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Mikrochimica Acta Apr 2024Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) has persistent health risks; however, its pathogenesis remains elusive. This obscurity may result in missed opportunities for early...
Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) has persistent health risks; however, its pathogenesis remains elusive. This obscurity may result in missed opportunities for early intervention, increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, and reduced accuracy and efficacy of treatments. Metabolomics, employing the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) strategy, presents distinct advantages in biomarker discovery and unraveling molecular mechanisms. Nonetheless, the challenge is to develop efficient matrices for high-sensitivity and high-throughput analysis of diverse potential biomarkers in complex biosamples. This work utilized nitrogen-doped porous transition metal carbides and nitrides (NP-MXene) as a MALDI matrix to delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BSS pathogenesis. Structural optimization yielded heightened peak sensitivity (by 1.49-fold) and increased peak numbers (by 1.16-fold) in clinical biosamples. Validation with animal models and clinical serum biosamples revealed significant differences in metabolic fingerprints between BSS and control groups, achieving an overall diagnostic efficacy of 0.905 (95% CI, 0.76-0.979). Prostaglandin F2α was identified as a potential biomarker (diagnostics efficiency of 0.711, specificity = 0.7, sensitivity = 0.6), and pathway enrichment analysis disclosed disruptions in arachidonic acid metabolism in BSS. This innovative approach not only advances comprehension of BSS pathogenesis, but also provides valuable insights for personalized treatment and diagnostic precision.
Topics: Animals; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Dinoprost; Feedback; Nitrogen; Porosity; Organic Chemicals; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38565795
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06312-5 -
The Journal of Reproduction and... Jun 2024The number of cows in estrus often influences estrus behavior; however, the effects of social order are not well documented. This study examined the effects of social...
The number of cows in estrus often influences estrus behavior; however, the effects of social order are not well documented. This study examined the effects of social order on the expression of behaviorally-scored and pedometer-detected estrus, combined with the effects of the number of cows in estrus. In a herd comprising 13 or 15 beef cattle, cows with orders 1st-7th were defined as dominant and the remaining cows as subordinate. Sole or simultaneous estrus was induced by prostaglandin F analog injection and/or intravaginal progesterone treatment. Ovulation timing was determined using ultrasonography at 6-hour intervals. Estrous signs and steps of the cows were recorded 49 h before ovulation using video monitoring and a pedometer, respectively. Among the 59 treated cows, 56 behaviorally-scored estruses (27 sole and 29 simultaneous) were detected. In the sole estrus, 61.5% of the dominant-rank cows had no zero-point period; however, 35.7% of the subordinate-rank cows had that period. The dominant-rank cows in estrus alone had a significantly shorter duration of scored estrus than those in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). Among the 50 pedometer-detected estruses (24 sole and 26 simultaneous), the subordinate-rank cows in sole estrus had a shorter interval from estrus onset to ovulation than the dominant-rank cows in simultaneous estrus (P < 0.05). The effects of social order varied in response to the number of cows in estrus, which might have influenced determining the optimal time for artificial insemination.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Estrus; Estrus Detection; Ovulation; Behavior, Animal; Progesterone; Social Behavior; Estrus Synchronization; Dinoprost
PubMed: 38508766
DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2024-005 -
Magnitude and persistence of higher estrus-associated temperatures in beef heifers and suckled cows.Journal of Animal Science Jan 2024Higher estrus-associated temperatures (HEAT) are a hallmark feature in sexually active females. The overarching aim of this study was to characterize the variability,...
Higher estrus-associated temperatures (HEAT) are a hallmark feature in sexually active females. The overarching aim of this study was to characterize the variability, magnitude, and persistence of HEAT in heifers and suckled beef cows as well as identify associated factors when occurring during thermoneutral conditions at the onset of the spring breeding season. In both heifers and cows, estrus was induced using a 7-d controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-PGF2α protocol. Vaginal temperature after prostaglandin F2α administration was recorded every 5 min using a Thermochron iButton affixed to a blank CIDR (containing no progesterone). Estrus was defined as when a heifer first stood to be mounted or when a cow had an Estrotect patch score of 3 or 4. Level of HEAT varied among individual animals. When comparing common HEAT variables using a mixed model with date nested within a year, maximum HEAT (39.9 ± 0.1 and 40.0 ± 0.1 °C) and duration (15.5 ± 0.8 and 15.4 ± 0.7) were similar in heifers and cows, respectively. However, the magnitude and persistence of HEAT differed. Total area under the HEAT curve was 117.1 ± 13.5 and 158.7 ± 12.3 for heifers vs cows, respectively (P = 0.0571). Further, 42.9% of heifers and 49% of cows had maximum HEAT ≥ 40 °C which persisted up to 6.5 and 10 h, respectively. When ambient conditions were predominantly thermoneutral, temperature humidity index had minimal impact on HEAT (mixed model, repeated measures over time). Toward identifying associated factors with different aspects of HEAT using best fit hierarchical linear regression models, baseline vaginal temperature and baseline duration were the most highly associated independent variables. Follicle size, estradiol and progesterone levels, and other available animal-related variables (e.g., age, weight, hair coat score) explained only a small amount of variation in HEAT. In summary, level of HEAT varies in estrus females even under thermoneutral conditions. Because HEAT can persist for an extended time, direct effects on fertility important components are unavoidable. Whether HEAT is a good or bad component of the periovulatory microenvironment is the basis of ongoing and future studies.
