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Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Jan 2023Camelids have many unique reproductive features that considerably differ from those of other domestic species. Females are induced ovulators with subsequent development... (Review)
Review
Camelids have many unique reproductive features that considerably differ from those of other domestic species. Females are induced ovulators with subsequent development of a corpus luteum (CL) with a short lifespan. Plasma progesterone concentration starts to increase on day 4, peaks on day 8-9 and, in non-pregnant animals, basal concentration is reached around day 10-11 post-induction of ovulation. Luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F (PGF ) are firstly detected on day 7 or 8 (approximately on day 5-6 after ovulation), with maximal luteolytic peaks observed between days 9 and 11 post-mating, in coincidence with a high endometrial expression of cyclooxygenase 2, a limiting enzyme in prostaglandins synthesis. Unlike other species, oxytocin seems not to be involved in the luteolytic process in these species. The CL is the main source of progesterone secretion, and its function is required to support pregnancy. Despite constant research efforts, aspects of reproduction and maternal recognition of pregnancy in camelids remain not fully understood. A transient decrease and subsequent recovery in plasma progesterone concentration are observed after day 9 post-mating in pregnant animals in association with a pulsatile release of PGF and a transitory decrease in CL vascularization. Thus, embryo recognition should occur between days 8 and 12 post-mating. In camels, conceptus tissues exhibit aromatizing activity with the capacity to synthesize large amounts of oestradiol. Similarly, llama blastocysts secrete oestradiol-17β during the preimplantation stage, with a higher production during the elongation period. An increase in the endometrial expression of oestrogen receptor α is also observed on day 12 post-mating. All these evidences suggest that oestrogen could be the signal released by the embryo at the time of its recognition in camelids. Besides, nearly 98% of pregnancies are carried out in the left horn. A decrease in the endometrial expression of mucin 1 and 16 genes has been reported, suggesting that these changes are crucial for successful embryo implantation; however, no differences have been observed between horns. Thus, maternal recognition of pregnancy in camelids is a particularly complex process that must occur in a concise time to allow the rescue of the CL and embryo survival.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Animals; Luteolysis; Progesterone; Corpus Luteum; Estradiol; Endometrium; Camelids, New World; Dinoprost
PubMed: 36149369
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14269 -
Theriogenology Sep 2021During an ovulatory follicular wave in the monovulatory species of heifers, mares, and women, the two largest follicles deviate in diameter at the end of a common... (Review)
Review
During an ovulatory follicular wave in the monovulatory species of heifers, mares, and women, the two largest follicles deviate in diameter at the end of a common follicle growth phase. The largest follicle before deviation becomes the future ovulatory follicle in most ovulatory waves. In 10-30% of the ovulatory waves, the destiny of the two follicles switches just before or at deviation so that the second-largest follicle becomes the future ovulatory follicle, and the largest follicle becomes a subordinate. In FSH-driven switching in heifers, mares, and women, the wave-stimulating FSH surge decreases to a low concentration before the largest follicle has developed the ability to utilize the low concentrations. The concentrations of FSH then increase (mares, women) or cease to decrease (heifers), and the next largest follicle acquires the capability of becoming the future ovulatory follicle. Luteolysis-driven switching has been reported in heifers but not in mares and women. The switching in heifers occurs during ovulatory wave 3 of three wave interovulatory intervals (IOI) when the wave of follicles is in the common growth phase in synchrony with the time of luteolysis. Regression of the CL during the common growth phase of ovulatory wave 3 is accompanied by decreased activity of follicles that are adjacent to the regressing CL but not when follicles and CL are separated or in opposite ovaries. The role of luteolysis in switching in heifers has been tested by treating with PGF2α when the largest follicle of wave 2 was near the end of the common growth phase. Switching in destiny of the largest follicle from the expected future dominant to a future subordinate occurred in most waves (10 of 17) when the largest follicle and regressing CL were in the same ovary and adjacent but not when separated in the same ovary or when in opposite ovaries (0 of 11). The newly selected future ovulatory follicle may develop in the opposite ovary. Thereby, frequency of the contralateral vs ipsilateral relationship between the preovulatory follicle and CL in heifers is greater in three-wave IOI than in two-wave IOI. In summary, the second largest predeviation follicle becomes the postdeviation dominant follicle when the decreasing FSH is out of phase with the largest predeviation follicle in heifers, mares, and women or when luteolysis and predeviation are in synchrony in heifers.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dinoprost; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Horses; Luteolysis; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Ovulation
PubMed: 34058507
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.002 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Nov 2023In the recent decades, prostaglandins were recommended as a new therapeutic modality of stable vitiligo with promising efficacy. Therefore, we designed the current work...
