Pub Date : 2025-11-09DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108040
Haoxin Wang , Yun Feng , Xin Zhao , Penglei Shen , Deshun Shi , Fenghua Lu
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of mammalian follicle development. Our previous work showed that miR-23a expression was significantly higher in buffalo oocytes at metaphase II (MII) than at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, implying a role in oocyte maturation. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-23a in buffalo granulosa cells (GCs). GCs cultured in vitro were transfected with miR-23a mimics or inhibitor. The miR-23a mimic markedly increased apoptosis, reduced estradiol (E2) release, elevated progesterone (P4) secretion, and suppressed the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, whereas the inhibitor exerted the opposite effects. Dual-luciferase and rescue assays revealed that miR-23a directly targets CUG triplet repeat-binding protein 1 (CELF1). Overexpression of CELF1 reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of miR-23a, restored proliferation, normalized E2 and P4 production, and re-activated PI3K/AKT signaling. Thus, miR-23a targeted CELF1 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting apoptosis, suppressing proliferation and modulating steroidogenesis in buffalo GCs, thereby controlling follicular homeostasis.
{"title":"MiR-23a represses CELF1 to modulate buffalo granulosa cell apoptosis and steroidogenesis via the PI3K/AKT pathway","authors":"Haoxin Wang , Yun Feng , Xin Zhao , Penglei Shen , Deshun Shi , Fenghua Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of mammalian follicle development. Our previous work showed that miR-23a expression was significantly higher in buffalo oocytes at metaphase II (MII) than at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, implying a role in oocyte maturation. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of miR-23a in buffalo granulosa cells (GCs). GCs cultured in vitro were transfected with miR-23a mimics or inhibitor. The miR-23a mimic markedly increased apoptosis, reduced estradiol (E2) release, elevated progesterone (P4) secretion, and suppressed the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, whereas the inhibitor exerted the opposite effects. Dual-luciferase and rescue assays revealed that miR-23a directly targets CUG triplet repeat-binding protein 1 (<em>CELF1</em>). Overexpression of <em>CELF1</em> reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of miR-23a, restored proliferation, normalized E2 and P4 production, and re-activated PI3K/AKT signaling. Thus, miR-23a targeted <em>CELF1</em> to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting apoptosis, suppressing proliferation and modulating steroidogenesis in buffalo GCs, thereby controlling follicular homeostasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108040"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145547833","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 : 2025-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108039
Meiyun Lv , Xingrong Lu , Peng Qiu , Lei Wang , Yunchuan Zhang , Yanfei Deng , Deshun Shi , Chan Luo
Due to the limited in vitro culture duration, oocyte maturation efficiency in vitro is lower than in vivo. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of NAD+ and a cofactor of Sirtuin deacetylases, exhibits significant antioxidant activity. This study aims to evaluate whether NMN supplementation combined with prolonging maturation time enhances cytoplasmic maturation and improves porcine oocyte quality. The blastocyst rate increased significantly after parthenogenetic activation when maturation time was extended from 44 h to 47 h or 50 h, peaking at 47 h. Prolonged maturation improved mitochondrial function and cortical granule distribution but induced ROS accumulation and apoptosis. Notably, supplementation with 100 μM NMN reversed these negative effects, significantly increasing the total number of blastocyst cells, reducing ROS levels, and upregulating cytoplasmic quality-related gene expression. In conclusion, extending maturation to 47 h with 100 μM NMN supplementation enhances oocyte maturation and embryonic developmental potential in vitro. These findings suggest that NMN, a naturally occurring nucleotide in food, may improve oocyte quality and offer insights for optimizing in vitro culture techniques as well as treating oocyte quality-related infertility.
