Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Effect of season during late gestation on metabolic alterations, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress status in dairy cows and offspring","authors":"Mehmet Akköse ,&nbsp;Mehmet Rıfat Vural","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117601","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated oxidative stress, metabolic and inflammatory alterations, health status, and milk production in dairy cows that experienced heat stress in the dry period, and the effects on their newborn calves. The study material comprised 53 healthy Holstein cows, of which some experienced heat stress during the dry period (summer group; n = 25) whereas others did not (winter group; n = 28). The cows' body condition score and lactation number ranges were 3.0–3.5 and 2–5, respectively. Blood sampling for the cows was performed 21 days before the expected calving date and at the actual calving time, and for the calves immediately after birth (before colostrum intake) and at 24 h after birth. Each cow was sampled for colostrum from the first milking after calving. The serum samples of both cows and calves were analyzed for inflammatory parameters (haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, interferon gamma (IFN-γ)), oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase, nitric oxide (NO), paraoxanase (PON), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI)), and metabolic parameters (total protein (TP), creatinine, albumin, bilirubin, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). The colostrum samples were analyzed for both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin concentrations, while the calves’ blood samples at 24 h after birth were analyzed for IgG concentration. Comparing the summer and winter group animals, respiratory rates (70.8 + 13.3 and 42.4 + 6.8, respectively) and rectal temperature (39.6 + 0.4 °C and 39.0 + 0.3 °C, respectively) were higher in the summer group animals. The gestation length was 7 days shorter in the summer group than winter group (270.21 ± 6.69 days and 277.44 ± 4.26 days, respectively), while colostral IgG concentration was lower (154.17 ± 56.96 mg/dl and 224.51 ± 91.10 mg/dl, respectively). Metritis/clinical endometritis incidence was higher in summer group. Cows in the summer group presented with lower serum cholesterol, ALP, IL-10, TNF-α, OSI, and catalase levels, and increased serum TP, MDA, NO, SOD, and GSH-Px levels. Calves born to the summer group cows displayed decreased serum ALP activity and increased serum MDA, NO, catalase, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-1β, and haptoglobin levels. In conclusion, experience of heat stress during the summer dry period led to: 1) induction of oxidative stress and disruption of metabolic processes in the dairy cows; 2) induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in their newborn calves; 3) higher incidence of postpartum health problems and milk yield losses in the dairy cows.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 117601"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711778","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":"Morphological alterations in mouse testes following siRNA-mediated Sry gene silencing","authors":"Matheus F.F. Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Fabiana Alves ,&nbsp;Francisco O. Vieira ,&nbsp;Samyra M.S.N. Lacerda ,&nbsp;Iara P.M. Nogueira ,&nbsp;Almir S. Martins ,&nbsp;Leandro B. Prado ,&nbsp;Lucíola S. Barcelos ,&nbsp;Anderson O. Carmo ,&nbsp;Evanguedes Kalapothakis ,&nbsp;Lídia M. Andrade ,&nbsp;Estefânia M.N. Martins ,&nbsp;Luiz O. Ladeira ,&nbsp;Clascídia A. Furtado ,&nbsp;Guilherme M.J. Costa","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>Sry</em> gene on the Y chromosome is pivotal for male sex determination in mammalian embryos. Beyond embryogenesis, <em>Sry</em> transcripts are also found in adult tissues, including testes, leading to speculation about its role in adult testicular physiology. However, conclusive evidence about its function in these contexts is limited. Herein, we employed siRNA technology associated with carbon nanotubes to investigate the impact of <em>Sry</em> RNA silencing in adult male mice. The siRNA was administered via tail vein injection in Balb-C mice. Three days post-injection, the testis and epididymis were collected for analysis. We utilized a range of techniques, including Laser Doppler analysis, testicular morphometry, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, and qPCR, to assess the effects of RNA silencing. Our findings revealed several significant changes following siRNA treatment. In severely affected