Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106982
N. Fouché , J. Howard , V. Gerber , P. Billmann , M. Farinha do Sul , G. Christen , R. Bruckmaier , C. Philipona , N. Besuchet Schmutz , J. Gross
β-endorphin, a proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide secreted by pars intermedia melanotropes, may play a significant but underexplored role in pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) pathophysiology and diagnosis. This study aimed to (1) validate a commercially available human β-endorphin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for equine samples, and (2) compare β-endorphin concentrations between horses with PPID and healthy controls. Assay validation included the generation of standard curves using purified synthetic equine β-endorphin and human β-endorphin standards, with both curves showing full parallelism. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were determined by measuring 37 equine serum samples in duplicate on a single plate and five serum samples across seven different plates. The intra-assay CV was 11.3 % for standards and 5.3 % for equine samples, whereas the inter-assay CV was 6.9 % for standards and 15.6 % for equine samples. Plasma β-endorphin concentrations remained stable over 24 hours regardless of centrifugation timing, storage temperature, or duration. β-endorphin concentrations were determined in five horses with PPID and 20 healthy aged controls. Horses in the PPID group had significantly higher β-endorphin concentrations (median, 506 pg/mL; IQR, 213–762) compared to horses in the control group (median, 35 pg/mL; IQR, 16–55) (P < 0.001). This study may serve as a basis for further research on the role of β-endorphin in horses, particularly in horses with PPID.
{"title":"Pilot study of β-endorphin concentrations in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction using a newly validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay","authors":"N. Fouché , J. Howard , V. Gerber , P. Billmann , M. Farinha do Sul , G. Christen , R. Bruckmaier , C. Philipona , N. Besuchet Schmutz , J. Gross","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>β-endorphin, a proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide secreted by pars intermedia melanotropes, may play a significant but underexplored role in pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) pathophysiology and diagnosis. This study aimed to (1) validate a commercially available human β-endorphin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for equine samples, and (2) compare β-endorphin concentrations between horses with PPID and healthy controls. Assay validation included the generation of standard curves using purified synthetic equine β-endorphin and human β-endorphin standards, with both curves showing full parallelism. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were determined by measuring 37 equine serum samples in duplicate on a single plate and five serum samples across seven different plates. The intra-assay CV was 11.3 % for standards and 5.3 % for equine samples, whereas the inter-assay CV was 6.9 % for standards and 15.6 % for equine samples. Plasma β-endorphin concentrations remained stable over 24 hours regardless of centrifugation timing, storage temperature, or duration. β-endorphin concentrations were determined in five horses with PPID and 20 healthy aged controls. Horses in the PPID group had significantly higher β-endorphin concentrations (median, 506 pg/mL; IQR, 213–762) compared to horses in the control group (median, 35 pg/mL; IQR, 16–55) (P < 0.001). This study may serve as a basis for further research on the role of β-endorphin in horses, particularly in horses with PPID.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106982"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-19DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.107002
E Angeli , LE Ribas , G Storani , C Simonetto , V Matiller , HH Ortega , GJ Hein
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of parenteral vitamin and mineral supplementation on the systemic and hepatic inflammatory status and intracellular insulin signaling pathway in the liver of dairy cows during the transition period. The supplemented group (SG; n = 11) received subcutaneous injections of 5 mL of vitamin A palmitate (35 mg/mL) and vitamin E acetate (50 mg/mL) and 5 mL of a mineral solution containing copper edetate (10 mg/mL), zinc edetate (40 mg/mL), manganese edetate (10 mg/mL) and sodium selenite (5 mg/mL) on days -60, -30, and 7 (± 3) relative to calving. The control group (CG; n = 11) received placebo injections (5 mL of 9 mg/mL sodium chloride) at the same time points. Blood and liver samples were collected -21 (±3) days before the expected calving date and on days 7 (±3) and 21 (±3) after calving. On day 21 post-calving, serum insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the SG than in the CG. Moreover, serum concentrations of some mediators of inflammatory response as IL-1β and IL-6 were lower in the SG. In the liver, the SG showed reduced IL-6 protein abundance on day 7 post-calving and decreased NF-κB phosphorylation compared to the CG. However, no significant differences were observed between groups in the phosphorylation status of key proteins involved in the insulin signaling pathway. These findings suggest that parenteral vitamin and mineral supplementation in transition dairy cows exerts anti-inflammatory effects both systemically and locally in the liver; however, these changes were not accompanied by activation of the hepatic insulin signaling pathway.