{"title":"Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplement combined with prolonging maturation time improves the quality of oocytes cultured in vitro","authors":"Meiyun Lv , Xingrong Lu , Peng Qiu , Lei Wang , Yunchuan Zhang , Yanfei Deng , Deshun Shi , Chan Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108039","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108039","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Due to the limited <em>in vitro</em> culture duration, oocyte maturation efficiency <em>in vitro</em> is lower than <em>in vivo</em>. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of NAD<sup>+</sup> and a cofactor of Sirtuin deacetylases, exhibits significant antioxidant activity. This study aims to evaluate whether NMN supplementation combined with prolonging maturation time enhances cytoplasmic maturation and improves porcine oocyte quality. The blastocyst rate increased significantly after parthenogenetic activation when maturation time was extended from 44 h to 47 h or 50 h, peaking at 47 h. Prolonged maturation improved mitochondrial function and cortical granule distribution but induced ROS accumulation and apoptosis. Notably, supplementation with 100 μM NMN reversed these negative effects, significantly increasing the total number of blastocyst cells, reducing ROS levels, and upregulating cytoplasmic quality-related gene expression. In conclusion, extending maturation to 47 h with 100 μM NMN supplementation enhances oocyte maturation and embryonic developmental potential <em>in vitro</em>. These findings suggest that NMN, a naturally occurring nucleotide in food, may improve oocyte quality and offer insights for optimizing <em>in vitro</em> culture techniques as well as treating oocyte quality-related infertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108039"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527086","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 : 2025-11-06DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108028
Jie Wang , Guangling Hu , Qingwu Shi , Zhijun Luo , Zhenqing Yang , Caizai Zhang , Yiyu Zhang , Xiaoli Shi , Zheng Ao
The survival of early embryos during the first trimester is closely associated with sow reproductive performance. Embryo development and implantation in this period are accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. Gallnut tannic acid (GTA) has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on sow reproductive performance remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary GTA supplementation during early gestation (days 7–30) on sow reproductive performance, gut microbiota, and underlying mechanisms. A total of 100 sows (Landrace × Large White) were allocated to four groups (n = 25 per group): a basal control diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.05 % (I), 0.1 % (II), or 0.2 % (III) GTA. GTA supplementation tended to increase average litter size (P = 0.068), with the 0.1 % group (II) achieving the highest value (17.05 piglets per litter). GTA enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity by increasing serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA). It also significantly reduced serum IL-6 concentrations levels (P < 0.05). In vitro, 6 μM tannic acid (TA) promoted trophoblast cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of implantation-related genes (PLET1, SPP1), antioxidant activity (CAT, CuZnSOD, MnSOD), an angiogenesis marker (VEGFR1), and the proliferation marker PCNA, while modulating inflammatory gene expression in porcine trophoblast (pTr2) cells (P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed dose-dependent alterations, with the 0.2 % GTA group (III) showing the most pronounced compositional shifts at both phylum and family levels. In conclusion, dietary GTA supplementation during early gestation may improve sow reproductive performance by enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating inflammatory homeostasis, and upregulating implantation-related gene expression. The optimal dietary level appears to be approximately 0.1 % GTA.
{"title":"Effects of dietary supplementation with gallnut tannic acid in early pregnancy on reproductive performance and gut microbiota of sows","authors":"Jie Wang , Guangling Hu , Qingwu Shi , Zhijun Luo , Zhenqing Yang , Caizai Zhang , Yiyu Zhang , Xiaoli Shi , Zheng Ao","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The survival of early embryos during the first trimester is closely associated with sow reproductive performance. Embryo development and implantation in this period are accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. Gallnut tannic acid (GTA) has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on sow reproductive performance remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary GTA supplementation during early gestation (days 7–30) on sow reproductive performance, gut microbiota, and underlying mechanisms. A total of 100 sows (Landrace × Large White) were allocated to four groups (n = 25 per group): a basal control diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.05 % (I), 0.1 % (II), or 0.2 % (III) GTA. GTA supplementation tended to increase average litter size (<em>P</em> = 0.068), with the 0.1 % group (II) achieving the highest value (17.05 piglets per litter). GTA enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity by increasing serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA). It also significantly reduced serum IL-6 concentrations levels (<em>P</em> < 0.05). <em>In vitro</em>, 6 μM tannic acid (TA) promoted trophoblast cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of implantation-related genes (<em>PLET1</em>, <em>SPP1</em>), antioxidant activity (<em>CAT</em>, <em>CuZnSOD</em>, <em>MnSOD</em>), an angiogenesis marker (<em>VEGFR1</em>), and the proliferation marker <em>PCNA</em>, while modulating inflammatory gene expression in porcine trophoblast (pTr2) cells <em>(P</em> < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed dose-dependent alterations, with the 0.2 % GTA group (III) showing the most pronounced compositional shifts at both phylum and family levels. In conclusion, dietary GTA supplementation during early gestation may improve sow reproductive performance by enhancing antioxidant capacity, regulating inflammatory homeostasis, and upregulating implantation-related gene expression. The optimal dietary level appears to be approximately 0.1 % GTA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108028"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145475107","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 : 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108029
Emanoel da S. Félix, José R.V. Silva
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network of proteins and biomolecules that performs essential structural and signaling functions in mammalian ovarian physiology. In addition to modulating processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, the ECM is actively involved in regulating tissue stiffness, a physical property directly involved in follicle activation and development. Among its components, collagen fibrils stand out as determinants in maintaining ovarian architecture and remodeling the follicular microenvironment throughout folliculogenesis. Evidence from in vivo and in vitro models shows that changes in the composition, organization, and distribution of collagen fibrils, particularly types I, III, IV, and VI, influence the transition from primordial follicles to growth stages and are involved in the intense remodeling that occurs during ovulation and reproductive senescence. In this review, we discuss the central role of collagen fibrils in regulating ovarian cortex stiffness and its relationship to follicular growth, highlighting cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with ECM remodeling in different species and physiological contexts.