animals, we observed a Sertoli cell-only phenotype, which indicates substantial germ cell loss. In animals with mild effects, we found several testicular alterations, including changes in testicular blood flow, predominant sloughing of spermatids from the seminiferous epithelium, increased germ cell apoptosis, alterations in the protein pattern of the Sertoli cell barrier and thickening of the tunica propria. Although we observed a hypertrophy of Leydig cells, testosterone levels remained unaltered. These results suggest that the <em>Sry</em> RNA is critical in maintaining testicular architecture and regulating germ cell dynamics in adult mice. Our study provides new insights into the significance of the <em>Sry</em> gene/RNA in aspects of testicular physiology beyond embryonic sexual differentiation, highlighting its potential impact on germ cell development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117605"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711843","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":"Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus downregulates the circ-107191/miR-34c/RAD54L axis to promote testicular cell apoptosis via impaired homologous recombination repair","authors":"Bingzhou Huang ,&nbsp;Dong You ,&nbsp;Baoling Liu ,&nbsp;Siyuan Lai ,&nbsp;Yanru Ai ,&nbsp;Jianbo Huang ,&nbsp;Yuancheng Zhou ,&nbsp;Liangpeng Ge ,&nbsp;Xiu Zeng ,&nbsp;Zhiwen Xu ,&nbsp;Ling Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) infection impairs male reproductive function, causing substantial economic losses. This study investigates PRRSV-induced testicular dysfunction through transcriptomic analysis, identifying 463 circRNAs, 50 miRNAs, and 4627 mRNAs that are differentially expressed in infected testes. Functional enrichment analysis underscores the role of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in immune responses, apoptosis, and germ cell maintenance. The circ-107191/miR-34c/RAD54L axis emerges as a pivotal pathway: PRRSV infection reduces circ-107191, which enhances miR-34c activity and suppresses RAD54L expression, thereby exacerbating apoptosis and oxidative stress. Ex vivo porcine testicular models demonstrate that decreased circ-107191 or elevated miR-34c levels disrupt blood-testis barrier integrity, increase inflammation and apoptosis, and suppress testosterone production. Restoring circ-107191 expression or inhibiting miR-34c mitigates tissue damage, enhances cell proliferation, reduces oxidative stress, and stabilizes endocrine function. These findings highlight the circ-107191/miR-34c/RAD54L axis as a potential therapeutic target for PRRSV-induced male infertility, providing novel insights into ncRNA-mediated reproductive regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117606"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713906","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":"Electroporation of sheep zygotes as an alternative to microinjection for the generation of CRISPR/Cas genome edited models","authors":"Marcela Souza-Neves ,&nbsp;Jorge Luis Pórfido ,&nbsp;Martina Crispo ,&nbsp;Alejo Menchaca","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117603","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117603","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zygote microinjection is considered the most suitable technique to introduce CRISPR/Cas9 reagents for efficient genome editing in livestock. In this study, zygote electroporation was evaluated as an alternative to microinjection for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in sheep. Four experiments were conducted on 3548 cumulus-oocyte complexes. Acid Tyrode's solution (AT) was used to partially degrade the zona pellucida (ZP) to improve reagent entry, resulting in ZP thinning with longer AT exposure (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Although early embryo development was impaired by AT exposure (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), blastocyst rates were similar across all groups by day 8. Electroporation conditions were optimized by testing pulse length (1 or 3 ms), with the best results from 6 pulses of 20 V for 3 ms with AT during 60 s. Electroporation with 500 ng/μL Cas9 and 300 ng/μL sgRNA with AT during 60 s achieved a 38.5 % mutation rate. When compared with conventional microinjection, electroporation had higher developmental rates but a lower mutation rate (21.4 % vs. 60.0 %; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that electroporation is a viable, cost-effective technique for genome editing in sheep. Nevertheless, further research will be required to fine-tune electroporation conditions and enhance efficiency in terms