Topics: Cattle; Female; Animals; Temperature; Estrus Synchronization; Hot Temperature; Progesterone; Estrus; Dinoprost; Insemination, Artificial; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
PubMed: 38502838
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae079 -
Theriogenology May 2024Estrogens have proven to be effective in bovine estrus induction protocols. Considering the extensive use of these products in large-scale estrus synchronization, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Estrogens have proven to be effective in bovine estrus induction protocols. Considering the extensive use of these products in large-scale estrus synchronization, the primary objective of the present study was to assess their effects on pregnancy rate (PR) using a meta-analysis approach. A total of 797 papers were screened from three major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus). Sixty-one studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pregnancy status (success or failure) at 30 days post-insemination was considered as the effect size data. The odds ratios (OR) of PR were evaluated by considering the effects of estrogens in groups with or without estrogen intervention. The impact of estrogen (including factors such as type, dose, and time of administration) and animal characteristics (such as breed, type, and parity) was taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of estrogen response as PR. The results showed an OR of 1.25 (95% CI: 1.15-1.36; P = 0.000) for PR in animals that received estrogen compared to cattle that did not receive estrogen. Estradiol benzoate (OR = 1.3) and estradiol cypionate (OR = 1.2), with doses ranging from 1 to 3 mg (OR = 1.13-1.7), significantly increased the OR of PR. In terms of PR, beef cattle exhibited a higher odds ratio (OR = 1.4; P = 0.000) compared to dairy cattle (OR = 1.1; P = 0.09). The administration of estrogens in the estrus synchronization protocol significantly improved PR in both artificial insemination (OR = 1.2; P = 0.000) and embryo transfer (OR = 1.3; P = 0.033) programs. In summary, incorporating estrogens into estrus induction protocols led to an enhancement of the OR of PR among cattle.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Cattle; Animals; Estrogens; Pregnancy Rate; Progesterone; Estradiol; Estrus; Estrus Synchronization; Insemination, Artificial; Dinoprost; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
PubMed: 38471389
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.005 -
Clinical Biochemistry Apr 20242,3-dinor 11β-Prostaglandin F2α (BPG) is an arachidonic acid derivative and the most abundant metabolic byproduct of prostaglandin D2, which is released during mast...
INTRODUCTION
2,3-dinor 11β-Prostaglandin F2α (BPG) is an arachidonic acid derivative and the most abundant metabolic byproduct of prostaglandin D2, which is released during mast cell activation. Therefore, measurements of BPG in urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provide a noninvasive method for evaluation and management of mast cell disorders. Measurements obtained by LC-MS/MS exhibit a high prevalence of chromatographic interferences resulting in challenges with optimal determination of BGP. In this investigation, differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) is utilized to overcome the limitations of current testing.
METHODS
Urine samples were extracted using an automated solid-phase extraction method. Samples were then analyzed with and without DMS devices installed on two commercially available mass spectrometry platforms to assess the benefits of DMS. Following promising results from a preliminary analytical evaluation, LC-DMS-MS/MS measurements of BPG in urine were fully validated to assess the analytical implications of using this technology.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The addition of DMS devices to the LC-MS/MS systems evaluated in this investigation significantly reduced interferences observed in the chromatograms. Concomitantly, DMS reduced the number of discordant quantifier/qualifier fragment ion results that significantly exceeded the ± 20 % limits, suggesting greater analytical specificity. The validation studies yielded low interday imprecision, with %CVs less than 6.5 % across 20 replicate measurements. Validation studies assessing other aspects of analytical performance also met acceptance criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating DMS devices greatly improved the specificity of BPG measurements by LC-MS/MS, as evidenced by the comparison of chromatograms and fragment ion results. Validation studies showed exceptional performance for established analytical metrics, indicating that this technology can be used to minimize the impact of interferences without adversely impacting other aspects of analytical or clinical performance.
Topics: Humans; Chromatography, Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Dinoprost; Spectrum Analysis; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38462204
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2024.110745 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Biological samples are often frozen and stored for years and/or thawed multiple times, thus assessing their stability on long-term storage and repeated freeze-thaw...
