MiR-29b inhibits COC expansion and oocyte in vitro maturation via induction of ROS by targeting CYCS.

Cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) expansion and oocyte maturation are crucial processes for embryo development and fertility across species. Although miR-29b has been detected in porcine ovarian granulosa cells, its specific role in regulating oocyte maturation remains largely unknown. In this study, using the pig as a model, we report that over-expression of miR-29b lead to a decrease of COC expansion area and inhibits oocyte maturation (P<0.

A novel thermophilic strain of with antimicrobial activity and its potential application in solid-state fermentation of soybean meal.

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important source of plant protein in animal feeds, containing around 41%-48% crude protein. Nevertheless, 70%-80% of these proteins is allergenic antigens that can have adverse implications for the gastrointestinal well-being of animals, especially to young animals. Microbial fermentation is one of the most cost-effective strategies used to reduce allergenic antigens from plant sources.

Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria.

We evaluated a single strain Bacillus subtilis BS-9 direct-fed microbial (BSDFM) isolated from camel dung in Eimeria challenged broiler chickens. Seven-hundred d-old Ross 708 male chicks were placed in pens (25 birds/pen) and allocated to 2 treatments (n = 14). From d 0 to 13, control pens received untreated water (-BSDFM), and 2 treated pens received water and 2 mL x 10 colony forming unit/bird/d (+BSDFM); daily water intake (WI) was recorded.

Granulosa cell-derived miR-379-5p regulates macrophage polarization in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenemia and ovarian antral follicle growth arrest. We have previously demonstrated that androgen-induced exosomal release of miR-379-5p (miR379) from preantral follicle granulosa cells increases the proliferation of target cells phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) upregulation. Androgen also increases inflammatory M1 macrophage abundance, but reduces anti-inflammatory M2 polarization in rat antral and preovulatory follicles.

Isolation and characterization of a novel hydrolase-producing probiotic and its application in the fermentation of soybean meal.

Soybean meal (SBM) is one of the most important sources of plant-based protein in the livestock and poultry industry. However, SBM contains anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) such as glycinin, β-conglycinin, trypsin inhibitor and phytic acid that can damage the intestinal health of animals, inevitably reducing growth performance. Fermentation using microorganisms with probiotic potential is a viable strategy to reduce ANFs and enhance the nutritional value of SBM.

Comparative efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic and pharmacological zinc oxide on growth performance and gut responses in nursery pigs.

In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis probiotic in improving growth performance and gut responses in comparison to pharmacological zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery pigs. A total of 96 piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: Negative control (NC), Positive control (PC, 3000 mg Zn /kg feed), B.subtilis low dose (BS9-L, 2 × 10 CFU/pig) and B.

Identification of Candidate Salivary, Urinary and Serum Metabolic Biomarkers for High Litter Size Potential in Sows ().

The selection of sows that are reproductively fit and produce large litters of piglets is imperative for success in the pork industry. Currently, low heritability of reproductive and litter-related traits and unfavourable genetic correlations are slowing the improvement of pig selection efficiency. The integration of biomarkers as a supplement or alternative to the use of genetic markers may permit the optimization and increase of selection protocol efficiency.

Dispersal of pathogen-associated multispecies biofilm by novel probiotic Bacillus subtilis in a contact-dependent manner.

Aims: Biofilms are involved in pathogenesis of various bacterial infections. Treatment of biofilm-related bacterial infection remains a major challenge due to the reduced efficacy of antibiotics and associated antibiotic resistance. Given the high prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Salmonella Typhimurium (S.

MicroRNA-574 Impacts Granulosa Cell Estradiol Production Targeting TIMP3 and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway.

Estradiol represents a key steroid ovarian hormone that not only plays a vital role in ovarian follicular development but also is associated with many other reproductive functions. Our primary study revealed that miR-574 expression decreased in porcine granulosa cells during development from small to large follicles, and the increase of ERK1/2 phosphorylation accompanies this change. Since it has been well established that the ERK1/2 activity is tightly associated with granulosa cell functions, including ovarian hormone production, we thus further investigate if the miRNA is involved in the regulation of estradiol production in granulosa cells.

A Novel Probiotic Strain Confers Cytoprotection to Host Pig Intestinal Epithelial Cells during Enterotoxic Infection.

Enteric infections caused by enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) negatively impact the growth performance of piglets during weaning, resulting in significant economic losses for the producers. With the ban on antibiotic usage in livestock production, probiotics have gained a lot of attention as a potential alternative. However, strain specificity and limited knowledge on the host-specific targets limit their efficacy in preventing ETEC-related postweaning enteric infections.

Choline supplementation influences ovarian follicular development.

Background: Female infertility is a health issue for both humans and animals and despite developments in medical interventions, there are still some conditions that cannot be treated successfully. It is important to explore other potential therapies or remedies that could improve reproductive health. Choline is an over-the-counter supplement and essential nutrient that has many health benefits.

Protegrin-1 inhibits porcine ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis from HO-induced oxidative stress via the PERK/eIF2α/CHOP signaling pathway in vitro.

