Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Does size matter? The impact of the measuring method on testicular volume in cats","authors":"Ricarda Schaper ,&nbsp;Eva-Maria Packeiser ,&nbsp;Anna Sophia Leps ,&nbsp;Franziska Gröger ,&nbsp;Plamen Georgiev ,&nbsp;Sandra Goericke-Pesch","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The determination of the testicular volume (TV) is a central component of the andrological examination and provides important information on the reproductive function, although reference values for tomcats and a comparison of the different available measuring devices are lacking. In this study, two manual measurement methods – a digital caliper (CL) and a measuring tape (MT) – as well as water displacement (WD) were compared. For volume calculation, the ellipsoid and Lambert's formula were applied, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) calculated and correlation analysis performed. The study included two cohorts: Group 1 comprised 16 normospermic tomcats before and during hormonal suppression by a deslorelin implant, group 2 consisted of 20 tomcats of different ages at routine castration. MT measurements consistently yielded larger values then CL measurements. The use of different TV formulas effectively minimized the bias and identified CL + Lambert and MT + ellipsoid as the most comparable, while the WD method proved to be unsuitable for cats. Strong (r = 0.87, group 2) and moderate (r = 0.68, group 1) correlations (p &lt; 0.0001) were achieved between CT and MT volumes. While the TV was influenced by body weight, the GSI was size-independent and allowed a reliable differentiation between normo- and azoospermic, as well as between juvenile and adult individuals. This study recommends the combination of the CL with the Lambert formula or the MT with the ellipsoid formula as two practicable methods for TV calculation in veterinary practice. Further studies are encouraged to establish reference values and to validate the significance of the GSI in the assessment of reproductive capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109487","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":"Placental and other risk factors related to the survival and development of neonates from birth up to 10 days of life in bitches","authors":"Romina Gisele Praderio ,&nbsp;Mauricio Javier Giuliodori ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Luzbel de la Sota ,&nbsp;Maria Alejandra Stornelli","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the association of several neonatal risk factors has been described previously, the relationship between placental alterations and neonatal viability, vitality scores, growth, and development in canines remains unexplored. This research aimed to study placental and other risk factors related to the survival and growth of neonates from birth up to 10 days of life in bitches. A cohort of 27 bitches, 93 neonates, and 53 placentas was included. Weight, macroscopic and microscopic lesions, and vascular density were evaluated in the placentas, while mortality, viability, APGAR, reflexes, and weight progression until day 10 of life were assessed in neonates of three groups: 1) emergency cesarean (EMC, n = 43), 2) elective cesarean (ELC, n = 11), and 3) natural parturition (NAP, n = 39). Neonatal mortality was higher in the EMC group (56.0 %) compared to the NAP group (10.2 %) and the ELC group (0 %). Macroscopic placental lesions were associated with reduced neonatal viability, and the type of parturition, specifically EMC, significantly increased neonatal mortality, the number of puppies under distress, and those with reduced reflexes. In conclusion, this study suggests that macroscopic placental lesions and parturition type are risk factors for the viability, vitality, and growth of canine neonates. As gross placental lesions are easily identifiable in clinical settings, their evaluation, combined with APGAR scoring and reflex evaluation, could help identify at-risk puppies and improve the neonatal outcomes in veterinary practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117677"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145095241","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":"Zinc plays an essential role in mitochondrial function, motility and plasma membrane organisation of boar spermatozoa","authors":"Katerina Marcollova,&nbsp;Patrick Aldag,&nbsp;Claudia Klein,&nbsp;Heiko Henning","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zinc is the most abundant trace element in boar seminal plasma. The current <em>in vitro</em> study investigated to which extent mitochondrial function, motility, and plasma membrane organization depend on the presence of extra- and intracellular Zn²⁺ in boar spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were incubated in chemically-defined media in the presence of increasing concentrations of ZnCl₂ (0.01–2 mM) or TPEN, an intracellular zinc chelator (0.01–1000 μM). Extracellular Zn²⁺-levels (≥1 mM) prevented the downregulation of free intracellular Zn²⁺ levels over time (P &lt; 0.05) observed in the absence of zinc supplementation. Concomitantly, extracellular Zn²⁺ led to a dose-dependent reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential in viable spermatozoa (P &lt; 0.05). At the highest Zn²⁺ concentrations, sperm motility was virtually absent (P &lt; 0.05). Neither Ca²⁺ nor Mg²⁺ had a similar effect (P &gt; 0.05). Notably, extracellular Zn²⁺ induced a persistent, dose-dependent increase in cellular hydroxyl radical and peroxide