Effect of very long-term storage and multiple freeze and thaw cycles on 11-dehydro-thromboxane-B and 8-iso-prostaglandin F levels in human urine samples by validated enzyme immunoassays.
Biological samples are often frozen and stored for years and/or thawed multiple times, thus assessing their stability on long-term storage and repeated freeze-thaw cycles is crucial. The study aims were to assess:-the long-term stability of two major enzymatic and non-enzymatic metabolites of arachidonic acid, i.e. urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane-(Tx) B, 8-iso-prostaglandin (PG)F, and creatinine in frozen urine samples;-the effect of multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Seven-hundred and three urine samples measured in previously-published studies, stored at -40 °C, and measured for a second time for 11-dehydro-TxB (n = 677) and/or 8-iso-PGF (n = 114) and/or creatinine (n = 610) were stable over 10 years and the 2 measurements were highly correlated (all rho = 0.99, P < 0.0001). Urine samples underwent 10 sequential freeze-thaw cycles, with and without the antioxidant 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (10 mM); urinary 11-dehydro-TxB and creatinine were stable across all cycles (11-dehydro-TxB: 100.4 ± 21%; creatinine: 101 ± 7% of baseline at cycle ten; n = 17), while 8-iso-PGF significantly increased by cycle 6 (151 ± 22% of baseline at cycle ten, n = 17, P < 0.05) together with hydrogen peroxide only in the absence of antioxidant. Arachidonic acid metabolites and creatinine appear stable in human urines stored at -40 °C over 10 years. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles increase urinary 8-iso-PGF in urine samples without antioxidants. These data are relevant for studies using urine samples stored over long-term and/or undergoing multiple freezing-thawing.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Arachidonic Acid; Creatinine; Freezing; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Prostaglandins F; Thromboxanes
PubMed: 38448541
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55720-3 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jun 2024Intracellular levels of glutathione, the major mammalian antioxidant, are reported to decline with age in several species. To understand whether ageing affects...
Intracellular levels of glutathione, the major mammalian antioxidant, are reported to decline with age in several species. To understand whether ageing affects circulating glutathione levels in cats, blood was sampled from two age groups, < 3 years and > 9 years. Further, to determine whether dietary supplementation with glutathione precursor glycine (GLY) affects glutathione concentrations in senior cats (> 8 years), a series of free GLY inclusion level dry diets were fed. Subsequently, a 16-week GLY feeding study was conducted in senior cats (> 7 years), measuring glutathione, and markers of oxidative stress. Whole blood and erythrocyte total, oxidised and reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased in senior cats, compared with their younger counterparts ( ≤ 0·02). The inclusion level study identified 1·5 % free GLY for the subsequent dry diet feeding study. Significant increases in erythrocyte total and reduced glutathione were observed between senior cats fed supplemented and control diets at 4 weeks ( ≤ 0·03; maximum difference of 1·23 µM). Oxidative stress markers were also significantly different between groups at 8 ( = 0·004; difference of 0·68 nG/ml in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and 12 weeks ( ≤ 0·049; maximum difference of 0·62 nG/mG Cr in F-isoprostane PGF). Senior cats have lower circulating glutathione levels compared with younger cats. Feeding senior cats a complete and balanced dry diet supplemented with 1·5 % free GLY for 12 weeks elevated initial erythrocyte glutathione and altered markers of oxidative stress. Dietary supplementation with free GLY provides a potential opportunity to restore age-associated reduction in glutathione in cats.
Topics: Animals; Oxidative Stress; Cats; Glutathione; Dietary Supplements; Glycine; Aging; Male; Erythrocytes; Female; Biomarkers; Animal Feed; Antioxidants; Diet; Dinoprost
PubMed: 38418414
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000370 -
The Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2024This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) urine on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea in...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) urine on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
METHODS
A total of 128 female students included in the study. The study was conducted from January to March 2023 using a cross-sectional design. This study utilized the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and gynecological examination with ultrasonography. The urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) was measured using the enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression test.
RESULTS
The age range of the participants included in the study was 14-17, with a mean age of 15.85 ± 0.65. There was an correlation between physical activity, BMI, and urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) levels with the incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, it revealed that underweight, and had a high urinary prostaglandin significant correlated to primary dysmenorrhea with odds ratio 4.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-11.54) and 4.88 (95% CI 1.98-12.08), respectively. High physical activity and overweight was not associated with incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
CONCLUSION
This study provides valuable insights into the correlation between physical activity, BMI, and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) in urine. A high level of urinary prostaglandin was found to be the most influential factor in the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents. By addressing factors associated with dysmenorrhea in adolescents, healthcare professionals can potentially enhance well-being by reducing menstrual pain and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to prevent dysmenorrhea.