In the recent decades, prostaglandins were recommended as a new therapeutic modality of stable vitiligo with promising efficacy. Therefore, we designed the current work to compare the significance of two different subtypes of prostaglandins [prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) versus prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α)], assisted with NB-UVB phototherapy, in treatment of stable vitiligo. This study was conducted on 30 patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo. Three approximately similar vitiliginous areas were chosen in each patient and assigned into 3 groups. Each group treated with intradermal injection of either PGE2 (group I), PGF2α (group II), or saline as placebo (group III) at frequency once/week for 12 weeks. Concomitantly, all groups received NB-UVB phototherapy twice weekly for 3 months. The outcomes of this study discovered that the therapeutic efficacy of intradermal injection of either PGE2 or PGF2α assisted with NB-UVB phototherapy was comparable with non-significant difference between them in spite of being significantly higher than NB-UVB alone. However, there were a significantly earlier onset of repigmentation and higher degree of satisfaction regarding areas treated with PGE2 than those treated with PGF2α. In conclusion, both PGF2α and PGE2 intradermal injection could be considered as quite simple and affordable techniques in the treatment of stable vitiligo with no reported side effects and good patient satisfaction.
Topics: Humans; Dinoprostone; Dinoprost; Vitiligo; Hypopigmentation; Prostaglandins; Ultraviolet Therapy
PubMed: 37594537
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02700-8 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2018Polyunsaturated fatty acid damages lead to alterations in sperm function. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of F-isoprostanes (F-IsoPs), oxidized lipid...
Polyunsaturated fatty acid damages lead to alterations in sperm function. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of F-isoprostanes (F-IsoPs), oxidized lipid products from arachidonic acid, in sperm quality impairment. For this purpose, F-IsoP levels in semen and F-IsoP localization in spermatozoa were explored in infertile subjects affected by idiopathic infertility or varicocele, as well as in fertile men. As compared to fertile men, in the idiopathic infertility and varicocele groups, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, and fertility index were significantly lower and the mean scores concerning sperm apoptosis, necrosis, and immaturity were significantly higher. The idiopathic infertile group showed a reduction in sperm motility and fertility index, as well as an increase of apoptosis and necrosis percentages, in comparison to the varicocele group. The varicocele group showed the highest levels of F-IsoPs, a significant increase of sperm immaturity, and a significant correlation between F-IsoP levels and sperm immaturity. 8-Iso Prostaglandin F , biomarker of F-IsoP, was clearly localized in sperm midpiece and cytoplasmic residues. Data show that F-IsoP formation is relevant in semen and sperm from infertile patients with varicocele and high percentage of immaturity, suggesting that a correct fatty acid integrity is needed for sperm maturation.
Topics: Adult; Dinoprost; F2-Isoprostanes; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infertility, Male; Male; Semen; Spermatozoa; Varicocele
PubMed: 29682163
DOI: 10.1155/2018/7508014 -
European Journal of Applied Physiology Dec 2019Breath-hold diving results in significant changes in blood gases' levels. Challenging variations in oxygen partial pressures may induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)...
PURPOSE
Breath-hold diving results in significant changes in blood gases' levels. Challenging variations in oxygen partial pressures may induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that exacerbate oxidative stress and, consequently, affect endothelial function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of breath-hold diving on oxidative stress damage, assessing ROS production. Nitric oxide metabolites, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), aminothiols, and renal function were evaluated too as markers of redox status and renal damage.
METHODS
ROS production was assessed with electron paramagnetic resonance. Oxidative status values were measured at pre- and post-40 m dive in a deep swimming pool (Y-40) from six divers (mean age 46.6 ± 9.3 years; height 176 ± 4 cm; BMI 25 ± 2.9 kg/m).
RESULTS
Significant (p < 0.05) increases at post-dive of ROS production rate (0.158 ± 0.003 vs 0.195 ± 0.006 μmol min), lipid peroxidation (8-isoprostane: 375.67 ± 195.62 vs 420.49 ± 232.31 pg mg creatinine), nitrate (27.91 ± 19.71 vs 30.80 ± 20.44 μM), iNOS (31.30 ± 4.52 vs 35.68 ± 6.72 IU mL) and neopterin concentration (96.20 ± 40.41 vs 118.76 ± 27.84 μmol mol creatinine) were recorded. Conversely, the antioxidant capacity significantly decreased (3.423 ± 0.089 vs 3.015 ± 0.284 mM) after immersion.
