Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Oleanolic acid prevents ferroptosis and enhances oocyte competence during in vitro maturation in a porcine model","authors":"Xiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Kukbin Ji ,&nbsp;Hoyong Choi ,&nbsp;Jaehyeok Yoon ,&nbsp;Junghui Jo ,&nbsp;Seonga Park ,&nbsp;Chuang Li ,&nbsp;Ye Liu ,&nbsp;Inchul Choi ,&nbsp;Min Kyu Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The in vitro production of porcine embryos is a valuable model for livestock biotechnology and human reproductive research. However, oocyte quality is often compromised during culture by ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance. This study induced ferroptosis using RSL3 during porcine oocyte maturation to evaluate the protective potential of oleanolic acid (OA), an antioxidant triterpenoid compound. Exposure to RSL3 increased Fe²⁺ accumulation (as detected by FerroOrange staining), lipid peroxidation (as determined by the MDA assay), apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes were consistent with ferroptotic stress and were accompanied by impaired cumulus expansion, meiotic progression, and blastocyst formation. Supplementing with 1 mg/L OA significantly improved oocyte competence, partially restored blastocyst development, enhanced cumulus expansion, and reduced apoptosis. At the cellular level, OA reduced ROS, MDA, and abnormal mitochondrial distribution while maintaining glutathione levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. Molecular analysis revealed that OA modulated ferroptosis-related gene expression, including partial restoration of <em>GPX4</em> and <em>SLC7A11</em> expression and suppression of <em>ACSL4</em> and <em>TFRC</em> upregulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that OA partially alleviated RSL3-induced ferroptotic damage in porcine oocytes, as reflected by coordinated improvements in iron homeostasis, redox status, mitochondrial function, and the expression of ferroptosis- and autophagy-associated markers. OA could therefore represent a promising technique to improve oocyte quality and embryonic development, with potential application value in reproductive medicine and livestock biotechnology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145963418","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":"Reproductive efficiency of Nelore (Bos indicus) cows submitted to conventional resynchronization or ReBreed21 programs","authors":"Mirela Balistrieri ,&nbsp;Tainá L.P. Azevedo ,&nbsp;Paula R. Cortat ,&nbsp;Marcos H.A. Colli ,&nbsp;Lucas O. e Silva ,&nbsp;Carlos E.C. Consentini ,&nbsp;Rodrigo L.O.R. Alves ,&nbsp;José R. Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Alexandre B. Prata ,&nbsp;Roberto Sartori","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aims were to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of Nelore (<em>Bos indicus</em>) cows submitted to resynchronization programs for timed artificial insemination (TAI) and to evaluate the effect of estradiol cypionate dose (EC; 0.5 vs. 1.0 mg) on reproductive outcomes in a ReBreed21 program. A total of 253 primiparous and 645 multiparous cows (3.0 ± 0.4 of body condition score and 51 ± 13.7 days postpartum) were assigned to one of three resynchronization strategies: conventional (<strong>Resynch33</strong>; n = 299), ReBreed21 with 0.5 mg of EC (<strong>REB0.5</strong>; n = 299), or ReBreed21 with 1.0 mg of EC (<strong>REB1.0</strong>; n = 300). All cows received the same synchronization protocol for the first AI (Day 0). On Day 12 after the first TAI, cows in ReBreed21 treatments received a P4 device (0.5 g), which remained until Day 19, when 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and either 0.5 or 1.0 of mg EC were administered. On Day 21, early pregnancy diagnosis was performed in all cows by corpus luteum perfusion evaluation using color Doppler ultrasonography; nonpregnant cows in ReBreed21 received 8.4 μg of GnRH and underwent the second AI. On Day 33, pregnancy was confirmed, and cows in ReBreed21 inseminated on Day 21 were resubmitted to the same ReBreed21 protocol to receive a third AI on Day 42. Cows diagnosed as pregnant on Day 21 but nonpregnant on Day 33 were considered false positives (FP) and, like those in Resynch33, were resubmitted on Day 33 for the second AI on Day 42 to the same TAI protocol that was used for first AI. Ultrasound examinations were performed on Day 54 and Day 75 to assess pregnancy per AI (P/AI), FP, and pregnancy loss (PL). Statistical analyses were done using SAS 9.4. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05, and tendencies when 0.05 &lt; P ≤ 0.10. The P/AI, FP, and PL did not differ between ReBreed21 treatments. After 21 days of the breeding season (BS), the pregnancy rate (PR) was greater in REB1.0 (77.7 %) and REB0.5 (75.4 %) than in Resynch33 (52.8 %; P &lt; 0.0001), although final PR was similar among REB1.0 (84.7 %), REB0.5 (84.9 %), and Resynch33 (79.9 %). Time to pregnancy was shorter (P &lt; 0.0001) in REB1.0 (8.5 days) and REB0.5 (10.8 days) than Resynch33 (15.8 days). Regardless of EC dose, ReBreed21 increased PR after Day 0 (59.9 vs. 52.8 %; P = 0.03) and Day 21 (76.6 vs. 52.8 %; P &lt; 0.0001), and improved PR on Day 42 (84.8 vs. 79.9 %; P = 0.06). The incidence of FP was greater in Resynch33 than ReBreed21 (13.7 vs. 7.5 %; P = 0.02), but final PL did not differ (3.2 vs. 3.1 %). In conclusion, the ReBreed21 program anticipated pregnancies, improved PR, and reduced FP, highlighting its potential to enhance reproductive efficiency in Nelore cows. The dose of 1.0 mg of EC had no effect on fertility parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117840"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079461","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 assessment of testicular arterial blood flow in stallions: influence of age and 180° spermatic cord torsion","authors":"Deborah Freitas Silva ,&nbsp;Debora Passagli Barbosa ,&nbsp;Janaina de Paula Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Yame Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva ,&nbsp;Fernanda Saules Ignácio ,&nbsp;Marina Lucena Fredou ,&nbsp;Lorenzo Segabinazzi ,&nbsp;Gabriel Augusto Monteiro","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117837","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117837","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Doppler ultrasonography is a valuable tool for monitoring testicular hemodynamics, offering improved diagnostic insight and supporting treatment monitoring. However, its use in equine andrology remains limited due to a scarcity of published data and reference values. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the testicular arterial blood flow patterns in clinically normal stallions and stallions with 180° spermatic cord torsion. Spectral Doppler ultrasonography was performed on both testes of 48 Mangalarga Marchador stallions. Thirty stallions with normal testes were divided into three age groups: young (YN, n = 10), adult (AN, n = 10), and senior (SN, n = 10). Stallions with spermatic cord torsion were classified as either young (YT, n = 10) or adult (AT, n = 8). Doppler indices, including resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), were measured in the supratesticular (Supra) and capsular (Cap) arteries. The effects of torsion, age group, and side (left vs. right) on these parameters were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the associations between variables. The results showed that PSV in the supratesticular artery was higher in senior stallions than in young stallions (P = 0.041). Additionally, senior stallions had a higher PI in the left testis compared to the right testis of both young and adult stallions (P &lt; 0.001). In young stallions, torsed testes had a lower RI in the supratesticular artery compared to normal testes (P &lt; 0.001). In adult stallions, the contralateral testis (the unaffected testis in stallions with torsion) had a lower EDV than normal testes (P &lt; 0.001). In all groups (normal, torsed, and contralateral) of both young and adult stallions, RI, PI, and PSV values decreased, while EDV increased, from the Supra to the Cap region. In conclusion, older stallions exhibited reduced testicular blood perfusion, and both torsed and contralateral testes showed altered blood flow dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117837"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024564","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":"Spatial differences in the ovine cervical microenvironment at the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle; Implications for sperm transport","authors":"N. Johnston ,&nbsp;E. Bini ,&nbsp;E. Fitzpatrick ,&nbsp;C. Reid ,&nbsp;S. Fair","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The complex anatomy of the ovine cervix presents a significant barrier to transcervical artificial insemination, necessitating sperm deposition at the external cervical Os. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical microarchitecture to elucidate the mechanisms orchestrating sperm transport across the cervix. Cervices from crossbred ewes (n = 13) were harvested during the follicular (n = 6) and luteal (n = 7) phase, sectioned into 10 transverse segments from external to internal Os (1 = External cervical Os; 10 = Internal cervical Os), and analysed for epithelial morphology and microgroove architecture. Columnar epithelium predominated throughout the cervix, with a squamocolumnar junction localised at the external Os. Columnar cell height was significantly greater during the follicular phase (33.3 ± 1.31 μm) than the luteal phase (26.7 ± 1.21 μm; p &lt; 0.001). Cervical microgroove surface area increased during the follicular phase (p &lt; 0.05). Microgroove surface area, depth, and tortuosity (deviation from a straight line) increased progressively toward the internal Os and were enhanced during the follicular phase (p &lt; 0.05). Sialic acid expression was elevated in secondary and tertiary microgrooves during the follicular phase (p &lt; 0.001), with mucin-bound sialic acids showing spatial variation along the canal. Segment 4 exhibited the lowest sialic acid expression (p &lt; 0.01). Reproductive phase by cervical segment interactions affected both the secondary, tertiary microgroove epithelium, and surrounding luminal region adjacent to the tertiary microgrooves (p &lt; 0.001). This study provides a detailed characterisation of the microarchitecture of the ovine cervical canal which is critical to understanding the mechanisms orchestrating sperm transport.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117828"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024565","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":"BECN1-mediated autophagy activates the glycolytic pathway to promote lactate synthesis in Sertoli cells of Tibetan sheep","authors":"Xingcai Qi ,&nbsp;Yi Wu ,&nbsp;Qiao Li ,&nbsp;Huihui Wang ,&nbsp;Youji Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a key regulator of autophagy, Beclin 1 (<em>BECN1</em>) plays an important role in spermatogenesis and the maintenance of testicular microenvironment homeostasis. However, the role of <em>BECN1</em> in Tibetan sheep testes and its regulatory mechanism in Sertoli cells (SCs) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate the function of <em>BECN1</em> in testicular development and to investigate whether <em>BECN1</em>-mediated autophagy regulates lactate synthesis in SCs. We demonstrated that <em>BECN1</em> is involved in testicular development in Tibetan sheep in vivo. In vitro alteration of <em>BECN1</em> expression in SCs significantly affected the expression of lactate synthesis-related genes and intracellular lactate levels. Integrated RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics revealed that <em>BECN1</em> overexpression activates the glycolytic pathway, resulting in upregulation of key glycolytic genes and accumulation of related metabolites. Moreover, inhibition of the glycolytic gene hexokinase domain component 1 (<em>HKDC1</em>) reversed the <em>BECN1</em>-induced activation of glycolysis and lactate accumulation in SCs. Collectively, these results indicate that <em>BECN1-</em>mediated autophagy promotes lactate synthesis by regulating the glycolytic pathway in SCs. This mechanism represents an important metabolic process during testicular development in Tibetan sheep and provides a theoretical basis for understanding male reproductive function, which may guide the breeding of superior Tibetan rams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024989","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":"Incidence of farrowing assistance and neonatal challenges in hyperprolific sows: Insights from a field study","authors":"S. Blim ,&nbsp;D. Lehn ,&nbsp;T. Scheu ,&nbsp;C. Koch ,&nbsp;G. Thaller ,&nbsp;K. Failing ,&nbsp;H. Bostedt","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117833","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This field study on 69 healthy hyperprolific sows, aimed to analyze reproductive parameters including farrowing dynamics, housing systems, and piglet vitality. The average gestation length was 114.5 ± 1.28 days, with most parturitions occurring between days 113 and 116. Farrowing duration was significantly positively associated with parity, showing an average of 267.6 ± 108.1 min. Litter size averaged 17.2 ± 4.2 piglets, with a positive correlation between farrowing duration and litter size. Farrowing length differed significantly between dystocic and eutocic sows, averaging 324.9 ± 94.1 min in dystocic sows compared with 193.1 ± 75.2 min in eutocic sows (p &lt; 0.0001). Similarly, the birth-to-birth interval (BPI) was longer in dystocic sows (24.74 ± 1.60 min) than in eutocic sows (10.49 ± 1.39 min, p &lt; 0.0001). Obstetric interventions were more frequent in CRATE than in free-farrowing systems. In CRATE, four or more assistance events occurred in 30 % of dystocia cases, whereas no parturition in free-farrowing systems required more than two or three assistance events, suggesting that housing conditions influence dystocia rates. Visually assessed uterine contractions during expulsion were delayed and weaker in dystocic sows compared to eutocic. Vulval