{"title":"Characteristics of collagen in ovarian extracellular matrix and its relationship with the development of primordial follicles up to ovulation","authors":"Emanoel da S. Félix, José R.V. Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic network of proteins and biomolecules that performs essential structural and signaling functions in mammalian ovarian physiology. In addition to modulating processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, the ECM is actively involved in regulating tissue stiffness, a physical property directly involved in follicle activation and development. Among its components, collagen fibrils stand out as determinants in maintaining ovarian architecture and remodeling the follicular microenvironment throughout folliculogenesis. Evidence from in vivo and in vitro models shows that changes in the composition, organization, and distribution of collagen fibrils, particularly types I, III, IV, and VI, influence the transition from primordial follicles to growth stages and are involved in the intense remodeling that occurs during ovulation and reproductive senescence. In this review, we discuss the central role of collagen fibrils in regulating ovarian cortex stiffness and its relationship to follicular growth, highlighting cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with ECM remodeling in different species and physiological contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108029"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145450609","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 : 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108030
Shiyan Liu , Jinmeng Teng , Suhan Peng , Shuang Liu , Jiaqi Lin , Long Chen , Ju Hu , Haoran Lin , Caiyun Sun , Shuisheng Li , Songlin Chen , Chong Han , Yong Zhang
This study aimed to develop and evaluate an effective protocol for producing all-female populations of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) through levonorgestrel (LNG)-induced sex reversal of genetic females. During the critical sex differentiation window (15–60 days post hatching), administration of 100 mg/kg LNG through prey-mediated delivery induced 100 % sex reversal of genetic females into functional neo-males, as confirmed by histological and molecular analyses. The neo-males exhibited normal testicular development, complete spermatogenesis, and reproductive competence comparable to XY males. In vivo gene expression analysis revealed that the masculinized state induced by LNG was characterized by the significant upregulation of male-biased genes (dmrt1, gsdf, amh, sox9, and arβ) and the suppression of female-biased genes (foxl2 and cyp19a1a). Furthermore, our in vitro results suggested that LNG could act directly on ovarian cells to induce a similar molecular shift, also modulating reproductive regulation-related genes (fshr and lhr). Crossbreeding experiments demonstrated that the all-female progeny derived from LNG-induced neo-males showed 21 % greater growth performance by 240 dph compared to mixed-sex populations. These findings establish a highly efficient and practical protocol for the production of all-female mandarin fish, demonstrating a valuable application of reproductive technology to enhance aquaculture productivity.
