FGF18 impairs blastocyst viability, DNA double-strand breaks and maternal recognition of pregnancy genes.

Embryonic mortality in cattle is high, reaching 10-40 % in vivo and 60-70 % in vitro. Death of embryos involves reduced expression of genes related to embryonic viability, inhibition of DNA repair and increased DNA damage. In follicular granulosa cells, FGF18 from the theca layer increases apoptosis and DNA damage, so we hypothesized that FGF18 may also affect the oocyte and contribute to early embryonic death.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) induces changes in IFN-pathway and Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) on the bovine endometrium at Day 18 of pregnancy.

We hypothesized that the hCG modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs in bovine endometrium during early pregnancy. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of hCG on IFNT-pathway signals and ISGs expression in endometrial cells. For this, 29 non-lactating cross-bread cows were used in the study and submitted to a 9-day fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol.

Bone strength is reduced in a neonatal androgenized rat model.

Background: Whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects bone health during a woman's lifespan remains controversial. An androgenized rodent model replicated many metabolic and reproductive features of women with PCOS, and we aimed to use it to investigate the impact of androgens on microarchitecture (by micro-CT), bone mechanical strength, bone formation and resorption markers in rats with intact ovaries (SHAM) who underwent oophorectomy.

Methods: Wistar rats ( were employed for the experiments in this study.

FSH Regulates YAP-TEAD Transcriptional Activity in Bovine Granulosa Cells to Allow the Future Dominant Follicle to Exert Its Augmented Estrogenic Capacity.

The molecular mechanisms that drive the granulosa cells' (GC) differentiation into a more estrogenic phenotype during follicular divergence and establishment of follicle dominance have not been completely elucidated. The main Hippo signaling effector, YAP, has, however, emerged as a potential key player to explain such complex processes. Studies using rat and bovine GC demonstrate that, in conditions where the expression of the classic YAP-TEAD target gene tissue growth factor () is augmented, expression and activity and, consequently, estradiol (E2) secretion are reduced.

The influence of prorenin/(pro)renin receptor on progesterone secretion by the bovine corpus luteum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of prorenin/(pro)renin receptor activation on luteal progesterone (P4) secretion. Our hypothesis was that the nonproteolytic activation of (pro)renin receptor [P(RR)] is part of the regulatory mechanism responsible for corpus luteum (CL) function. In the first three experiments, prorenin was found to stimulate the production of P4, which is not inhibited by an angiotensin receptor antagonist (saralasin), but rather by a renin/prorenin inhibitor (aliskiren), a MAPK1/3 inhibitor (PD325901) or an EGFR inhibitor (AG1478), which are evidence of nonproteolytic activation of prorenin.

The Hippo pathway effectors YAP and TAZ interact with EGF-like signaling to regulate expansion-related events in bovine cumulus cells in vitro.

Purpose: To determine if the inhibition of the interaction between the Hippo effector YAP or its transcriptional co-activator TAZ with the TEAD family of transcription factors is critical for the cumulus expansion-related events induced by the EGF network in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).

Methods: We performed a series of experiments using immature bovine COCs subjected to an IVM protocol for up 24 h in which cumulus expansion was stimulated with EGF recombinant protein or FSH.

Results: The main results indicated that EGFR activity stimulation in bovine cumulus cells (CC) increases mRNA levels encoding the classic YAP/TAZ-TEAD target gene CTGF.

YAP signaling in preovulatory granulosa cells is critical for the functioning of the EGF network during ovulation.

Failure to ovulate is a major cause of infertility. The critical pathway that induces ovulation involves the EGF and MAPK phosphorylation, but studies in rodents have suggested that the Hippo activator, YAP, is also involved. It is unknown whether YAP-dependent transcriptional activity is important for the LH- or EGF-induced ovulatory cascade in monovulatory species such as the cow.

Possible impact of neutrophils on immune responses during early pregnancy in ruminants.

The interaction between early embryo and maternal immune system for the establishment of pregnancy is the focus of several studies; however, it remains unclear. The maternal immune response needs to keep a balance between avoiding any damage to the conceptus and maintaining its function in combating microbes as well. When conceptus-maternal crosstalk cannot achieve this balance, pregnancy losses might occur.

Heat stress modulates polymorphonuclear cell response in early pregnancy cows: I. interferon pathway and oxidative stress.

One of the major causes of early pregnancy loss is heat stress. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the embryo signal to the mother. Once the interferon signaling pathway is activated, it drives gene expression for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and alters neutrophils responses.

FGF18 modulates mRNA expression in cumulus-oocyte complexes and early bovine embryos: preliminary data.

The Hippo pathway is involved in the proliferation of intrafollicular cells and in early embryonic development, mainly because effectors of this pathway are key transcription regulators of genes such as CTGF and CYR61, which are involved in cell proliferation. Recent studies by our group found that fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) is present in the fallopian tube during early embryonic development, leading to the hypothesis that FGF18 may have a role during embryonic development. Therefore, the aim of the following study was to determine whether FGF18 modulates the expression of Hippo pathway target genes, CTGF and CYR61, during oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.

