Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"The use of the serum progesterone strip test as a clinical tool for assessing reproductive status in replacement gilts.","authors":"Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul, Umaporn Pimpitak, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Wanwisa Poonlapdecha, Nutthiwut Khun-Arwut, Kittinan Komolpis, Sirirat Rengpipat, Kridtasak Sang-Gassanee, Hongyao Lin, Miquel Collell, Robert V Knox, Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Identifying the reproductive status of replacement gilts at the appropriate age can improve mating efficiency and reduce non-productive days. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive status of gilts and assess the accuracy of a serum progesterone strip test. A total of 112 Landrace × Yorkshire gilts, aged 196-238 days, were enrolled. Estrus detection was performed daily from 189 days of age using the back-pressure test with fence-line boar exposure. Blood samples were collected from all gilts, and serum progesterone levels were determined using both ELISA and a progesterone lateral flow assays (LFAs) strip test. Puberty was defined by an ELISA-based serum progesterone concentration ≥5.0 ng/ml. The LFAs employed a competitive assay using a monoclonal antibody against progesterone. A single test line indicated a 'positive' result (pubertal), while two lines indicated 'negative' (prepubertal). To perform the test, 2-3 drops of serum were applied to the strip, with results read after 15 min. Based on ELISA, 51.8 % of gilts were pubertal and 48.2 % were prepubertal. Pubertal gilts had significantly higher serum progesterone levels than prepubertal gilts (30.8 ± 11.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.8 ng/ml; P < 0.001). The LFAs correctly identified 98.2 % of pubertal gilts and 94.4 % of prepubertal gilts, yielding a sensitivity of 98.2 % and specificity of 94.4 %. In conclusion, the progesterone strip test demonstrated high accuracy and shows strong potential for on-farm use in identifying pubertal gilts based on serum progesterone concentration.</p>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"117627"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144804913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidence of ineffectiveness of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on in vitro production of bovine embryos: systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Giovana de Santi Phelippe Nunes, Alan Brunholi Giroto, Sarah Gomes Nunes, Edson Assunção Mareco, Beatriz Díaz-Fabregat, Anthony César de Souza Castilho","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117626","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unsatisfactory results of in vitro maturation (IVM) impair the development, survival and implantation of the embryo. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is widely used in IVM, but its efficacy is controversial and consistent evidence is lacking. To investigate the efficacy of IGF-1 in IVM, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on bovine oocytes competence and subsequent embryonic development. We structured the research question according to the PICO model: \"Does IGF-1 enhance in vitro embryo production in cattle during maturation?\" We consulted scientific databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus. The assessment of the methodological quality of the selected articles, the risk of bias, was performed with SYRCLE® by two reviewers. Data analysis was performed with R software, the \"META\" package for meta-analysis, using the metabin function to assess data proportions and estimate random effects, and the forest function for graphical representation. Of the 43 articles evaluated, eight were included in the statistical analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant effect of IGF-1 on cleavage rate (OR = 1.28 [0.96; 1.71]; p > 0.05) and on blastocyst yield (OR = 0.88 [0.64; 1.22]; p > 0.05). In conclusion, although IGF-1 is a key protein for cell differentiation, its addition during IVM does not promote blastocyst development. Therefore, we propose novel strategies to increase the bioavailability of IGF-1 during IVM in cattle to potentially improve embryonic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"117626"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144817467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between immunological and hormonal parameters during healthy pregnancy in mares","authors":"Lorena S. Feijo ,&nbsp;Joy Ledeck ,&nbsp;Karen Wolfsdorf ,&nbsp;Jerome Ponthier ,&nbsp;Stephen Parry ,&nbsp;M. Julia B. Felippe","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Associations