本研究旨在评价饲粮中添加维生素和矿物质对奶牛过渡期全身和肝脏炎症状态以及肝脏细胞内胰岛素信号通路的影响。补充组(SG, n = 11)于产犊后第-60、-30和7(±3)天皮下注射5 mL棕榈酸维生素A (35 mg/mL)和维生素E醋酸酯(50 mg/mL),以及5 mL含乙酸铜(10 mg/mL)、乙酸锌(40 mg/mL)、乙酸锰(10 mg/mL)和亚硒酸钠(5 mg/mL)的矿物溶液。对照组(CG, n = 11)在相同时间点注射安慰剂(9 mg/mL氯化钠5 mL)。分别于产犊前-21(±3)天和产犊后第7(±3)天和第21(±3)天采集血液和肝脏样本。犊牛后第21天,SG组血清胰岛素浓度显著高于CG组。此外,一些炎症反应介质如IL-1β和IL-6的血清浓度在SG中降低。在肝脏中,与CG相比,SG在产犊后第7天显示IL-6蛋白丰度降低,NF-κB磷酸化水平降低。然而,胰岛素信号通路中关键蛋白的磷酸化状态在两组之间没有显著差异。上述结果表明,过渡期奶牛肠道外补充维生素和矿物质具有全身和局部肝脏抗炎作用;然而,这些变化并不伴随着肝脏胰岛素信号通路的激活。
{"title":"Effects of antioxidant vitamins and trace minerals on the pro-inflammatory status and liver insulin signaling pathway of transition dairy cows","authors":"E Angeli , LE Ribas , G Storani , C Simonetto , V Matiller , HH Ortega , GJ Hein","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.107002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.107002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of parenteral vitamin and mineral supplementation on the systemic and hepatic inflammatory status and intracellular insulin signaling pathway in the liver of dairy cows during the transition period. The supplemented group (SG; <em>n</em> = 11) received subcutaneous injections of 5 mL of vitamin A palmitate (35 mg/mL) and vitamin E acetate (50 mg/mL) and 5 mL of a mineral solution containing copper edetate (10 mg/mL), zinc edetate (40 mg/mL), manganese edetate (10 mg/mL) and sodium selenite (5 mg/mL) on days -60, -30, and 7 (± 3) relative to calving. The control group (CG; <em>n</em> = 11) received placebo injections (5 mL of 9 mg/mL sodium chloride) at the same time points. Blood and liver samples were collected -21 (±3) days before the expected calving date and on days 7 (±3) and 21 (±3) after calving. On day 21 post-calving, serum insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the SG than in the CG. Moreover, serum concentrations of some mediators of inflammatory response as IL-1β and IL-6 were lower in the SG. In the liver, the SG showed reduced IL-6 protein abundance on day 7 post-calving and decreased NF-κB phosphorylation compared to the CG. However, no significant differences were observed between groups in the phosphorylation status of key proteins involved in the insulin signaling pathway. These findings suggest that parenteral vitamin and mineral supplementation in transition dairy cows exerts anti-inflammatory effects both systemically and locally in the liver; however, these changes were not accompanied by activation of the hepatic insulin signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 107002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147282902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106991
Renan Denadai , Fernanda Fagali Franchi , Rodrigo Garcia , Leticia Cristina Salgado , Nuno Emanuel Oliveira Figueiredo Silva , Yeda Fumie Watanabe , Paula Barreto da Rocha , Eunice Oba , John Patrick Kastelic , João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira , Sony Dimas Bicudo
The objective was to monitor corpus luteum (CL) development after preovulatory follicle aspiration, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration. Eighteen ewes were synchronized by inserting an intravaginal pessary with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on day -16, inducing luteolysis with cloprostenol (140 µg, im) on day -12, followed by pessary withdrawal and equine chorionic gonadotropin (400 IU, im) on day -2. Forty-eight hours later, ewes were assigned to Control (CO; n = 5), Laparoscopic aspiration (LA; n = 6), or Laparoscopic aspiration + follicular cell restoration (FCR; n = 7) treatments. Daily ultrasonography assessed the largest individual CL cross-sectional area (CLA) and total luteal sectional area (TLA), and blood samples were collected every 48 h to assess plasma progesterone concentrations. Luteal formation was observed in all ewes. However, the LA group exhibited a higher number of CLs compared to the CO group (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0; P < 0.05). Nevertheless, neither CO nor LA differed from the FCR group (1.4 ± 0.2; P = 0.10 and P = 0.60, respectively). In addition, TLA values were similar among the CO, LA, and FCR groups (0.8 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.05, and 1.0 ± 0.05 cm², respectively; P = 0.50) and plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ significantly (4.0 ± 0.31, 3.7 ± 0.30, and 2.9 ± 0.30 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.30). In conclusion, preovulatory follicle aspiration induces luteal tissue formation, which, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration, results in functional CL capable of producing progesterone levels consistent with those normally observed during the estrous cycle.
