Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Effect of the follicular stage and circulating progesterone concentrations at the beginning of an estradiol/progesterone-based synchronization protocol on profile of gonadotropins and follicle dynamics in beef heifers","authors":"Lucas O. e Silva , Patrícia R. Cavalcanti , Rodrigo L.O.R. Alves , Natália P. Folchini , Natália N. Teixeira , Pedro J.L. Monteiro , Milo C. Wiltbank , Roberto Sartori","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of the follicular stage (pre-<em>vs.</em> post-deviation) at the beginning of an estradiol (E2)/progesterone (P4)-based synchronization protocol, and of circulating P4 concentrations (higher <em>vs.</em> lower) during the protocol, on profiles of gonadotropins and development of a new follicular wave in <em>Bos indicus</em> heifers. Cycling Nelore heifers (n = 23; 24.0 ± 2.7 mo old) were pre-synchronized to initiate an E2/P4-based protocol (on Day 0) with either a post-deviation 7-d old follicle (<strong>F</strong><strong>7</strong><strong>d</strong>) or a pre-deviation 2-d old follicle (<strong>F2d</strong>) in the absence of a corpus luteum. Heifers were then assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (follicular stage × P4 treatment), receiving either a new intravaginal 2 g P4 device (higher P4, <strong>HP4</strong>) or a 14-d used 1 g P4 device (lower P4, <strong>LP4</strong>), plus 1.5 mg of E2 benzoate. Ultrasound evaluations were performed on Days −10, −5, −2, and daily from Day 0–7. Blood samples were collected every 12 h from Day 0–5, and daily until Day 7. Statistical analyses were performed by SAS 9.4 (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.05). On Day 0, the diameter of the initial follicle (F0) was larger (10.7 ± 0.4 <em>vs.</em> 6.7 ± 0.2 mm; <em>P</em> < 0.01), the circulating E2 was greater (5.7 ± 0.9 <em>vs.</em> 2.7 ± 0.5 pg/mL; <em>P</em> = 0.01) and FSH concentrations were lower (0.15 ± 0.01 <em>vs.</em> 0.20 ± 0.01 ng/mL; <em>P</em> < 0.01) in F7d than F2d group. Mean P4 concentrations over time were greater in HP4 than in LP4 group (3.1 ± 0.1 <em>vs.</em> 2.0 ± 0.1 ng/mL; <em>P</em> < 0.01). No interaction effects were observed. Circulating FSH concentrations were greater (<em>P</em> = 0.02) in F2d than F7d group at 0 and 12 h, with no further differences, whereas no differences were observed in LH concentrations over time. The time of emergence (<em>P</em> = 0.73) and deviation (<em>P</em> = 0.81) were not affected by the follicular stage, nor the follicular growth until Day 7 (<em>P</em> = 0.41). Regarding P4 treatments, circulating LH was lower (<em>P</em> < 0.01) in HP4 than LP4 group at 12 and 24 h, with no further differences. FSH concentrations were similar (<em>P</em> = 0.89) from 0 to 60 h but increased from 72 to 120 h in HP4 group (<em>P</em> = 0.04). Although the time of emergence did not differ (<em>P</em> = 0.12), in HP4 group, the number of follicles (≥4 mm) was smaller (6.9 ± 0.5 <em>vs.</em> 9.4 ± 0.4; <em>P</em> < 0.01) and the time of deviation was slightly delayed (5.7 ± 0.2 <em>vs.</em> 5.2 ± 0.2 d; <em>P</em> = 0.04), compared to LP4 group. Moreover, although the follicular development by the time of deviation was not affected (<em>P</em> = 0.59), the follicular growth by Day 7 was slower in HP4 group, resulting in a smaller dominant follicle (7.7 ± 0.2 <em>vs.</em> 8.8 ± 0.4 mm; <em>P</em> < 0.01) and a tendency for lower E2 concentrations (1.1 ± 0.2 <em>vs.</em> 1.5","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791029","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":"Functional COPA is indispensable for early embryo development beyond major genome activation in bovines","authors":"Dennis Miskel ,&nbsp;Jessica Kurzella ,&nbsp;Franca Rings ,&nbsp;Ernst Tholen ,&nbsp;Dawit Tesfaye ,&nbsp;Karl Schellander ,&nbsp;Dessie Salilew-Wondim ,&nbsp;Eva Held-Hoelker ,&nbsp;Christine Große-Brinkhaus ,&nbsp;Michael Hoelker","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Embryonic genome activation is divided into a minor and a major wave of transition to endogenous transcription. In bovines, minor genome activation begins early in the 2-cell stage and is completed by the 8-cell stage when major genome activation becomes dominant. While the activation of genes known to regulate early development have been studied extensively, genes involved in more central cellular functions have not been examined. Taking advantage of the CRISPR Cas9 system, the present study investigated the effect of knocking out the Golgi retrograde protein transporter <em>COPA</em> on early bovine development. After the electroporation of presumptive zygotes with Cas9 ribonucleoproteins targeting <em>COPA</em> exon 6, sequences of 2 (11 %) and 4-cell (16 %) embryos showed knockouts of <em>COPA</em> whereas 8-cell embryos and blastocysts did not, demonstrating that <em>COPA</em> is necessary for development to the 8-cell stage and beyond. Using a repair template containing silent mutations along the target site, <em>COPA</em> loss of wildtype was observed in 5 blastocysts, with successful knock-in of the template on at