Constraint and cost of oxidative stress on reproduction: correlative evidence in laboratory mice and review of the literature

Stier, A. , Reichert, S., Massemin, S., Bize, P. and Criscuolo, F. (2012) Constraint and cost of oxidative stress on reproduction: correlative evidence in laboratory mice and review of the literature. Frontiers in Zoology, 9, 37. (doi: 10.1186/1742-9994-9-37) (PMID:23268929) (PMCID:PMC3551645)

Abstract

Background One central concept in evolutionary ecology is that current and residual reproductive values are negatively linked by the so-called cost of reproduction. Previous studies examining the nature of this cost suggested a possible involvement of oxidative stress resulting from the imbalance between pro- and anti-oxidant processes. Still, data remain conflictory probably because, although oxidative damage increases during reproduction, high systemic levels of oxidative stress might also constrain parental investment in reproduction. Here, we investigated variation in oxidative balance (i.e. oxidative damage and antioxidant defences) over the course of reproduction by comparing female laboratory mice rearing or not pups. Results A significant increase in oxidative damage over time was only observed in females caring for offspring, whereas antioxidant defences increased over time regardless of reproductive status. Interestingly, oxidative damage measured prior to reproduction was negatively associated with litter size at birth (constraint), whereas damage measured after reproduction was positively related to litter size at weaning (cost). Conclusions Globally, our correlative results and the review of literature describing the links between reproduction and oxidative stress underline the importance of timing/dynamics when studying and interpreting oxidative balance in relation to reproduction. Our study highlights the duality (constraint and cost) of oxidative stress in life-history trade-offs, thus supporting the theory that oxidative stress plays a key role in life-history evolution.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stier, Dr Antoine and Reichert, Dr Sophie and Criscuolo, Dr Francois
• Authors: Stier, A., Reichert, S., Massemin, S., Bize, P., and Criscuolo, F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Zoology
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1742-9994
• ISSN (Online): 1742-9994
• Published Online: 26 December 2012
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Constraint and cost of oxidative stress on reproduction: correlative evidence in laboratory mice and review of the literature 9:37
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License