Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Proline improves the developmental competence of in vitro matured porcine oocytes by enhancing mitochondrial function","authors":"Yazhuo Cheng ,&nbsp;Jiyong Shang ,&nbsp;Xilong Jia ,&nbsp;Yongda Zhao ,&nbsp;Jing Liu ,&nbsp;Yanjun Huan ,&nbsp;Jinghe Tan ,&nbsp;Mingju Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117362","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The in vitro maturation of oocytes is essential to embryo engineering. Mitochondrial function is essential for both oocyte maturation and the acquisition of developmental potential. In this study, we focused on proline, a natural antioxidant with permeability-protective properties; we hypothesized that proline could enhance porcine oocytes maturation in vitro by improving mitochondrial function. To test this hypothesis, we explored the effects of proline on mitochondrial function and the developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Treatment with 0.4 mM proline significantly increased the maturation rate, development rate, and the ratio of normal spindle morphology in porcine oocytes. The results indicated that proline supplementation enhanced both the quantity and function of mitochondria; specifically, the content of mitochondria and their mtDNA increased, with a more uniform distribution observed. Additionally, the mRNA expression of genes associated with mitochondrial division, fusion, and function showed marked increased following the addition of 0.4 mM proline. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels were significantly elevated, and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and IV were also markedly enhanced after proline treatment. Moreover, proline supplementation not only reduced reactive oxygen species levels but also improved glutathione levels. These results suggested that proline enhances oocyte maturation quality by improving mitochondrial content and function during IVM in porcine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117362"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521111","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":"Effect of zinc supplementation on bovine luteal function: In vivo and in vitro findings","authors":"Alejandro Maruri ,&nbsp;Juan Patricio Anchordoquy ,&nbsp;Nicolás Agustín Farnetano ,&nbsp;Ana Laura Flaherti ,&nbsp;Diana Esther Rosa ,&nbsp;Marianela Balbi ,&nbsp;Daniel Lombardo ,&nbsp;Cecilia Cristina Furnus ,&nbsp;Juan Mateo Anchordoquy","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for cellular processes such as oxidative stress regulation. Research on the relationship between Zn and the corpus luteum (CL) is limited, showing contradictory findings. Zinc supplementation before artificial insemination (AI) increases bovine CL size and progesterone (P₄) levels. In mice, <em>in vitro</em> experiments suggest that Zn may reduce P₄ production. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Zn in bovine luteal cell function by assessing 1) the effect of parenteral Zn supplementation (400 mg) 7 days after AI on CL size and plasma P₄ levels <em>in vivo</em>, and 2) the impact of Zn supplementation (0, 0.8 and 1.2 μg/ml) on P₄ production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and luteal cell viability <em>in vitro</em>. <em>In vivo</em>, Zn supplementation increased CL size but reduced plasma P₄ levels. <em>In vitro</em>, 0.8 μg/ml Zn decreased P₄ synthesis and ROS levels while enhancing cell viability, whereas 1.2 μg/ml Zn had no significant effect compared to the control. These findings indicate that Zn modulates luteal function in a dose-dependent manner, reducing oxidative stress while impairing P₄ production. Further studies are needed to optimize Zn supplementation strategies during assisted reproductive technologies and clarify Zn mechanisms of action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521112","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":"miR-107 suppresses porcine granulosa cell proliferation and estradiol synthesis while promoting apoptosis via targeting PTGS2","authors":"Shuhan Liu ,&nbsp;Jiahao Chen ,&nbsp;Mingzheng Liu ,&nbsp;Chunlei Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaohuan Chao ,&nbsp;Huan Yang ,&nbsp;Tianshuo Wang ,&nbsp;Hongwei Bi ,&nbsp;Yuan Ding ,&nbsp;Ziming Wang ,&nbsp;Asim Muhammad ,&nbsp;Mubashir Muhammad ,&nbsp;Bo Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117367","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117367","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The proliferation, steroid metabolism, and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are critical for follicular development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and modulate signaling networks involved in various cellular processes. In this study, we identify miR-107, a conserved miRNA, as