目的是监测排卵前卵泡穿刺后黄体(CL)的发展,有或没有卵泡内自体卵泡细胞修复。18只母羊在第-16天插入含有60 mg醋酸甲孕酮的阴道内子宫托,在第-12天用氯前列醇(140 μ g, im)诱导黄体溶解,然后在第2天停用子宫托并使用马绒毛膜促性腺激素(400 IU, im)。48小时后,将母羊分为对照组(CO, n = 5)、腹腔镜抽吸组(LA, n = 6)和腹腔镜抽吸+滤泡细胞修复组(FCR, n = 7)。每日超声检查评估最大个体CL截面积(CLA)和总黄体截面积(TLA),每48 h采血评估血浆黄体酮浓度。所有母羊均观察到黄体形成。然而,与CO组相比,LA组显示出更高的CLs数量(1.7±0.5 vs 1.0±0.0;P < 0.05)。然而,CO和LA与FCR组均无差异(1.4±0.2;P = 0.10和P = 0.60)。此外,CO、LA和FCR组的TLA值相似(分别为0.8±0.04、0.9±0.05和1.0±0.05 cm²,P = 0.50),血浆孕酮浓度差异无统计学意义(分别为4.0±0.31、3.7±0.30和2.9±0.30 ng/mL, P = 0.30)。综上所述,排卵前卵泡抽吸诱导黄体组织形成,无论是否进行卵泡内自体卵泡细胞修复,都能产生与发情周期中正常观察到的黄体酮水平一致的功能性CL。
{"title":"Functional luteal tissue formation and progesterone production following preovulatory follicle aspiration and follicular cell restoration in ewes","authors":"Renan Denadai , Fernanda Fagali Franchi , Rodrigo Garcia , Leticia Cristina Salgado , Nuno Emanuel Oliveira Figueiredo Silva , Yeda Fumie Watanabe , Paula Barreto da Rocha , Eunice Oba , John Patrick Kastelic , João Carlos Pinheiro Ferreira , Sony Dimas Bicudo","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective was to monitor corpus luteum (CL) development after preovulatory follicle aspiration, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration. Eighteen ewes were synchronized by inserting an intravaginal pessary with 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate on day -16, inducing luteolysis with cloprostenol (140 µg, im) on day -12, followed by pessary withdrawal and equine chorionic gonadotropin (400 IU, im) on day -2. Forty-eight hours later, ewes were assigned to Control (CO; n = 5), Laparoscopic aspiration (LA; n = 6), or Laparoscopic aspiration + follicular cell restoration (FCR; n = 7) treatments. Daily ultrasonography assessed the largest individual CL cross-sectional area (CLA) and total luteal sectional area (TLA), and blood samples were collected every 48 h to assess plasma progesterone concentrations. Luteal formation was observed in all ewes. However, the LA group exhibited a higher number of CLs compared to the CO group (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0; <em>P</em> < 0.05). Nevertheless, neither CO nor LA differed from the FCR group (1.4 ± 0.2; <em>P</em> = 0.10 and <em>P</em> = 0.60, respectively). In addition, TLA values were similar among the CO, LA, and FCR groups (0.8 ± 0.04, 0.9 ± 0.05, and 1.0 ± 0.05 cm², respectively; <em>P</em> = 0.50) and plasma progesterone concentrations did not differ significantly (4.0 ± 0.31, 3.7 ± 0.30, and 2.9 ± 0.30 ng/mL, respectively; <em>P</em> = 0.30). In conclusion, preovulatory follicle aspiration induces luteal tissue formation, which, with or without intrafollicular autologous follicular cell restoration, results in functional CL capable of producing progesterone levels consistent with those normally observed during the estrous cycle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106991"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145734111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106999
Youngwook Jung , Minjung Yoon
Oxytocin (OXT) plays a crucial role in regulating the serotonin (5-HT) system and behavior. Although previous studies have reported significant relationships among OXT, 5-HT, and behavioral responses, the effects of OXT on 5-HT concentrations and behavioral traits in horses remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous OXT administration on plasma 5-HT concentrations and trainability in horses. A crossover design was employed using eight horses, each receiving either a 10-IU intravenous dose of OXT or normal saline. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and at 30 (T1) and 60 min (T2) post-treatment. Plasma 5-HT concentrations were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. Trainability was assessed 60 min after administration using three behavioral tests that measured the time taken for horses to lower their heads and to yield their hindquarters under both mediate and direct pressure. Plasma 5-HT concentrations significantly increased at T2 compared with T0 and T1 following OXT administration. Although the time taken to complete the hindquarter-yielding test under direct pressure tended to be shorter in the OXT-treated group, this difference did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that OXT administration elevates plasma 5-HT concentrations and may enhance trainability in horses. This study provides a foundation for future research on how neuromodulatory mechanisms influence equine behavior.