In mammals, oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of granulosa cells is one of the major causes of follicular atresia, affecting ovarian physiological function. Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is an antimicrobial peptide with effective antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory function, and porcine growth-promoting effects. PG-1 has been detected in porcine ovaries follicles.

MicroRNA-21 enhances estradiol production by inhibiting WT1 expression in granulosa cells.

In antral follicles, the transition of proliferative granulosa cells to estradiol-producing is critical for proper oocyte maturation. MicroRNAs are noncoding RNAs that play important roles in ovarian follicular development; however, this has yet to be fully characterized. MicroRNA-21 is significantly higher in granulosa cells isolated from large antral follicles compared to those from small antral follicles.

Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Protegrin-1 on Intestinal Infection in Mice.

Infectious intestinal colitis, manifesting as intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and epithelial barrier disruption, affects millions of humans worldwide and, without effective treatment, can result in death. In addition to this, the significant rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses an urgent need for alternative anti-infection therapies for the treatment of intestinal disorders. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential therapies that have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity due to their (1) unique mode of action, (2) broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and (3) protective role in GI tract maintenance.

A novel Bacillus sp. with rapid growth property and high enzyme activity that allows efficient fermentation of soybean meal for improving digestibility in growing pigs.

Aims: Soybean meal (SBM) contributes high-quality dietary protein for pigs. However, it also contains antinutritional factors such as allergenic high molecular weight proteins and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) that limit its use. Therefore, the objective of this study was to screen and characterize a robust Bacillus sp.

Potential Probiotic Isolated from a Novel Niche Exhibits Broad Range Antibacterial Activity and Causes Virulence and Metabolic Dysregulation in Enterotoxic .

Microbial life in extreme environments, such as deserts and deep oceans, is thought to have evolved to overcome constraints of nutrient availability, temperature, and suboptimal hygiene environments. Isolation of probiotic bacteria from such niche may provide a competitive edge over traditional probiotics. Here, we tested the survival, safety, and antimicrobial effect of a recently isolated and potential novel strain of (CP9) from desert camel in vitro.

MicroRNA 195-5p Targets Promoter Region to Regulate Its Expression in Granulosa Cells.

Forkhead box O3 (Foxo3) is a member of the FOXO subfamily within the forkhead box (FOX) family, which has been shown to be essential for ovarian follicular development and maturation. Previous studies have shown the abundant expression of miR-195-5p in the nuclei of porcine granulosa cells (GCs), suggesting its potential role during ovarian follicle growth. In this study, a conditional immortalized porcine granulosa cell (CIPGC) line was used to determine whether the expression of Foxo3 could be regulated by the nuclear-enriched miR-195-5p.

Protegrin-1 Regulates Porcine Granulosa Cell Proliferation the EGFR-ERK1/2/p38 Signaling Pathway .

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are traditionally known to be essential components in host defense their broad activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Their immunomodulatory properties have also recently received considerable attention in mammalian somatic tissues of various species. However, little is known regarding the role of AMPs in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles.

Small RNA sequencing reveals distinct nuclear microRNAs in pig granulosa cells during ovarian follicle growth.

Nuclear small RNAs have emerged as an important subset of non-coding RNA species that are capable of regulating gene expression. A type of small RNA, microRNA (miRNA) have been shown to regulate development of the ovarian follicle via canonical targeting and translational repression. Little has been done to study these molecules at a subcellular level.

In ovo feeding of epidermal growth factor: embryonic expression of intestinal epidermal growth factor receptor and posthatch growth performance and intestinal development in broiler chickens.

We investigated efficacy of in ovo application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on intestinal expression of EGF receptor (EGFR) during embryogenesis (experiment 1) and posthatch growth performance and gastrointestinal development in broiler chickens (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 450 fertile Ross 708 eggs were allocated to 3 groups (150 eggs/group): 1) control, 2) 160 μg EGF/kg of egg, and 3) 640 μg of EGF/kg of egg. Eggs were candled for live embryos on day 16 and injected with the respective treatment solutions on day 17 and sampled for jejunal tissue from day 17 to hatch for EGFR analyses.

and double-knockout pigs are resistant to PRRSV and TGEV and exhibit decreased susceptibility to PDCoV while maintaining normal production performance.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) are two highly infectious and lethal viruses causing major economic losses to pig production. Here, we report generation of double-gene-knockout (DKO) pigs harboring edited knockout alleles for known receptor proteins CD163 and pAPN and show that DKO pigs are completely resistant to genotype 2 PRRSV and TGEV. We found no differences in meat-production or reproductive-performance traits between wild-type and DKO pigs, but detected increased iron in DKO muscle.

The Addition of a Synthetic LPS-Targeting Domain Improves Serum Stability While Maintaining Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Cell Stimulating Properties of an Antimicrobial Peptide.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and their biofilms are a concern in veterinary and human medicine. Protegrin-1 (PG-1), a potent antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, is considered a potential alternative for conventional antibiotics. AMPs are less stable and lose activity in the presence of physiological fluids, such as serum.