Topics: Humans; Female; Dysmenorrhea; Adolescent; Body Mass Index; Exercise; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dinoprost; Incidence
PubMed: 38414190
DOI: 10.1111/jog.15914 -
Equine Veterinary Journal Jul 2024PGF is commonly given at the end of embryo flushing (EF) to shorten the interval to the next oestrus and ovulation.
BACKGROUND
PGF is commonly given at the end of embryo flushing (EF) to shorten the interval to the next oestrus and ovulation.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of repeated EF on plasma progesterone concentration, percentage of mares with endometritis, unwanted pregnancy and subsequent fertility in mares flushed without the use of PGF.
STUDY DESIGN
Controlled experiments.
METHODS
Nine mares were inseminated in seven consecutive cycles (n = 63), to either perform an EF (n = 54) 7-9 days after ovulation or left pregnant (n = 9). PGF was not used to induce oestrus. Ultrasound examination and blood sampling were performed just before the EF and 72 h later to determine changes in progesterone concentration and signs of endometritis.
RESULTS
The overall percentage of positive EF/pregnancy was 55.5% (30/54) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively. The likelihood of pregnancy/positive EF in the first three cycles was 55.5% (15/29). This was not different (p > 0.1) from the fertility of the last four cycles (69.4%, 25/36). In five EF cycles (9.3%), mares had signs of endometritis and early luteolysis (progesterone <2 ng/mL) 72 h after EF. The reduction in progesterone concentration by 72 h after EF was greater (p < 0.05) for Day 9 (-2.3 ± 0.7 ng/mL) than Day 7 (-1.0 ± 0.8 ng/mL) or Day 8 (-1.3 ± 1.1 ng/mL) cycles. The progesterone concentration in non-flushed mares did not vary significantly during the sampled period (Day 7-12). There were 5 cycles in which the donor mare remained pregnant after the EF, although four were from a single mare.
MAIN LIMITATIONS
The mare population was limited to barren and maiden mares. The cycle order and operator allocation to each EF were not randomised.
CONCLUSIONS
EF induces a subtle, but significant reduction in progesterone concentrations compared with non-EF cycles. However, the percentage of mares with EF-induced full luteolysis is low (9.3%). The fertility of mares after repeated EF without administration of PGF was unaffected; however, there is a considerable risk of unwanted pregnancy (5/27 = 18.5%) in donors from which an embryo was not recovered.
Topics: Animals; Female; Horses; Pregnancy; Dinoprost; Progesterone; Fertility; Horse Diseases; Insemination, Artificial; Corpus Luteum
PubMed: 38403412
DOI: 10.1111/evj.14073 -
Theriogenology Apr 2024This study evaluated the effects of dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and its splitting in different days of the synchronization protocol on reproductive...
Effects of equine chorionic gonadotropin dosage and its splitting in different days on reproductive performance of Nellore cows synchronized for timed-artificial insemination.
This study evaluated the effects of dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and its splitting in different days of the synchronization protocol on reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous Nellore cows. In the present study, 2,536 Nellore cows (1,634 primiparous and 902 multiparous) were assigned to receive in a 2 × 2 factorial design 1) an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on day -11, 12.5 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine (PGF), 300 IU (i.m.) of eCG, 0.6 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate (ECP), and P4 device withdrawal on day -2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 632 cows, being 409 primiparous and 223 multiparous; 300-2), 2) 300 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (150 IU of eCG/day; n = 637 cows, being 412 primiparous and 225 multiparous; 300-4-2), 3) 400 IU (i.m.) of eCG administered on day -2 (n = 633 cows, being 406 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-2), and 4) 400 IU (i.m) of eCG administered on days -4 and -2 (200 IU of eCG/day; n = 634 cows, being 407 primiparous and 227 multiparous; 400-4-2). Individual cow BCS was assessed on days -11, 0 (timed-AI), and 31 of the study. Body condition score of the animals was classified into LOW or HIGH using the threshold of 2.75 (≤2.75 = LOW; >2.75 = HIGH). For primiparous cows, an eCG splitting effect was observed on follicle size, as cows receiving eCG on days -4 and -2 of the synchronization protocol had a larger follicle than cows administered eCG only on day -2. For day 31 P/AI, primiparous cows receiving 400-4-2, regardless of BCS, had a greater P/AI than cows from other treatments. Administering 400-4-2 to LOW BCS cows also resulted in greater P/AI than all other treatments assigned to LOW BCS cows. For multiparous cows, no treatment effect was observed for follicle size, estrus expression, and day 31 P/AI (P ≥ 0.21). In summary, increasing the dose and splitting the dose of eCG positively impacted the pregnancy rates of primiparous cows under a BCS ≤2.75, but no effects were detected on multiparous cows.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Cattle; Animals; Horses; Reproduction; Progesterone; Estradiol; Pregnancy Rate; Dinoprost; Insemination, Artificial; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Estrus Synchronization; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
PubMed: 38367335
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.006