Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Supplementation of boar semen extender with 5 μg of buserelin improves litter size and birth weight in gilts raised under tropical field conditions","authors":"Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul ,&nbsp;Yosua Kristian Adi ,&nbsp;Junpen Suwimonteerabutr ,&nbsp;Kridtasak Sang-Gassanee ,&nbsp;Hongyao Lin ,&nbsp;Miquel Collell ,&nbsp;Robert V. Knox ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Administering exogenous GnRH at the onset of standing estrus induces ovulation within ∼37.5 ± 3.3 h by stimulating LH secretion, narrowing the optimal insemination window. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing extended boar semen with a GnRH analog (buserelin) for fixed-time AI on conception rate, farrowing rate, and litter size under tropical field conditions. A total of 741 French Landrace × Yorkshire females (319 gilts, 422 sows) were used across nine replicates. After estrus detection, females were randomly assigned to four groups: control (n = 191), 10-IM (n = 183; 10 μg buserelin i.m.), 5-S (n = 181; semen + 5 μg), and 10-S (n = 186; semen + 10 μg). Gilts were inseminated at 0, 12, and 24 h; sows at 12, 24, and 36 h post-estrus. Litter data were collected from 223 farrowings: control (29 gilts, 34 sows), 10-IM (16 gilts, 35 sows), 5-S (29 gilts, 25 sows), and 10-S (27 gilts, 28 sows). Across groups, average farrowing rate was 88.9 %, with total number of piglets born per litter (TB) 17.0 ± 4.0, number of piglets born alive per litter (BA) 15.2 ± 3.5, stillborn 1.0 ± 1.5, and mummified fetuses 0.5 ± 1.2. No significant differences in conception or farrowing rates were found. The 5-S group had a significantly higher litter weight than the control group (24.5 ± 2.0 kg vs. 19.4 ± 0.7 kg; <em>P</em> = 0.018). Gilts receiving 5 μg buserelin in semen had significantly higher TB, BA, and litter weight (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), while 10 μg increased litter weight without affecting TB. In sows, no significant improvements were observed. These results suggest that supplementing semen with low-dose GnRH analog can improve gilt productivity under tropical conditions and merits further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144270424","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":"Proteomic profiling of 15-day post-mating preimplantation alpaca embryos reveals estradiol and cortisol pathway signatures","authors":"Ximena A. Castro-Naser ,&nbsp;Maria G. Buglio-Ballesteros ,&nbsp;Joel I. Pacheco Curie ,&nbsp;Marcelo H. Ratto ,&nbsp;Martin E. Argañaraz","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>South American camelids (SACs) play an important role in Andean economies, but reproductive inefficiencies, especially early embryonic losses, present significant challenges to herd productivity. This study provides the first proteomic analysis of preimplantation alpaca embryos, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryo development and implantation. Using mass spectrometry, we identified 510 proteins in 15-day post-mating (dpm) alpaca embryos. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant pathways related to cytoskeletal organization, metabolism, embryo elongation, and implantation. Key proteins associated with conceptus elongation, maternal recognition of pregnancy, and steroidogenesis were detected, including keratins (<em>KRT8, KRT18</em>), actin (<em>ACTG1</em>), annexin A2 (<em>ANXA2</em>), and enzymes involved in estradiol and cortisol biosynthesis. The transcripts of <em>VEGFA</em>, <em>Nodal</em>, <em>NGF</em>, and its receptor <em>NTRK1</em> were detected, emphasizing their roles in early embryo development, and the expression of enzymes linked to estradiol and cortisol synthesis suggests that these hormones play key roles in maternal-fetal communication. Additionally, proteins involved in prostaglandin synthesis, including <em>PTGS2</em>, were identified, supporting their role in conceptus elongation and implantation. This pioneering study provides a foundational dataset for understanding alpaca embryo development at the proteomic level, opening new paths for improving reproductive technologies in SACs. The findings highlight the molecular processes driving alpaca embryogenesis and provide a basis for future research on optimizing assisted reproductive technologies in camelids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 117529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307238","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":"Efficacy, safety and interval from end of treatment to estrus in cats treated with an ultra-low dose megestrol acetate