levels in viable spermatozoa (P &lt; 0.05), while simultaneously decreasing cellular and mitochondrial superoxide levels. Chelation of free intracellular zinc with TPEN decreased the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in viable sperm by up to 60 % (P &lt; 0.05). Negative effects on sperm motility were apparent with high TPEN concentrations, but varied in intensity between experimental runs. TPEN consistently reduced cellular superoxide levels and, after prolonged incubation, increased cellular hydroxyl radical and peroxide levels in viable spermatozoa. Zinc showed a significant synergistic effect with caffeine to increase the percentage of viable spermatozoa with high membrane fluidity. Altogether, the results underscore the importance of zinc as an essential factor for mitochondrial function and balance of reactive oxygen species in boar spermatozoa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117675"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109486","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":"SpCas9-mediated gene editing in bovine embryo via single adeno-associated virus infection using a novel micro-sized promoter","authors":"Kyeong-Hyeon Eom ,&nbsp;Soo-Young Yum ,&nbsp;Gyeong-Min Gim ,&nbsp;Young-Chai Kim ,&nbsp;Byeongho Moon ,&nbsp;Goo Jang","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genome editing in livestock offers practical solutions to address challenges related to land use, climate change, and food production. However, conventional delivery methods such as electroporation and microinjection impose physical stress on embryos, limiting scalability. This study aimed to develop a simplified, non-invasive, and scalable genome editing system for bovine embryos by designing an all-in-one adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. A novel micro-sized promoter (50 bp), derived from the core regulatory region upstream of the bovine <em>MSTN</em> gene, was constructed to enable expression of <em>Streptococcus pyogenes</em> Cas9 (spCas9) within the AAV packaging limit (∼4.7 kb). This promoter was incorporated into an AAV cassette containing spCas9, a polyadenylation signal, a U6 promoter, and a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the bovine <em>ALB</em> gene. After confirming editing activity in bovine fibroblasts, the AAV6 vector was added directly to in vitro fertilization (IVF) cultures without physical manipulation. Genome editing was successfully induced, with insertion/deletion (indel) mutations detected in 33.8 ± 23.2 % of the blastocysts. Although blastocyst development was moderately reduced, gene editing was achieved without invasive techniques. These results demonstrate that a micro-promoter-based AAV system can support spCas9-mediated genome editing in bovine embryos through a single-vector infection strategy. The system presents a promising platform for producing gene-edited livestock and may contribute to more efficient and less labor-intensive applications in animal biotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117676"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145092430","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":"Cryopreservation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm: Evaluation of cryomedia and protocol optimization","authors":"Atife Tuba Beken ,&nbsp;Tülin Arslan ,&nbsp;Hamza Polat ,&nbsp;Osman Tolga Özel ,&nbsp;İlhan Aydın","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A substantial body of research has been dedicated to the cryopreservation of rainbow trout sperm. However, the observed discrepancies across studies and the variability in outcomes highlight the need to optimize freezing protocols. The objective of this study is to provide support for the development of standardized, efficient protocols for utilization in cryobanking applications and selective breeding programs. In pursuit of this objective, two consecutive experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of six distinct cryopreservation media. In these media, 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or 7.5-10 % methanol (MeOH) were combined with various extenders, including FF (FreezeFish), V2 (Stein and Bayrle), MCR (Modified Cortland), 0.3 G (0.3 M glucose), and 0.15 G (0.15 M glucose). Additionally, the impact of pH adjustment and antioxidant supplementation on the efficacy of the 0.15 G-MeOH medium was examined. The findings demonstrated that the highest post-thaw motility rates could be attained with the FF-DMSO or 0.15 G-MeOH medium, and the FF-DMSO medium offers significant protection against freeze-thaw-induced DNA fragmentation. While neither pH adjustment nor antioxidant supplementation to the 0.15 G-MeOH medium had a significant effect on post-thaw motility parameters, both modifications significantly improved the fertilization success. However, the concomitant application of these two modifications resulted in a dose-dependent decline in both sperm motility and fertility. In light of the findings, it was concluded that both FF-DMSO and modified 0.15 G-MeOH media, particularly those incorporating either alkaline pH or an antioxidant, are promising candidates for the effective cryopreservation of rainbow trout sperm in cryobanking applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 117672"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145134926","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":"Oocyte competence: A systematic review of omics studies and the state of art","authors":"Fernanda Amarante Mendes