CONCLUSION
Overproduction of ROS and consequent oxidative damage to lipids of membrane and antioxidant capacity decreasing reflect also a hypoxic condition, which in the breath-hold diving typically occurs in the last few meters below the surface. iNOS produces NO in large quantities under the examined extreme conditions. Neopterin and creatinine concentration level increased, suggesting an "impairment of renal function" as a likely physiological response to PaO variations during dive activity.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Breath Holding; Dinoprost; Diving; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Middle Aged; Neopterin; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 31520216
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04224-4 -
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development Jun 2016The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of luteotropic and luteolytic factors on the mRNA and protein levels of progesterone receptor isoforms A (PGRA)...
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of luteotropic and luteolytic factors on the mRNA and protein levels of progesterone receptor isoforms A (PGRA) and B (PGRB) in the bovine endometrium. Endometrial slices from Days 6-10 and 17-20 of the oestrous cycle were treated with LH (100ngmL), oestradiol (E2; 1×10M), prostaglandin (PG) E (1×10M) and PGF (1×10M) and the nitric oxide donor NONOate (1×10M); these treatments lasted for 6h for mRNA expression analysis and 24h for protein expression analysis. On Days 6-10 of the oestrous cycle PGRAB (PGRAB; the entire PGRA mRNA sequence is common to the PGRB mRNA sequence) mRNA expression in endometrial slices was enhanced by E2 treatment (P<0.001), whereas PGRB mRNA expression was increased by LH (P<0.001), E2 (P<0.05) and NONOate (P<0.05) treatment. On Days 17-20, PGRAB mRNA expression increased after E2 (P<0.001) and PGE (P<0.05) treatment; PGRB mRNA expression was increased by PGE (P<0.05) and PGF (P<0.01) treatment, but decreased by LH (P<0.05). On Days 6-10 protein levels of PGRA were stimulated by E2 (P<0.01), whereas PGRB protein levels were increased by LH (P<0.05) and E2 (P<0.05). On Days 17-20 of the oestrous cycle, PGRA protein levels were enhanced by E2 (P<0.05) and PGF (P<0.05), whereas PGRB protein levels were stimulated by PGE (P<0.05) and PGF (P<0.001). These data suggest that luteotropic and luteolytic factors affect PGRA and PGRB mRNA and protein levels, and this may regulate the effects of progesterone on endometrial cells.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dinoprost; Endometrium; Estradiol; Female; Luteolysis; Protein Isoforms; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, Progesterone
PubMed: 25515707
DOI: 10.1071/RD14325 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2021Objective was to elucidate the effects of heat stress (HS) on embryo development during first 16 gestational days (GD) and circulating hormone concentrations on GD-16 in...
Objective was to elucidate the effects of heat stress (HS) on embryo development during first 16 gestational days (GD) and circulating hormone concentrations on GD-16 in lactating Holstein cows. Cows in HS and control (CON) groups were exposed to temperature humidity index (THI) of ≥ 73 and < 73, respectively, for 3 weeks before the experiment. GD-7 (67 vs 49%) and GD-16 (52 vs. 31%) conception rates following single insemination were greater (P < 0.01) for CON compared with HS cows. Control cows produced more GD-7 transferrable embryos following superovulation compared with HS cows (84.8 vs 53.1%; P < 0.001). Mean (± SEM) length (45.2 ± 10.6 vs. 59.2 ± 9.1 mm) and weight (31.4 ± 4.3 vs. 42.4 ± 6.2 mg) of GD-16 conceptus were greater for CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Control cows yielded more filamentous conceptus (≥ 25 mm) compared with HS cows (71 vs 45%; P < 0.05). Progesterone (2.09-fold) was higher, and cortisol (1.86-fold), prolactin (1.60-fold), substance-P (1.55-fold), Isoprostane-8 (1.34-fold) and prostaglandin F metabolites (1.97-fold) were lower in CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Progesterone positively, and substance-P, isoprostane-8 and the THI negatively were associated with GD-16 conceptus length (P < 0.05). In conclusion, altered hormones concentrations in heat-stressed cows plausibly resulted in lower GD-7 and GD-16 conception rates, fewer GD-7 transferable embryos, and stunted GD-16 conceptus elongation.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Embryonic Development; Female; Gestational Age; Heat-Shock Response; Hydrocortisone; Isoprostanes; Lactation; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Prolactin; Prostaglandins F; Substance P
PubMed: 34290309
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94278-2 -
ACS Chemical Neuroscience Apr 2016The neuroinflammatory response has received increasing attention as a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia, the innate immune cells and... (Review)
Review
The neuroinflammatory response has received increasing attention as a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia, the innate immune cells and resident phagocytes of the brain, respond to accumulating Aβ peptides by generating a nonresolving inflammatory response. While this response can clear Aβ peptides from the nervous system in some settings, its failure to do so in AD accelerates synaptic injury, neuronal loss, and cognitive decline. The complex molecular components of this response are beginning to be unraveled, with identification of both damaging and protective roles for individual components of the neuroinflammatory response. Even within one molecular pathway, contrasting effects are often present. As one example, recent studies of the inflammatory cyclooxygenase-prostaglandin pathway have revealed both beneficial and detrimental effects dependent on the disease context, cell type, and downstream signaling pathway. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit cyclooxygenases, are associated with reduced AD risk when taken by cognitively normal populations, but additional clinical and mouse model studies have added complexities and caveats to this finding. Downstream of cyclooxygenase activity, prostaglandin E2 signaling exerts both damaging pro-inflammatory and protective anti-inflammatory effects through actions of specific E-prostanoid G-protein coupled receptors on specific cell types. These complexities underscore the need for careful study of individual components of the neuroinflammatory response to better understand their contribution to AD pathogenesis and progression.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Dinoprost; Encephalitis; Humans; Microglia; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 26979823
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00016 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2019Prostaglandin F (PGF) is an important component for the physiology of female reproductive processes. In the literature, the data pertaining to the synthesis and action...
