F1 generation plants grown on experimental plots with 'clean' agricultural background; F3 generation was grown from F2 generation on the same plots. The viability of seed progeny was estimated by survival rate and root length. Pro/antioxidant features were determined spectrophotometrically by malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and total content of low molecular weight antioxidants in seedlings. The hypothesis about the persistence of effects from chronic exposure to ionizing radiation and chemical contamination in the generations' sequence of P. major after the removal of stress was confirmed only partially. The data obtained indicated that changes in the prooxidant and antioxidant features of plants in response to low doses of ionizing radiation can persist for at least in two generations after the stress removal. In the case of long-term exposure to chemical contaminants, we observed the persistence of the effect in a succession of generations only on the morphological indicator of root length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense male competition for access to females has often led to the evolution of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) such as sneaking, female mimicking, and satellite behavior. In many cases, which tactic a male expresses will depend upon intrinsic condition and/or environmental factors. Parental effects are also expected to play a critical role in ART expression when the parental environment is predictive of the offspring environment. Such parental effects on ARTs have remained largely unexplored. Here, we investigated maternal effects associated with operational sex ratio (OSR) on male ARTs (fighter and sneaker) in two-spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae. In this mite species, mothers can anticipate the future male competition intensity (the future OSR) based upon the present OSR. To adjust local mate competition (LMC) among sons, mothers produce proportionally more sons under female-biased OSR and vice versa. We manipulated the maternal OSR and found that changes in maternal OSR did not alter the sneaker: fighter ratio among sons, but sneaker sons from mothers that experienced female-biased OSR started to guard females more quickly. Sneakers stay motionless on the dorsum of molting females, which is an advantageous position for mating with the emerging adult, and appear to deceive rival fighter males because they are not challenged. Earlier guarding by sneakers is advantageous for securing matings under intense male competition—as would be anticipated from the female-biased maternal OSR. We conclude that mothers anticipate the level of male competition in the next generation and influence their sons' mating behavior accordingly. Significance statement: In response to intense male competition for access to females, males often evolve alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) such as sneaking behavior. Parental effects are widespread and expected to play an important role in the determination of offspring's ARTs when the parental environment is predictive of the offspring environment. We focus on operational sex ratio (OSR) as a predictor of male competition intensity in the next generation and found that female-biased OSR in the parental generation induces earlier guarding by sneaker sons in two-spotted spider mites. Mothers produce proportionally more sons under female-biased OSR, resulting in intense male competition in the next generation, and improve the odds of early guarding sneakers. Overall, our study suggests that spider mite mothers adjust their sons' mating behavior by anticipating the intensity of male competition in the next generation from the present OSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flonicamid is a novel systemic insecticide that efficiently controls sap-sucking insect pests. However, the impact of sublethal concentrations of flonicamid on key demographic parameters and the feeding behavior of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum has not yet been studied. In this study, we used the age stage, two-sex life table approach, and electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) to investigate the sublethal effects of flonicamid on the biological traits and feeding behavior of S. graminum. Bioassays showed that flonicamid possesses high toxicity to adult S. graminum with LC50 of 5.111 mg L−1 following 48 h exposure. Sublethal concentrations of flonicamid (LC5 and LC10) significantly decreased the longevity and fecundity of directly exposed parental aphids (F0), while the reproductive days were reduced only at LC10. The pre-adult stage and total pre-reproductive period (TPRP) increased in F1 individuals after exposure of F0 aphids to the sublethal concentrations of flonicamid. Furthermore, the adult longevity, fecundity and key demographic parameters (R0, r, and λ) were significantly reduced in progeny generation (F1). EPG recordings showed that the total duration of phloem sap ingestion and concurrent salivation (E2) decreased substantially in F0 and F1 aphids after exposure to LC5 and LC10 of flonicamid. Taken together, our results showed that the sublethal concentrations of flonicamid affect the demographic parameters and feeding behavior that ultimately suppress the population