Reproductive Physiology Research Articles

Cytogenetic evaluation of primary amenorrhea: a study of 100 cases at tertiary centre

BackgroundAmenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age. The physiology of menstruation and reproduction has a strong correlation with the expression of the X chromosome. Early referral for cytogenetic evaluation is recommended for the identification of underlying chromosomal aberrations in amenorrhoea patients. This study aims to estimate the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in primary amenorrhoea (PA) patients in western India and correlate their hormonal profile and sonographic findings with chromosomal reports.Patients and methodsClinical features of 100 patients along with their hormonal profile and sonographic findings were recorded. Karyotyping was done after taking informed consent from the patients. Molecular cytogenetic technique was used to confirm marker chromosomes and ring chromosomes.ResultsThe results revealed 89% of PA with normal female karyotype (46,XX) and 11% with different abnormal karyotypes. Majority of females with normal karyotype were having Mullerian defects and among them most of them were categorized under Rokitansky syndrome. Among the abnormal karyotype constituents, 27.3% numerical abnormalities, all were Turner syndrome; pure and mosaic. Four cases (36.4%) showed male (XY) karyotype. The other four cases (36.4%) showed structural abnormalities, among which three cases showed X-associated structural abnormality and one case showed balanced translocation.ConclusionThis study emphasizes the need for cytogenetic analysis as an integral part of the diagnostic protocol in the case of PA for precise identification of chromosomal abnormalities; and for appropriate reproductive management. Early detection of abnormalities is necessary for guidance to reproductive options and genetic counselling.

Identification of some calcium binding proteins and neural cell markers in rat testis and epididymis during postnatal development.

Calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) have an essential role in male reproduction by modulating calcium ion metabolism. Although the brain and testis are structurally and functionally different, they show a high degree of transcriptomic and proteomic similarities. The purpose of the present study was to explore some CaBPs (Iba-1, Calbindin, Calretinin and Parvalbumin) and neural cell markers (CNPase, NG2 and Drebrin) expression in rat testis and epididymis during postnatal periods by using immunohistochemistry. Iba-1, calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, CNPase, NG2 and drebrin were expressed in the epididymal epithelium in each postnatal period. Iba-1 and calbindin expression showed stage-dependent expression in spermatids. CaBPs and neural cell markers showed a positive reaction in Leydig cells in the postpubertal and mature periods. Sertoli cells, gonocytes, spermatogonium, and peritubular myoid cells showed heterogeneity in the expression of CaBPs and nerve markers throughout postnatal development. Interestingly, CNPase, NG2 and drebrin were positive in spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperm. Expression dynamics of calcium-binding proteins and nerve markers showed differences in germ cells and somatic cells during postnatal development. The expression of these proteins in the testis and epididymis supports that they may have important roles in reproductive physiology.

Functional Insights into Protein Kinase A (PKA) Signaling from C. elegans.

Protein kinase A (PKA), which regulates a diverse set of biological functions downstream of cyclic AMP (cAMP), is a tetramer consisting of two catalytic subunits (PKA-C) and two regulatory subunits (PKA-R). When cAMP binds the PKA-R subunits, the PKA-C subunits are released and interact with downstream effectors. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), PKA-C and PKA-R are encoded by kin-1 and kin-2, respectively. This review focuses on the contributions of work in C. elegans to our understanding of the many roles of PKA, including contractility and oocyte maturation in the reproductive system, lipid metabolism, physiology, mitochondrial function and lifespan, and a wide variety of behaviors. C. elegans provides a powerful genetic platform for understanding how this kinase can regulate an astounding variety of physiological responses.

Socially Induced Infertility in Naked and Damaraland Mole-Rats: A Tale of Two Mechanisms of Social Suppression.

