Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Effects of altrenogest supplementation in late lactation on reproductive performance of primiparous sows","authors":"Dayanne Kelly Oliveira Pires ,&nbsp;Soraia Viana Ferreira ,&nbsp;Gabrielle Rossato ,&nbsp;João Vitor Lopes-Ferreira ,&nbsp;Lucas Carvalho Cardoso ,&nbsp;Abner Lacerda Shinkawa ,&nbsp;Fernanda Radicchi Campos Lobato de Almeida","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic selection for hyperprolific sows resulted in higher proportion of low birthweight piglets and greater birthweight variation within the litter, increasing preweaning mortality. There is evidence that altrenogest supplementation improves post-weaning reproductive performance through higher ovulation rates, and increased embryo survival. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of altrenogest supplementation during the last week of lactation in primiparous sows on subsequent reproductive performance. Ninety-six primiparous females were randomly assigned to two treatments: ALT-sows supplemented orally with 20 mg of altrenogest (n = 46) during the last six days of lactation up to 24 h before weaning; and CON- non-supplemented sows (n = 50). Ten sows from each experimental group were randomly selected to evaluate plasma progesterone concentrations on days 1 and 3 of treatment, at weaning and at 48, 72 and 96 h after estrus onset. Farrowings were monitored and piglets' individual birthweight, total number of piglets born, born alive, stillborn and mummified were recorded. Stillborn piglets were necropsied to assess organ weight. A subgroup of five females per treatment was euthanized on the day of estrus onset for morphological analysis of the reproductive tract. ALT females showed higher progesterone levels 72h after estrus onset (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, piglets’ birthweight, total number of piglets born, liveborn, stillborn, and mummified were similar between experimental groups. Data collected from stillborn necropsies showed that birthweight was the main factor affecting organ weights (P &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that piglets weighing 600–800g presented higher brain:liver weight ratio, a determinant factor of intrauterine growth restriction, which was predominant in males (P &lt; 0.05), and ALT females showed fewer piglets within that birthweight range (P &lt; 0.05). Interestingly, ALT sows showed higher number, but smaller endometrial glands (P &lt; 0.05). Taken together, short-term altrenogest supplementation in the last week of lactation increased progesterone levels after estrus onset, improving uterine vascularization and endometrial glands hyperplasia in the pre-implantation period, which benefit embryo development, leading to a decrease in the proportion of low birthweight piglets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"233 ","pages":"Pages 131-138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142748815","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}

{"title":"Sperm acrosome-associated 1 (SPACA1) mRNA and protein molecules deficiency indicate low fertility and semen quality of Bali bulls (Bos sondaicus)","authors":"Muhammad Agil ,&nbsp;Berlin Pandapotan Pardede ,&nbsp;Bambang Purwantara ,&nbsp;Raden Iis Arifiantini ,&nbsp;Hasbi Hasbi ,&nbsp;Herry Sonjaya ,&nbsp;Syahruddin Said ,&nbsp;Suyadi Suyadi ,&nbsp;Wike Andre Septian ,&nbsp;Chairdin Dwi Nugraha ,&nbsp;Rafika Febriani Putri ,&nbsp;Ari Ardianto ,&nbsp;Hikmayani Iskandar ,&nbsp;Fitra Aji Pamungkas ,&nbsp;Erdogan Memili","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Molecular-based biomarkers are believed to be more accurate in determining bulls' fertility and sperm's various fertility characteristics. The sperm acrosome-associated 1 (SPACA1) molecule, located in the anterior acrosomal and equatorial segments of the sperm head, is thought to be related to the function of binding and fusion between sperm and oocyte. This study aims to analyze the association of SPACA1 mRNA and protein with the fertility rate and semen quality of Bali bulls (<em>Bos sondaicus</em>) and assess its potential as a potential molecular biomarker determining bull fertility and sperm quality. Frozen semen from 20 Bali bulls was used in the research, which was then divided into two groups: high (HF) and low fertility (LF). SPACA1 mRNA abundance was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and SPACA1 protein abundance was analyzed using EIA. The semen quality parameters analyzed were motility (CASA), plasma membrane integrity (HOS test), sperm head morphology abnormalities (William staining), sperm viability (SYBR 14-PI), sperm capacitation (CTC assay), and sperm acrosome integrity (FITC-PNA). The results showed that there was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) between high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) bulls, both in the abundance of SPACA1 at the mRNA, protein, and semen quality levels. Overall, the correlation test results showed a close relationship (P &lt; 0.01) between the abundance of SPACA1 mRNA and protein with field fertility and various semen quality parameters tested in the study. A low level of SPACA1 molecules indicates low fertility and semen quality in Bali bulls. The SPACA1 molecule has the potential to be developed through further research to become a biomarker for determining fertility and semen quality in bulls.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"233 ","pages":"Pages 80-87"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142748392","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}