least one allele. This shows that an edited yet functional copy of <em>COPA</em> can save the developmental capacity of the embryo and demonstrates that Cas9 activity at the target region itself is not responsible for the loss of function. Together, the present study revealed that <em>COPA</em> is necessary for embryonic development, and that the timing of this necessity is before major genome activation onset. More generally, this study further demonstrates the utility of genome editing within reproductive biotechnology for the interrogation of gene function and early embryonic development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143807072","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":"Evaluation of SIRS and qSOFA in the diagnosis of sepsis in dogs with pyometra","authors":"Hatice Esra Çolakoğlu ,&nbsp;Ecenur Karaca","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to evaluate the usability of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and <em>quick sequential organ failure assessment</em> (qSOFA) scores developed for the rapid, reliable and accurate detection of sepsis and organ damage in dogs with pyometra. In the study, dogs with clinical findings (depression, anorexia, weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, fever), diagnosed with pyometra as a result of gynecological, clinical and laboratory examinations and treated surgically (n = 20) were included in the pyometra group. Healthy dogs that underwent routine ovariohysterectomy (n = 20) were added to the control group. In both groups, complete blood and serum biochemistry (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, creatine kinase) analyses were performed at the time of diagnosis in the preoperative period. SIRS and qSOFA scores were measured in both groups before surgery and on the third postoperative day. According to the data obtained as a result of the study, the sensitivity and selectivity of qSOFA score in the diagnosis of pyometra were determined to be 65 % and 100 %, respectively. SIRS score was found to have a sensitivity of 95 % and a selectivity of 100 %. The AUC values of SIRS and qSOFA scores were determined as 0.985 and 0.896, respectively. These results indicate that the qSOFA score has good performance in the diagnosis of pyometra, but lower accuracy than the SIRS score, and the SIRS score has high accuracy in the diagnosis of dogs with pyometra. SIRS is a more accurate and reliable screening tool in the diagnosis of dogs with pyometra at risk of sepsis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117420"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760592","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":"Effectiveness of intraglandular allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell administration for treating chronic vesicular adenitis in bulls","authors":"Neimar Correa Severo ,&nbsp;Teresinha Inês de Assumpção ,&nbsp;Maurício Antônio Silva Peixer ,&nbsp;Marcelo da Cunha Xavier ,&nbsp;Patricia Furtado Malard ,&nbsp;Hilana dos Santos Sena Brunel ,&nbsp;Renata Lançoni","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the application of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) bilaterally and intraglandularly in the vesicular glands of bulls affected by seminal vesiculitis. Twelve bulls that presented chronic vesiculitis with two or more recurrences were selected at Semen Collection and Processing Centres, based on the presence of pus in the semen, leukocytes on the motility and vigour evaluation slide, reactive to the California Mastitis Test - CMT (one cross or more) and the presence of leukocytes on a slide stained by Diff Quik staining with more than 5 polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) per field. Ultrasound examination of the vesicular glands was performed, and the clinical signs were definitive for the diagnosis. The proposed method of the intraglandular injection of MSCs involved application through the ischiorectal fossa with a long needle measuring 30–35 cm and a guide measuring 25–30 cm in length directly into the affected vesicular glands. The MSCs were cultured and frozen in the Bio Cell Cellular Therapy® laboratory (Brasilia, Brazil) and prepared by washing and centrifugation for intraglandular injection on the day of application. In total, 3x10⁶ MSCs were injected into each vesicular gland. Data were evaluated for normality of residuals using the Shapiro-Wilk test. When the normality of the test was significant (P &lt; 0.05), the data were transformed or outliers were removed and reevaluated. The “T-Test” was applied to identify statistical differences between variables before and after treatment. The probability of P ≤ 0.05 was considered a significant difference. Data were presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (S.E.M.). Improvements were observed in the initial percent motility from 60.09 ± 4.8 to 69.89 ± 4.6 (P &lt; 0.05), as well as in the post-thawing percent motility from 26.26 ± 6.77 to 42.5 ± 5 0.99 (P &lt; 0.05). The number of doses produced increased significantly after treatment with MSCs, from 95.61 ± 23.31 units to 