催产素(OXT)在调节血清素(5-HT)系统和行为中起着至关重要的作用。虽然以前的研究已经报道了OXT、5-羟色胺和行为反应之间的显著关系,但OXT对马的5-羟色胺浓度和行为特征的影响仍然知之甚少。本研究旨在探讨静脉注射OXT对马血浆5-羟色胺浓度和可训练性的影响。8匹马采用交叉设计,每匹马静脉注射10 iu剂量的OXT或生理盐水。在基线(T0)、治疗后30 (T1)和60 min (T2)采集血样。使用商用ELISA试剂盒测定血浆5-羟色胺浓度。在给药后60分钟,通过三个行为测试来评估可训练性,这些测试测量了马在间接和直接压力下低头和后腿屈服所需的时间。与给予OXT后的T0和T1相比,T2时血浆5-HT浓度显著升高。虽然oxt处理组在直接压力下完成后屈服试验所需的时间更短,但这种差异没有达到统计学意义。这些发现表明,OXT可以提高马的血浆5-羟色胺浓度,并可能增强马的可训练性。本研究为进一步研究神经调节机制对马行为的影响奠定了基础。
{"title":"Effects of intravenous oxytocin on plasma serotonin and trainability in horses","authors":"Youngwook Jung , Minjung Yoon","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxytocin (OXT) plays a crucial role in regulating the serotonin (5-HT) system and behavior. Although previous studies have reported significant relationships among OXT, 5-HT, and behavioral responses, the effects of OXT on 5-HT concentrations and behavioral traits in horses remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous OXT administration on plasma 5-HT concentrations and trainability in horses. A crossover design was employed using eight horses, each receiving either a 10-IU intravenous dose of OXT or normal saline. Blood samples were collected at baseline (T0) and at 30 (T1) and 60 min (T2) post-treatment. Plasma 5-HT concentrations were determined using a commercial ELISA kit. Trainability was assessed 60 min after administration using three behavioral tests that measured the time taken for horses to lower their heads and to yield their hindquarters under both mediate and direct pressure. Plasma 5-HT concentrations significantly increased at T2 compared with T0 and T1 following OXT administration. Although the time taken to complete the hindquarter-yielding test under direct pressure tended to be shorter in the OXT-treated group, this difference did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that OXT administration elevates plasma 5-HT concentrations and may enhance trainability in horses. This study provides a foundation for future research on how neuromodulatory mechanisms influence equine behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106999"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146194408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106995
Manuel J. Flores , Ricardo Avilés , Horacio Hernández , Leonardo I. Vélez , Oscar G. Barrón , Venancio Cuevas-Reyes , Luisa E.S. Hernández-Arteaga , Juan M. Vázquez-García , Cesar A. Rosales-Nieto
Under long-day conditions, melatonin secretion is suppressed, leading to enhanced growth, partly through the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). During gestation, photoperiodic information is transmitted in utero to goat fetuses through the maternal melatonin rhythm. However, whether maternal photoperiodic cues influence fetal or neonatal growth or milk composition in goats remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to artificial long days, either prenatally and/or postnatally, would increase birth weight and postnatal growth in goat kids compared with a natural photoperiod. During the fall, pregnant goats (n = 18) were allocated by body weight (54.6±1.0 kg) and body condition score (2.5 ± 0.1) and were exposed to artificial long days (16 h light: 8 h dark) for 30 days before parturition, while controls (n = 40) remained under natural daylength. After birth, kids from long-day–treated dams continued under long days until 30 days of age. Kids from control dams were assigned to one of two treatments: (i) continued exposure to the natural photoperiod, or (ii) transfer to artificial long days starting at 4 days of age. Body weight and milk samples were recorded weekly, and blood samples were collected for IGF-1 quantification. Each animal was considered an experimental unit, and the data were analyzed using mixed models and repeated measures of SAS. Gestational long-day exposure did not influence birth weight, but pre-natal and/or postnatal photoperiod treatment significantly increased offspring’s daily weight gain (P < 0.001) and weaning weight (P < 0.05). Artificial long-day exposure also elevated circulating IGF-1 concentrations (P < 0.01), which were positively correlated with both daily weight gain (r = 0.56, P < 0.05) and weaning weight (r = 0.57, P < 0.05). Milk components (fat, protein, and lactose) did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that continuous long-day exposure (pre-natal and postnatal) or postnatal to artificial long days accelerates growth in fall-born goat kids, representing a practical management strategy for producers. Nevertheless, continuous long-day exposure does not confer additional benefits beyond postnatal treatment.