{"title":"Beneficial effects of pentoxifylline on spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis in stallions subjected to scrotal heat stress","authors":"Yame Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva ,&nbsp;Frederico Ozanam Papa ,&nbsp;Alejandro Esteller-Vico ,&nbsp;Edjalma Silva-Junior ,&nbsp;Thalita Evani Silva de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Hossam El- Sheikh Ali ,&nbsp;Yatta Linhares Boakari ,&nbsp;Marcela Souza e Freitas ,&nbsp;Barry Allen Ball","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of oral pentoxifylline on testicular biometry, histology, and gene expression in stallions subjected to scrotal heat stress. Fourteen stallions were divided into three groups: Control (CRL, n = 4), Testicular Degeneration (DEG, n = 5), and Testicular Degeneration Treated with Pentoxifylline (DEG + PTX, n = 5). Testicular degeneration was induced by scrotal insulation, twice daily, over two consecutive days (D-1 and D0). Starting the next day (D1), oral pentoxifylline (17 mg/kg) was administered every 12 h for 30 days. Testicular biometry was measured using a caliper from D-5 to D60. On days 30 and 60, testicular biopsies were collected for histopathology and gene expression analysis of <em>BAX</em>, <em>CASP8</em>, <em>CASP9</em>, <em>FAS</em>, <em>HSF1</em>, and <em>PTGS2</em> using RT-qPCR. Pentoxifylline reduced histological damage, with the DEG + PTX group showing less pronounced basal lamina undulation and seminiferous tubule atrophy compared to the DEG group. However, it did not fully prevent lesions like germ cell vacuolization, which was reflected macroscopically by a reduction in testicular volume in both degenerated groups. The protective effects of pentoxifylline on testicular tissue can be attributed to its ability to reduce <em>BAX</em> expression, prevent <em>CASP8</em> and <em>CASP9</em> activation, and promote cellular protective mechanisms through <em>HSF1</em> activation at D30. These results highlight pentoxifylline’s potential as a therapeutic agent for equine testicular damage due to scrotal heat stress, suggesting the need for further research on optimal dosage and treatment duration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"233 ","pages":"Pages 32-41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142693622","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}

{"title":"Perspectives in cattle reproduction for the next 20 years – A European context","authors":"Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini ,&nbsp;Alan D. Crowe ,&nbsp;Uxía Yáñez Ramil ,&nbsp;Miel Hostens ,&nbsp;Geert Opsomer ,&nbsp;Mark A. Crowe","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Following a significant increase in herd and farm sizes after the removal of milk quotas in Europe, the past 10 years have seen a slight yet steady decline in the population of cattle. This includes a reduction of approximately 5 % in dairy and beef cattle. This trend is driven by various factors, such as changing market demands, economic shifts, and sustainability challenges in the livestock sector. Despite this, technological advancements in reproductive management have continued to enhance efficiency and sustainability, particularly in dairy production. The main areas of rapid development, which will continue to grow for improving fertility and management, include: i) genetic selection (including improved phenotypes for use in breeding programs), ii) nutritional management (including transition cow management), iii) control of infectious disease, iv) rapid diagnostics of reproductive health, v) development of more efficient ovulation/estrous synchronization protocols, vi) assisted reproductive management (and automated systems to improve reproductive management), vii) increased implementation of sexed semen and embryo transfer, viii) more efficient handling of substantial volumes of data, ix) routine implementation of artificial intelligence technology for rapid decision-making at the farm level, x) climate change and sustainable cattle production awareness, xi) new (reproductive) strategies to improve cattle welfare, and xii) improved management and technology implementation for male fertility. This review addresses the current status and future outlook of key factors that influence cattle herd health and reproductive performance, with a special focus on dairy cattle. These insights are expected to contribute to improved performance, health, and fertility of ruminants in the next 20 years.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"233 ","pages":"Pages 8-23"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142693564","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}