a key regulator of porcine follicle development through its effects on GCs proliferation, steroid metabolism, and apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that miR-107 suppresses GCs proliferation and estradiol synthesis while promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, miR-107 exerts its regulatory effects by targeting Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2), binding to the 3ʹ untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR) of its mRNA. Overexpression of PTGS2 positively regulates porcine GCs function, significantly enhancing cell proliferation and steroid synthesis, reducing apoptosis, and increasing the protein levels of HSD3B1 and CYP19A1, which are key members of the ovarian steroidogenesis signaling pathway. These findings highlight the role of miR-107 in regulating porcine follicular development and underscore its potential as a molecular marker for influencing follicle growth and reproductive efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117367"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143521110","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":"In vivo ovarian temperature promotes the in vitro growth and developmental competence of oocytes derived from bovine early antral follicles","authors":"Kohei Kawano ,&nbsp;Kenichiro Sakaguchi ,&nbsp;Yojiro Yanagawa ,&nbsp;Seiji Katagiri","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In cattle, the culture temperature used for the <em>in vitro</em> growth (IVG) of immature oocytes is generally 38.5 or 39.0 °C, which is close to the normal temperature in the vagina or rectum. However, the temperature in the <em>in vivo</em> ovarian tissue is approximately 1 °C lower (37.5 °C) than that in the vagina or rectum. Therefore, the generally accepted culture temperature may not be optimal for the IVG of bovine oocytes. Herein, we investigated the effects of culture temperature on the IVG of oocyte-cumulus granulosa complexes (OCGCs) derived from early antral follicles (0.5–1 mm in diameter). OCGCs were subjected to 12 days of IVG at temperatures of 37.5, 38.5, and 39.0 °C. OCGC viability and antrum formation were evaluated every 4 days. Estradiol-17β (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) production from OCGCs during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 4-day periods was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay. Viable OCGCs after IVG were subjected to <em>in vitro</em> maturation (IVM), <em>in vitro</em> fertilization, and embryo culture. Then, the nuclear status and diameter of oocytes after IVM, rates of cleavage and blastocysts, and cell number in blastocysts were evaluated. In addition, the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the granulosa cells and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in oocytes after IVG were measured. The viability of OCGCs did not differ among the groups, whereas the rate of antrum formation on day 12 of IVG culture was highest in the 37.5 °C group (P &lt; 0.05). P₄ production did not differ among the groups; however, E₂ production during days 8–12 tended to be higher in the 37.5 °C group than in the other two groups combined (P &lt; 0.1). The mRNA expression of HSP70 and 90, and the GSH levels of oocytes, did not differ among the groups. The oocyte diameter after culture was larger in the 37.5 °C group than in the 39.0 °C group (P &lt; 0.05), and that in the 38.5 °C group was intermediate between the other two groups. The rates of nuclear maturation and cleavage did not differ among the groups. However, the blastocyst rate was higher in the 37.5 and 38.5 °C groups than in the 39.0 °C group (P &lt; 0.05). The cell number in the blastocysts in the 38.5 °C group was smaller than the <em>in vivo</em>-grown oocytes, while that in the 37.5 °C group and the <em>in vivo</em>-grown oocytes did not differ. In summary, OCGCs in the 37.5 °C group showed healthy morphology and steroidogenesis, as well as better growth and developmental competence of oocytes. Therefore, culture conditions close to the <em>in vivo</em> ovarian tissue temperature would be optimal for the IVG of immature bovine oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549542","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":"Seasonal effect on farrowing duration in sows within a temporarily confined farrowing system under tropical climates","authors":"Tip-apa Akkhaphan ,&nbsp;Rafa Boonprakob ,&nbsp;Alexander Grahofer ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming negatively impacts sow reproduction, leading to health and welfare challenges and economic losses in the swine industry. The present study was a retrospective observational study that examined the effects of season, temperature, and humidity during parturition on farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows housed in a temporarily