Nutritional Influences on Ovarian Function and Follicular Dynamics

Ovarian function and the progression of follicles from primordial to ovulatory stages are profoundly modulated by nutritional inputs. Energy substrates such as glucose and amino acids govern intracellular signalling networks—most notably the mTOR/AKT and AMPK pathways—thereby regulating granulosa cell proliferation, steroid hormone synthesis and receptor expression. Lipid-derived micronutrients, including beta-carotene and essential fatty acids, further influence oocyte quality and gonadotrophin responsiveness. In ruminant species, strategic supplementation during key phases of the oestrous cycle can enhance ovulation rates and embryo survival, while in dairy cattle targeted delivery of glucose analogues expedites postpartum ovarian recovery. At the molecular level, long non-coding RNAs and p53-linked apoptotic regulators translate nutrient availability into gene-expression programmes that determine follicle fate. This intersection of metabolic status with endocrine control has global significance for livestock productivity, translational insights into human reproductive health and the management of fertility in conservation programmes.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have shown that dietary supplementation with a rumen-protected glucose formulation in early postpartum dairy cows elevates circulating luteinising hormone and oestradiol levels, upregulates ovarian expression of FSH and LH receptors and activates mTOR/AKT signalling in granulosa cells. These changes collectively accelerate the resumption of ovarian cyclicity and improve follicular recovery after calving, demonstrating the capacity of targeted energy provision to synchronise metabolic and reproductive pathways in high-producing bovine systems.

Nutritional Influences on Ovarian Function and Follicular Dynamics publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nutritional influences on ovarian function and follicular dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Gonadotropins: Peptide hormones (LH and FSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary that regulate ovarian steroidogenesis and follicle maturation.

Folliculogenesis: The multi-stage development of ovarian follicles from dormant primordial stages through to the pre-ovulatory phase.

Antral follicle: A fluid-filled follicle characterised by the formation of the antrum, reflecting a transitional stage responsive to gonadotrophin stimulation.

Granulosa cell: Somatic cells that surround the oocyte, produce steroid hormones and mediate follicle growth and survival.

mTOR/AKT pathway: A nutrient-sensing intracellular signalling cascade that promotes protein synthesis, cell growth and survival in response to energy availability.

References

1. Rumen-protected glucose stimulates the secretion of reproductive hormones and the mTOR/AKT signaling pathway in the ovaries of early postpartum. Scientific Reports (2023).
2. Using lupins and the ram effect to improve reproductive performance in Merino ewes in southern Australia. Livestock Science (2024).
3. Precision Betacarotene Supplementation Enhanced Ovarian Function and the LH Release Pattern in Yearling Crossbred Anestrous Goats. Animals (2020).
4. Long Non-Coding RNA GDAR Regulates Ovine Granulosa Cells Apoptosis by Affecting the Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).