{"title":"Evaluation of GnRH- versus estradiol-based protocols for ovulation synchronization in postpartum Bos taurus grazing beef cows submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination","authors":"Luis B. Ferré ,&nbsp;Maria Natalia Cerviño ,&nbsp;Julian Jaeschke ,&nbsp;Maximiliano Itterman ,&nbsp;Jaime McLean ,&nbsp;Agustin Aragon ,&nbsp;Manuel Fernández ,&nbsp;Matías Villa ,&nbsp;Néstor Formia ,&nbsp;Maria Jaureguiberry ,&nbsp;Ramiro Rearte ,&nbsp;Michael E. Kjelland ,&nbsp;Marcos G. Colazo ,&nbsp;Jordan M. Thomas ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Luzbel de la Sota","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compared the effect of a 7-day estradiol- and a 7-day GnRH-based FTAI protocol versus a presynchronized GnRH-based FTAI protocol (7 &amp; 7 GnRH) on pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in multiparous postpartum Angus cows. Cows were blocked according to presence/absence of a CL, body condition score, and days postpartum and assigned randomly to one of three treatments: I) 7-day EB (n = 368), estradiol benzoate (EB) and intravaginal progesterone-(P4)-releasing device (IVPD) on Day −10, prostaglandin F_2α (PG), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and estradiol cypionate (ECP) at IVPD removal on Day −3 with FTAI done on Day −1 (54 ± 2 h after IVPD removal); II) 7-day GnRH (n = 367), GnRH at IVPD insertion on Day −10, PG and eCG at IVPD removal on Day −3 with GnRH and FTAI on Day 0 (66 ± 2 h after IVPD removal); and III) 7 &amp; 7 GnRH (n = 361), PG at IVPD insertion on Day −17, GnRH on Day −10, IVPD removal, PG and eCG on Day −3 with GnRH and FTAI on Day 0 (66 ± 2 h after IVPD removal). Preovulatory follicle diameter, corpus luteum (CL) presence, CL area, and P4 concentration were determined at IVPD removal, as well as estrus expression at FTAI and P/AI between 35 and 40 days after FTAI. Plasma P4 concentrations at IVPD removal were greater (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in cows subjected to the 7-day GnRH or 7 &amp; 7 GnRH protocols and a greater number of cows (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) had at least one CL at IVPD removal compared to cows subjected to the 7-day EB protocol. However, the 7 &amp; 7 GnRH protocol resulted in more cows with two CLs at IVPD removal compared to the other two protocols. Moreover, cows synchronized with the 7 &amp; 7 GnRH protocol had larger preovulatory follicles (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and larger CL area at IVPD removal (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), and a greater rate of estrus expression before FTAI (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) than cows synchronized with the 7-day EB, whereas those variables were intermediate in cows synchronized with the 7-day GnRH. Pregnancy per AI was greater (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in cows treated with the 7 &amp; 7 GnRH (63.5 %) treatment compared to the 7-day EB (51.4 %) and the 7-day GnRH (51.3 %) protocols. In summary, the 7 &amp; 7 GnRH protocol enhanced circulating P4 before IVPD removal, increased estrus expression rate before FTAI, and improved P/AI in postpartum <em>Bos taurus</em> grazing beef cows.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"233 ","pages":"Pages 1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142682905","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}

{"title":"Enhancing porcine oocyte quality and embryo development through natural antioxidants","authors":"Zheng Feng ,&nbsp;Jia Song ,&nbsp;Chenghong Lin ,&nbsp;Siyu Wu ,&nbsp;Yu Wang ,&nbsp;Qingyuan Hui ,&nbsp;Yinting Pan ,&nbsp;Yiman Zou ,&nbsp;Chaofeng Zeng ,&nbsp;Jinbiao Guo ,&nbsp;Yangli Pei","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During fetal development, primordial oocytes maintain their developmental potential through a ROS-minimizing metabolic mechanism. Maturation increases ROS levels, causing stress and damage, which are countered by in vivo antioxidants. In vitro maturation (IVM) worsens this due to fewer antioxidant presence and medium factors. To address this, we evaluated the effects of incorporating various natural antioxidants in the porcine oocyte IVM media. Our findings revealed that 10 μM Dendrobine (DEN), 1 μM Polydatin (PD), 20 μM Limonin (LIM), and 25 μM Nobiletin (NOB) significantly improved the first polar body extrusion rates (p &lt; 0.05), reduced ROS, and increased GSH levels. Individual addition of 100 μg/mL Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), 0.1 μM Kaempferol (KAE), 250 μM Salidroside (SAL), 10 μM Curcumin (CUR), DEN, PD, LIM, and NOB to the porcine IVM system showed that KAE, LIM, NOB, and LBP treatments yielded the most favorable results. At the gene level, LIM, LBP, and NOB were found to upregulate the expression levels of GPX1, SIRT1, and TFAM, while downregulating Caspase3 and increasing the BCL2/BAX ratio. The inclusion of LIM, NOB, and LBP, either alone or in combination, into the IVM media effectively alleviated oxidative stress in porcine oocytes, decreased cell apoptosis, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced the blastocyst rate. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing the porcine oocyte IVM culture system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"232 ","pages":"Pages 96-108"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142628675","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}