{"title":"Postnatal but not prenatal exposure to artificial long days enhances growth and IGF-1 secretion in goat kids","authors":"Manuel J. Flores , Ricardo Avilés , Horacio Hernández , Leonardo I. Vélez , Oscar G. Barrón , Venancio Cuevas-Reyes , Luisa E.S. Hernández-Arteaga , Juan M. Vázquez-García , Cesar A. Rosales-Nieto","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under long-day conditions, melatonin secretion is suppressed, leading to enhanced growth, partly through the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). During gestation, photoperiodic information is transmitted in utero to goat fetuses through the maternal melatonin rhythm. However, whether maternal photoperiodic cues influence fetal or neonatal growth or milk composition in goats remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that exposure to artificial long days, either prenatally and/or postnatally, would increase birth weight and postnatal growth in goat kids compared with a natural photoperiod. During the fall, pregnant goats (n = 18) were allocated by body weight (54.6±1.0 kg) and body condition score (2.5 ± 0.1) and were exposed to artificial long days (16 h light: 8 h dark) for 30 days before parturition, while controls (n = 40) remained under natural daylength. After birth, kids from long-day–treated dams continued under long days until 30 days of age. Kids from control dams were assigned to one of two treatments: (i) continued exposure to the natural photoperiod, or (ii) transfer to artificial long days starting at 4 days of age. Body weight and milk samples were recorded weekly, and blood samples were collected for IGF-1 quantification. Each animal was considered an experimental unit, and the data were analyzed using mixed models and repeated measures of SAS. Gestational long-day exposure did not influence birth weight, but pre-natal and/or postnatal photoperiod treatment significantly increased offspring’s daily weight gain (P < 0.001) and weaning weight (P < 0.05). Artificial long-day exposure also elevated circulating IGF-1 concentrations (P < 0.01), which were positively correlated with both daily weight gain (r = 0.56, P < 0.05) and weaning weight (r = 0.57, P < 0.05). Milk components (fat, protein, and lactose) did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that continuous long-day exposure (pre-natal and postnatal) or postnatal to artificial long days accelerates growth in fall-born goat kids, representing a practical management strategy for producers. Nevertheless, continuous long-day exposure does not confer additional benefits beyond postnatal treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106995"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rams typically show seasonal declines in reproductive activity, characterized by reduced LH pulsatility, testosterone secretion, and hormonal responsiveness during winter and early spring. The objectives of this study were to compare basal testosterone concentrations, testicular fluid content, testicular artery blood flow, and scrotal temperature in rams that were or were not sheared in winter, and to evaluate their response to a GnRH challenge. Eleven adult Corriedale rams were sheared in August (winter in the Southern Hemisphere), while another 11 rams remained non-sheared. Sheared rams showed higher basal testosterone levels (P = 0.03) and a greater testosterone response to a GnRH challenge 14 days after shearing (P = 0.04). Maximum scrotal temperatures on the days following shearing and after the GnRH challenge were similar between groups. Regarding testicular blood flow, systolic velocity (SV) and diastolic velocity (DV) varied with time, and were higher in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Following the GnRH challenge, SV, pixel intensity, and resistance index (RI) also varied over time and were lower in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Other testicular flow variables were not affected by shearing or by the GnRH challenge. This study demonstrated that winter shearing induces a sustained increase in testosterone secretion in rams, persisting for at least 2 weeks. Sheared rams also presented an enhanced testosterone secretion after a GnRH challenge applied two weeks after shearing. Testicular thermoregulation does not appear to explain these effects, as scrotal temperature remained unchanged after shearing despite exposure to cold environmental conditions.
{"title":"Winter shearing enhances basal and GnRH-stimulated testosterone secretion in rams","authors":"Madeleine Guerrero-Gutierrez , Julia Giriboni , Danilo Fila , Livia Pinto-Santini , Aline Freitas-de-Melo , Rodolfo Ungerfeld","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rams typically show seasonal declines in reproductive activity, characterized by reduced LH pulsatility, testosterone secretion, and hormonal responsiveness during winter and early spring. The objectives of this study were to compare basal testosterone concentrations, testicular fluid content, testicular artery blood flow, and scrotal temperature in rams that were or were not sheared in winter, and to evaluate their response to a GnRH challenge. Eleven adult Corriedale rams were sheared in August (winter in the Southern Hemisphere), while another 11 rams remained non-sheared. Sheared rams showed higher basal testosterone levels (<em>P</em> = 0.03) and a greater testosterone response to a GnRH challenge 14 days after shearing (<em>P</em> = 0.04). Maximum scrotal temperatures on the days following shearing and after the GnRH challenge were similar between groups. Regarding testicular blood flow, systolic velocity (SV) and diastolic velocity (DV) varied with time, and were higher in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Following the GnRH challenge, SV, pixel intensity, and resistance index (RI) also varied over time and were lower in sheared rams than in non-sheared rams. Other testicular flow variables were not affected by shearing or by the GnRH challenge. This study demonstrated that winter shearing induces a sustained increase in testosterone secretion in rams, persisting for at least 2 weeks. Sheared rams also presented an enhanced testosterone secretion after a GnRH challenge applied two weeks after shearing. Testicular thermoregulation does not appear to explain these effects, as scrotal temperature remained unchanged after shearing despite exposure to cold environmental conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106996"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146141328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106994
Beate Walter , Jessica Cremer , Laura Meder , Eva-Maria Bauer , Sven Reese , Christiane Otzdorff
Reduced semen quality such as oligozoospermia or azoospermia is a frequent reason for subfertility in dogs. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by Sertoli cells, is known to play a role in spermatogenesis. Elevated serum AMH concentrations have been reported in dogs with Deslorelin-induced testicular atrophy resulting in azoospermia. This led us to hypothesize that congenital or acquired oligozoospermia or azoospermia often due to testicular degeneration or atrophy may also result in increased AMH serum levels, and that AMH could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker. The study included 14 dogs diagnosed with oligo- or azoospermia and twenty-nine proven sires served as controls. All dogs underwent a physical and andrological examination, semen evaluation, and blood collection for serum AMH measurement. In the dogs with oligo- or azoospermia, a testicular ultrasound was undertaken, and in twelve serum testosterone was measured. Additionally, pathohistological examination following castration was carried out in four dogs, and in two of these, immunohistochemical analysis using anti-AMH antibodies was performed. Serum AMH concentrations in dogs with oligo- or azoospermia were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.001, power: 99.98 %), with no overlap in values. These results suggest that oligo- or azoospermia in dogs goes along with an increase in serum AMH concentration, comparable to other testicular disorders such as Sertoli cell tumors or cryptorchidism from which it has to be distinguished.