confined system under a tropical climate. Data from 10039 farrowings of Landrace × Yorkshire sows (January–December 2023) included parity, farrowing date, parturition onset, total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), percentage of stillbirths (SB) and mummified fetuses (MF), and farrowing house temperature and humidity. The temperature-humidity index (THI) and averages for the 7 days before and on the day of farrowing were also calculated. The association between these parameters and the farrowing duration of sows was analyzed. Additionally, the proportion of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (i.e., &gt;300 min) associated with different factors were evaluated. On average, TB, BA, SB, and MF were 13.9 ± 3.6, 12.4 ± 3.9, 5.7 %, and 5.8 %, respectively. The average farrowing duration was 228.9 ± 194.8 min, with 21.1 % of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (≥300 min). Dystocia occurred in 5.1 % of farrowings, and the average birth interval for each piglet was 18.7 ± 26.7 min. During the 7-day period before parturition, sows were exposed to an average barn temperature of 26.7 ± 1.9 °C, with daily minimum and maximum temperatures of 25.1 ± 2.2 °C and 29.9 ± 1.0 °C, respectively. The average barn humidity during the 7-day period before parturition was 80.2 ± 5.8 %, with values ranging from 62.1 % to 90.1 %. The farrowing duration of sows was positively correlated with average temperature (r = 0.044, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), maximum temperature (r = 0.051, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and minimum temperature (r = 0.057, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) during the 7-day period before farrowing. Moreover, every 10 % increase in relative humidity during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 21 min (farrowing duration = 61.0 + (2.1 × humidity), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Every 1 °C increase in the average temperature during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 4.3 min (farrowing duration = 113.49 + (4.3 × temperature), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, 21.1 % of sows in tropical climates experience prolonged farrowing durations. Elevated temperatures, humidity, and THI during the 7 days prior to farrowing or on the day of farrowing significantly extended farrowing durations and birth intervals in sows. These findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining temperature and humidity levels as close as possible to the optimal range for lactating sows (i.e., 12–22 °C), particularly in tropical regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549699","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":"Micro-nanoplastics pollution and mammalian fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Alessandro Marino Volsa ,&nbsp;Eleonora Iacono ,&nbsp;Barbara Merlo","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Micro</h3><div>and nanoplastics (MNPs) are fragments derived from physical, chemical, or biological degradation of plastic items. MNPs are one of the main sources of both marine and terrestrial plastic pollution. This study systematically and meta-analytically assesses the reproductive toxicity in mammals of key plastic components found in MNPs, focusing on polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PubMed, Medline, and CAB Abstracts databases were used to identify the relevant scientific papers, and 79 articles were selected for the systematic review. Six articles included two different species, and 19 papers contained both in vivo and in vitro studies, resulting in a total of 102 experiments being considered and analysed in the meta-analysis. Interest in the reproductive toxicity of MNPs in mammals has increased, peaking in the last two years. Five species (rat, mouse, bovine, pig, and human) have been studied, with most experiments carried out in vivo in mice, focusing on male fertility. The most studied plastic polymer is PS, and both micro- and nanoparticles were tested at single or multiple concentrations. Toxic effects are documented across various species, particle size, and polymer type. A pronounced concentration-dependent toxicity has been observed, particularly at high concentrations/doses of MNPs. There is a gap in research on food-producing animals, which are both relevant models for human health and potential vectors for MNPs into the human food supply chain. Overall, these findings emphasizpe the importance of continued research to elucidate the pathways and mechanisms through which MNPs impact mammalian reproductive health, ultimately advancing our understanding of how these pervasive pollutants interact with biological systems across diverse species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143529809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovarian superstimulation protocols modulate the morphological phenotypes in bovine oviduct","authors":"Patricia Kubo Fontes ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Marques Andrade ,&nbsp;Laura Chuba Machado Rolniche ,&nbsp;Lucas Thomas dos Santos Rocha ,&nbsp;Alessandra Martins da Costa ,&nbsp;Anthony César de Souza Castilho","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It has been shown that estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) have a significant influence on the alteration of morphological parameters in the oviduct of cattle. These morphological changes were demonstrated by comparing the effects of the different hormonal profiles between the hormonal phases of the estrous cycle or between the ipsi- and contralateral side of the preovulatory follicle/corpus luteum and even the size of the corpus luteum. In our previous study, we have shown that the ovarian superstimulation (OVS) protocol increases E2 levels in the bovine oviduct during the preovulatory phase. Therefore, we wanted to gain insight into the effects of OVS protocols on morphological parameters in the bovine oviduct. To this end, our study evaluated two OVS protocols, an FSH-only protocol and the FSH/eCG protocol, both of which were successfully standardized for Nelore cows (<em>Bos taurus</em> <em>indicus</em>). A third group was used as a control that was not superstimulated (synchronized estrus). The ampulla and isthmus segments of the oviduct were analyzed separately for morphometric analysis (hematoxylin and eosin staining – HE), quantification of total collagen (picrosirius red staining – PSR), analysis of fractal dimensions, and quantification of total mucin (staining with periodic acid-Schiffs/Alcian blue). Overall, both OVS protocols decreased mucosal height, epithelial area, and luminal area in the isthmus, while total collagen quantification increased. In contrast, cows subjected to the FSH/eCG protocol exhibited increased muscle layer area and mucosal height in the ampulla, while total collagen quantity decreased. Analysis of fractal dimensions showed that both OVS treatments increased cell organization in both isthmus and ampulla segments compared to the synchronized group when analyzing tissues stained with PSR. Finally, the FSH/eCG protocol increased the relative abundance of mucins in the isthmus and ampulla segments compared to the other groups. In conclusion, we have shown that cows subjected to OVS exhibit a different morphological phenotype in the bovine oviduct characterized by morphometric changes, collagen modulation, and histochemical alterations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117370"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143529810","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":"Effects of melatonin implants on uterine inflammation and ovarian progesterone receptor expression in female cats: A histopathological and molecular analysis","authors":"Damla Tuğçe Okur ,&nbsp;Selçuk Özdemir ,&nbsp;Şifanur Aydin ,&nbsp;Alper Yasin Çiplak ,&nbsp;İsmail Bolat ,&nbsp;Vefa Tohumcu ,&nbsp;Şeyma Aydin ,&nbsp;Ayşe Çinpolat ,&nbsp;Şaab Elban","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological and molecular effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants on the reproductive organs of female cats. Twenty cats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (Cont), which underwent ovariohysterectomy without prior treatment, and a melatonin-treated group (Mel), which received 18 mg melatonin implants subcutaneously in the interscapular region before ovariohysterectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of uterine tissues were performed, along with quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot to assess inflammatory markers and progesterone receptor expression. Histopathological findings revealed normal uterine structures in most control cats, with mild inflammation observed in a few cases. In contrast, melatonin-treated cats exhibited varying degrees of uterine inflammation, ranging from mild to severe. Immunohistochemical analysis showed elevated IL-1β expression in the treated group compared to controls. Molecular analysis revealed significant upregulation of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-kB, IFN-γ, ICAM-1, and iNOS in uterine tissues of the treated group (p &lt; 0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed increased IL-6, TNF-α, NF-kB, IFN-γ, and PGR protein expression in melatonin-treated cats, supporting inflammatory and hormonal alterations. Additionally, increased mRNA expression of progesterone receptor isoforms PR-A and PR-B was detected in ovarian tissues of melatonin-treated cats (p &lt; 0.05). The results indicate that while melatonin implants effectively suppress estrus in female cats, they may induce uterine inflammation and alter the hormonal and immune profiles of reproductive tissues. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term safety and mechanisms of melatonin's effects on reproductive health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117368"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549700","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":"Dynamics of macrophages and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the cervix of late pregnant cows","authors":"Kazuyuki Kanemaru ,&nbsp;Go Kitahara ,&nbsp;Takuto Hashiguchi ,&nbsp;Koichiro Hemmi ,&nbsp;Ikuo Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Takeshi Osawa","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical ripening is associated with M1 macrophages and inflammatory cytokines in mice and rats, but its mechanism in cattle is unclear. In this study, to elucidate some of the mechanisms of normal cervical maturation in cows, we examined the expressions of M1 macrophages and mRNA of interleukin (IL)-1α, 1β, 6, 8, and 10, as well as TNFα in cervical tissue and the mRNA expressions and protein concentrations of these cytokines in cervical mucus from late pregnancy to parturition. Forty-one Japanese Black cows were sampled at 200, 230, and 260 d of gestation and then at 7 d intervals until parturition to obtain cervical mucus and tissue samples. The collected tissues were fluorescently immunostained with anti-Iba-1 antibodies, and the macrophage infiltration was checked. Cervical mucus was mixed with PBS, the concentrations of the above cytokines in the supernatant after centrifugation were measured, and the concentration per protein weight was used as the measurement. Total RNA was extracted from the cervical tissue and mucus, and the mRNA expression of various cytokines was analyzed using real-time PCR. In cervical tissue, macrophages stained with anti-Iba-1 antibody were observed from five to six weeks before calving until the week of calving. There was also a trend toward a concurrent increase in the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, three weeks before calving (P &lt; 0.05). In cervical mucus, the concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα increased (P &lt; 0.05) zero to three weeks before calving compared to 12–14 weeks before calving. In addition, IL-1α mRNA increased three weeks before and during the week of parturition, and IL-8 mRNA increased three weeks before and two weeks after (P &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that cervical ripening in cows begins five to six weeks before calving when macrophages infiltrating cervical tissue may produce large amounts of IL-6, inflammatory cells infiltrate cervical mucus, and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα levels in the mucus increase toward calving.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dextran is an effective alternative to egg yolk and glycerol in feline epididymal sperm cryopreservation","authors":"Alessia Gloria,&nbsp;Luisa D'Amelio,&nbsp;Alberto Contri","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa is essential for conserving genetic material from endangered species of high-genetic value males suddenly die. The most effective extenders for cryopreservation contain glycerol and egg yolk as cryoprotective components, but variability in composition, contamination risks, and potential toxicity, make the need to find more effective and safe alternatives crucial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dextran as a substitute for egg yolk and glycerol in feline epididymal sperm cryopreservation. Spermatozoa collected from 24 domestic tomcats after routine orchiectomy were pooled in 8 samples. Seven TRIS-based extenders were tested on these pools, containing dextran (10,000 or 40,000 MW) with varying glycerol concentrations (0 %, 2.5 %, or 5 %), compared to a conventional TRIS extender (20 % egg yolk, 5 % glycerol). Pre- and post-cryopreservation assessments included sperm kinetics (CASA), flow cytometric sperm integrity and function, and hyaluronan-binding ability. Dextran 10,000 MW extenders resulted in similar (in glycerol-free formulation) or improved (with glycerol) sperm quality compared to the control, with higher post-thaw total and progressive motility and cell function (P &lt; 0.05). Dextran 40,000 MW did not result in a similar improvement. Dextran 10,000 MW is a promising alternative to egg yolk in feline sperm cryopreservation, reducing reliance on animal-derived components and glycerol. These findings support the development of safer, more standardised cryopreservation protocols, with potential applications in endangered felid conservation. Further studies are needed to refine dextran-based extenders for broader use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 156-165"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520132","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}