of mutation rate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117603"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711307","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":"Evaluating the relationships between anti-Müllerian hormone, milk production, estrous expression and first service conception rate in lactating dairy cows","authors":"K.J. Alward ,&nbsp;W.M. Graves ,&nbsp;R.A. Palomares ,&nbsp;L.O. Ely ,&nbsp;J.F. Bohlen","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117598","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117598","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations are positively associated with antral follicle count (AFC) and may serve as a biomarker of overall fertility in dairy cattle. This study aimed to determine whether circulating AMH concentration in lactating dairy cows is associated with milk production, estrous expression and first service conception rate (FSCR) by breeding protocol. Primiparous and multiparous (n = 245) purebred, lactating Holstein cows were enrolled at 45–60 days in milk (DIM). Blood was collected at enrollment for AMH and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to record AFC, corpora lutea (CL) and cyclicity status. Animals were bred either to an estrous detection (n = 152) or timed artificial insemination (TAI) (n = 93). Seven-day average milk-weight (7D milk weight) on the day of sampling and breeding, DIM at breeding and FSCR were recorded. Animals were retroactively blocked by AMH concentration into HIGH (&gt;282 pg/mL; n = 83) MID (167–278; n = 84) and LOW (&lt;165 pg/mL; n = 78) categories for analysis. The FSCR was not impacted (P &gt; 0.05) by AMH category, breeding protocol or DIM, however, greater 7D milk weight (P = 0.03) and increased age (P = 0.08) tended to increase FSCR. AMH concentration was increased in cows with increased AFC (P &lt; 0.01), 7D milk weight (P = 0.05) and lactation number, 7D milk weight interaction (P = 0.03). In conclusion, FSCR was not related to AMH category or breeding program. In this study, older, higher producing animals had increased AMH concentrations and were more likely to display estrus and thus bred to an estrous detection protocol than a TAI protocol. The relationship between age and AMH concentration on estrous expression post-calving warrant further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117598"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702990","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":"GAS1 affects proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone levels by regulating mitochondrial functions and the PI3K/AKT pathway in bovine granulosa cells","authors":"Wenjie Yu ,&nbsp;Na Pei ,&nbsp;Haitao Jia ,&nbsp;Yijing Yin ,&nbsp;Hong Xu ,&nbsp;Tian Tian ,&nbsp;Chang Liu ,&nbsp;Lingxia Xu ,&nbsp;Ze Li ,&nbsp;Zibin Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaoshi Cai ,&nbsp;Mingkai Yu ,&nbsp;Shuang Liang ,&nbsp;Chengzhen Chen ,&nbsp;Jiabao Zhang ,&nbsp;Bao Yuan ,&nbsp;Hao Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117597","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117597","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>GAS1 is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation and has potential roles in ovarian function, ovarian luteum formation, and ovulation in mammals. However, its effect on hormone secretion in granulosa cells is not clear. In this study, through RNA sequencing, EdU, CCK8, qRT‒PCR, and flow cytometry assays, we found that GAS1 affected cell proliferation, apoptosis, redox homeostasis, steroid metabolism, and other biological processes in bovine granulosa cells. The results showed that after GAS1 inhibition, cell proliferation increased, whereas apoptosis decreased. The levels of P₄ and the P₄-related genes <em>StAR</em> and <em>HSD3B1</em> decreased, whereas the levels of E₂ and the E₂-related gene <em>CYP19A1</em> increased after GAS1 inhibition in bovine granulosa cells. The inhibition of GAS1 improved mitochondrial function by increasing ATP levels; regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis-related proteins MFN1, MFN2, DRP1, and PARKIN; and improving redox homeostasis by decreasing ROS levels and increasing CAT levels. In addition, the inhibition of GAS1 increased the level of phosphorylated PI3K/AKT, and LY294002, a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor, alleviated the effects of GAS1 inhibition on P₄ and E₂ levels in bovine granulosa cells. These results showed that GSA1 affects proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and redox homeostasis and regulates P₄ and E₂ levels via the PI3K/AKT pathway in bovine granulosa cells. These results are