{"title":"Compatibility of dry incubator on in vitro production of bovine embryos","authors":"Haruhisa Tsuji ,&nbsp;Hiroki Nagai ,&nbsp;Sayaka Kobinata ,&nbsp;Hinata Koyama ,&nbsp;Atchalalt Khurchabilig ,&nbsp;Noritaka Fukunaga ,&nbsp;Yoshimasa Asada ,&nbsp;Satoshi Sugimura","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Embryo culture is crucial to achieve successful outcomes in <em>in vi</em>tro production-embryo transfer for cattle. This study explored the innovative use of dry incubators for bovine embryo culture, building on their advantages in human medicine, such as reduced contamination risk, stable temperature control, and lower gas consumption. In this study, we examined changes in osmotic pressure, the <em>in vi</em>tro developmental potential of IVP embryos including the cleavage rate, blastocyst development rate, blastocyst diameter, and blastocyst cell number, morphokinetics, and the transcriptional profile of the blastocysts between humidified and dry incubators. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of this approach, showing that although the osmotic pressure gradually increases over the culture period (on day 8: 271.7 vs. 299.0, respectively; P = 0.09), it did not negatively affect the blastocyst formation rate (62.4 % vs. 69.8 %) and the morphological quality of blastocysts (diameter: 237.4 vs. 242.8, total cell number: 189.2 vs. 242.8). Embryos cultured in dry incubators exhibited morphokinetics comparable to those cultured in conventional humidified incubators. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that while a few genes showed changes, the transcriptomic profiles of blastocysts cultured in dry incubators were largely similar to those of blastocysts cultured in humidified incubators. These findings highlight the considerable potential of dry incubators for the <em>in vi</em>tro production of bovine embryos.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"232 ","pages":"Pages 117-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142628673","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}

{"title":"North American perspectives for cattle production and reproduction for the next 20 years","authors":"M.C. Lucy ,&nbsp;K.G. Pohler","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ruminant species are important to human society due to their ability to convert human-inedible sources of energy and protein to human-edible food. Greater efficiency of meat and milk production will require the management of the complex reproductive biology of many cattle with a limited capacity and limited budget within a smaller, hotter, and more climatically erratic land area. The over-riding drivers of new reproductive technologies in North America will be smaller economic margins, larger herd size, fewer agricultural workers per farm, and a greater reliance on automation to offset the reduced agricultural labor force. Climate change and the possibility that consumers may dictate the procedures used for animal reproductive management may present additional challenges. The successes of the past 20 years (timed AI, genomic selection for fertility in both bulls and cows, automated estrus detection, chemical and ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis, and gender selected semen) will be improved upon in the next 20 years as most of these technologies can be optimized further. Improving embryo technologies and increasing our understanding of embryonic loss may provide the greatest challenges for the future. Researchers must attempt to devise practical methods to release more follicles from the primordial follicle pool so that a greater number of oocytes and embryos can be harvested from individual animals. Embryonic loss continues to be an unsolved question that cuts the total number of potential offspring by nearly one-third. The identification of fertile embryos in vitro, better methods of cryopreservation, and the optimization of methods of transfer into recipient animals may improve the efficiency of advanced embryo technologies. The derivation of oocytes, sperm, and embryos from pluripotent stem cells may yield a vast supply of gametes and embryos from genetically superior animals and radically change the reproductive management in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"232 ","pages":"Pages 109-116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142628677","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}