growth of S. graminum. This study provides in-depth information about the overall effects of flonicamid on S. graminum that might help to manage this key pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenerational plasticity could be an important mechanism for adaptation to variable environments in addition to within-generational plasticity. But its potential for adaptation may be restricted to specific developmental windows that are highly sensitive and responsive to environmental cues. Determining these sensitive windows is essential to understand the temporal dynamic of environmental cue detection, phenotype induction and selection. We examined the sensitive windows of both within- and trans-generational plasticity of anti-predator defences in the freshwater snail Physa acuta. Parental snails were exposed to olfactory cues of their crayfish predator at different exposure windows: embryonic development, early, mid or late post-embryonic development. Behavioural and morphological defences were then assessed in adult parents and offspring. The sensitive window of within-generational plasticity was the embryonic development, the whole post-embryonic development, or a combination of early-life and late development depending on the defence. This showed that early-life periods of development (embryonic and early post-embryonic) are sensitive windows of within-generational plasticity. However, the sensitive window also persisted until late developmental stages for some defences, providing evidence that the early-life is not the only sensitive window as empirical and theoretical studies often state. There were less sensitive windows for transgenerational plasticity: embryonic and/or mid post-embryonic development. Interestingly, the embryonic period was a sensitive window of transgenerational plasticity for a defence only when it was also a sensitive window of within-generational plasticity for that defence. On the opposite, the mid post-embryonic development was a sensitive window specific to transgenerational plasticity. This suggests that transgenerational plasticity, although linked to within-generational plasticity by the embryonic sensitive window, may also be induced via a specific channel, independent of within-generational plasticity induction and expression. Finally, the late developmental window was never a sensitive window of transgenerational plasticity as it was theoretically expected. This result may be explained by the potential long-term reliability of parental cues in our system. It is worth noting that we did not find any sensitive window for some defences, either because none of them induced the defence or all exposure windows induced the defence in a similar magnitude. Overall, the developmental window of cue exposure shapes within- and trans-generational responses and thus brings complexity to the study of phenotypic plasticity, notably when it comes to determining its adaptive potential.

The environment plays an important role in an individual's development during early life, however, parents may also influence offspring development through so called "parental effects." We examined the effects of environmental enrichment in zebrafish (Danio rerio) across two generations through the paternal lineage. Fathers and grandfathers were exposed to either standard or high levels of housing enrichment for 4‐weeks during adulthood. First‐generation (F1) and second‐generation (F2) offspring were obtained from controlled breeding and tested as larvae for changes in morphology at hatching stage (72hpf), and in locomotor activity at larval stage (120hpf) in both generations. We found paternal experience of enrichment resulted in changes in trunk length of F1 offspring and changes in spine curvature and dorsal length of F2 offspring, while changes in snout morphology of F2 offspring seemed to be driven by whether grandpaternal and paternal experience of the environment was matched or not. We found that while paternal enrichment increased the frequency of spontaneous movement in F1 and F2 offspring, interacting effects of paternal and grandpaternal enrichment on movement distance were seen in F2 offspring, and that spontaneous movement and the distance that larvae swam are thus distinct phenotypes that were differentially affected by the experiences of previous paternal generations. Taken together, these findings suggest that the parental and grandparental environment influence zebrafish behavior and morphology. The nature of these effects and the design of this study mean that these phenotypes were likely the result of nongenetic transmission through the paternal germline. Research Highlights: Exposing fathers and grandfathers to environmentally enriched or standard housing in adulthood resulted in inherited changes to locomotor and morphological phenotypes in larval zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pregnancy represents a fragile period in the life of a woman, vulnerable to hazardous environmental substances which might affect maternal and fetal metabolism. The possible influence of environmental factors, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), upon the mother and the fetus before and/or during pregnancy might be associated directly and/or indirectly to deleterious pregnancy outcomes. Because the existence of such associations would be, to our view, of major importance to the scientific community, their investigation is the scope of this critical review. Methods: This critical review includes in vivo animal and human studies regarding the role of environmental factors, including EDCs, on pregnancy outcomes complying with the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles) questions for narrative reviews. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE (PubMed and PubMed Central), the Cochrane library and the Google Scholar databases till October 2022 with the combinations of the appropriate key words (detailed environmental factors including EDCs AND detailed negative pregnancy outcomes) as well as by scanning references from already included articles and relevant reviews manually. Because environmental factors and EDCs have been associated to epigenetic alterations, special care has been given to EDC-induced transgenerational effects on pregnancy outcomes. Results: The existing evidence suggests positive associations between specific environmental factors and negative pregnancy outcomes such as ectopic pregnancies, pregnancy losses, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm births, birth defects, intrauterine growth restriction, and small or large for gestational age babies. Conclusion: Environmental factors and EDCs may have a catalytic effect on the course and the outcomes of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile hormone analogues (JHAs) are a kind of effective insecticide. These compounds have relatively low toxicity for fish, birds, and mammals, so they are increasingly used in insect pest control. However, JHAs may cause various adverse effects in crustaceans as in insects, because they have a close evolutionary relationship and possess similar juvenile hormone systems. To date, the chronic toxicities of JHAs over generations lacked intensive investigation. The present study evaluated the acute, chronic, and transgenerational effects of a terpenoid JHA, kinoprene, using the water flea Moina macrocopa. The result of acute exposure shows that kinoprene exhibited high toxicity to M. macrocopa. The chronic results indicate that kinoprene inhibited the survivorship, development, and reproduction of the organism. Moreover, the adverse effects induced by kinoprene continued in the F2 generation with no direct exposure but recovered in the F3 generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate and copper are common pollutants in water and soil. Glyphosate is the most used herbicide worldwide; despite being claimed to be a low-toxicity pesticide and easily degraded, several studies have demonstrated glyphosate's occurrence and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems. Copper is an essential micronutrient; however, at high concentrations, it becomes toxic, and it is a persistent contaminant discharged from agricultural and industrial activities. Both glyphosate and Cu are agrochemicals that can occur in aquatic environments and produce stress in aquatic biota. Cladocerans are important zooplankters, and their sensitivity to chemical stressors has been widely documented. In this study, the North American cladoceran Daphnia exilis was exposed to glyphosate (Faena®) and Cu mixtures. The effects were assessed in two generations to determine toxicity impairment in the parental (P1) and filial (F1) generations. The 48 h median lethal concentration (LC50) of both chemicals was determined. After this, the generations P1 and F1 were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations of glyphosate and Cu mixtures (1.04 mg L−1 + 2.45 μg L−1, 1.24 mg L−1 + 3.09 μg L−1, and 1.57 mg L−1 + 4.31 μg L−1), starting from neonates. Survival and reproduction were recorded, and macromolecule content and the size of neonates were measured in the progeny. The LC50 was 4.22 mg L−1 for Faena® and 13.45 μg L−1 for copper. Exposure to glyphosate and copper reduced fecundity and the number of clutches per female, delayed age at first reproduction, and increased the number of aborted eggs; these effects were more evident in the F1 than in the P1. In both generations, the concentration of carbohydrates and lipids was significantly reduced. The treatment and the brood number influenced the total length of neonates, but the total length did not differ significantly, whereas body length and body width decreased in F1. Glyphosate and copper mixtures significantly increased toxicity in D. exilis in the F1 generation, probably because the parents produced impaired progenies. Results warn about transgenerational effects in planktonic species chronically exposed to pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is one of the most important drivers to affect marine ectotherms in the context of anthropogenic climate change modifying seasonal cycles in temperate regions. To reliably predict the impact of climate variability on marine ectotherms, their capacity to adapt to rapid change needs to be understood. Due to fast transmission between generations, transgenerational effects may enable populations to moderate stressors. We examined reproduction across three temperature scenarios and three generations of asexual Aurelia aurita polyps: transgenerational warming, transgenerational cooling, and stable temperatures. Polyps