helpful for analyzing the molecular mechanism of follicle development and provide a theoretical basis for improving follicle development and female animal fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117597"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678769","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 myo-inositol on oocyte and early embryo development in Tibetan sheep","authors":"Yifan Pan ,&nbsp;Yingbing Zhang ,&nbsp;Can Li ,&nbsp;Xiaorui Liu ,&nbsp;Bozhen Ji ,&nbsp;Chengtu Zhang ,&nbsp;Jianmin Su","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myo-inositol (MYO) is an essential compound within the ovarian follicular microenvironment, which facilitates the transmission of follicle-stimulating hormone signals in oocytes, thereby aiding in their maturation. Metabolomics analysis of follicular fluid from Tibetan sheep and in vitro maturation experiments have revealed the presence of myo-inositol; however, it remains uncertain whether the administration of exogenous myo-inositol can effectively enhance the maturation of Tibetan sheep oocytes. Consequently, this study was designed to explore the effects of myo-inositol supplementation on oocyte maturation and early embryo development. The influence of myo-inositol on oocyte quality was measured through various parameters, including reactive oxygen species, glutathione levels, mitochondrial function, mitochondrial membrane potential, and calcium ion concentration. The findings showed that 25 mM MYO markedly boosted the maturation rate of Tibetan sheep oocytes, significantly lowered oxygen radical formation, and increased glutathione, calcium ion concentration, and endoplasmic reticulum activity. The addition of 25 mM MYO to the in vitro embryo culture medium also substantially enhanced blastocyst formation. In summary, this study demonstrated that myo-inositol supplementation can improve both the rate of maturation of Tibetan sheep oocytes and the development of early embryos. This research lays a foundational framework for enhancing the in vitro maturation system of Tibetan sheep oocytes and the overall efficiency of in vitro embryo production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678854","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":"Is the pre-partum serum progesterone decline associated with litter size in dogs? A retrospective study","authors":"Daniela Cortes,&nbsp;Robyn Ellerbrock,&nbsp;Maria Ferrer","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accuracy of the prediction of fetal readiness for birth is essential for a proper timing of cesarean sections (C-section) and survival rate of the neonates. In clinical practice, serum progesterone (P4) concentration has been used to determine when to safely intervene. Nevertheless, it has been proposed that in small litters or singletons the decline in prepartum serum P4 concentration could be affected due to insufficient fetal cortisol release, affecting the luteolytic cascade. This retrospective study aimed to determine the effect of litter size on pre-partum serum P4 concentrations in dogs undergoing C-section. Fifty-two medical records were reviewed from pregnant bitches presented for C-section (2014–2024). Collected data included age, breed (size and type), breeding method, breeding season, gestation length, pre-partum serum P4 concentration and fetal heart rates (FHRs) on the day of the C-section and up to 3 days before the procedure, newborn gender, litter size, and neonatal survival rate. The dogs were divided based on litter size: G1: one puppy (n = 10), G2: two puppies (n = 4), and G3: three or more puppies (n = 38). Gestation length at the time of surgery did not differ between dogs with and without a decline in serum P4. The frequency of bitches with a decrease serum P4 differed by litter size and 70–75 % of bitches carrying 1 or 2 puppies did not have a decrease in serum P4 at time of the surgery. Brachycephalic breeds were more likely to show a decline in serum P4. The minimum FHR on day −1 was negatively correlated with serum P4 concentration on day 0, whereas serum P4 concentration on day −1 was negatively correlated with the female ratio. Litter size was negatively correlated with survival rate and minimum FHR at day 0. In turn, the minimum FHR on day 0 was positively correlated with survival rate. These data suggest that the littler size affects the pre-partum serum P4 concentration during late pregnancy in dogs. The pre-partum serum P4 concentration cannot be used reliably to predict fetal readiness for birth in bitches carrying 1 or 2 puppy litters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117593"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702991","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":"A