Animal Reproduction最新文献

The current investigation aimed to explore the effects of Myrciaria dubia liquid extract (MDLE) as the primary component of an extender for breeder rooster semen over different periods at room temperature. Fifteen breeder roosters (40 weeks of age, average body weight of 2.05±0.12) with confirmed fertility were used. Employing a factorial design (3x4), the treatments consisted of semen in natura and two semen extenders (an experimental based on MDLE and a commercial) subjected to four periods at room temperature post-collection (5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes) with four replicates (tubes) each. All variables evaluated in this study yielding significant results (p<0.05). Analyzed individually, the experimental extender based on MDLE exhibited a linear reduction (p<0.05) in motility and vigor results, while it caused an increase in pH values and percentages of sperm defects evaluated. When compared with semen in natura and commercial extender, the efficiency of MDLE as a semen extender was inferior to that observed with the commercial extender and similar to the results observed with semen in natura. Nonetheless, the experimental extender based on MDLE yielded satisfactory results for up to 15 minutes of storage time. In conclusion, MDLE can be considered as an alternative for composing a roosters' semen extender, maintaining sperm characteristics within acceptable limits for up to 15 minutes at room temperature. However, this experimental extender demonstrated lower efficiency than the commercial extender in maintaining the sperm quality at room temperature across all periods tested.

PICK1 plays a crucial role in mammalian spermatogenesis. Here, we integrated single-molecule long-read and short-read sequencing to comprehensively examine PICK1 expression patterns in adult Baoshan pig (BS) testes. We identified the most important transcript ENSSSCT00000000120 of PICK1, obtaining its full-length coding sequence (CDS) spanning 1254 bp. Gene structure analysis located PICK1 on pig chromosome 5 with 14 exons. Protein structure analysis reflected that PICK1 consisted of 417 amino acids containing two conserved domains, PDZ and BAR_PICK1. Phylogenetic analysis underscored the evolutionary conservation and homology of PICK1 across different mammalian species. Evaluation of protein interaction network, KEGG, and GO pathways implied that interacted with 50 proteins, predominantly involved in glutamatergic synapses, amphetamine addiction, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, dopaminergic synapses, and synaptic vesicle recycling, and PICK1 exhibited significant correlation with DLG4 and TBC1D20. Functional annotation identified that PICK1 was involved in 9 GOs, including seven cellular components and two molecular functions. ceRNA network analysis suggested BS PICK1 was regulated by seven miRNA targets. Moreover, qPCR expression analysis across 15 tissues highlighted that PICK1 was highly expressed in the bulbourethral gland and testis. Subcellular localization analysis in ST (Swine Tesits) cells demonstrated that PICK1 significantly localized within the cytoplasm. Overall, our findings shed new light on PICK1's role in BS reproduction, providing a foundation for further functional studies of PICK1.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a novel Inhibin (INH) DNA vaccine (C500/pVAX-asd-IS) on the immune response, reproductive hormone levels, and spermatogenesis of rats. Forty healthy male rats were divided into four groups, and respectively immunized (thrice, 14 d apart) with 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, and 1×10¹⁰ CFU of the recombinant inhibin vaccine (group C500/pVAX-asd-IS-L, C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M, and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H) or 1×10¹⁰ CFU C500. P/N values increased after vaccination and differed (p <0.05) at 7 d, and sharply increased at 14 d following the booster vaccination (p <0.01); The weight and volume of testes in C500/pVAX-asd-IS groups were increased (p < 0.05) at decapitation, respectively; Histological evaluation showed that the number of spermatogenic cells in the lumen was increased, and the cytoplasmic remnants of sperms were allergy increased significantly compared with the control group. Oral vaccination with INH DNA reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of INH B, enhanced serum concentrations of testosterone (T) and FSH. Furthermore, mRNA expressions of VIM and SMAD4 in the testes were increased in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M and C500/pVAX-asd-IS-H groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The mRNA amount of INHβ-B in C500/pVAX-asd-IS-M group was greater than control group (p < 0.05).These results suggested that neutralization of endogenous INH through oral vaccination with INH DNA delivered by C500 strain successfully elicited a humoral immune response. INH gene immunization may have a positive effect on spermatogenesis and reproductive efficiency in male rats.