protocol for suppression of reproductive activity","authors":"Maria Pereira ,&nbsp;Anna Grassi ,&nbsp;Maja Zakošek Pipan ,&nbsp;Giulia Contato ,&nbsp;Giada Dal Ponte ,&nbsp;Anna Ghezzo ,&nbsp;Kurt.G.M. De Cramer ,&nbsp;Stefano Romagnoli","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cat breeders need safe, predictable and fully reversible temporary control of reproduction in queens. Megestrol acetate (MA), a short-acting progestogen was investigated in this study designed to determine whether low-dose treatment is both effective and safe in cats for periods up to 6 months. Twenty-eight queens were treated orally with 11.5 μg/kg/day of MA for one to six months. A physical examination, vaginal cytology, and reproductive ultrasound were performed before, during and after treatment, whilst urinalysis and hematological/biochemical tests, including progesterone assay, were performed before and after treatment. MA suppressed reproductive function effectively in 27/28 queens. Transient mammary and uterine hyperplasia were detected in four (14 %) and three (11 %) queens, respectively, treated for more than four months, without associated clinical signs. Pyometra was observed in only one queen following her first estrus cycle post-treatment. Significant but reversible weight gain was observed in 85 % of the animals. The resumption of cyclicity occurred on average 6 weeks after the end of treatment but was influenced by the duration of treatment and seasonality. An ultra-low dose MA treatment was effective in suppressing estrus in queens treated up to 6 months. Close monitoring should be paid to queens treated for longer than 4 months as the incidence of side effects, albeit minor and manageable, increases thereafter. Mammary gland assessment and progesterone assay are indispensable before treatment. Fertility is preserved, making MA a valuable option for temporary control of reproductive activity in queens, who otherwise cycle continuously leading to both unwanted behavior and pregnancies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 117530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297907","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":"Effect of FGF2, LIF, IGF1 supplementation on pregnancy success following embryo transfer of in vitro derived embryos","authors":"K.S. McDonald ,&nbsp;J.N. Drum ,&nbsp;J.G.N. Moraes ,&nbsp;C. Melton ,&nbsp;O.A. Ojeda-Rojas ,&nbsp;M. Venturini ,&nbsp;A.M. Gonella-Diaza ,&nbsp;R.S. Prather ,&nbsp;M.S. Ortega","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Culture modifications are a logical approach for improving in vitro-derived embryo competence. Previously, the addition of the growth factors FGF2, LIF, and IGF1, termed FLI, to the culture medium improved bovine embryo development and survival following freezing. At Day 15, embryos treated with or without FLI appeared phenotypically similar, but transcriptomic analysis revealed differences in functions related to conceptus and placental development as well as maternal-embryo crosstalk. The objective of this study was to investigate how FLI influences the ability of a bovine embryo to establish pregnancy following slow-rate freezing. Embryos were produced <em>in vitro</em> and cultured to the blastocyst stage with or without FLI. Embryos with a quality grade of 1 (6–1 or 5–1) were cryopreserved by slow-rate freezing. A single frozen-thawed embryo was transferred to synchronized recipient females (n = 192). Blood samples were collected on Days 7, 19, 20, and 24 and pregnancy diagnosis was performed using transrectal ultrasonography after Day 28. This experiment was carried out across three locations and pregnancies per ET were similar between both groups at all locations (P = 0.3). Progesterone on days 7, 19, and 24, and day 19 and 20 interferon-stimulated genes (<em>ISG15</em>, <em>MX2</em>, <em>OAS1</em>) expression were similar among both treatments (P &gt; 0.05). There were increased (P = 0.0061) circulating concentrations of PAGs in recipients receiving FLI embryos suggesting advanced placental development and possible improvements in viability beyond day 30. No adverse effects of FLI supplementation on early embryo development were detected in these studies, thus, this is a promising addition to bovine <em>in vitro</em> embryo production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144270427","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":"Characterization and miRNA profiling of extracellular vesicles from rabbit oviduct and uterine fluids","authors":"Y.N. Cajas ,&nbsp;K. Burbano ,&nbsp;C. Nuñéz-Puente ,&nbsp;M.G. Millán de la Blanca ,&nbsp;M. Iniesta-Cuerda ,&nbsp;A.J. Soler ,&nbsp;L. Arévalo ,&nbsp;D. Rizos ,&nbsp;P.G. Rebollar ,&nbsp;K. Cañón-Beltrán","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The oviduct and uterus provide a supportive environment for early embryonic development, where effective embryo–maternal communication is essential for pregnancy success. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from oviductal (OF) and uterine fluids (UF) are key mediators of this communication, transporting bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, DNA, and regulatory RNAs. Among these, microRNAs (miRNAs) are particularly interesting due to their role in modulating reproductive processes. Although underrepresented in EVs research, the rabbit offers a robust model owing to its inducible ovulation, controlled reproductive physiology, and similarities to human implantation dynamics. This study aims to uncover, in does, how EVs could influence key reproductive processes by isolating, characterizing, and analyzing the miRNA cargo from OF- and UF-EVs. We identified 388 miRNAs in both OF-EVs and UF-EVs, 18 miRNAs were significantly more abundant in UF-EVs, while 5 were less abundant compared to OF-EVs group, suggesting distinct roles in embryo-maternal communication. The most abundant miRNAs, included ocu-miR-148a-3p, ocu-let-7i-5p, and ocu-miR-10b-5p, related to embryo development and implantation. Target gene prediction analysis revealed that OF-EVs miRNAs are linked to MAPK, Hippo, TGF-β, Ras, PI3K-Akt, and mTOR pathways, while UF-EVs are associated with Hippo, PI3K-Akt, FoxO, endocytosis, and mTOR pathways, essential for cell proliferation, differentiation, immune regulation, and embryo-maternal interactions. Our findings suggest that EVs in rabbit reproductive fluids could play a fundamental role in early embryonic development. Future research should focus on the functional validation of these key candidate miRNAs, particularly those involved in reproductive physiology, offering promising insights for reproductive biotechnology and veterinary medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144264137","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":"KHDC3 affects the lineage differentiation of early embryo by regulating the differential distribution of YAP signal","authors":"Qian Xu ,&nbsp;Yuling Lin ,&nbsp;Lina Yu ,&nbsp;Yang Zhang ,&nbsp;Na Kong ,&nbsp;Guijun Yan ,&nbsp;Haixiang Sun ,&nbsp;Guangyi Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydatidiform mole (HM) is characterized by abnormal fetal tissue loss and placental villous trophoblastic hyperplasia, indicating aberrant early embryonic cell fate differentiation. Clinical observations linking KH Domain Containing 3 (KHDC3) mutations to complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) suggest a potentially unforeseen role for KHDC3 in early embryonic development. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of early embryos revealed notable heterogeneity in KHDC3 expression levels from the 8-cell to blastocyst stage. Initial investigations indicated that varying KHDC3 expression levels at the 8-cell stage could influence the Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway. Knocking down KHDC3 in individual blastomeres at the 2-cell stage resulted in reduced blastocyst formation rates. <em>Khdc3</em>-knockdown (<em>Khdc3</em>-KD) embryos exhibited disruptions in embryonic cell lineage differentiation, characterized by decreased expression of the inner cell mass (ICM) marker organic cation/carnitine transporter 4 (OCT4) and diminished differential expression of the trophectoderm (TE) marker caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2). The nuclear entry of phosphorylated YAP in outer cells is pivotal for inducing lineage differentiation. Intriguingly, in <em>Khdc3</em>-KD morulae, a significant reduction in the nuclear entry of phosphorylated YAP in outer cells was observed. Moreover, KHDC3 knockdown simultaneously impaired cortical actin cap formation during the morula stage. Forces generated at the apical cortex during this process segregate cells into inner and outer positions within the embryo, thereby influencing ICM versus TE fate specification. Our research underscores the role of KHDC3 in modulating the YAP signaling pathway to establish distinct inner and outer cell distributions during the morula stage, consequently influencing early embryonic lineage differentiation. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism by which KHDC3 influences the YAP signaling pathway via the actin cytoskeleton remains to be fully elucidated. Given the severity of recurrent miscarriages associated with KHDC3 mutations, elucidating the distinctive role of KHDC3 in early embryonic development warrants further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241690","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 Kisspeptin on rabbit ovulation: a comprehensive study of ovulatory, endocrine and histological response","authors":"Silvia Gimeno-Martos ,&nbsp;Alicia Gómez-León ,&nbsp;Bosa Luigia ,&nbsp;Pedro L. Lorenzo ,&nbsp;Arias-Álvarez María ,&nbsp;García-García Rosa María ,&nbsp;Pilar G. Rebollar","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117524","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117524","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mammalian reproductive function is regulated by hypothalamic neurons that secrete Kisspeptin (Kp), a neuropeptide that stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, triggering pituitary gonadotrophins (LH and FSH) and gonadal steroids. This study evaluated the effect of Kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) on ovulation induction in rabbits, comparing its efficacy with that of the GnRH analogue gonadorelin. Multiparous New Zealand White × California does were assigned to three groups: control group (0.5 % saline solution, i.v.), GnRH group (20 μg gonadorelin, i.m.), and Kp10 group (250 μg Kp10, i.v.). Kp10 induced ovulation in 87.5 % of does, matching the response observed in the GnRH group, with a comparable number of corpora lutea (CL) per ovulated doe (12.9 ± 1.4 vs 14.6 ± 1.4 CL/doe, respectively). On day 7, plasma progesterone (P4) was significantly higher in ovulated GnRH-treated does than in Kp10-treated ones (25.12 ± 4.17 vs 9.47 ± 4.17 ng/mL; p &lt; 0.0211), while non-ovulated controls exhibited minimal P4 concentrations (0.86 ± 0.12 ng/mL). Plasma estradiol (E2) levels showed no significant differences across days or groups, with mean values of 32.74 ± 4.33 pg/mL on day 0 and 37.27 ± 5.49 pg/mL on day 7, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed that Kp10 promoted preovulatory follicle development and CL formation, mirroring GnRH effects. Additionally, Kp10 enhanced angiogenesis, indicated by increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in more developed follicles and CL. These results suggest that Kp10 could be an alternative to GnRH for ovulation induction in rabbits, although further studies are needed to explore optimal analogues, doses, and administration routes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254300","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":"Doppler ultrasound assessment of uterine artery in canine endometritis","authors":"Sol Arioni ,&nbsp;Marlene Huk ,&nbsp;Pablo R. Batista ,&nbsp;Daniel O. Arias ,&nbsp;Cristina Gobello ,&nbsp;Paula G. Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to describe and compare uterine artery velocimetry in bitches suffering from endometritis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and healthy animals, and to evaluate the effect of clinical, ultrasonographic, bacteriological and histopathological parameters on the uterine artery resistance index in these bitches. According to clinical, two-dimensional ultrasonographic, gross and histopathological uterine evaluation, thirty-three bitches were classified as: Endometritis (END; n = 13), CEH (n = 7) and healthy bitches (NG; n = 13). Uterine ultrasonographic examinations were performed on each patient using B mode and pulsed-wave Doppler. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were obtained. A generalized linear model was carried out to analyze the effect of group, clinical, ultrasonographic, bacteriological and histopathological variables on PSV, EDV and RI. EDV was higher in CEH than END (P &lt; 0.05) and NG (P &lt; 0.01). No difference was observed between END and NG (P &gt; 0.1). END presented a lower RI than NG and higher RI than CEH (P &lt; 0.01). Additionally, CEH showed lower RI than NG (P &lt; 0.01). This study showed an effect of higher values of endometrium thickness, PMNN/HPF and vascular congestion on RI (P &lt; 0.01). It was concluded that, in these bitches, uterine artery RI was a valuable parameter to distinguish endometritis from normal uterus and CEH. An increase in neutrophils and vascular congestion influenced RI, remarking the importance of angiogenesis and the inflammatory reaction on uterine perfusion increase. This study is the first to identify an ultrasound parameter that differentiates endometritis from normal uterus in dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144264136","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":"Nuclearporin subcomplex Nup98/Rae1 is vital for maternal-to-zygotic transition during early embryonic development","authors":"Luo Anfeng ,&nbsp;Gu