single injection of a long-acting oxytocin analog (carbetocin) at estrus onset synchronizes ovulations and enhances ovulation rate in ewes","authors":"Bottino JP ,&nbsp;Rodriguez MGK ,&nbsp;Santos JDR ,&nbsp;Vazquez MI ,&nbsp;Ratto M ,&nbsp;Ungerfeld R","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intromission during mating induces oxytocin release, likely shortening behavioral estrus and enhancing luteal function in ewes. Oxytocin's short half-life and limited transfer into the brain, however, restrict its exogenous use. Carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin analog with peripheral effects, may be a practical pharmacological alternative. The aim was to determine whether systemic administration of Carbetocin could induce changes in sexual receptivity, follicular development, timing of ovulation during the estrous period, and luteal function similar to those observed after multiple matings. Timing of behavioral estrus was synchronized among 20 multiparous Merilin ewes. Upon detection of estrus, ewes were randomly assigned to a control (CON, n = 10) or Carbetocin-treated (CAR, n = 10) group. Ewes in the CAR group were administered a single intravenous dose of Carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg) at estrous onset. Follicular and luteal dynamics were monitored by ultrasonography, and sexual receptivity was assessed based on the ewe’ immobility when mounted of a ram. Luteal images were analyzed using ImageJ™ software to quantify both total and perfused corpus luteum areas. Carbetocin treatment increased the ovulation rate (1.9 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.2; P = 0.04) and reduced the dispersion in interval between the end of estrus and time of ovulation (SD: 3.86 and 8.01, respectively, P = 0.04). In conclusion, Carbetocin administration at the onset of estrus enhanced synchrony in time of ovulation among ewes, and increased ovulation rate but compared with ewes where there were multiple matings, did not shorten duration of estrus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144678855","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":"Influence of endometritis and LPS stimulation on the expression of bta-miR-200b and PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways in in vivo or cultured bovine endometrial epithelial cells","authors":"Yajing Chen ,&nbsp;Lifang Mi ,&nbsp;Shou Li ,&nbsp;Khao Keonam ,&nbsp;Jing Yang ,&nbsp;Kangfeng Jiang ,&nbsp;Xiaobing Li","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endometritis in dairy cows cause severe economic losses in the dairy farming industry. Although bta-miR-200b expression is decreased in cows with endometritis, role of bta-miR-200b in moderation of endometritis in dairy cows is unknown. In the present study, bovine endometrial epithelial (BEND) cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0–100 μg/mL) for 24 h significantly decreased cell viability and the expression of bta-miR-200b consistent with the expression pattern of bta-miR-200b in endometritis. Subsequently, western blotting revealed that overexpression of bta-miR-200b significantly suppressed the LPS-induced increase in phosphorylated p65 protein levels in BEND cells, thereby decreasing the release of proinflammatory factors and inhibiting apoptosis. As predicted by KEGG analysis, LPS induced overexpression of bta-miR-200b significantly increased the protein abundance of phosphorylated AKT and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These findings suggested that the inhibition of inflammatory injury by bta-miR-200b is mediated by the PI3K/AKT pathway. The results of western blotting further revealed that the overexpression of bta-miR-200b decreased the protein abundance of PTEN, indicating that PTEN is a target of bta-miR-200b. Knocking down both bta-miR-200b and PTEN in BEND cells resulted in decreasing level of phosphorylated AKT and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio while promoting p65 nuclear transcription. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry verified that PTEN knockdown inhibited the effect of bta-miR-200b inhibition on LPS-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that bta-miR-200b attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory injury by targeting the PTEN/AKT/NF-κB axis. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the in vivo application of miRNA-based therapy to mitigate endometritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"248 ","pages":"Article 117599"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144686214","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}