This brief review delves into the topic of in vitro follicle culture for in vitro embryo production, with a particular emphasis on goat models. Specifically, we examine the main findings from LAMOFOPA-Brazil over the last 20 years, highlighting the challenges posed by oxidative stress and epigenetic changes. Our focus is on strategies to improve follicular development and oocyte maturation. Furthermore, we underscore the valuable role of the antioxidant anethole in optimizing the efficacy of in vitro follicle culture and improving outcomes in in vitro embryo production.

The productivity of the beef and dairy industries depends directly on the reproductive efficiency and genetic gain of the herd, which are directly associated with the appropriate use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). The objective of this review is to show from a Brazilian perspective the evolution over the last 40 years of ARTs related to ovulation resynchronization programs and embryo transfer in cattle. Despite significant improvements and high fertility obtained in timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols (Sales et al., 2024 - Part I), the improvement of the use of in vitro-produced embryos, development of resynchronization programs, and the advance in Doppler ultrasonography (Doppler-US) for reproductive assessments of bovine females were the ARTs that presented the greatest relevance on reproductive effectiveness in cattle. In the last seven years, the embryo transfer (ET) technology using in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos took over the conventional ET of in vivo produced embryos after donor's superovulation. Also, procedures and pregnancy rates after ET of IVP embryos were improved in dairy and beef operations. The Doppler-US allows the identification of non-pregnant females at an early stage based on the evaluation of blood perfusion of the corpus luteum. Recent studies in beef and dairy cows indicate satisfactory accuracy when Doppler-US is used at 20-22 days after TAI. Consequently, super-early resynchronization programs have been developed and are being implemented in commercial programs, thereby facilitating earlier conception through the use of semen from superior bulls, providing genetic and economic improvements in herds. Likewise, the assessment of luteal function by Doppler-US allows the selection of embryo recipients with greater receptivity, and consequently may increase the effectiveness of timed ET programs.

This study evaluated two surgical sterilization techniques in free-ranging female capybaras (n = 21). The first group underwent uterine horn ligature (HL; n = 11), while the second was subjected to partial salpingectomy (S; n = 10). We assessed total operative time, incision length, the ease of identifying reproductive structures, the adequacy of exposure for surgical performance through flank or midline approaches, and the extent of abdominal viscera manipulation for each method. The HL method emerged as faster, with an average operative time difference of 16 minutes. In the S group, a flank mini-laparotomy over the ovarian topography facilitated easy exposure of the ipsilateral ovary and uterine tube, enabling ligature and partial resection of the uterine tube but not the uterine horn exposure. However, accessing the contralateral uterine tube without a bilateral incision was impractical, thus prolonging the total operative time due to the need for patient repositioning and new antisepsis procedures. Conversely, a post-umbilical approach for the HL method necessitated only one mini-laparotomy incision, offering ample uterine exposure for hysterotomy in pregnant females. Both methods involved minimal abdominal viscera manipulation and resulted in no fatalities or postoperative complications. Although direct comparison is limited by the distinct sterilization techniques and surgical approaches, this study underscores the challenges and surgical access of each method. Our findings endorse the HL technique as an effective contraception method for female capybaras to prevent the birth of seronegative offspring that could amplify Rickettsia sp., the causative agent of Brazilian spotted fever.