{"title":"Levonorgestrel-induced sex reversal in mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi): An effective protocol for all-female production and its aquaculture applications","authors":"Shiyan Liu , Jinmeng Teng , Suhan Peng , Shuang Liu , Jiaqi Lin , Long Chen , Ju Hu , Haoran Lin , Caiyun Sun , Shuisheng Li , Songlin Chen , Chong Han , Yong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to develop and evaluate an effective protocol for producing all-female populations of mandarin fish (<em>Siniperca chuatsi</em>) through levonorgestrel (LNG)-induced sex reversal of genetic females. During the critical sex differentiation window (15–60 days post hatching), administration of 100 mg/kg LNG through prey-mediated delivery induced 100 % sex reversal of genetic females into functional neo-males, as confirmed by histological and molecular analyses. The neo-males exhibited normal testicular development, complete spermatogenesis, and reproductive competence comparable to XY males. <em>In vivo</em> gene expression analysis revealed that the masculinized state induced by LNG was characterized by the significant upregulation of male-biased genes (<em>dmrt1</em>, <em>gsdf</em>, <em>amh</em>, <em>sox9</em>, and <em>arβ</em>) and the suppression of female-biased genes (<em>foxl2</em> and <em>cyp19a1a</em>). Furthermore, our <em>in vitro</em> results suggested that LNG could act directly on ovarian cells to induce a similar molecular shift, also modulating reproductive regulation-related genes (<em>fshr</em> and <em>lhr</em>). Crossbreeding experiments demonstrated that the all-female progeny derived from LNG-induced neo-males showed 21 % greater growth performance by 240 dph compared to mixed-sex populations. These findings establish a highly efficient and practical protocol for the production of all-female mandarin fish, demonstrating a valuable application of reproductive technology to enhance aquaculture productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108030"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145450553","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 : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108027
Alexander Ciji , Md. Shahbaz Akhtar , Biju Sam Kamalam , Manchi Rajesh , Prakash Sharma
The effects of a tailored broodstock diet (containing certain amino acids, vitamins, fish oil, immunostimulant and pigment) on golden mahseer (Tor putitora) reproductive efficiency, gamete quality, and offspring fitness were investigated. For that, triplicate groups of golden mahseer adults (female: 0.8–1.3 kg, n = 6; male: 0.5–1.1 kg, n = 3) were fed with either of two diets - control and test diet. Broodstocks fed the test diet showed improved reproductive outcomes, such as a marginal increase in fecundity and a significantly greater fertilization rate, in comparison to control diet. The incubation period and hatching were unaffected by the broodstock diet; however, eggs from test diet-fed broodstocks had a shorter hatching window. Survival of larvae from these broodstocks was significantly higher. Egg quality assessment showed that broodstocks fed test diet produced significantly larger eggs with higher carotenoid content. Male broodfish fed the test diet showed significant improvement in milt quality parameters, viz. milt volume, sperm count, spermatocrit, and sperm viability, with decreased sperm abnormalities. Although there were no significant changes in seminal plasma protein, glucose, or triglyceride levels, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the test diet group. In females that were fed the test diet, plasma 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin were significantly elevated. At 75 days after hatching, larvae from broodstocks fed with the test diet showed improved growth and survival and elevated critical thermal maximum. These results underscore the promising benefits of tailored broodstock nutrition in enhancing reproductive success and offspring performance in golden mahseer.
研究了量身定制的饲粮（含特定氨基酸、维生素、鱼油、免疫刺激剂和色素）对金马尾（Tor putitora）繁殖效率、配子质量和后代适合度的影响。为此，对3个重复组成年金马虎（雌性：0.8 ~ 1.3 kg, n = 6；雄性：0.5 ~ 1.1 kg, n = 3）分别饲喂对照饲粮和试验饲粮中的任意一种。与对照饲料相比，饲喂试验饲料的亲鱼表现出更好的生殖结果，如生殖力略有增加，受精率显著提高。孵育期和孵化不受饵料的影响；然而，试验用饲料喂养的种鱼的蛋有一个较短的孵化窗口。这些亲鱼的幼虫存活率明显较高。蛋品质评价表明，饲喂试验日粮的亲鱼产蛋体积较大，类胡萝卜素含量较高。饲喂试验饲料的雄性亲鱼在精子质量参数，即精子体积、精子数量、精子比数和精子活力方面有显著改善，精子异常减少。虽然试验饮食组的精浆蛋白、葡萄糖或甘油三酯水平没有显著变化，但总抗氧化能力显著提高，硫代巴比妥酸活性物质（TBARS）较低。在饲喂试验饲料的雌性中，血浆17β-雌二醇和卵黄蛋白原显著升高。在孵化后75 d，饲喂试验饲料的亲鱼的幼虫生长和存活率均有所提高，临界热最大值也有所提高。这些结果强调了量身定制的亲鱼营养在提高金马的繁殖成功率和后代性能方面的前景。