between the immune and endocrine systems during equine pregnancy remain poorly understood. Based on the hypothesis that distinct phases of the equine healthy gestation are characterized by specific associations between circulating immunological and hormonal parameters, contributing to pregnancy maintenance, this investigation aimed to: (i) evaluate how circulating immunological and hormonal parameters change across different phases of pregnancy; (ii) investigate associations between changes in circulating immunological and hormonal parameters; and (iii) propose potential hormonal drivers of immunological modulation during pregnancy. Peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected from mares (n = 8) before ovulation and during pregnancy at 30, 90, 150, 210, 240, 270, 300, and 330 days of their healthy gestations. An immunological panel included the distribution of circulating T cell (CD3, CD4, and CD8) and B cell subpopulations, complete blood counts (CBC), and serum protein profile. Hormonal analyses included equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), progestogens, androgens, estrogens, corticosteroids, and thyroid hormones. At 90 days, a statistically significant increase in peripheral blood CD4 T cell distribution was accompanied by a concomitant reduction in B cell distribution. This immunological modulation correlated positively with eCG, progesterone (P4), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), and estrone sulfate, and inversely with B cell levels. In contrast, at 210 days, B cell distribution peaked significantly while CD4 T cell distribution declined, concomitant with a rise in albumin levels. These changes positively correlated with cortisone and hematocrit. Mid-gestation was characterized by associations between different androgens and circulating T cell and B cell distributions. Consistent negative associations were observed between progesterone, DHP, and estradiol-17β with glucocorticoid metabolites throughout gestation. Estradiol-17β and IgM concentrations showed a positive correlation in late gestation. Immune-hormone and hormone-hormone associations were more pronounced during early and mid-gestation, while the final 100 days of pregnancy were characterized by relatively constant levels. Collectively, our findings suggest immune-hormone associations that potentially orchestrate immunomodulation, fetal development, successful pregnancy maintenance, and parturition in the mare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117719"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Construction of CD163-knockout induced pluripotent stem cells using reprogramming technology","authors":"Yaya Zhao,&nbsp;Xiaolong Wu,&nbsp;Liming Yuan,&nbsp;Zuo Lei,&nbsp;Wenjie Xu,&nbsp;Jinlian Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the key receptor protein mediating PRRSV infection, CD163 represents a critical target for blocking viral entry. To establish a robust in vitro cellular model for investigating PRRSV–host interactions, this study utilized CD163-knockout transgenic pigs previously generated in our laboratory and isolated porcine auricular marginal fibroblasts (PAMFs). Porcine-derived OSKM reprogramming factors (<em>OCT4</em>, <em>SOX2</em>, <em>KLF4</em>, <em>c-MYC</em>) were delivered via a Tet-On lentiviral system combined with an LBCSV reprogramming protocol, leading to the successful generation of a CD163-deficient porcine induced pluripotent stem cell line (CD163-KO iPSC). Effective integration of exogenous reprogramming factors was confirmed during induction, and alkaline phosphatase staining showed strong positivity in CD163-KO iPSC colonies, preliminarily demonstrating their pluripotent characteristics. Further analyses, including quantitative PCR, semi-quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot, confirmed successful reprogramming, as evidenced by the upregulated expression of the pluripotency markers <em>NANOG</em> and <em>SALL4</em> at both the mRNA and protein levels, along with a considerable downregulation of the somatic cell marker <em>THY1</em> at the mRNA level. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CD163-KO iPSC exhibited significant upregulation of pluripotency genes (e.g., <em>OCT4</em>, <em>ESRRB</em>) compared to porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEFs), along with downregulation of developmental genes and enhanced basal metabolic activity. Embryoid body spontaneous differentiation and primordial germ cell-like cell induction experiments demonstrated that this cell line not only exhibited excellent gene editing compatibility but also possessed defined multilineage differentiation potential, thereby providing a reliable in vitro model platform for in-depth investigation of PRRSV infection mechanisms and host–pathogen interactions. This study not only offers a novel tool for elucidating viral entry mechanisms, but also lays a solid foundation for the development of antiviral strategies against PRRSV and the control of porcine viral diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117722"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145364201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heterodimeric Fc fused porcine FSH improved the reproductive performance of gilts","authors":"Lili Qi ,&nbsp;Yinhui Liu ,&nbsp;Hanfang Mei ,&nbsp;Haiguang Mao ,&nbsp;Lu Chen ,&nbsp;Aike Wang ,&nbsp;Zhihong Dai ,&nbsp;Shiqiao Weng ,&nbsp;Mengting Wang ,&nbsp;Zhijian Ke ,&nbsp;Jinbo Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exogenous hormones are routinely administered to gilts to enhance reproductive performance by stimulating follicular development and ovulation. While equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is the most widely used hormone for this purpose, its production—which involves blood collection from pregnant mares—lacks standardization and raises animal welfare concerns. This study aimed to develop a heterodimeric Fc-fused recombinant porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (rpFSH) as a sustainable alternative to eCG. The alpha and beta subunits of porcine FSH were fused to engineered Fc fragments and expressed in CHO-S cells. Site-specific mutations were introduced into the Fc domains to promote efficient heterodimeric assembly. A total of 120 Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were synchronized with altrenogest (ALT) for 18 days and randomly allocated to two groups: a control group receiving 1000 IU eCG followed by 100 μg GnRH 80 h later, and an rpFSH group receiving 1000 IU rpFSH (equivalent to 317 μg) plus 200 IU hCG, followed by GnRH on the same schedule. Transabdominal ultrasonography indicated that rpFSH-treated gilts developed significantly more 6.0–7.0 mm follicles (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) but fewer follicles &gt;7 mm in diameter compared to eCG-treated gilts. Hormonal analysis revealed 35 % higher FSH concentrations in the rpFSH group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), whereas estradiol and progesterone levels did not differ significantly between groups. The interval from GnRH administration to ovulation was longer in rpFSH-treated gilts (41.3 h vs. 36.7 h, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Reproductive outcomes were comparable between treatments, with pregnancy rates of 93.33 % in both groups. No significant differences were observed in farrowing rates (88.33 % vs. 91.67 %) or litter size (11.77 ± 1.56 vs. 12.35 ± 1.43 piglets). These findings demonstrate that the novel heterodimeric rpFSH, engineered via integrated hydrophobic and electrostatic steering strategies, provides a functionally equivalent and ethically superior alternative to eCG in gilt reproductive management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117720"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145347526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Three-dimensional suspension induction of porcine EPSCs into PGCs","authors":"Liming Yuan ,&nbsp;Xiaolong Wu ,&nbsp;Xiaoxiao Fu ,&nbsp;Zuo Lei,&nbsp;Hongzhao Shi,&nbsp;Wenjie Xu,&nbsp;Yaya Zhao,&nbsp;Jiannan Li,&nbsp;Xueting Li,&nbsp;Lexi Gao,&nbsp;Na Li,&nbsp;Jinlian Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of germ cells, originate from the post-implantation epiblast under the regulation of signals from other germ layers. Elucidating the origin and differentiation mechanisms of PGCs is essential for understanding embryonic development and germ cell formation. This study delineated the cell fate characteristics and key molecular expression patterns during the differentiation of porcine extended pluripotent stem cells (pEPSCs) into epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs) and subsequently into PGCs, while also revealing the phenomenon and regulatory mechanisms of spontaneous PGC specification during this process. pEPSCs were first induced into EpiLCs using N2B27 medium with Activin A and bFGF, then further differentiated via 3D suspension culture. Analysis of key markers revealed a complex cell fate transition. During EpiLC induction, the core marker OTX2 was highly expressed, alongside upregulation of other lineage markers. Notably, even without exogenous BMP4, the PGC marker PRDM1 was detectable at 36 h, indicating spontaneous PGC specification. In subsequent embryoid bodies (EBs), PRDM1 expression increased alongside pluripotency gene reactivation, confirming advanced PGC differentiation. This work establishes that pEPSCs can differentiate into PGCs via an “EpiLCs→EB” pathway and demonstrates spontaneous PGC specification during the EpiLC stage. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of PGC differentiation in vitro and for optimizing PGCs induction systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117718"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Duration of continuous fetal gastrointestinal peristalsis before parturition in mares maintained at a breeding farm or in a university hospital","authors":"Caroline A. Roxon,&nbsp;Lindsay J. Deacon,&nbsp;Michelle Abraham,&nbsp;Darko Stefanovski,&nbsp;Patricia L. Sertich","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gestation length is not a reliable indicator of fetal maturity due to the variability of normal gestation length in the mare. A standard method to accurately predict equine fetal maturity is not being used clinically. The presence of continuous gastrointestinal peristalsis, as detected ultrasonographically, is an indicator that both human and canine fetuses are mature (can survive after elective cesarean section). To determine if continuous gastrointestinal peristalsis, which we termed Phase 5, was a valid indicator of fetal maturity in the horse, and whether this indicator varied in late-gestation mares in the potentially stressful environment of a veterinary hospital, the motility of the fetal gastrointestinal tract was evaluated ultrasonographically in mares managed extensively on a breeding farm and those hospitalized in a university teaching hospital. Our hypotheses were that, due to stress, hospitalized mares would have a longer gestation length and more days in Phase 5 than would mares foaling in their home environment. When adjusted for sex of the foal, the marginal model-adjusted mean of gestation length (marginal mean: 353.6; 95 % CI: 351.0–356.1 days) of mares foaling at their home breeding farm was not significantly different than that (345.5; 95 % CI: 336.8–354.2 days) of mares foaling in the hospital, thus our hypothesis regarding gestation length was not supported. Phase 5 fetal gastrointestinal peristalsis was present in all cases before parturition. The duration of Phase 5 in fetuses of hospitalized mares (marginal mean: 17.6; 95 % CI: 13.1–22.0 days) was greater than that for mares foaling at the breeding farm (marginal mean: 10.7; 95 % CI: 9.0–12.5 days), supporting our hypothesis regarding the length of Phase 5. The presence of continuous fetal gastrointestinal peristalsis can be a useful indicator that parturition is impending in the mare. This information may aid in making decisions in managing high-risk equine pregnancies. More research is required to determine how soon after Phase 5 commences the fetus is mature enough to survive induction of parturition or cesarean section.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovariectomy induces regression of hyperplastic uterus in female dogs","authors":"B.I.M. Antunes ,&nbsp;V.K.C. Poltronieri ,&nbsp;N.B. Andreão ,&nbsp;E.C.C. Reis ,&nbsp;P.P.M. Teixeira ,&nbsp;M.A.M. Silva ,&nbsp;C.E.F. Alves ,&nbsp;F.B.C. Moura ,&nbsp;F.A. Voorwald","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is a common physiological affection in adult female dogs in diestrus, which can make the uterine environment susceptible to bacterial infections. It is known that hormonal interactions, mainly between progesterone and estrogen, are key players for development of the CEH-pyometra complex, but many questions remain regarding its etiopathogenesis. The present study proposes a new approach, to the authors' knowledge not yet described in literature, to add new information for better understanding of this affection and possibly establish new guidelines for obstetric surgery and reproduction in veterinary medicine. It is demonstrated that the absence of steroidal hormones leads to significant regression of uterine tissue and glandular hyperplasia, as well as reduction in estrogen and progesterone receptors and markers of tissue proliferation, in the uterus of female dogs, six months after ovariectomy. Significant involution of endometrial hyperplasia was observed, as the size and macroscopic appearance of the uterus. This study reaffirms the important role played by steroid hormones in demonstrating macroscopically, molecularly and histologically the regression of hyperplastic endometrial and glandular tissue when performing ovariectomy in female dogs. Our findings suggest that ovariectomy may induce regression of endometrial hyperplasia and could represent a potential alternative to