337.84 ± 67.75 units (P &lt; 0.05) per ejaculate. The number of leukocytes observed per field decreased from 5.83 ± 0.48 to zero, demonstrating the recovery of the inflamed vesicular glands. Based on the results presented, it was concluded that the application of 3x10⁶ MSCs in the vesicular glands of bulls with vesiculitis is safe and efficient, as it improved several parameters evaluated in this research, mainly the production of semen doses per ejaculate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783174","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 pre-freeze sperm concentration, freezing extender, and epididymal flushing technique on post-thaw quality of cryopreserved epididymal stallion sperm","authors":"Sheila G. Spacek ,&nbsp;Camilo Hernández-Avilés,&nbsp;Luisa Ramírez-Agámez,&nbsp;Mariah Pearson,&nbsp;Charles C. Love","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cryopreservation of stallion epididymal sperm has become a common clinical procedure after routine castration, euthanasia, or acute death. Unique features of epididymal sperm compared to ejaculated sperm include the requirement to remove sperm from the <em>cauda epididymis</em>, lack of exposure to seminal plasma, and potential recovery of large sperm numbers. In this study, the effect of the flushing technique (Extender (INRA) vs. AIR), freezing extender (LE, CMLE, MFR5, CFR5, or BOTU), and the concentration at which sperm are cryopreserved (200, 400, or 800 × 10⁶ sperm/mL) on post-thaw epididymal sperm quality were studied. More total sperm were recovered when the <em>cauda epididymides</em> were flushed with INRA (14 × 10⁹) compared to AIR (10 × 10⁹). Epididymal sperm cryopreserved in BOTU and CMLE yielded higher post-thaw total and progressive motility than LE, MFR5, and CFR5 (P &lt; 0.05); BOTU, MFR5, and CFR5 yielded higher post-thaw viable/acrosome-intact sperm than CMLE or LE (P &lt; 0.05); CMLE, CFR5, and BOTU yielded higher post-thaw curvilinear velocity than LE or MFR5 (P &lt; 0.05); an effect of extender on sperm DNA damage (COMP_αt) was not observed (P &gt; 0.05). Overall, similar post-thaw epididymal sperm quality parameters were observed among different cryopreserved sperm concentrations (P &lt; 0.05). This study provides evidence of some factors that can affect the post-thaw quality of epididymal sperm from stallions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791027","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":"Short- and long-term effects of uterine disease on oocyte developmental capacity in postpartum dairy cows","authors":"M.O. Caldeira ,&nbsp;K.S. McDonald ,&nbsp;E.S.M. Martinez ,&nbsp;J.G.N. Moraes ,&nbsp;I. Sellmer Ramos ,&nbsp;S.E. Poock ,&nbsp;M.S. Ortega ,&nbsp;M.C. Lucy","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The hypothesis was that early postpartum uterine disease would reduce the developmental capacity of oocytes thus contributing to the reduced fertility of dairy cows with uterine disease. Dairy cows were diagnosed healthy or with metritis at 7–10 d postpartum. The reproductive tract was collected at approximately 1 mo (Exp. 1) or approximately 80 or 165 d (Exp. 2) postpartum for the collection of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC). The COC were matured, co-incubated with sperm for fertilization, and cultured to the blastocyst stage (8 d) in vitro. For Exp.1, the disease diagnosis (healthy or metritis) did not affect the number of collected COC or the subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage. The presence of purulent material in the uterine lumen (endometritis) at time of oocyte collection, however, was associated with a reduced cleavage rate evaluated 3 d following fertilization. For Exp. 2, there was no effect of disease diagnosis (healthy or metritis) on the number of COC or their subsequent development. Reduced cleavage rates were observed in COC retrieved from cows slaughtered at 80 d postpartum, but not at 165 d postpartum, and this reduction was associated with a vaginal microbiome indicative of uterine disease at 4–5 wk postpartum. Regression analyses that included plasma haptoglobin or energy metabolite concentrations or uterine bacterial genera abundance did not explain a large percentage of the variation in oocyte development in vitro. We conclude that there is an effect of uterine disease at one month postpartum on the oocyte and its capacity for development (Exp. 1) and this effect may be present at 80 d postpartum (Exp. 2). In later postpartum cows (165 d postpartum; Exp. 2) there was no effect of uterine disease on in vitro oocyte development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 117413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747251","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 sturgeon egg mitochondria and their replacement in germline: A novel strategy for maternal genetic preservation in sturgeons","authors":"Linan Gao,&nbsp;Roman Franěk,&nbsp;Martin Pšenička","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nearly all sturgeon species are critically endangered, necessitating the development of innovative approaches