lacerations occurred in 26.1 % of sows, with more severe injuries and slower healing in CRATE housing. Piglet vitality decreased with longer farrowings and was lowest in CRATE during dystocia. First-week piglet mortality was highest in PEN and GROUP systems, regardless of farrowing process. Lower birth weight and higher meconium scores were linked to increased early mortality. Overall, housing system, farrowing duration, and parity influence farrowing outcomes, piglet vitality, and neonatal losses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117833"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024991","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":"Comparative post-breeding outcomes in jennies inseminated with cryopreserved semen re-extended in seminal plasma or treated with platelet-rich plasma","authors":"Carla Joseph ,&nbsp;Holly Schwarzman ,&nbsp;Claire Kaplan ,&nbsp;Marcus Machado ,&nbsp;Bruno Trevisan ,&nbsp;Lorenzo Segabinazzi","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial insemination (AI) with cryopreserved semen in donkeys is challenging due to poor fertility, likely caused by an exacerbated post-breeding inflammatory response. This study evaluated the effects of frozen-thawed semen re-extension in seminal plasma (SP) and intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on post-breeding uterine inflammation, progesterone concentrations, and fertility in jennies. A total of 68 estrous cycles from 14 fertile jennies were randomly assigned to one of five groups: insemination with frozen-thawed semen reconstituted in 7 mL of SP (SP, n = 12); insemination with frozen-thawed semen followed by intrauterine infusion of Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS) (Control, n = 14) or autologous PRP (PRP, n = 14) 6h post-AI; insemination with fresh semen (FS, n = 14); and sham-insemination with LRS following PRP infusion 6h post-AI (PRP.only, n = 14). Uterine lavage was performed 6h post-AI in all cycles. Intrauterine fluid accumulation (IUF), endometrial neutrophil counts (PMN), corpus luteum (CL) volume, and plasma progesterone concentration were assessed multiple times before and after AI. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on Day 14. FS and SP groups had lower neutrophil counts 6h post-AI than Control and PRP groups (P &lt; 0.05). PRP.only cycles had the lowest neutrophil counts at 6h and 24h post-AI (P &lt; 0.05). Neutrophil counts were similar between all groups at 48h post-AI (P &gt; 0.05). Plasma progesterone was higher in FS cycles on Days 3 and 8 compared to Control-assigned cycles (P &lt; 0.05), and Day 14 compared to all groups (P &lt; 0.05). CL volume and IUF were similar across groups (P &gt; 0.05). Pregnancy rates were higher in FS cycles (71 %) compared to all other groups (Control, 0 %; PRP, 14 %; SP, 8 %; P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, SP reduced post-breeding inflammation but did not improve fertility outcomes in jennies AI with cryopreserved semen, while PRP had no effect. Additionally, plasma progesterone was affected by the type of semen used for AI but not by treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145963425","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":"Stress-related cortisol and progesterone concentrations influence the success of ovulation induction in estrous cats","authors":"Buse Ozturk ,&nbsp;Yusuf Bilal Cetinkaya ,&nbsp;Aslihan Ayalp-Erkan ,&nbsp;Tunahan Ozturk ,&nbsp;Baris Guner","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117849","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117849","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Queens are induced ovulators, and ovulatory success varies with hormonal status and stress. This study aimed to investigate the stress and hormone related factors influencing ovulatory success in 78 queens induced to ovulate by vaginal stimulation (VS), GnRH (50 μg gonadorelin), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 250 IU) in domestic cats. Before ovulation induction, stress scores, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, age, body weight, and estrus day were recorded. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), cortisol, and progesterone were determined to characterize hourly from 0 to 4 h post-induction, and estradiol and progesterone were measured once daily for six days. Ovulation was histologically confirmed and progesterone concentrations were ≥1 ng/mL were classified as ovulated. The proportion of ovulated queens differed (p &lt; 0.05) among treatments (VS; 46.2 %, GnRH; 73.1 %, hCG; 100 %). There was a positive correlation between the stress score and both serum cortisol and progesterone concentrations. A significant difference in LH concentrations was observed between ovulated and non-ovulated queens (p &lt; 0.05). Ovulatory response in VS and GnRH groups of queens was influenced by several physiological factors, with individuals at more advanced estrus days and those exhibiting greater estradiol and lower AMH concentrations associated with a greater likelihood of ovulation (p &lt; 0.05), whereas increasing stress score, advancing age, elevated cortisol and progesterone concentrations were associated with reduced ovulation rates (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, a marked post-induction increase in estradiol concentrations in hCG-treated queens (p &lt; 0.05). Overall, ovulatory success in queens was influenced by induction method, estrus stage, stres, estradiol and AMH concentrations. Stress-associated adrenal activation may impair LH dynamics and reduce the likelihood of ovulation, whereas hCG maintained consistent efficacy even under heightened stress conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117849"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024563","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":"Aldosterone regulates in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes derived from small follicles via Wnt/ β-catenin","authors":"Wen-Jie Jiang ,&nbsp;Chang Lu ,&nbsp;Zhong-Le Liu ,&nbsp;Xu-Ting Song ,&nbsp;Shi-Yu Xiao ,&nbsp;Juan Ma ,&nbsp;Mei-Yu Qi ,&nbsp;Di Liu ,&nbsp;Yu-Chang Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.117836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aldosterone (ALD) is a mineralocorticoid, an active component of the renin-angiotensin system. It has been reported that the concentration of ALD in large follicles is higher than that in small follicles. However, whether it has a beneficial effect on the maturation and development of oocytes from small follicles is currently unclear. Here, we showed that ALD supplementation during in vitro maturation promotes the maturation and development of oocytes from small follicles. Specifically, we found that 1 μg/mL ALD significantly enhanced oocyte quality by promoting cumulus expansion and polar body extrusion, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and blastocyst rate, and reducing oxidative stress and early apoptosis. Notably, ALD supplementation enhanced the maturation and development of small follicle oocytes by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway rather than the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Altogether, our findings demonstrate that ALD represents a viable strategy to enhance the quality of oocytes derived from small follicles, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing the in vitro maturation system for porcine oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 117836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019766","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":"Spermidine alleviates heat stress-induced deterioration of porcine oocytes","authors":"Meijie Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaofan Sun ,&nbsp;Jiner Yan ,&nbsp;Shaochen Sun ,&nbsp;Bo Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117810","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117810","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increased global warming is associated with a wide range of risks to human and animal health, including the reproductive disorders. However, the strategies to improve the heat stress (HS)-induced female germ cell defects are still underexplored. Here, we report that spermidine (SPD) treatment is a feasible approach to ameliorate the quality of porcine oocytes under HS. We found that SPD treatment during HS exposure promoted the oocyte maturation as indicated by the increased polar body extrusion rate and cumulus cell expansion area. In the meantime, SPD treatment also restored the spindle/chromosome structure, actin polymerization, and cortical granule dynamics to enhance the oocyte quality. Notably, transcriptome analysis revealed that the favorable effects of SPD treatment against HS exposure was involved in the pathways related to the translation activity and mitochondrial function. We further validated that SPD treatment mitigated translation defects and mitochondrial dysfunction present in HS-exposed oocytes, and hence reducing levels of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage to inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SPD can be used to alleviated HS-induced meiotic defects in oocytes, which holds potential applications in improving human and animal reproductive health, and optimizing <em>in vitro</em> reproductive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 117810"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145927972","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}