In vitro produced embryos exhibit lower viability compared to their in vivo counterparts. Mammalian preimplantation embryos have the ability to reach the blastocyst stage in diverse culture media, showcasing considerable metabolic adaptability, which complicates the identification of optimal developmental conditions. Despite embryos successfully progressing to the blastocyst stage, adaptation to suboptimal culture environments may jeopardize blastocyst viability, cryotolerance, and implantation potential. Enhancing our capacity to support preimplantation embryonic development in vitro requires a deeper understanding of fundamental embryo physiology, including preferred metabolic substrates and pathways utilized by high-quality embryos. Armed with this knowledge, it becomes achievable to optimize culture conditions to support normal, in vivo-like embryo physiology, mitigate adaptive stress, and enhance viability. The objective of this review is to summarize the evolution of culture media for bovine embryos, highlighting significant milestones and remaining challenges.

Gene editing technologies have revolutionized the field of livestock breeding, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent innovations and applications of gene editing in livestock, exploring the diverse applications of gene editing in livestock breeding, as well as the regulatory and ethical considerations, and the current challenges and prospects of the technology in the industry. Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of gene editing in livestock breeding and its pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture and biomedicine.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of Acustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography in mammary parenchyma and supramammary lymph nodes, for detection of active mastitis in sheep with naturally infected chronic fibrous lesions. 27 female sheep were included and B-mode ultrasound and ARFI elastography images were obtained, acquiring qualitative (echogenicity and echotexture) and quantitative (shear rate, depth and short/long axis ratio) variables of 48 mammary glands. The glands were divided into three experimental groups: control group (CG) - healthy animals; LSCC- animals that presented fibrous lesions and SCC (somatic cell count) less than 500 x 10³ cls/mL; HSCC: animals that presented fibrous lesions and SCC (somatic cell count) more than 500 x 10³ cls/mL; The qualitative variables using B-mode ultrasonography, including echotexture and echogenicity, showed no significant differences between the evaluated groups and tissues (p = 0.9336 and p = 0.233, respectively) .In healthy areas of the gland, it was an increasing in shear wave velocity (SWV) in LSCC than in HSCC (p=0.04). When comparing the fibrosis in the LSCC and HSCC groups with their respective normal areas, the velocity increased in both groups: LSCC (p= 0,0007) and HSCC (p= 0,0001). When comparing the areas of fibrosis in LSCC and HSCC with the CG parenchyma, there was an increase in LSCC (p=0.001) and HSCC (p=0.0001). B-mode ultrasound indicate predominance of hypoechoic echogenicity in lymph nodes and reduced short/long axis ratio in cases of active subclinical mastitis. The supramammary lymph node showed increased SWV when comparing the CG with HSCC groups (p=0.02) and GC with LSCC (p=0.04). B-mode ultrasonography is useful for evaluating the mammary parenchyma, however, its application as a standalone diagnostic technique is not recommended. ARFI elastography indicates potential cutoff points for differentiating subclinical mastitis from healed mastitis, highlighting its importance as a tool for distinguishing normal areas from fibrous parenchymal areas. While this study did not establish specific cutoff points due to sample size limitations, further research with larger sample sizes could explore and define these critical thresholds.

The path to fertility in the mare requires an understanding of the hormonal influences, the immune response, genetics, and epigenetic mechanisms involved not only in physiological reproductive processes, but also such pathologies as endometritis and endometrosis. Endometritis may lead to endometrosis establishment. In the presence of endometritis, neutrophils arrive at the mare endometrium, and form neutrophil extracellular traps. While NETosis plays pivotal roles, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic endometritis, endometrosis, and fertility issues. Matrix metalloproteinases and epigenetic changes influence the course of endometrosis. Inhibitors of specific enzymes involved in NETosis and epigenetic inhibitors have shown potential in reducing pro-fibrotic effects. Collagen type III (COL3) has emerged as a putative biomarker, correlating with endometrosis and useful in fertility assessment. Thus, COL3 may offer a non-invasive diagnostic tool, as a complement to histopathological methods. Epigenetic modifications and miRNA expressions offer new avenues for therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms at play in mare endometrial fibrosis.