to preserve their genetic diversity and support population recovery. Unlike sperm, the cryopreservation of fish eggs or embryos remains technically unscalable because of the inherent structural and compositional barriers. Mitochondria are abundant in germ plasm and indispensable in the formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs). Transplanting isolated mitochondria into the vegetal pole of sturgeon embryos, where germ plasm is located, represents a promising conservation strategy. The transplanted mitochondria integrate into the germ plasm and are subsequently incorporated into the germline. Considering seasonality and long generation intervals of sturgeon reproduction, a reliable method for long-term storage of sturgeon egg mitochondria would be advantageous. This study optimized the cryopreservation of sturgeon egg-derived mitochondria, with subsequent validation of mitochondria structural and functional integrity. Various concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, and bovine serum albumin (BSA), combined with different freezing protocols were tested. Mitochondria functionality was assessed through four keys indicators: adenosine triphosphate synthesis, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and integrity. For the first time, we demonstrated that sturgeon egg mitochondria can be successfully cryopreserved, recovered using transplantation and incorporated into the germline. Therefore, we restored maternal germplasm in sturgeon embryos. This work establishes a vital technological advance for conservation biology, offering an alternative approach to preserving and restoring maternal genetic information, which is currently unachievable through other methods in fish. Future research can leverage mitochondrial applications to advance germline preservation, surrogate reproduction, fertility enhancement, and reproductive biotechnology in aquaculture species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 117414"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747185","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":"Intrauterine growth restriction in newborn piglets associated with piglet characteristics, colostrum intake, litter size and parity number in prolific sows","authors":"Tanwarat Chaiyapatmaetee ,&nbsp;Natrada Saenghinghoy ,&nbsp;Pitchayapak Charuchinda ,&nbsp;Thussapong Wichathippayananon ,&nbsp;Jakavat Ruampatana ,&nbsp;Yosua Kristian Adi ,&nbsp;Preechaphon Taechamaeteekul ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genetic selection of highly prolific sows has increased the number of fetuses within the uterus, directly affecting piglet quality due to limited placental space. This results in placental insufficiency and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study aimed to investigate the incidence of IUGR in newborn piglets within a commercial swine herd under tropical conditions and to examine its association with piglet characteristics, birth order, litter size, sow parity, colostrum intake, and mortality rate during the first 24 h of life. The experiment was conducted in a commercial swine herd in Thailand. Data were collected from 114 litters of French Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. Immediately after birth, the degree of IUGR was determined in 1868 piglets, comprising 1743 live-born and 125 stillborn piglets. Sows were categorized into four groups based on parity number: 1 (n = 28), 2 (n = 34), 3–5 (n = 33), and 6–8 (n = 19). Litters were further classified by total litter size into three categories: 7–14 (n = 18), 15–19 (n = 51), and ≥20 piglets (n = 45). On the day of parturition, IUGR was visually assessed in both live-born and stillborn piglets. Various farrowing and piglet parameters were recorded, including farrowing duration and litter traits. Birth weight was measured before and after colostrum ingestion, and individual colostrum intake was calculated. The incidence of IUGR in newborn piglets was 16.2 % (302/1868 piglets), with moderate and severe IUGR observed in 10.8 % and 5.4 % of piglets, respectively. The percentage of IUGR piglets in litters with 7–14 piglets (8.5 %) was lower than in litters with 15–19 piglets (17.1 %, <em>P</em> = 0.008) and ≥20 piglets (17.2 %, <em>P</em> = 0.005). IUGR piglets exhibited significantly lower birth weights (832 ± 28.6 g vs. 1274 ± 16.8 g, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) compared to normal piglets. They also consumed less colostrum (257.1 ± 14.2 g vs. 414.3 ± 7.4 g, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and had a higher percentage of individuals with insufficient colostrum intake (&lt;300 g) (77.3 % vs. 27.6 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). At 24 h postpartum, IUGR piglets exhibited lower rectal temperatures (37.7 ± 0.1 vs. 38.1 ± 0.1 °C, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) compared to normal piglets. Additionally, IUGR piglets experienced a higher mortality rate within the first 24 h of life compared to normal piglets (18.5 % vs. 6.1 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that IUGR piglets exhibit lower birth