were incubated at three temperatures (15, 17, 19°C) encountered in summertime in Southampton Water. In the first two polyps generations, temperature remained the main driver of polyp reproduction. However, in the third generation parental and grandparental temperature influenced offspring production. These effects appeared most strongly in cooling scenarios: polyps who experienced rapid cooling between generations displayed an immediate drop in reproductive output as opposed to polyps who remained at the same temperature as their parents. Our results highlight that transgenerational effects may require more extreme temperatures or increased numbers of generations to have a measurable impact on a population, highlighting the vulnerability of these organisms to continued climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher temperatures are now observed in several ecosystems and act as new selective agents that shape traits and fitness of individuals. Transgenerational effects may be important in modulating adaptation of future generations and buffering negative impacts of temperature changes. The potential for these effects may be important in freshwater fish species, as temperature is a key abiotic component of their environment. Yet, still, relatively few studies have assessed the presence and importance of transgenerational effects under natural conditions. The purpose of this study was to test how parental thermal conditions influenced offspring growth and survival following stocking in Brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis). To do so, part of the breeders were exposed to a "cold" treatment while others were exposed to a "warm" treatment during the final steps of gonad maturation (constant 2°C difference between treatments along the seasonal temperature decrease). The impact on offspring of a selection treatment targeting production traits of interest (absence of sexual maturation at 1+, combined with increased growth) in breeders was also evaluated. After 7–8 months of growth in captivity, offspring were stocked in natural lakes. Their growth and survival were assessed about a year later. Offspring from "cold" breeders showed lower survival than those from "warm" breeders and the selection treatment had no effect on survival. However, the selection treatment was linked to lower Fulton's condition index, which, in turn, was positively correlated to survival in lakes. This study highlights the importance of working in ecological/industrial context to fully assess the different impacts of transgenerational effects on traits and survival. Our results also have important implications for stocking practices used to support the sport fishing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Acyrthosiphon gossypii is a sap-sucking pest that causes direct cotton damage by sucking sap and indirect damage by honeydew contamination and induced fungal growth. Chemical pesticides are widely used to combat the damage caused by A. gossypii. However, the escalating use of pesticides has had a notable impact on the resurgence and resistance of pests. In addition, microbes that live in insects as symbionts have recently been found to protect their hosts against toxins. In this study, we determined the toxicity and sublethal effects of the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid on A. gossypii and further determined the effects of imidacloprid on symbiotic bacteria. The sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid had a negative effect on the reproduction and longevity of the G0 generation of A. gossypii, increased the population growth parameters of the G1 and G2 generations, but not those of the G3 generation, and altered the abundance of symbiotic bacteria. Our results revealed the transgenerational and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on A. gossypii, which may have implications for the endosymbiont-insecticide of the major pest. Symbiotic bacteria and hormesis in aphids are the driving forces for pesticide resistance. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the effects of imidacloprid on the population growth parameters and symbiotic bacterial communities of three successive generations of Acyrthosiphon gossypii were investigated. The bioassay results showed that imidacloprid had high toxicity to A. gossypii with an LC50 of 1.46 mg·L−1. The fecundity and longevity of the G0 generation of A. gossypii decreased when exposed to the LC15 of imidacloprid. The net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), and total reproductive rate (GRR) of G1 and G2 offspring were significantly increased, but those of the control and G3 offspring were not. In addition, sequencing data showed that the symbiotic bacteria of A. gossypii mainly belonged to Proteobacteria, with a relative abundance of 98.68%. The dominant genera of the symbiotic bacterial community were Buchnera and Arsenophonus. After treatment with the LC15 of imidacloprid, the diversity and species number of bacterial communities of A. gossypii decreased for G1–G3 and the abundance of Candidatus-Hamiltonella decreased, but Buchnera increased. These results provide insight into the resistance mechanism of insecticides and the stress adaptation between symbiotic bacteria and aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]