ovariohysterectomy. However, larger studies including control groups are required to confirm these results and define the clinical applicability of this approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117709"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Monthly and lunar variation of pregnancy rates and gestation losses after transfer of in vitro produced bovine embryos in a southern tropical region of South America","authors":"Fernando P. Perea ,&nbsp;Alessandro Magno Cambraia Esteves ,&nbsp;João Lucas Lobo Alves Correia ,&nbsp;Carlos Nogueira ,&nbsp;Miguel F. Perea-Brugal ,&nbsp;Hugo Hernández-Fonseca","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This retrospective study investigated the effect of month and lunar cycle on pregnancy per embryo transfer (P/ET) and pregnancy losses following the transfer of in vitro-produced embryos (n = 11,434). Oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up from Gyr donor cows on farms in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In vitro Gyr × Holstein embryos were produced using standard commercial laboratory protocols. Only fresh day-7 blastocysts and expanded blastocysts were transferred into recipient cows, and pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound at 30 and 60 days post-transfer. The lunar cycle was divided into 30 periods of 0.98 days each. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. The P/ET was significantly influenced by the month of transfer (IVP-ET) (P &lt; 0.0001), with consistent patterns at both 30 and 60 days. Rates were lowest in January and February, increased through June, declined in July and August, and peaked during the last four months of the year. Pregnancy losses varied across months (P = 0.1888), with highest rates in July and lowest in June. The lunar cycle also affected P/ET (P &lt; 0.01), with higher rates during the waning phase compared with the crescent phase at both 30 days and 60 days. Pregnancy losses fluctuated throughout the lunar cycle (P = 0.2744), ranging from 3.6 % to 15.6 %. Notable positive deviations in the mean frequency of pregnancy losses were observed around the full moon and new moon. In conclusion, P/ET was significantly associated with both the month and the lunar cycle, whereas pregnancy losses varied considerably across months and days of lunar cycle but did not reach statistical significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CART affects the proliferation, apoptosis, and estradiol secretion of bovine granulosa cells by downregulating the expression of LRRC51","authors":"Junli Cheng ,&nbsp;Meng Liu ,&nbsp;Junrong Yan ,&nbsp;Zhiwei Zhu ,&nbsp;Guangwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Pengfei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) influences granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, apoptosis, and estradiol (E₂) production in <em>Bos taurus</em> follicles. Bovine GCs were used as an in vitro model, and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed genes and metabolites following CART treatment. CART significantly reduced the mRNA abundance of leucine rich repeat containing 51 (<em>LRRC51</em>) and increased the concentration of 2-methoxyestrone, both of which are enriched in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. These findings suggest that CART may impair follicular development by suppressing <em>LRRC51</em> expression. Furthermore, methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) revealed that CART elevated the methylation level of the <em>LRRC51</em> promoter region in GCs, providing a potential mechanism for the downregulation of <em>LRRC51</em>. Functional studies showed that <em>LRRC51</em> knockdown significantly decreased E₂ concentration, increased 2-methoxyestrone levels, suppressed GC viability, and promoted apoptosis. Knockdown also markedly reduced steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1), and cyclin D2 (CCND2) protein abundance, while upregulating Bcl-2 interacting mediator (Bim) and caspase-3 (CASP3) protein expression. Conversely, <em>LRRC51</em> overexpression enhanced E₂ secretion and GC viability. Importantly, CART treatment abrogated the stimulatory effects of <em>LRRC51</em> overexpression on GC viability and E₂ accumulation, while amplifying the inhibitory effects of <em>LRRC51</em> knockdown on cell viability and apoptosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CART downregulates <em>LRRC51</em> expression via promoter methylation, thereby modulating GC viability, apoptosis, and E₂ synthesis and metabolism, and provide new insights into the molecular regulation of follicular maturation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}