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandin F (PGF) is an important component for the physiology of female reproductive processes. In the literature, the data pertaining to the synthesis and action of PGF in early embryonic bovine development are limited. In our study, we used the bovine in vitro culture model based on the time of first cleavage to determine the mRNA expression and immunolocalization of PGF synthase and its receptor in bovine embryos from the 2-cell stage to the hatched blastocyst stage. We also evaluated PGF production at 2, 5 and 7 days of in vitro culture.
RESULTS
We found a significantly higher proportion of blastocysts obtained from the early-cleaved embryos than from the late-cleaved embryos (37.7% vs. 26.1% respectively, P < 0.05). The PGFS mRNA expression was significantly higher in the late-cleaved group than in the early-cleaved group at the 2-, 4- and 16-cell stages (P < 0.05). For PTGFR, we observed that within the late-cleaved group, the mRNA abundance was significantly higher in embryos at the 2- and 16-cell stages than in embryos at the 4- and 8-cell stages (P < 0.05). We observed that PTGFR mRNA expression was significantly higher in the 2- and 16-cell embryos in the late-cleaved group than that in the early-cleaved group embryos (P < 0.05). Among the blastocysts, the PGFS and PTGFR expression levels showed a trend towards higher mRNA expression in the late-cleaved group than in the early-cleaved group. Analysis of PGF production showed that within the early-cleaved group, the content of PGF in the in vitro culture medium was significantly higher on day 7 than it was on day 2 (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The mRNA expression levels of PGF synthase and its receptor depend on the developmental stage and the embryo quality. Analyses of PGFS and PTGFR expression in bovine blastocysts and of PGF embryo production suggest that prostaglandin F can act in an autocrine and paracrine manner in bovine in vitro-produced preimplantation embryos. Moreover, the tendency of PTGFR and PGFS mRNA expression to be upregulated in embryos with low developmental potential can indicate a compensation mechanism related to high PGFS and PTGFR mRNA expression levels in low-quality embryos.
Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cattle; Embryo Culture Techniques; Embryonic Development; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Prostaglandins F; RNA, Messenger; Receptors, Prostaglandin
PubMed: 31200703
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1939-0 -
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development Nov 2022The role of metabolic hormones, medicinal plants and their interrelationships in the control of human reproductive processes are poorly understood.
CONTEXT
The role of metabolic hormones, medicinal plants and their interrelationships in the control of human reproductive processes are poorly understood.
AIMS
To examine how leptin, obestatin and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) affect human ovarian hormone release.
METHODS
We analysed the influence of leptin and obestatin alone and in combination with ginkgo extract on cultured human ovarian granulosa cells. The release of progesterone (P), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin F (PGF) were analysed by enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
KEY RESULTS
Leptin addition promoted the release of all the measured hormones. Obestatin stimulated the release of P, IGF-I and OT and inhibited PGF output. Ginkgo suppressed P, IGF-I and OT and promoted PGF release. Furthermore, ginkgo changed the stimulatory action of leptin on PGF to an inhibitory one.
CONCLUSIONS
Leptin and obestatin are involved in the control of human ovarian hormone release and ginkgo influences their function.
IMPLICATIONS
Leptin and obestatin could be useful as stimulators of human ovarian cell functions. The suppressive influence of ginkgo on ovarian function should lead to the development of ginkgo-containing drugs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cells, Cultured; Ghrelin; Ginkgo biloba; Granulosa Cells; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Leptin; Progesterone; Prostaglandins F; Plant Preparations
PubMed: 36309990
DOI: 10.1071/RD22154