{"title":"Tailored broodstock diet fortified with functional nutrients enhances reproductive efficiency and larval quality traits of Tor putitora, an endangered cyprinid","authors":"Alexander Ciji , Md. Shahbaz Akhtar , Biju Sam Kamalam , Manchi Rajesh , Prakash Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effects of a tailored broodstock diet (containing certain amino acids, vitamins, fish oil, immunostimulant and pigment) on golden mahseer (<em>Tor putitora</em>) reproductive efficiency, gamete quality, and offspring fitness were investigated. For that, triplicate groups of golden mahseer adults (female: 0.8–1.3 kg, <em>n</em> = 6; male: 0.5–1.1 kg, <em>n</em> = 3) were fed with either of two diets - control and test diet. Broodstocks fed the test diet showed improved reproductive outcomes, such as a marginal increase in fecundity and a significantly greater fertilization rate, in comparison to control diet. The incubation period and hatching were unaffected by the broodstock diet; however, eggs from test diet-fed broodstocks had a shorter hatching window. Survival of larvae from these broodstocks was significantly higher. Egg quality assessment showed that broodstocks fed test diet produced significantly larger eggs with higher carotenoid content. Male broodfish fed the test diet showed significant improvement in milt quality parameters, <em>viz.</em> milt volume, sperm count, spermatocrit, and sperm viability, with decreased sperm abnormalities. Although there were no significant changes in seminal plasma protein, glucose, or triglyceride levels, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower in the test diet group. In females that were fed the test diet, plasma 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin were significantly elevated. At 75 days after hatching, larvae from broodstocks fed with the test diet showed improved growth and survival and elevated critical thermal maximum. These results underscore the promising benefits of tailored broodstock nutrition in enhancing reproductive success and offspring performance in golden mahseer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108027"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145457536","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 : 2025-10-25DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108026
Xi Huang, Zhangshan Gao, Peichao Gao, Helong Ji, Laizhi Xu, Dengfei Feng, Wentao Fan, Suquan Song
Stress is a well-established disruptor of reproductive function in poultry. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a notable postbiotic derived from Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), has attracted increasing attention as a dietary supplement. While existing research predominantly focuses on GABA applications in broilers and other species, its effects on laying hens remain underexplored. This study investigated whether GABA and L. plantarum 1–2–3 supplementation mitigated corticosterone (CORT)-induced chronic stress in laying hens. Results demonstrated that both GABA and L. plantarum 1–2–3 effectively mitigated CORT-induced declines in laying performance and ovarian damage. They reduced ovarian oxidative stress, inflammation, and atretic follicles by enhancing antioxidant capacity and normalizing expression of inflammatory factors (IL18, LITAF, IL6, IL1B), and apoptosis-related factors (BCL2, BAX, CASP9, CASP3). Furthermore, GABA and L. plantarum 1–2–3 markedly increased the serum reproductive hormone levels, as well as the transcription level of ovarian steroidogenic genes (LHCGR, FSHR, StAR, CYP11A1), while modulated ovarian cholesterol metabolism via PPARα-mediated pathways. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which GABA and L. plantarum 1–2–3 alleviate stress in laying hens, providing a theoretical and practical basis for their use as functional feed additives in stress-exposed flocks.
应激是家禽生殖功能的一个公认的干扰因素。γ -氨基丁酸（GABA）是植物乳杆菌（L. plantarum）中提取的一种重要的后生物，作为一种膳食补充剂越来越受到人们的关注。虽然现有的研究主要集中在GABA在肉鸡和其他物种中的应用，但其对蛋鸡的影响仍未得到充分探讨。本研究旨在探讨添加GABA和植物乳杆菌1-2-3是否能减轻蛋鸡皮质酮（CORT）诱导的慢性应激。结果表明，GABA和植物乳草1-2-3均能有效缓解cort诱导的产蛋率下降和卵巢损伤。它们通过增强抗氧化能力和使炎症因子（IL18、LITAF、IL6、IL1B）和凋亡相关因子（BCL2、BAX、CASP9、CASP3）的表达正常化，降低卵巢氧化应激、炎症和闭锁卵泡。此外，GABA和L. plantarum 1-2-3显著提高了血清生殖激素水平和卵巢甾体生成基因（LHCGR、FSHR、StAR、CYP11A1）的转录水平，并通过ppar α介导的途径调节卵巢胆固醇代谢。这些研究结果阐明了GABA和植物乳杆菌1-2-3缓解应激的机制，为其作为应激暴露鸡群的功能性饲料添加剂提供了理论和实践依据。