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) possess extreme reproductive skew with a single reproductive female responsible for reproduction. In this review, we synthesize advances made into African mole-rat reproductive patterns and physiology within the context of the social control of reproduction. Non-reproductive female colony members have low concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and a reduced response of the pituitary to a challenge with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). If the reproductive female is removed from the colony, an increase in the basal plasma LH and increased pituitary response to a GnRH challenge arises in the non-reproductive females, suggesting the reproductive female controls reproduction. Non-reproductive male Damaraland mole-rats have basal LH concentrations and elevated LH concentrations in response to a GnRH challenge comparable to the breeding male, but in non-breeding male naked mole-rats, the basal LH concentrations are low and there is a muted response to a GnRH challenge. This renders these two species ideal models to investigate physiological, behavioural and neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The recently discovered neuropeptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3 are likely candidates to play an important role in the regulation of reproductive functions in the two mole-rat species.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) and evolutionary analysis reveals evidence of olfactory specialization

The Southern giant pouched rat, Cricetomys ansorgei, is a large rodent best known for its ability to detect landmines using its impressive sense of smell. Their powerful chemosensory abilities enable subtle discrimination of chemical social signals, and female pouched rats demonstrate a unique reproductive physiology hypothesized to be mediated by pheromonal mechanisms. Thus, C. ansorgei represents a novel mammalian model for chemosensory physiology, social behavior, and pheromonal control of reproductive physiology. We present the first chromosome-scale genomic sequence of the pouched rat encoding 22,671 protein coding genes, including 1571 olfactory receptors, and provide a glance into the evolutionary history of this species. Functional enrichment analysis reveals genetic expansions specific to the pouched rat are enriched for functions related to olfactory specialization. Overall, this assembly is of reference-quality, and will serve as a useful and informative genomic sequence on which we can confidently base future molecular research involving the pouched rat.

Time-lapse imaging and developmental competence of donkey eggs after ICSI: Effect of preovulatory follicular fluid during oocyte in vitro maturation

Equus members exhibit very divergent karyotype, genetic plasticity, and significant differences in their reproductive physiology. Despite the fact that somatic cell nuclear transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has gained relevance in the last few years in horses, few reports have been published exploring ovum pick up (OPU) and in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in donkeys. Yet, some donkey species and breeds are considered endangered, and these assisted-reproductive technologies could help to preserve the genetic of valuable individuals. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that supplementation with jenny preovulatory follicular fluid (PFF) during IVM could improve oocyte developmental competence in the donkey. For this, in vitro nuclear maturation rates, cumulus cell expansion, and embryo development after ICSI of donkey COCs matured in culture media supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) or donkey PFF, with a known metabolomic profile, were assessed. Time-lapse imagining was performed after ICSI of horse and donkey oocytes. Eight OPU sessions were done in five jennies with an average recovery rate of 69.2% (n = 45 COCs). Although lower cumulus cells expansion was observed in oocytes of PFF group (P = 0.0010), no significant differences were described in nuclear maturation rates and preimplantation embryo development between groups. Donkey ICSI embryos showed similar morphokinetics to horse ICSI embryos. Our study shows that supplementing IVM media with FBS or donkey PFF supports nuclear maturation and early preimplantation embryo development after ICSI in donkeys. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of ICSI, time-lapse imaging and in vitro blastocyst production in donkey.

RF02 | PMON309 Two Siblings with p.Arg92Trp Variant in NR5A1 Presenting with Testicular Disorder of Sexual Differentiation

Abstract Introduction Disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD) are conditions of abnormal chromosomal development leading to atypical gonadal and anatomic sexual characteristics. We present the case of two siblings with 46, XX testicular DSD due to a mutation in the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 gene (NR5A1). While there is extensive literature about pathogenic variants of this gene, this is the first variant that has been shown to cause DSD in XX individuals, rather than XY. Case presentation This is the case of a sibling pair with male phenotype and history of hypospadias and hypogonadism in the setting of 46, XX karyotype. Sibling A presented with hypospadias at birth and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in childhood, initially managed with testosterone. Testicular biopsy revealed bilateral germ cell aplasia with degeneration of seminiferous tubules. Sibling B presented at age 8 with precocious puberty. He had a history of hypospadias and cryptorchidism at birth. Gonadotropins and testosterone levels were prepubertal. Testicular biopsy showed only Sertoli cells. Their adrenal gland and thyroid function was normal, their bone age was advanced. FISH was negative for the SRY gene in both cases, no ovaries or mullerian structures found in pelvic imaging. DSD genetic panels were sent, resulting positive for the R92W variant in NR5A1. Neither of them have intellectual disability; however, sibling B has attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Family history is remarkable for two uncles that have been unable to conceive. Their mother had oligomenorrhea and difficulty conceiving, typical presentation of a female carrier of this mutation. Discussion and conclusions The majority of DSD in individuals with a 46, XX karyotype are due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) secondary to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, however, mutations in NR5A1 have been among the most frequently identified genetic causes of gonadal development disorders and are associated with a wide phenotypic spectrum. NR5A1 is an essential transcription factor that regulates target genes crucial for normal reproductive physiology and endocrine function, controlling several steps of adrenal and gonadal development. While there is extensive literature about the phenotype caused by variants of NR5A1 in XY individuals, the recurrent heterozygous p.Arg92Trp NR5A1 variant R92W that our patients have, is the only one that has been shown to cause DSD in XX individuals, with variable degrees of testis development. It has previously been described, however, in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Morevariants of this gene will continue to arise, playing a pivotal role in reproductive endocrinology. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:05 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:05 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Pregnancy rate and reproductive hormones in humpback whale blubber: Dominant form of progesterone differs during pregnancy