de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Gabriela Rodrigues de Paula ,&nbsp;Pamela Mara Celestino Soares ,&nbsp;Amanda Fonseca Zangirolamo ,&nbsp;Fábio Morotti ,&nbsp;Anne Kemmer Souza ,&nbsp;Fabiana de Andrade Melo-Sterza ,&nbsp;Marcelo Marcondes Seneda","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Competent oocyte is a critical point for successful fertilization and early embryonic development. This systematic review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence from omics studies on oocyte development in cattle during the estrous cycle. Our systematic search followed the PRISMA guidelines, using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. After a critical appraisal of the literature using the Kmet scoring system, ten peer-reviewed articles were included. These studies involved analyses of follicular fluid, cumulus and granulosa cells, oocytes, and maturation media. Transcriptomics predominated among the studies and identified transcriptional patterns associated with oocyte competence in different cell types and stages of the estrous cycle, particularly around the LH surge. In addition, experiments focusing on the ovulatory window as the main theme were identified in the studies. Metabolomic analyses highlighted the role of amino acid turnover and purine metabolism in follicular fluid and maturation media, providing insights into potential biomarkers in oocyte development. The results emphasized the importance of nucleotide metabolism, extracellular matrix interactions, and hormonal signaling pathways, particularly involving genes such as INHBA, TNFAIP6, and TRIB2, in regulating oocyte maturation. This review underscores the power of integrating omics data to elucidate complex molecular mechanisms relevant to the acquisition of oocyte competence. Furthermore, it explores the identification of potential molecular markers that would aid the development of protocols and culture media, while aiming to improve oocyte quality and advance assisted reproductive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117670"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145081684","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":"Importance of hematological ratios in dogs with ovarian tumors","authors":"Aslıhan Baykal Uğur ,&nbsp;Zeynep Günay Uçmak ,&nbsp;Merve Yılmaz ,&nbsp;Mert Sarılar ,&nbsp;Özge Erdoğan Bamaç ,&nbsp;Gülbin Şennazlı ,&nbsp;İbrahim Kurban","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study was conducted to evaluate - hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs with ovarian tumors and to compare these findings with those of healthy dogs. Additionally, the differences in platelet-derived markers (platelets (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV)), hematological ratios, and total blood count parameters between healthy dogs and dogs with ovarian tumors were investigated. Forty-two intact female dogs were included in the study and divided into two groups based on the histopathological examination of the ovaries: the control group (Group C; n = 22), consisting of healthy dogs with no ovarian pathology, and the ovarian tumors group (Group OT; n = 20), consisting of bitches diagnosed with ovarian tumors. Ovarian tumors were classified into two main groups according to the WHO classification of tumors of the genital system of domestic animals: epithelial tumors (Group ET; n = 10) and sex cord-stromal tumors (Group SST; n = 10). Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed using blood samples collected before ovariohysterectomy. Leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), platelet count (PLT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and cholesterol (CHOL) levels were found to be significantly higher in Group OT compared to Group C (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, WBC, NEU, PLT, ALP, and CHOL values were significantly higher in dogs with epithelial tumors compared to those with sex cord-stromal tumors (p &lt; 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected in MPV and hematological ratios (NLR, PLR) between the ovarian tumor groups. These findings suggest that ovarian tumors may lead to alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs, and these changes may vary depending on the tumor type.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145060544","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":"Effects of different L-carnitine concentrations on post-thaw ram semen characteristics and fertilizing potential","authors":"R. Masoudi ,&nbsp;N. Asadzadeh ,&nbsp;N.D. Davachi ,&nbsp;R. Nateghi ,&nbsp;H.J. Barfourooshi ,&nbsp;P.M. Bartlewski","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different L-carnitine concentrations on post-thaw ram semen characteristics and fertilizing potential. Five sexually mature Zandi rams (3–4 years of age), with confirmed fertility, were used in the six replicates of this experiment in the breeding season. Semen samples (n = 30, 6 samples per ram) were collected using an artificial vagina twice a week. Following the collection and initial assessment of ejaculates, all semen samples were pooled to eliminate individual variations. Plant-based freezing extender containing soybean lecithin was supplemented with varying concentrations of L-carnitine (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mM), and semen was diluted to a final concentration of 100 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/0.25-mL straw before freezing in liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial function, acrosome integrity, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and fertilizing potential in vivo were assessed. Ram semen cryopreserved in a freezing extender supplemented with 5 mM of L-carnitine exhibited the highest (P ≤ 0.05) average path velocity and percentages of sperm with total/progressive motility, as well as the highest (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of sperm with intact mitochondria, plasma membranes, and acrosomes. This dose of L-carnitine was also associated with the lowest (P ≤ 0.05) levels of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and lipid peroxidation as well as with the highest (P ≤ 0.05) pregnancy and lambing rates in artificially inseminated ewes. Therefore, supplementing the semen extender with 5 mM of L-carnitine is an effective method for preserving the quality and fertilizing potential of frozen-thawed ram semen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044412","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":"Beneficial effect of AntiOxBEN2, a mitochondria-directed antioxidant, on maturation of bovine oocytes: Analysis of bioenergetics pathways and embryo production","authors":"Filipa Ferreira ,&nbsp;Camila Teixeira ,&nbsp;José Teixeira ,&nbsp;Joana Jorge ,&nbsp;Fernando Cagide ,&nbsp;Fernanda Borges ,&nbsp;José A.M. Prates ,&nbsp;Fernando Lidon ,&nbsp;Ana Cristina Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Paulo J. Oliveira ,&nbsp;Rosa M.L.N. Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress during <em>in vitro</em> maturation of oocytes impairs mitochondrial function and reduces developmental competence. We evaluated the potential of AntiOxBEN₂, a novel triphenylphosphonium-conjugated antioxidant, to enhance bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were matured for 22h in medium supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 50, or 100 μM AntiOxBEN₂. Nuclear maturation rates, cleavage and blastocyst formation were assessed after <em>in vitro</em> fertilization, while bioenergetic parameters (lactate production, oxygen consumption rate, intracellular ATP, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), transcripts for antioxidant defense-related genes (<em>Nfe2l2/Nqo1</em>), and <em>mtND5</em> gene copy number, as an indirect measure of mitochondrial DNA copy number, were measured in mature oocytes. AntiOxBEN₂ improved nuclear maturation in a dose-dependent manner (p &lt; 0.05) and maximized cleavage rate at 10 μM (79.4 ± 2.5 % versus 67.7 ± 2.7 % in control; p ≤ 0.01). At this concentration, <em>mt</em>ND5 copy number also increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05), whereas higher doses (50–100 μM) delayed meiosis and elevated lactate without affecting ATP, ROS, or oxygen consumption. No treatment altered <em>Nfe2l2</em> or <em>Nqo1</em> transcript levels. These findings indicate that 10 μM AntiOxBEN₂ optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances early embryo cleavage, supporting its inclusion in maturation media as a strategy to improve assisted reproductive technologies (ART).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117669"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076105","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":"Lipopolysaccharide reduces progesterone and cytokines in equine follicular fluid without affecting oocyte development in vitro","authors":"Mohamed Hedia ,&nbsp;Jo L.M.R. Leroy ,&nbsp;Sarah Loomans ,&nbsp;Camilla Benedetti ,&nbsp;Daniel Angel-Velez ,&nbsp;Koen Chiers ,&nbsp;Jan Govaere ,&nbsp;Ann Van Soom ,&nbsp;Katrien Smits","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in follicular fluid impairs steroid production and oocyte developmental competence in cows and mice. This study assessed LPS concentrations in equine follicular fluid and their association with steroid and some cytokine levels. Additionally, we evaluated whether LPS exposure during <em>in vitro</em> maturation (IVM) affects equine oocyte developmental competence. In experiment 1, follicular fluid from large follicles (&gt;30 mm in diameter) was collected from 16 slaughterhouse mares, and concentrations of LPS, estradiol, progesterone, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured. In experiment 2, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were held overnight, then matured <em>in vitro</em> with (1 ng LPS/1 mL; LPS group) or without LPS (control group), and mature oocytes (<em>n</em> = 47 and 45, respectively) were fertilized using ICSI. Follicular fluid concentrations of LPS ranged between 5.21 and 12.08 endotoxin unit (EU)/mL (10 EU = 1 ng) and were negatively correlated with progesterone, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Compared to controls, LPS exposure during IVM did not significantly affect maturation (56 % vs. 61 %; <em>P</em> = 0.432), cleavage (71 % vs. 65 %; <em>P</em> = 0.873), or blastocyst rates (21 % vs. 19 %; <em>P</em> = 0.227). In conclusion, this is the first report detecting LPS in the follicular fluid of clinically healthy mares and showing its negative association with progesterone, IL-6, and TNF-α. Exposing equine COCs to 1 ng/mL LPS during <em>in vitro</em> maturation had no significant effect on blastocyst rates. However, further research is needed to determine whether blastocysts derived from oocytes matured under LPS exposure can establish pregnancy after transfer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117673"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044411","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}