{"title":"Postbiotic GABA and Lactobacillus plantarum 1–2-3 alleviate stress-induced ovarian dysfunction and improve reproductive performance in laying hens through multi-mechanistic pathways","authors":"Xi Huang, Zhangshan Gao, Peichao Gao, Helong Ji, Laizhi Xu, Dengfei Feng, Wentao Fan, Suquan Song","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stress is a well-established disruptor of reproductive function in poultry. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a notable postbiotic derived from <em>Lactobacillus plantarum</em> (<em>L. plantarum</em>), has attracted increasing attention as a dietary supplement. While existing research predominantly focuses on GABA applications in broilers and other species, its effects on laying hens remain underexplored. This study investigated whether GABA and <em>L. plantarum</em> 1–2–3 supplementation mitigated corticosterone (CORT)-induced chronic stress in laying hens. Results demonstrated that both GABA and <em>L. plantarum</em> 1–2–3 effectively mitigated CORT-induced declines in laying performance and ovarian damage. They reduced ovarian oxidative stress, inflammation, and atretic follicles by enhancing antioxidant capacity and normalizing expression of inflammatory factors (<em>IL18</em>, <em>LITAF</em>, <em>IL6</em>, <em>IL1B)</em>, and apoptosis-related factors (<em>BCL2</em>, <em>BAX</em>, <em>CASP9</em>, <em>CASP3</em>). Furthermore, GABA and <em>L. plantarum</em> 1–2–3 markedly increased the serum reproductive hormone levels, as well as the transcription level of ovarian steroidogenic genes (<em>LHCGR, FSHR, StAR, CYP11A1</em>), while modulated ovarian cholesterol metabolism via PPARα-mediated pathways. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which GABA and <em>L. plantarum</em> 1–2–3 alleviate stress in laying hens, providing a theoretical and practical basis for their use as functional feed additives in stress-exposed flocks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108026"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145384511","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 : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108025
Heloisa M. Rutigliano , Amber E. Thornton , Kira P. Morgado , John R. Stevens , Irina A. Polejaeva , Christopher J. Davies
This study aimed to determine whether trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) alter the gene expression and secretion profiles of inflammatory mediators in circulating leukocyte populations. Circulating leukocyte populations (CD14+, CD4+CD25-, CD4+CD25+, CD8+, and TCR-γδ+ cells) were exposed to either isolated bovine trophoblast-derived EVs (tEV), EV-free trophoblast cell culture supernatant (nEV), or whole trophoblast culture supernatant (wSP) and their transcription level and secretion of immune mediators was assessed. Extracellular vesicle concentrations measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis in the nEV, tEV, and wSP treatments were 1.78 × 10⁸, 9.81 × 10⁸, and 3.22 × 10⁸ particles/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence and morphology of EVs, which ranged in diameter from 25 to 308 nm, with most particles falling between 72 and 134 nm. Trophoblast-derived EVs significantly altered gene expression in multiple immune cell populations, including CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells, CD4⁺CD25⁻ resting T helper cells, and CD4⁺CD25⁺ activated T helper cells. In CD8⁺ cells, tEVs upregulated IL13 and showed trends toward increased FOXP3 and IL23 expression. CD4⁺CD25⁻ cells treated with tEVs exhibited increased IL6 and trends toward reduced IL1B and IL13, while CD4⁺CD25⁺ cells showed elevated CXCL8 and tendencies for higher IL10, IFNG, and TNFA expression. No significant changes in gene expression were observed in TCR-γ/δ⁺ cells across treatments. Trophoblast-derived EVs decreased the secretion of CCL4 and NCAM1. Trophoblast-derived EVs contain miRNAs and proteins involved in many biological processes including cell proliferation, stem cell biology, cell migration, and immune response. Among proteins were the EV markers and trophoblast markers.