To better understand reproductive physiology of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae that reside in Hawai’i and Alaska, enzyme immunoassays were validated for both progesterone and testosterone in free-ranging and stranded animals (n = 185 biopsies). Concentrations were analyzed between different depths of large segments of blubber taken from skin to muscle layers of stranded female (n = 2, 1 pregnant, 1 non-pregnant) and male (n = 1) whales. Additionally, progesterone metabolites were identified between pregnant (n = 1) and non-pregnant (n = 3) females using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Progesterone concentrations were compared between juvenile (i.e., sexually immature), lactating, and pregnant females, and male whales, and pregnancy rates of sexually mature females were calculated. Based on replicate samples from ship struck animals collected at 7 depth locations, blubber containing the highest concentration of progesterone was located 1 cm below the skin for females, and the highest concentration of testosterone was in the skin layer of one male whale. HPLC of blubber samples of pregnant and non-pregnant females contain different immunoreactive progesterone metabolites, with the non-pregnant female eluate comprised of a more polar, and possibly conjugated, form of progesterone than the pregnant female. In females, concentrations of progesterone were highest in the blubber of pregnant (n = 28, 28.6 ± 6.9 ng/g), followed by lactating (n = 16, 0.9 ± 0.1 ng/g), and female juvenile (n = 5, 1.0 ± 0.2 ng/g) whales. Progesterone concentrations in male (n = 24, 0.6 ng/g ± 0.1 ng/g) tissues were the lowest all groups, and not different from lactating or juvenile females. Estimated summer season pregnancy rate among sexually mature females from the Hawai’i stock of humpback whales was 0.562 (95 % confidence interval 0.528–0.605). For lactating females, the year-round pregnancy rate was 0.243 (0.09–0.59), and varies depending on the threshold of progesterone assumed for pregnancy in the range between 3.1 and 28.5 ng/g. Our results demonstrate the synergistic value added when combining immunoreactive assays, HPLC, and long-term sighting histories to further knowledge of humpback whale reproductive physiology.

The Impacts of Female Access during Rearing on the Reproductive Behavior and Physiology of Pekin Drakes, and Flock Fertility.

Commercially housed Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are typically reared in same sex groups to facilitate separate diet provisioning. Several female ducklings are sometimes mixed into the otherwise all-male pens. This practice is thought to increase flock reproductive success. To evaluate this hypothesis, we reared ducklings in alternating same-sex groups (150 hens or 30 drakes/pen; 8 groups/sex) and evaluated the impacts of rearing on drake mounting behavior, testosterone levels, and flock fertility. At 12 days, three females were placed into four of the male duckling pens. At 20-22 weeks of age, adjacent male and female pens were moved into pens within a breeder barn, and combined to form mixed-sex pens. The number of correctly aligned mounts performed by 10 focal drakes per pen was evaluated over 3 days (12 h/day) at 26, 32, and 45 weeks of age. Circulating testosterone concentrations were analyzed from blood plasma samples collected from the focal drakes at 15 (baseline), 22, 28, 34 and 45 weeks of age. Pen-level fertility was determined at 33-34 and 45-46 weeks of age. Mount and testosterone data were analyzed using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model and a Linear Mixed Model in R 4.0.5, with duck in pen as a random effect. A Linear Mixed Model was used to analyze fertility data, with pen as a random effect. None of the measured variables were impacted by rearing treatment, but all varied with flock age. Physical access to female ducklings during rearing did not enhance flock reproductive success.