{"title":"Elevated anti-müllerian hormone concentrations in blood serum of dogs with oligozoospermia or azoospermia","authors":"Beate Walter , Jessica Cremer , Laura Meder , Eva-Maria Bauer , Sven Reese , Christiane Otzdorff","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2026.106994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reduced semen quality such as oligozoospermia or azoospermia is a frequent reason for subfertility in dogs. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by Sertoli cells, is known to play a role in spermatogenesis. Elevated serum AMH concentrations have been reported in dogs with Deslorelin-induced testicular atrophy resulting in azoospermia. This led us to hypothesize that congenital or acquired oligozoospermia or azoospermia often due to testicular degeneration or atrophy may also result in increased AMH serum levels, and that AMH could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker. The study included 14 dogs diagnosed with oligo- or azoospermia and twenty-nine proven sires served as controls. All dogs underwent a physical and andrological examination, semen evaluation, and blood collection for serum AMH measurement. In the dogs with oligo- or azoospermia, a testicular ultrasound was undertaken, and in twelve serum testosterone was measured. Additionally, pathohistological examination following castration was carried out in four dogs, and in two of these, immunohistochemical analysis using anti-AMH antibodies was performed. Serum AMH concentrations in dogs with oligo- or azoospermia were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.001, power: 99.98 %), with no overlap in values. These results suggest that oligo- or azoospermia in dogs goes along with an increase in serum AMH concentration, comparable to other testicular disorders such as Sertoli cell tumors or cryptorchidism from which it has to be distinguished.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106994"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145972888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106993
Inês Oliveira , Patrícia Marques , Francesca Del Baldo , Mariachiara Re , Luísa Mateus , Rodolfo Oliveira Leal
Canine naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a functional adrenocortical tumor (adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism; ADH). Although endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (eACTH) measurement combined with imaging tests is one of the most reliable methods for differentiating PDH from ADH, it has some limitations. In humans, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels may help determine CS etiology. This study aimed to assess the role of DHEAS concentrations in differentiating PDH from ADH in dogs and correlate DHEAS and eACTH concentrations. A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, including dogs diagnosed with CS. They were divided into groups according to suspected CS etiology, sex and neutered status. A total of 38 dogs were included; 33/38 (87 %) were classified as having PDH and 5/38 (13 %) ADH. There were 19 females and 19 males, of which 16 and 9 were neutered, respectively. Median DHEAS concentrations were significantly higher in intact males (2.45 ng/mL; interquartile range 1.02-7.80 ng/mL) than in neutered males (0.68 ng/mL; interquartile range 0.42-2.03 ng/mL; p = 0.017). Females showed a positive correlation between DHEAS and eACTH levels (r = 0.588; p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in DHEAS concentrations between PDH and ADH (p = 0.645). Moreover, ROC curve analysis demonstrated poor ability of DHEAS to differentiate PDH from ADH (AUC 0.430). In conclusion, DHEAS does not appear to be a relevant biomarker for determining CS etiology in dogs and ACTH may not be a major driver for its synthesis.
犬自然发生的库欣综合征(CS)通常由垂体瘤(垂体依赖性高皮质醇症,PDH)或功能性肾上腺皮质瘤(肾上腺依赖性高皮质醇症,ADH)引起。虽然内源性促肾上腺皮质激素(acth)测量结合影像学检查是鉴别PDH和ADH最可靠的方法之一,但它也有一定的局限性。在人类中,硫酸脱氢表雄酮(DHEAS)水平可能有助于确定CS的病因。本研究旨在评估DHEAS浓度在狗体内区分PDH和ADH中的作用,并将DHEAS和acth浓度联系起来。进行了一项多中心,回顾性,横断面研究,包括诊断为CS的狗。根据疑似CS病因、性别和绝育情况分组。总共包括38只狗;其中33/38(87%)为PDH, 5/38(13%)为ADH。雌性19只,雄性19只,其中绝育16只,绝育9只。完整雄鼠DHEAS浓度中位数(2.45 ng/mL,四分位数范围1.02 ~ 7.80 ng/mL)显著高于绝育雄鼠(0.68 ng/mL,四分位数范围0.42 ~ 2.03 ng/mL, p = 0.017)。女性DHEAS与acth水平呈正相关(r = 0.588; p = 0.008)。PDH与ADH的DHEAS浓度差异无统计学意义(p = 0.645)。ROC曲线分析显示,DHEAS区分PDH和ADH的能力较差(AUC为0.430)。总之,DHEAS似乎不是确定犬CS病因的相关生物标志物,ACTH可能不是其合成的主要驱动因素。
{"title":"Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate as a potential biomarker for assessing the etiology of canine naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome","authors":"Inês Oliveira , Patrícia Marques , Francesca Del Baldo , Mariachiara Re , Luísa Mateus , Rodolfo Oliveira Leal","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine naturally occurring Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a functional adrenocortical tumor (adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism; ADH). Although endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (eACTH) measurement combined with imaging tests is one of the most reliable methods for differentiating PDH from ADH, it has some limitations. In humans, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels may help determine CS etiology. This study aimed to assess the role of DHEAS concentrations in differentiating PDH from ADH in dogs and correlate DHEAS and eACTH concentrations. A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, including