{"title":"Bovine trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles modulate the gene expression profile of peripheral leukocytes","authors":"Heloisa M. Rutigliano , Amber E. Thornton , Kira P. Morgado , John R. Stevens , Irina A. Polejaeva , Christopher J. Davies","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to determine whether trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) alter the gene expression and secretion profiles of inflammatory mediators in circulating leukocyte populations. Circulating leukocyte populations (CD14<sup>+</sup>, CD4<sup>+</sup>CD25<sup>-</sup>, CD4<sup>+</sup>CD25<sup>+</sup>, CD8<sup>+</sup>, and TCR-γδ<sup>+</sup> cells) were exposed to either isolated bovine trophoblast-derived EVs (tEV), EV-free trophoblast cell culture supernatant (nEV), or whole trophoblast culture supernatant (wSP) and their transcription level and secretion of immune mediators was assessed. Extracellular vesicle concentrations measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis in the nEV, tEV, and wSP treatments were 1.78 × 10⁸, 9.81 × 10⁸, and 3.22 × 10⁸ particles/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence and morphology of EVs, which ranged in diameter from 25 to 308 nm, with most particles falling between 72 and 134 nm. Trophoblast-derived EVs significantly altered gene expression in multiple immune cell populations, including CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells, CD4⁺CD25⁻ resting T helper cells, and CD4⁺CD25⁺ activated T helper cells. In CD8⁺ cells, tEVs upregulated <em>IL13</em> and showed trends toward increased <em>FOXP3</em> and <em>IL23</em> expression. CD4⁺CD25⁻ cells treated with tEVs exhibited increased <em>IL6</em> and trends toward reduced <em>IL1B</em> and <em>IL13</em>, while CD4⁺CD25⁺ cells showed elevated <em>CXCL8</em> and tendencies for higher <em>IL10, IFNG</em>, and <em>TNFA</em> expression. No significant changes in gene expression were observed in TCR-γ/δ⁺ cells across treatments. Trophoblast-derived EVs decreased the secretion of CCL4 and NCAM1. Trophoblast-derived EVs contain miRNAs and proteins involved in many biological processes including cell proliferation, stem cell biology, cell migration, and immune response. Among proteins were the EV markers and trophoblast markers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108025"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145384565","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 : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108019
Fuzhou Liu , Yourong Ye , Yufan Gao , Haiyang Li , Lv Luo , Hongliang Zhang , Yangzom Chamba , Peng Shang
As an indigenous poultry genetic resource, Tibetan chickens (TC) demonstrate notable germplasm characteristics: nutritionally enriched eggs, and distinctive ornamental traits. These attributes position TC as a valuable candidate for conservation and selective breeding. Nevertheless, their suboptimal growth performance and low reproductive efficiency have restricted the broader application of this genetic resource. To date, few studies have explored the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive function in TC ovarian tissues. In this study, we conducted a 30-day monitoring of egg production rates in TC and Romaine chickens (RC). During the peak laying period, we measured the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (P4). Additionally, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) on ovarian tissues collected from three TC and RC specimens to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network associated with the reproductive performance of TC. RC hens showed a higher egg-laying rate (P < 0.001) and higher expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone (P < 0.01) than TC hens. Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed substantial differences in gene expression profiles, identifying 2314 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 532 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 148 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between the two groups. Based on these findings, ceRNA network was constructed. In summary, the mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs identified in the ceRNA network constructed in this study may play critical roles in regulating follicular development and hormone secretion in TC. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying TC reproductive performance.
{"title":"Establishing a ceRNA regulatory network for reproductive performance in Tibetan chickens via whole transcriptome sequencing","authors":"Fuzhou Liu , Yourong Ye , Yufan Gao , Haiyang Li , Lv Luo , Hongliang Zhang , Yangzom Chamba , Peng Shang","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As an indigenous poultry genetic resource, Tibetan chickens (TC) demonstrate notable germplasm characteristics: nutritionally enriched eggs, and distinctive ornamental traits. These attributes position TC as a valuable candidate for conservation and selective breeding. Nevertheless, their suboptimal growth performance and low reproductive efficiency have restricted the broader application of this genetic resource. To date, few studies have explored the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive function in TC ovarian tissues. In this study, we conducted a 30-day monitoring of egg production rates in TC and Romaine chickens (RC). During the peak laying period, we measured the expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (P4). Additionally, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) on ovarian tissues collected from three TC and RC specimens to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network associated with the reproductive performance of TC. RC hens showed a higher egg-laying rate (<em>P</em> < 0.001) and higher expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone (<em>P</em> < 0.01) than TC hens. Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed substantial differences in gene expression profiles, identifying 2314 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 532 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 148 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between the two groups. Based on these findings, ceRNA network was constructed. In summary, the mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs identified in the ceRNA network constructed in this study may play critical roles in regulating follicular development and hormone secretion in TC. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying TC reproductive performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 108019"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145425731","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 : 2025-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108024
Anna Lavecchia , Caterina De Virgilio , Caterina Manzari , Claudio Lo Giudice , Chrysovalentinos Pousis , Rosa Zupa , Constantinos C. Mylonas , Ernesto Picardi , Gianluca Ventriglia , Graziano Pesole , Aldo Corriero
The greater amberjack Seriola dumerili is a promising aquaculture species in the Mediterranean Sea. However, first generation (F1) hatchery-produced individuals exhibit reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks or in cages. As part of a broader investigation into the impacts of captivity, we compared the pituitary transcriptomes of wild and F1 greater amberjack during spermatogenesis. Wild males (WILD group, n = 4) displayed normal testicular development; among F1 males, some had normal testicular development (NormalF, n = 4), while others showed spermatogenesis impairment (DysF, n = 2). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 301 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the DysF vs. WILD comparison and 376 DEGs in the NormalF vs. WILD comparison, while no DEGs were detected between DysF and NormalF. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified regulatory networks involving 246 proteins across eleven functional categories in DysF vs. WILD, and 382 proteins across 10 categories in NormalF vs. WILD. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed DEGs enriched in 62 (DysF vs. WILD) and 84 (NormalF vs. WILD) pathways. Notably, several dysregulated pathways common to all F1 males are associated with reproductive functions, as well as nucleotide metabolism, calcium signaling, MAPK and mTOR signaling, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and ErbB signaling pathways. Among the DEGs, some genes were linked to GnRH neuron migration, panhypopituitarism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These findings suggest that reproductive dysfunctions in F1 male greater amberjack may involve a suppression of pituitary activity mediated by dysregulation of the opioid, endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems.