A feasible method for llama embryo paraffin embedding

Maternal recognition of pregnancy in llamas would be related to a still-unknown signal secreted by the embryo to extend the corpus luteum lifespan. In order to study llamas reproductive physiology and early pregnancy aspects, research on embryos between 8 and 12 days post-mating is essential. However, there is a lack of information on llama embryo paraffin embedding, a procedure that exhibits difficulties, mostly for embryo manipulation. This work presents an accessible, easy and rapid protocol for embedding llama blastocysts. Uterine flushings from four superovulated llamas were performed to recover embryos 8 days post-mating. Each embryo was fixed in 1 ml of 10 % neutral buffered formalin for 24 h, at 4 °C, and transferred to 70 % ethanol. Later, they were submitted to a series of baths: 500 µl PBS with 5 % bovine foetal serum solution (PBS+BFS) for 1 min; zona pellucida permeabilization with 500 µl PBS with 0.2 % Triton X-100 for 20 min; 500 µl PBS+BFS for 1 min; dehydration on baths with ascendent grades of ethanol (70 %, 96 %, and 100 % twice) for 10 min each; and bath of butanol for 5 min. Finally, embryos were embedded in a pellet of paraffin and afterwards in a paraffin block. Complete sections from 8 of 13 grade I and II embryos were obtained. In conclusion, by applying this method, good quality sections with preserved embryo morphology suitable for histological, histochemical or immunohistochemical approaches would be possible to acquire.

NGF and the Male Reproductive System: Potential Clinical Applications in Infertility.

Infertility is a worldwide health issue defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the inability to establish a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Male infertility etiology can be related to either congenital or acquired factors. The therapeutical approach to male infertility depends on the underlying causes and includes medical and surgical treatments. In recent studies, the potential role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in male reproductive physiology has been proposed. It has been hypothesized that neurotrophins might be involved in testis morphogenesis and regulation of several aspects of spermatogenesis. Moreover, it has been shown that NGF exerts its role on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons through the activation of the PKC/p-ERK1/2/p-CREB cascade, which leads to the activation of hypothalamic cells and the consequent activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) with the secretion of GnRH. Lastly, it has been shown that the physiology of mature sperm is affected by both exogenous and endogenous NGF. The NGF impact on the HPG axis and its effect on GnRH neurons might be exploited in the therapy of male hypogonadism or used as a protective strategy against gonadal dysfunction related to chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, the improving effect of NGF on sperm motility and vitality could be useful to enhance assisted reproduction outcomes. NGF could be supplemented to cryopreserved sperm samples to counteract the oxidative stress induced by the frozen and thawing processes. Indeed, the potential clinical applications of NGF in male infertility treatment have been discussed.

Ovarian apoptosis is regulated by carbohydrate intake but not by protein intake in speckled cockroaches

When the likelihood of reproducing successfully is low, any prior investment in developing oocytes may be wasted. One means of recouping this investment is oosorption – where ova are absorbed and resources salvaged so they can be re-allocated to other traits. Food-limited female speckled cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea) appear to use this strategy. However, it is unclear if total food intake or the availability of specific nutrients induces this process. Here, we used the geometric framework of nutrition to determine how protein, carbohydrate and energy intake affect levels of ovarian apoptosis and necrosis (controlled versus uncontrolled cell death) in the terminal oocytes of female N. cinerea. We then compare the effects of nutrient intake on apoptosis (a key step towards oosorption) and offspring production to better understand the relationship between diet, apoptosis and female fitness. We found that even when food was abundant, females experienced high levels of apoptosis if their diet lacked carbohydrate. Necrosis was reduced when energy intake was high, but largely irrespective of nutrient ratio. Offspring production peaked on a low protein, high carbohydrate nutrient ratio (1P:7.96C), similar to that which minimized apoptosis (1P:7.34C) but not in the region of nutrient space that minimized necrosis. Thus, females consuming an ideal nutrient blend for reproduction can invest heavily in their current brood without needing to salvage nutrients from developing ova. However, offspring production was more dependent on carbohydrate consumption than apoptosis was, suggesting that the importance of carbohydrate in reproduction goes beyond regulating oosorption. This reliance on carbohydrate for female reproduction may reflect the unusual reproductive and nutritional physiology of speckled cockroaches; attributes that make this species an exciting model for understanding how diet regulates reproduction.