Hao ,&nbsp;Akhtar Ali ,&nbsp;Qi Mengfan ,&nbsp;Pan Kaixin ,&nbsp;Zhou Changfan ,&nbsp;Zeng Wei ,&nbsp;Liu Song ,&nbsp;Ren Hongyan ,&nbsp;Bi Yanzhen ,&nbsp;Chen Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Nup98/Rae1 nuclear pore subcomplex, a critical mediator of nucleocytoplasmic transport, orchestrates fundamental cellular processes including transcriptional regulation, mRNA surveillance, and mitotic fidelity. However, its functional significance during early embryogenesis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we employed an in vitro embryo culture system combined with embryo electroporation-mediated interference to investigate the role of Nup98/Rae1 in early mouse embryos. Our results revealed that Nup98/Rae1 deficiency led to delayed embryonic progression and a significant decline in blastocyst formation rates. Transcriptomic analysis using SMART-seq2 in two-cell stage embryos revealed that Nup98/Rae1 modulates global gene expression, particularly within pathways governing RNA splicing, protein catabolism, and the DNA damage response. Integration of transcriptomic data with established databases further confirmed that Nup98/Rae1 is indispensable for zygotic genome activation and maternal mRNA clearance—key events in the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Moreover, quantitative immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that loss of Nup98/Rae1 resulted in heightened DNA damage and reduced H3K27ac levels. Additionally, the increased mRNA expression of apoptosis-related markers <em>BAX</em> and <em>CASPASE</em>3, alongside positive TUNEL staining, indicated the induction of early apoptosis. Immunostaining for Sox2 and Cdx2 revealed a defective inner cell mass development, highlighting the detrimental impact of Nup98/Rae1 on cell fate specification. Collectively, these findings indicate that Nup98/Rae1 deficiency disrupts maternal mRNA degradation, impairs zygotic genome activation, alters histone modifications, induces genomic instability, and ultimately compromises early embryonic development by triggering apoptosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"245 ","pages":"Article 117519"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231542","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":"Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an autocrine/paracrine regulator of basic ovarian functions and antagonist of kisspeptin","authors":"Alexander V. Sirotkin ,&nbsp;Zuzana Fabová ,&nbsp;Barbora Loncová ,&nbsp;Abdel Halim Harrath ,&nbsp;Sofía Elisa Alzuri ,&nbsp;María Belén Montiel ,&nbsp;Beata Fuchsová","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of the present study was to examine whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNF-related molecules, such as the neuronal membrane glycoprotein M6a (GPM6A) and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), can be produced by ovarian cells and regulate ovarian cell functions as well as elucidate its functional interrelationships with the known regulator of ovarian cell functions kisspeptin (KP). For this purpose, we analyzed the expression of BDNF and GPM6A in rat ovaries and of BDNF, GPM6A and MEF2C in porcine ovarian granulosa cells; the influence of KP addition on the expression of BDNF, GPM6A and MEF2C; and the effects of BDNF, KP and the combination of BDNF + KP treatment on the proliferation, apoptosis and release of progesterone and estradiol by cultured porcine granulosa cells. The expression of BDNF, GPM6A and MEF2C was quantified by qPCR, and proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release were analyzed by BrdU incorporation, TUNEL and ELISA.</div><div>Our results demonstrate that both rat and porcine ovarian cells express BDNF and related molecules. Furthermore, the addition of BDNF stimulates the proliferation and release of progesterone and reduces the degree of apoptosis and estradiol output by porcine cells. KP has the opposite effect on these parameters. Furthermore, KP reduces the expression of BDNF and GPM6A but not MEF2C and suppresses the effects of BDNF on porcine granulosa cell apoptosis as well as progesterone and estradiol release. These observations are the first to demonstrate (1) the production of BDNF, GPM6A and MEF2C in the ovary, (2) the ability of BDNF to regulate ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and steroid hormone release by porcine ovarian cells, and (3) the antagonism between BDNF and KP production and their control of ovarian functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 117520"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144272112","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}