dogs diagnosed with CS. They were divided into groups according to suspected CS etiology, sex and neutered status. A total of 38 dogs were included; 33/38 (87 %) were classified as having PDH and 5/38 (13 %) ADH. There were 19 females and 19 males, of which 16 and 9 were neutered, respectively. Median DHEAS concentrations were significantly higher in intact males (2.45 ng/mL; interquartile range 1.02-7.80 ng/mL) than in neutered males (0.68 ng/mL; interquartile range 0.42-2.03 ng/mL; <em>p</em> = 0.017). Females showed a positive correlation between DHEAS and eACTH levels (<em>r</em> = 0.588; <em>p</em> = 0.008). There were no significant differences in DHEAS concentrations between PDH and ADH (<em>p</em> = 0.645). Moreover, ROC curve analysis demonstrated poor ability of DHEAS to differentiate PDH from ADH (AUC 0.430). In conclusion, DHEAS does not appear to be a relevant biomarker for determining CS etiology in dogs and ACTH may not be a major driver for its synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106993"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145833447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106981
Tevan J. Brady , Ryan Feuz , Caleb C. Reichhardt , Laura A. Motsinger , Nikole E. Ineck , Reganne K. Briggs , Lillian L. Okamoto , Ian Sroufe , John Ferry , Marcus McGee , Brett R. Bowman , Matthew D. Garcia , Ryan Larsen , E. Bart Tarbet , Kerry A. Rood , Kara J. Thornton
This research aimed to determine best practices when receiving mineral deficient cattle. To do this, forty steers were stratified by initial weight and liver mineral status into one of four treatments: no mineral supplementation (CON; n=10), oral supplementation of mineral at concentrations similar to NASEM requirements (AM; n=10), oral supplementation of minerals above NASEM requirements (HM; n=10), or a MultiMin® injection at labeled dose (MM; n=10) for the first 40 d of the receiving period. Treatments were only given for the first 40 d to determine best practices for beef producers to follow to regain sufficient mineral concentration when receiving mineral deficient calves. All steers received the same ration in covered pens with Vytelle® bunks. Standing liver biopsies were collected on d 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 and analyzed for mineral content. Feedlot performance (average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed) was recorded. After the trial, steers were harvested commercially and carcass data was obtained. There were no treatment differences (P>0.10) in feedlot performance, carcass traits or cost of gain. When analyzed over time, HM increased (P<0.001) liver copper and selenium compared to all other treatments, but did not alter (P>0.10) manganese or zinc. Steers in the HM treatment had an increased (P<0.05) number and time duration of bunk visits/feed bouts, and had decreased (P<0.05) consumption per bunk visit/feed bout and time with their head down per bunk visit/feed bout compared to other treatments. No effects (P>0.10) of treatment were seen on bovine herpes virus or bovine parainfluenza virus 3 antibody titers. These data indicate that different mineral supplementation strategies don’t affect performance or health, but may impact feeding behavior and liver mineral concentrations.
{"title":"The effects of different trace mineral supplementation strategies on performance, feeding behavior, health, carcass quality, and profitability of mineral deficient receiving steers","authors":"Tevan J. Brady , Ryan Feuz , Caleb C. Reichhardt , Laura A. Motsinger , Nikole E. Ineck , Reganne K. Briggs , Lillian L. Okamoto , Ian Sroufe , John Ferry , Marcus McGee , Brett R. Bowman , Matthew D. Garcia , Ryan Larsen , E. Bart Tarbet , Kerry A. Rood , Kara J. Thornton","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research aimed to determine best practices when receiving mineral deficient cattle. To do this, forty steers were stratified by initial weight and liver mineral status into one of four treatments: no mineral supplementation (CON; <em>n</em>=10), oral supplementation of mineral at concentrations similar to NASEM requirements (AM; <em>n</em>=10), oral supplementation of minerals above NASEM requirements (HM; <em>n</em>=10), or a MultiMin® injection at labeled dose (MM; <em>n</em>=10) for the first 40 d of the receiving period. Treatments were only given for the first 40 d to determine best practices for beef producers to follow to regain sufficient mineral concentration when receiving mineral deficient calves. All steers received the same ration in covered pens with Vytelle® bunks. Standing liver biopsies were collected on d 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 and analyzed for mineral content. Feedlot performance (average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain:feed) was recorded. After the trial, steers were harvested commercially and carcass data was obtained. There were no treatment differences (<em>P>0.10</em>) in feedlot performance, carcass traits or cost of gain. When analyzed over time, HM increased (<em>P<0.001</em>) liver copper and selenium compared to all other treatments, but did not alter (<em>P>0.10</em>) manganese or zinc. Steers in the HM treatment had an increased (<em>P<0.05</em>) number and time duration of bunk visits/feed bouts, and had decreased (<em>P<0.05</em>) consumption per bunk visit/feed bout and time with their head down per bunk visit/feed bout compared to other treatments. No effects (<em>P>0.10</em>) of treatment were seen on bovine herpes virus or bovine parainfluenza virus 3 antibody titers. These data indicate that different mineral supplementation strategies don’t affect performance or health, but may impact feeding behavior and liver mineral concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106981"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106992