An integrative analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs highlights the potential roles of lncRNAs in the process of follicle selection in Taihang chickens

Taihang chickens are a domestic breed distributed throughout Hebei province in the Taihang Mountains of China and are characterized by their high meat and egg quality. However, the relatively limited egg production by this breed constrains their more widespread commercial utilization. The follicle selection process is closely linked to oocyte development and ovulation, making it a key determinant of laying performance and fecundity in hens. To understand the biological basis for such follicle selection and to identify the associated regulatory pathways, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs from the pre-hierarchical follicles and hierarchical follicles of Taihang laying hens. We identified 81 lncRNAs and 528 mRNAs that were differentially expressed during follicle selection, and integrated network analyses suggested that these RNAs were associated with the cell cycle, focal adhesion, oocyte meiosis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. The identified lncRNAs were also predicted to influence a series of target genes in cis and trans, suggesting that they may be important regulators of ovarian follicular development. Overall, the present analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression patterns associated with ovarian follicle development offers a new foundation for future studies of reproductive physiology in Taihang chickens, highlighting new opportunities to improve the laying performance of this important domestic breed.

PSIII-3 Late-Breaking: Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP) at Low Doses Alters Gene Expression of Epigenetic Regulators in Bovine Granulosa Cells

Abstract Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and impact reproduction and epigenetic mechanisms. The use of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) has increased in the last decade. However, studies about DIBP's effects on female reproductive physiology are limited. Methylation of DNA and RNA are epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression, cell biology, and reproductive functions. How DIBP exposure regulates these epigenetic mechanisms in ovarian follicular cells remains to be unveiled. We hypothesize that DIBP at low doses alters the expression of RNA and DNA methylation regulators in bovine granulosa cells (GC). Bovine GC was isolated from small antral follicles (1-5 mm on surface diameter) from ovaries obtained at a slaughterhouse. Cells were cultured in vitro until reaching an average 70% confluence and treated with DIBP at levels detected in human blood (0 ng/mL, 1 ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL) combined with hormones that regulate ovarian folliculogenesis: FSH or FSH+IGF1. Cells were cultured for 24h for total RNA isolation (n = 5 pools) or for 48h for cell counting (n=5 pools). Relative mRNA abundance of RNA N6 methyladenine (m6A) methylation machinery (m6A writers: METTL3, METTL14; m6A erasers: ALKBH5, FTO), RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methylation regulators (NSUN2, TRDMT1), and DNA methylation players (DNA methyltransferases: DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B; DNA demethylases: TET1, TET2, TET3) was determined via qPCR using 18S as housekeeping gene and expressed as 2-ΔΔCt. Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting using a MUSE cell analyzer. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA with GLM procedures of SAS for Windows. Normality was tested using Shapiro-Wilk test procedures and data considered not normal were transformed to log2 (Y + 0.6). Data sets that showed non-gaussian distribution after log-transformation was analyzed via the Kruskal-Wallis test using GraphPad Prism 9.2.0. Cell proliferation was not affected by DIBP treatments in combination with FSH or with FSH+IGF1. In GC treated with FSH in combination with DIBP, there was no significant effect on relative mRNA abundance of RNA or DNA methylation players. In combination with FSH+IGF1, GC treated with DIBP had lower (P < 0.05) METTL14 relative mRNA abundance at 1 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL than at 0 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL. TRDMT1 relative mRNA abundance was lower (P < 0.05) in the DIBP group at 10 ng/mL in comparison to groups 0 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, but no 100 ng/mL. In addition, there was no significant effect on the relative mRNA abundance of DNA methylation regulators. In summary, GC treated with FSH+IGF1 and DIBP at low doses alters the gene expression of RNA methylation players in m6A and m5C RNA modifications in a non-monotonic dose-response, but does not alter mRNA abundance of DNA methylation regulators.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin E Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Egg Characteristics, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Status in Breeding Geese during the Late Laying Period.

