# Effect of Ewe Nutritional Restriction During Gestation on the Number of Sertoli Cells in the Offspring: A Meta‐Analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that poor nutrition in pregnant ewes significantly reduces Sertoli cell numbers in their offspring, affecting future reproductive health.

## Contribution

A meta-analysis clarifying the impact of maternal nutritional restriction on Sertoli cell numbers in ovine offspring.

## Key findings

- Maternal undernutrition reduces Sertoli cell numbers by approximately one standard deviation.
- The pooled effect was significant with no heterogeneity or publication bias detected.
- Three studies were synthesized to provide consistent evidence on fetal reproductive programming.

## Abstract

Maternal nutrition during gestation critically influences foetal reproductive programming. To clarify inconsistent evidence, a meta‐analysis was performed to assess the effect of maternal nutritional restriction on the number of Sertoli cells in ovine offspring. A systematic review in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct identified three studies (four comparisons; n = 52). Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) were calculated using a random‐effects model. The pooled effect was significant (g = −0.95, 95% CI: −1.49 to −0.41; p < 0.001), with no heterogeneity (I
2 = 0%) or publication bias (Egger's test p = 0.616). In conclusion, maternal undernutrition reduces Sertoli cell numbers by approximately one standard deviation.