{"title":"Oxidative phosphorylation decline and mitochondrial dynamics disequilibrium are involved in chicken large white follicle atresia","authors":"Jianing Hu,&nbsp;Jie Li,&nbsp;Shanyou Zheng,&nbsp;Yan Chen,&nbsp;Yucheng Zhang,&nbsp;Jiguang Deng,&nbsp;Jiasheng Fan,&nbsp;Huiyan Xu,&nbsp;Yangqing Lu,&nbsp;Xingting Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In domestic hens, the atresia of large white follicles (LWFs) directly affects the number of follicles that enter the hierarchical development and ovulation. Figuring out factors responsible for LWFs atresia is helpful to improve egg production of hens. At the LWF stage, yellow yolk begins to be deposited into the follicles via receptor mediated endocytosis, which requires large amounts of ATP. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the primary source of ATP for follicular development. However, it is not clear whether the OXPHOS is changed along LWFs atresia. In this study, firstly, differences in morphological appearance, histology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, OXPHOS and mitochondrial dynamics between LWFs and atretic large white follicles (ALWFs) in hens at the peak laying stage (35W) were determined to elucidate whether OXPHOS changes in ALWFs. Then, these differences of LWFs between the peak laying hens (35W-LWFs) and the late laying hens (70W-LWFs) were detected to confirm whether OXPHOS changes during LWFs atresia. The results showed that ALWFs exhibited a wrinkled surface with several hemorrhage spots, and numerous intercellular vacuoles, as well as severe nuclear pyknosis. Compared to LWFs, a higher cell apoptosis rate and a lower proliferation rate were observed in ALWFs. In ALWFs, OXPHOS declined as manifested by reductions in ATP levels, ATP synthetase abundance, NAD⁺, NADH and NAD⁺/NADH ratio, and mRNA levels of genes associated with OXPHOS complexes I-V. Meanwhile, mitochondrial dynamics disequilibrium was detected in ALWFs as the expression levels of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) decreased, while the expression levels of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial fission (DRP1 and FIS1) increased. Further, compared to 35W-LWFs, 70W-LWFs showed a histology resembling to ALWFs, manifested as a slightly loosen structure of granulosa layers, and a lower cell proliferation rate. Moreover, both lower OXPHOS and impaired mitochondrial dynamics were detected in 70W-LWFs. In conclusion, our results indicated that OXPHOS decline and mitochondrial dynamics disequilibrium are involved in LWFs atresia in laying hens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"232 ","pages":"Pages 87-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142628679","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}

{"title":"Production of second-generation sheep clones via somatic cell nuclear transfer using amniotic cells as nuclear donors","authors":"Chunxiao Zhu ,&nbsp;Yiyi Liu ,&nbsp;Hongyang Xu ,&nbsp;Shenyuan Wang ,&nbsp;Huanmin Zhou ,&nbsp;Junwei Cao ,&nbsp;Fanhuan Meng ,&nbsp;Yanru Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) has transformed animal genetic improvement, gene-editing in model production, xenotransplantation, and conservation efforts for endangered species. However, SCNT-derived embryos occasionally display developmental abnormalities, and following embryo transfer, the miscarriage rate is high. Gene-edited fetuses may experience birth defects, resulting in decreased survival rates. Correct selection of nuclear donor cells is essential for the success of somatic cell cloning. Fibroblasts are the most commonly used cells, but their rapid proliferation increases the risk of genetic mutation, impairing embryo development and production. Conversely, amniotic cells have slower proliferation rates, decreasing the mutation risk during cultivation. Amniotic cells are thus better SCNT candidates than fibroblasts because they offer genomic stability, low tumorigenic and teratogenic risks, reduced immunogenicity, high differentiation potential, ease of accessibility, and fewer ethical concerns. Cells derived from first-generation gene-edited animals exhibit stable genetic structures, reduced susceptibility to genetic alterations and artificial modifications, closely resembling natural cells, and enhanced compatibility with SCNT procedures. Amniotic cells derived from gene-edited sheep fetuses used as nuclear donor cells for SCNT successfully recloned three healthy second-generation gene-edited sheep. Using amniotic cells as nuclear donor cells for SCNT did not significantly alter embryo cleavage rates, blastocyst formation, or fetal birth compared to edited fibroblasts (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). However, fetal survival rates were significantly higher than edited fibroblasts (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). The results support the potential of amniotic cells as SCNT alternatives, suggesting a promising strategy to improve gene-edited fetus survival rates using first-generation gene-edited sheep-derived amniotic cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"232 ","pages":"Pages 79-86"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142605827","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}