Neutrophils recognize and amplify IFNT signals derived from day 7 bovine embryo for stimulation of ISGs expression in vitro: A possible implication for the early maternal recognition of pregnancy.

Previously, we reported that the presence of multiple day 7 (D7) bovine embryos in the uterus induces systemic immune responses in circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), but with unknown mechanism. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the direct impact of D7 bovine embryo on PMNs' immune responses in vitro and whether these PMNs can amplify and transfer embryo signals further to another PMN population. PMNs were directly stimulated by embryo culture media (ECM) or interferon tau (IFNT) (10 ng/ml) followed by evaluating mRNA expression by real-time PCR and phenotypic analysis by flow cytometry.

Ovariectomy Improves Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Marker Disruption in Androgenized Rats: Possible Approach to Postmenopausal Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This study aims to evaluate metabolic and oxidative stress markers in a postmenopausal rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Wistar rats were divided in four groups: control ovariectomized (OVX;  = 9), control SHAM ( = 9), androgenized OVX ( = 10), and androgenized SHAM ( = 10). Female rats were androgenized during the neonatal period and compared with controls.

Açaí ( Mart.) presents anti-neuroinflammatory capacity in LPS-activated microglia cells.

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric diseases are responsible for one of the highest burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Individuals affected by these diseases may present mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Trabecular Bone is Increased in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in an intricate disorder characterized by reproductive and metabolic abnormalities that may affect bone quality and strength along with the lifespan. The present study analysed the impact of postnatal androgenization (of a single dose of testosterone propionate 1.25 mg subcutaneously at day 5 of life) on bone development and markers of bone metabolism in adult female Wistar rats.

Myoepithelial cells and extracellular matrix in the cytologic differentiation of canine mammary tumors.

Background: Mammary neoplasms are common tumors in intact female dogs. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic tool and has gained some credibility in the diagnosis of mammary tumors in dogs. Prompt classification of canine mammary tumors using cytology would enhance feasibility as a prognostic tool and guide clinical and surgical management.

Heat stress on oocyte or zygote compromises embryo development, impairs interferon tau production and increases reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in bovine embryos produced in vitro.

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the cytokine responsible for the maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants and plays a role modulating embryo-maternal communication in the oviduct inducing a local response from immune cells. We aimed to investigate IFNT production, reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress under the influence of heat stress (HS) during different stages of bovine in vitro embryo production. HS was established when the temperature was gradually raised from 38.

Transforming growth factor-beta family members are regulated during induced luteolysis in cattle.

The transforming growth factors beta (TGFβ) are local factors produced by ovarian cells which, after binding to their receptors, regulate follicular deviation and ovulation. However, their regulation and function during corpus luteum (CL) regression has been poorly investigated. The present study evaluated the mRNA regulation of some TGFβ family ligands and their receptors in the bovine CL during induced luteolysis .

Purinergic signaling and gene expression of purinoceptors in the head kidney of the silver catfish Rhamdia quelen experimentally infected by Flavobacterium columnare.

The head kidney is a lymphoid immune organ that plays a key role in the immune and inflammatory responses of teleost fish. It is associated with immunoglobulin G production and differentiation of B cells. The presence of a multi-enzymatic complex found anchored in the plasma membrane makes the head kidney an important purinergic-dependent tissue.

Activation of PPARG inhibits dominant follicle development in cattle.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG, also called NR1C3) is a nuclear receptor of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR). PPARs are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, estradiol and progesterone synthesis, and metabolism. However, the role of PPARs and their regulation during follicular development and ovulation in monovular species remain poorly understood.

Viability of Equine Chondrocytes After Exposure to Mepivacaine and Ropivacaine In Vitro.

Chondrocyte health is altered when exposed to local anesthetics, raising concerns as to the long-term effects of local anesthetics intra-articularly for diagnosis and analgesia. To investigate the drug with the lowest toxic potential, the effect of ropivacaine and mepivacaine on chondrocytes was evaluated. Articular cartilage from normal metacarpophalangeal joints of five equine cadaver specimens was used to establish chondrocyte cultures.

Aeromonas hydrophila infection in silver catfish causes hyperlocomotion related to stress.

Aeromonosis is a fish disease that leads to haemorrhagic septicaemia and high mortality. The detection of early behavioural changes associated to this disease could be helpful in anticipating the initiation of treatment, increasing the probability of success. The influence of this disease on the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis and on the brain expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) is little known.

Oxidative stress and biochemical markers in prenatally androgenized sheep after neonatal treatment with GnRH agonist.

Background: Disruption of the balance between the production of ROS and their removal through enzymatic and non-enzymatic (antioxidant) processes has been proposed as a new mechanism in the pathology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Evidence from animal models of PCOS (prenatally androgenized sheep) has suggested that treatment with insulin sensitizers, but not antiandrogens, can reduce increases in ROS.

Materials And Methods: In the present study, we investigated the effects of neonatal treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (leuprolide acetate) on prenatally androgenized sheep with testosterone propionate to determine its impact on oxidative stress molecules (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], advanced oxidation protein product [AOPP], nitric oxide [NOx], albumin) at 8, 12, and 18 months of age.