weights, reduced colostrum intake, and poorer thermoregulation. These factors contribute to the higher mortality rate observed in IUGR piglets compared to their normal counterparts. Moreover, the proportion of IUGR piglets increases with larger litter sizes, emphasizing the impact of uterine crowding. This study underscores the importance of managing sow productivity to minimize the prevalence of IUGR and improve piglet survival and welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 117416"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747250","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 glutathione addition on vitrification of ovine oocytes","authors":"Jingyu Ren ,&nbsp;Gang Liu ,&nbsp;Huan Cui ,&nbsp;Xubin Dong ,&nbsp;Shuangyu Mao ,&nbsp;Yongbin Liu ,&nbsp;Yanfeng Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117412","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117412","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exogenous antioxidants are commonly employed to mitigate vitrification-induced oxidative damage. Glutathione (GSH), a vital antioxidant, plays a significant role in scavenging free radicals, providing antioxidant protection, and maintaining cellular integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GSH supplementation on the vitrification of ovine oocytes. To identify the optimal concentration of exogenous GSH supplementation, the impacts of 2 mM, 4 mM, and 8 mM GSH on the survival and fragmentation of oocytes were evaluated after vitrification. In addition, immunofluorescence (IF) staining was employed to evaluate spindle morphology, chromosome distribution, cortical granule distribution, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The levels of ATP and NADPH, along with the ratio of GSH/GSSH, were also examined. Additionally, evaluations of <em>in vitro</em> fertilization were carried out. The results of oocyte survival rates and fragmentation rates identified that the addition of 4 mM GSH to the vitrification solution was the optimal concentration. The assessment of spindle morphology, chromosome distribution, cortical granule distribution, mitochondrial function, ROS production, ATP activity, and NADPH levels, as well as the GSH/GSSH ratio, confirm the beneficial effect of GSH supplementation against the vitrification-induced oxidative damage. Lastly, incorporating GSH into the vitrification process enhanced the developmental potential of oocytes, resulting in higher cleavage rates, increased blastocyst rates, and improved quality of blastocysts. Overall, this research uncovered the mechanisms through which GSH mitigates the oxidative damage induced by vitrification, thereby leading to the optimization of the vitrification technique for ovine oocytes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 117412"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747249","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":"Lipid and fatty acid profile in neat and collagenase-treated llama sperm","authors":"Mariana Lucía Bertuzzi ,&nbsp;Jessica Mariela Luquez ,&nbsp;Andrea Romina di Fonzo ,&nbsp;Gerardo Martín Oresti ,&nbsp;María Ignacia Carretero","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The lipid composition of spermatozoa plasma membranes is crucial for both fertilization and cryopreservation techniques. Llama seminal plasma has unique rheological characteristics and proteolytic enzymes have been used to enhance semen handling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the plasma membrane lipid composition of llama sperm from neat semen and to compare it with sperm from neat semen incubated with collagenase, as an attempt to determine the possible involvement of collagenase over membrane lipids. Also, we investigate the differences in lipid composition of sperm collected in summer <em>versus</em> winter, and between young and adult animals. Fifty-two ejaculates from six llamas were obtained and routine seminal parameters were evaluated. Cholesterol (Chol), phospholipids (PL), Chol/PL ratio, fatty acid (FA) groups, individual FA, and PL classes were evaluated in sperm from neat semen and after incubation with collagenase. No significant differences were found in Chol, PL, Chol/PL ratio, FA, and PL classes between neat semen spermatozoa and those incubated with collagenase. When comparing these same parameters by season, no significant differences were observed. Younger males showed significantly lower PL content in sperm from neat semen, with a trend of higher Chol, a higher Chol/PL ratio, and lower polyunsaturated FA percentages compared to adult males. In conclusion, this study identified the lipid composition of neat llama spermatozoa, showing that collagenase treatment does not alter it. While no seasonal differences were observed, significant age-related differences in sperm lipid composition were found. The findings provide insights into llama sperm lipids, potentially relevant for cryopreservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 117411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783175","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}