大琥珀是地中海一种很有发展前途的水产养殖品种。然而，第一代（F1）孵化场生产的个体在水箱或笼子中饲养时表现出生殖功能障碍。作为对圈养影响的更广泛调查的一部分，我们比较了野生和F1大琥珀在精子发生过程中的垂体转录组。野生雄性（Wild组，n = 4）睾丸发育正常；在F1雄性中，有的睾丸发育正常（NormalF, n = 4），有的出现精子发生障碍（DysF, n = 2）。转录组学分析显示，DysF与WILD比较有301个差异表达基因（DEGs）， NormalF与WILD比较有376个差异表达基因（DEGs），而DysF与NormalF之间没有差异表达基因（DEGs）。蛋白蛋白相互作用（PPI）分析确定了DysF与WILD中涉及11个功能类别的246个蛋白的调控网络，以及NormalF与WILD中涉及10个类别的382个蛋白的调控网络。京都基因与基因组百科全书（KEGG）分析显示，基因在62条（DysF vs. WILD）和84条（NormalF vs. WILD）通路中富集。值得注意的是，所有F1雄性共有的几种失调通路与生殖功能、核苷酸代谢、钙信号、MAPK和mTOR信号、神经活性配体-受体相互作用、促性腺激素释放激素（GnRH）和ErbB信号通路有关。在deg中，一些基因与GnRH神经元迁移、全垂体功能低下和促性腺功能低下有关。这些发现表明，F1雄性大琥珀的生殖功能障碍可能与阿片、内源性大麻素和多巴胺能系统失调介导的垂体活性抑制有关。
{"title":"Differential pituitary mRNA expression in wild and hatchery-produced greater amberjack Seriola dumerili exhibiting normal and impaired spermatogenesis","authors":"Anna Lavecchia , Caterina De Virgilio , Caterina Manzari , Claudio Lo Giudice , Chrysovalentinos Pousis , Rosa Zupa , Constantinos C. Mylonas , Ernesto Picardi , Gianluca Ventriglia , Graziano Pesole , Aldo Corriero","doi":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The greater amberjack <em>Seriola dumerili</em> is a promising aquaculture species in the Mediterranean Sea. However, first generation (F1) hatchery-produced individuals exhibit reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks or in cages. As part of a broader investigation into the impacts of captivity, we compared the pituitary transcriptomes of wild and F1 greater amberjack during spermatogenesis. Wild males (WILD group, n = 4) displayed normal testicular development; among F1 males, some had normal testicular development (NormalF, n = 4), while others showed spermatogenesis impairment (DysF, n = 2). Transcriptomic analysis revealed 301 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the DysF vs. WILD comparison and 376 DEGs in the NormalF vs. WILD comparison, while no DEGs were detected between DysF and NormalF. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified regulatory networks involving 246 proteins across eleven functional categories in DysF vs. WILD, and 382 proteins across 10 categories in NormalF vs. WILD. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed DEGs enriched in 62 (DysF vs. WILD) and 84 (NormalF vs. WILD) pathways. Notably, several dysregulated pathways common to all F1 males are associated with reproductive functions, as well as nucleotide metabolism, calcium signaling, MAPK and mTOR signaling, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and ErbB signaling pathways. Among the DEGs, some genes were linked to GnRH neuron migration, panhypopituitarism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These findings suggest that reproductive dysfunctions in F1 male greater amberjack may involve a suppression of pituitary activity mediated by dysregulation of the opioid, endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7880,"journal":{"name":"Animal Reproduction Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 108024"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145359011","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}
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