This study aimed to tentatively evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E (VE) on goose reproductive physiology through the investigation of reproductive performance, egg characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and immune status in breeding geese. A total of 480 female and 96 male Jiangnan White breeding geese were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replicates, and each replicate had 30 females and six males. Four levels of VE were successively added to four treatment diets from 48 to 54 weeks of age, representing the effects of VE deficiency (0 IU/kg), basic-dose VE (40 IU/kg), middle-dose VE (200 IU/kg), and high-dose VE (2000 IU/kg). Neither the egg-laying rate nor the healthy-gosling rate were affected by any of the VE supplementations (p > 0.05). The qualified egg rate, hatchability of fertilized eggs, and spleen index were increased by each VE supplementation (p < 0.05). Egg fertility, the concentration of plasma reproductive hormones (i.e., the follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and progesterone), follicular development, and antioxidant enzyme activities—i.e., the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)—in the liver and ovary were improved by 200 IU/kg of dietary VE (p < 0.05). Plasma VE concentration, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G content were increased, whereas plasma vitamin D3 concentration was reduced by increasing dietary VE levels to 2000 IU/kg (p < 0.05). The VE deposition of yolk, the yolk color depth, and the albumen rate were increased by each VE supplementation (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., MDA concentration, T-AOC, SOD, and GSH) in yolk were improved by 200 IU/kg and 2000 IU/kg of dietary VE (p < 0.05), compared with 0 IU/kg. The VE deposition was significantly correlated with GSH activity and the MDA concentration in egg yolk (p < 0.05). However, the high intake of dietary VE (2000 IU/kg vs. 200 IU/kg) decreased egg fertility (p < 0.05) and reduced the antioxidant capacity in the liver and ovary (p < 0.05). The qualified egg rate was positively correlated to immunoglobulin production (p < 0.05). Egg fertility and hatchability were correlatively improved by increased antioxidant enzyme activity; decreased MDA in the liver and ovary; hatchability; and enhanced immune status (p < 0.05). To sum up, both VE deficiency and high-dose VE (2000 IU/kg) reduced reproductive performance, whereas a dose of 200 IU/kg VE achieved optimal fertility, possibly through enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune status.

Contributions of seminal plasma proteins to fertilizing ability of bull sperm: A meta-analytical review.

Seminal plasma is a dynamic, intricate combination of fluids from the testicles, epididymides, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and prostate, containing molecules that modulate sperm functions, post-fertilization events, and the female reproductive tract physiology. Significant variations in sperm parameters and fertility status of bulls relate to differences in the seminal plasma proteome. In this framework, a meta-analytical study was conducted examining 29 studies (published between 1990 and 2021) to ascertain the effects of seminal fluid proteins on parameters associated with bull fertility and the influence of distinct methodologies on such effects. Our results revealed that seminal proteins ameliorate sperm parameters, such as motility, integrity, capacitation, and fertilizing ability, and favours sperm protection. Seminal binder of sperm proteins and beta-defensin 126 highly favoured sperm protection when cells were collected from the epididymis by retrograde flux and analysed under room temperature conditions. Furthermore, seminal proteins improved the motility and quality of Bos taurus sperm collected by artificial vagina, mainly in the presence of heparin-binding proteins. The key limitations faced by this meta-analysis were the paucity of studies evaluating the effects of whole seminal fluid proteins and the limited number of studies conducted in vivo. In conclusion, the present meta-analytical study confirms that seminal proteins improve fertility-related parameters in the bovine species. However, methodological strategies used by authors are diverse, with distinct endpoints and methods. Thus, the translational aspects of seminal plasma research should be taken into consideration to precisely define how seminal proteins can be harnessed to advance reproductive biotechnology.

PENDAMPINGAN SISWA OLEH KADER “GEMPI KESPRO” GENERASI MUDA PEDULI KESEHATAN REPRODUKSI DI SMPIT BINA INSANI KOTA KEDIRI

Reproductive health issues are always an interesting topic of discussion among youth groups, including junior high school students. This community service activities aims to realize SMPIT Bina Insani Kediri as a school with a "gempi kespro" perspective, namely a school that has concern for reproductive health. Activities have started in 2021 with the formation of the Gempi Kespro Cadre and continued with training involving 35 students. This year (2022) is the 2nd year of implementing community service activities with the target of student mentoring activities by the Gempi Kespro Cadre to provide information and education on adolescent reproductive health issues under the supervision of the Gempi Kespro Advisor. Each cadre is given the opportunity to accompany 1 student by using the module, pocket book and Gempi Kespro comic, as a medium of information and education. From the activities carried out, it can be seen that there was an increase in participants' knowledge about adolescent reproductive health, including: reproductive organ anatomy, physiology, puberty and adolescent reproductive health problems. From the evaluation results, it was also found that 91.43% of cadres and 85.71% of participants stated that they were satisfied and benefited from participating in this activity. The majority of participants stated that the benefits obtained were in the form of: information about reproductive health (92.86%), the ability to communicate with friends (97.14%), having an interest in the world of health (74.29%). This activity is expected to be continued in the 3rd year with the target of strengthening school infrastructure with the concept of Gempi Kespro.Keywords: students, cadres, mentoring, reproductive health