Weimin Lin, Hongbing Song, Chongfan Du, Jing Wang, Xiaohan Zhang, Chu Yang, Tianfang Xiao, Ruiyi Lin
Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is a critical determinant of pork quality, with pre-adipocyte differentiation serving as a pivotal regulatory process. Although muscle-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) is recognized for its role in promoting lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, the epigenetic mechanisms governing its regulation remain poorly characterized. This study elucidates the epigenetic regulation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) on muscle-derived IL-6 transcription and secretion, and its consequent effects on porcine IMF deposition. Western blot (WB) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses demonstrated that elevated IL-6 expression in the porcine longissimus dorsi muscle was negatively correlated with IMF content. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and adipogenic induction assays revealed that HDAC5 suppresses IL-6 transcription and secretion, thereby enhancing intramuscular pre-adipocyte differentiation. Through co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual-luciferase reporter assays, and differentiation induction experiments, we identified a functional interaction between HDAC5 and myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). Mechanistically, MEF2A binds to the IL-6 promoter to activate its transcription and secretion, which subsequently inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation. Dual-interference assays further confirmed that HDAC5 regulates IL-6 expression by directly binding to and repressing MEF2A activity, ultimately modulating IMF deposition. These findings uncover a novel epigenetic pathway through which HDAC5 governs muscle-derived IL-6 to regulate pre-adipocyte differentiation and IMF accumulation in pigs, offering critical molecular insights for strategies aimed at optimizing pork quality.
肌内脂肪(IMF)沉积是猪肉品质的关键决定因素,脂肪细胞前分化是关键的调节过程。尽管肌肉来源的白介素-6 (IL-6)被认为在促进脂肪分解和脂肪酸氧化中起作用,但其调控的表观遗传机制仍不清楚。本研究阐明了组蛋白去乙酰化酶5 (HDAC5)对肌源性IL-6转录和分泌的表观遗传调控及其对猪IMF沉积的影响。Western blot (WB)和定量PCR (qPCR)分析表明,猪背最长肌中IL-6的表达升高与IMF含量呈负相关。染色质免疫沉淀(ChIP)-PCR和脂肪诱导实验显示,HDAC5抑制IL-6的转录和分泌,从而增强肌内前脂肪细胞分化。通过共免疫沉淀(Co-IP)、双荧光素酶报告基因检测和分化诱导实验,我们发现了HDAC5和肌细胞增强因子2A (MEF2A)之间的功能相互作用。在机制上,MEF2A结合IL-6启动子激活其转录和分泌,随后抑制前脂肪细胞分化。双干扰实验进一步证实HDAC5通过直接结合并抑制MEF2A活性调控IL-6表达,最终调控IMF沉积。这些发现揭示了一种新的表观遗传途径,通过HDAC5控制肌肉来源的IL-6来调节猪的前脂肪细胞分化和IMF积累,为优化猪肉质量的策略提供了关键的分子见解。
{"title":"HDAC5 mediates the regulation of muscle-derived interleukin 6 on the differentiation of porcine intramuscular pre-adipocytes","authors":"Weimin Lin, Hongbing Song, Chongfan Du, Jing Wang, Xiaohan Zhang, Chu Yang, Tianfang Xiao, Ruiyi Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.domaniend.2025.106992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is a critical determinant of pork quality, with pre-adipocyte differentiation serving as a pivotal regulatory process. Although muscle-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) is recognized for its role in promoting lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation, the epigenetic mechanisms governing its regulation remain poorly characterized. This study elucidates the epigenetic regulation of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) on muscle-derived IL-6 transcription and secretion, and its consequent effects on porcine IMF deposition. Western blot (WB) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses demonstrated that elevated IL-6 expression in the porcine longissimus dorsi muscle was negatively correlated with IMF content. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and adipogenic induction assays revealed that HDAC5 suppresses IL-6 transcription and secretion, thereby enhancing intramuscular pre-adipocyte differentiation. Through co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual-luciferase reporter assays, and differentiation induction experiments, we identified a functional interaction between HDAC5 and myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). Mechanistically, MEF2A binds to the IL-6 promoter to activate its transcription and secretion, which subsequently inhibits pre-adipocyte differentiation. Dual-interference assays further confirmed that HDAC5 regulates IL-6 expression by directly binding to and repressing MEF2A activity, ultimately modulating IMF deposition. These findings uncover a novel epigenetic pathway through which HDAC5 governs muscle-derived IL-6 to regulate pre-adipocyte differentiation and IMF accumulation in pigs, offering critical molecular insights for strategies aimed at optimizing pork quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11356,"journal":{"name":"Domestic animal endocrinology","volume":"95 ","pages":"Article 106992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145721754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}