Phenological acclimatisation of translocated white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) from New Zealand to China

ABSTRACT Adaptation of translocated species to new habitats can be evaluated by comparing their behaviour and physiology with resident species. Twenty-eight white-red deer (Cervus elaphus) were translocated successfully from New Zealand to China in 2015, including 16 males and 12 females (7 pregnant and 5 non-pregnant). We assumed that the seasonal behaviour and reproductive physiology of the translocated white-red deer would gradually converge toward the seasonal patterns exhibited by resident red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus). Thus, we monitored the behaviours of translocated white-red deer and compared these behaviours with that of resident red deer living in the same environment. The results showed that the white-red deer, translocated during the oestrus and breeding season, was different in various behaviours with the resident red deer. The resting and feeding behaviour of translocated white-red deer were significantly less than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05), while the standing and movement behaviour were significantly more than that of resident red deer (p < 0.05). Compared with non-pregnant translocated individuals, the pregnant translocated white-red deer need more time to adapt to seasonal and environmental changes. Regular monitoring of translocated white-red deer should be implemented to maintain the sustainable development of the white-red deer population.

Oestradiol reduces female bill colour in a mutually ornamented bird.

Carotenoid-based colour signals can be costly to produce and maintain, and trade-offs between signalling and other fitness traits are expected. In mutually ornamented species, trade-offs with reproduction may be stronger for females than males, because females often dedicate more resources to offspring production, which may lead to plastic investment in colour signals and plastic sexual dichromatism. Oestradiol is a candidate mediator of this trade-off because it regulates reproductive physiology and may also influence the expression of coloration. We tested this hypothesis by giving female common waxbills (Estrilda astrild) either oestradiol (17β-oestradiol) or empty implants during the early breeding season and measured spectral reflectance of carotenoid-based bill coloration weekly for two months. Using a model of avian vision, we found that bill colour in oestradiol-implanted females became less saturated, less red in hue and brighter, compared with control females and with unimplanted males. This resulted in a change in bill sexual dichromatism from imperceptible to perceptible. Results support the hypothesis that female reproductive physiology influences investment in coloration through changes in oestradiol and show a form of female-driven plastic sexual dichromatism. Greater sensitivity of female colour to physiological and/or environmental conditions helps explain why differences in sexual dichromatism among species differing in ecology often evolve owing to changes in female rather than male phenotype.

Phytoestrogens: A Review of Their Impacts on Reproductive Physiology and Other Effects upon Grazing Livestock.

Simple SummaryPhytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites that play a role in plant defense, and when ingested by livestock have numerous functions related to reproduction, metabolism, immunological functions and livestock growth and performance. Phytoestrogens are found across various plant species, with the most biologically active of these, isoflavones and coumestans, abundant in legume species. Understanding the overall potential health and reproductive effects that may occur in livestock grazing phytoestrogenic pastures is essential to mitigate any potential risks attributed to fertility loss or to introduce proactive management strategies to aid in improving growth and development. A review of their interactions with livestock systems will provide updated information for the agricultural and veterinary industries.Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. The biological activity of the various phytoestrogen types; isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, are species-specific, although at concentrations of 25 mg/kg of dry matter each of the phytoestrogen types affect reproductive functions in grazing livestock. The impacts upon fertility in grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, vary greatly over length of exposure time, age and health of animal and the stress stimuli the plant is exposed to. More recently, research into the other effects that phytoestrogens may have upon metabolism, immune capacity and growth and performance of grazing livestock has been conducted. Potential new benefits for using these phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, have been identified by observing the stimulation of production in lymphocytes and other antibody cells. Numerous isoflavones have also been recognized to promote protein synthesis, increase the lean meat ratio, and increase weight gain in cattle and sheep. In Australia, the high economic value of legumes as pasture crops in sheep and cattle production enterprises requires proactive management strategies to mitigate risk associated with potential loss of fertility associated with inclusion of pasture legumes as forages for grazing livestock.