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Coelho LA, Silva LA, Reway AP, Buonfiglio DDC, Andrade-Silva J, Gomes PRL, Cipolla-Neto J. Seasonal Variation of Melatonin Concentration and mRNA Expression of Melatonin-Related Genes in Developing Ovarian Follicles of Mares Kept under Natural Photoperiods in the Southern Hemisphere. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061063. [PMID: 36978604 PMCID: PMC10044279 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in natural photoperiods. For one year, ultrasonographic follicular aspiration procedures were performed monthly, and small (<20 mm), medium (20 to 35 mm) and large (>35 mm) follicles were recovered from five mares. One day before monthly sample collections, an exploratory ultrasonography conducted to record the number and the size of all follicles larger than 15 mm. The total number of large follicles were higher during the spring/summer (8.2 ± 1.9) than during autumn/winter (3.0 ± 0.5). Compared to autumn/winter seasons, there was an increase of Fshr and Aanat mRNA expressions in small, medium and large follicles, an increase of Lhr and Asmt mRNA expressions in medium and large follicles and an increase of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expressions in small and large follicles during spring/summer. The melatonin levels in follicular fluid were also higher during the spring/summer seasons. The present data show that melatonin locally upregulates the mRNA expression of Mt1 and Mt2 receptors and melatonin-forming enzymes in mare developing follicles during reproductive seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Alencar Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Luciano Andrade Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Reway
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA), University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Daniella Do Carmo Buonfiglio
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Jéssica Andrade-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
| | - Patrícia Rodrigues Lourenço Gomes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (J.C.-N.)
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Wang M, Wang Y, Yao W, Du X, Li Q. Lnc2300 is a cis-acting long noncoding RNA of CYP11A1 in ovarian granulosa cells. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:4238-4250. [PMID: 36074900 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The high level of progesterone and 17β-estradiol ratio (P4/E2) in follicular fluid has been considered as a biomarker of follicular atresia. CYP11A1, the crucial gene encoding the rate-limiting enzyme for steroid hormone synthesis, has been reported differently expressed in the ovary during follicular atresia. However, the regulation mechanism of CYP11A1 expression during follicular atresia still remains unclear. Here, we have demonstrated that lnc2300, a novel pig ovary-specific highly expressed cis-acting long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from chromosome 7, has the ability to induce the expression of CYP11A1 and inhibit the apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells (GCs). Mechanistically, lnc2300, mainly located in the cytoplasm of porcine GCs, sponges and suppresses the expression of miR-365-3p through acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), which further relieves the inhibitory effects of miR-365-3p on the expression of CYP11A1. Besides, CYP11A1 is validated as a direct functional target of miR-365-3p in porcine GCs. Functionally, lnc2300 is an antiapoptotic lncRNA that reduces porcine GC apoptosis by inhibiting the proapoptotic function of miR-365-3p. In summary, our findings reveal a cis-acting regulation mechanism of CYP11A1 through lncRNA, and define a novel signaling pathway, lnc2300/miR-365-3p/CYP11A1 axis, which is involved in the regulation of GC apoptosis and follicular atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics and Epigenome, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics and Epigenome, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wang Yao
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics and Epigenome, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Du
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics and Epigenome, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qifa Li
- Laboratory of Statistical Genetics and Epigenome, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Tao CY, Harley JZ, Spencer SL, Cohen RE. Characterizing seasonal transitions: Breeding-like morphology and behavior during the late non-breeding season in green anole lizards. Horm Behav 2022; 139:105106. [PMID: 34995849 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Seasonally breeding animals, such as green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis), allow for the examination of the control of reproduction during different reproductive states. During the breeding season, the gonads are large and reproductively active. Following the breeding season, gonads regress and become less active, and the lizards enter a refractory period where breeding is inhibited. After this stage, a post-refractory period occurs during which the lizards are still in a non-breeding state, but environmental changes can trigger the onset of breeding. However, it is unclear what causes these changes in reproductive state and we hypothesized that this may be due to alterations in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling. The present study aimed to identify morphological and behavioral differences in GnRH- and saline-injected refractory and post-refractory male anoles when housed under the same non-breeding environmental conditions. We found that post-refractory anoles had increased testicular weight, recrudescence, sperm presence, and reproductive behavior, with no impact of GnRH injection. Renal sex segment size and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA levels did not differ among groups, indicating that testosterone levels likely had not increased in post-refractory lizards. Post-refractory anoles in this study were beginning to transition towards a breeding state without exposure to changing environmental conditions, and GnRH was not necessary for these changes. These data reveal a complex interaction between the activation of breeding, changing environmental conditions, and the underlying physiology regulating reproduction in seasonally breeding lizards. Future studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms that regulate this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Y Tao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Jada Z Harley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Savannah L Spencer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA
| | - Rachel E Cohen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001-6062, USA.
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4
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Ishak GM, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Elcombe ME, Gastal MO, Park SB, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. Deficiency in proliferative, angiogenic, and LH receptors in the follicle wall: implications of season toward the anovulatory condition. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 70:106382. [PMID: 31585312 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to gain insight on the effect of different seasons of the year on the expression pattern of growth factor and hormone receptors involved in follicle development. A novel follicle wall biopsy technique was used to collect in vivo follicle wall layers (ie, granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa) and follicular fluid samples from growing dominant follicles, simultaneously and repeatedly, using the same mares during the spring anovulatory (SAN), spring ovulatory (SOV), summer (SU), and fall ovulatory (FOV) seasons. The immunofluorescent expression patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and LH receptor (LHR) were evaluated in each follicle wall layer, in addition to intrafollicular estradiol and nitric oxide (NO). Proliferative proteins (EGFR and Ki-67) were highly (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expressed during the SOV season compared with the SAN and FOV seasons. Lower (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of both proteins was observed during SU compared with the SOV season. The expression of VEGFR was greater (P < 0.05-P < 0.01) in the theca interna of dominant follicles during the SOV season compared with the SAN and SU seasons. Similarly, in the overall quantification, the VEGFR expression was greater (P < 0.001) during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. A higher (P < 0.05) LHR expression was detected in the theca interna during the SOV season than the SAN season. Furthermore, a higher (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) expression of LHR was observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and in the overall quantification during the SOV season compared with the SU and FOV seasons. Intrafollicular NO concentration did not differ (P > 0.05) among different seasons of the year. The intrafollicular estradiol concentration was higher (P < 0.05) during the SU compared with the SAN season and higher (P < 0.05) during the FOV season compared with the SAN and SOV seasons. In conclusion, the synergistic effect of lower expression of proliferative protein, angiogenic, and LH receptors in at least some of the layers of the follicle wall seems to trigger dominant follicles toward the anovulation process during the spring and fall transitional seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M E Elcombe
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - S B Park
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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Ishak GMA, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. Transition to the ovulatory season in mares: An investigation of antral follicle receptor gene expression in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1832-1845. [PMID: 31571308 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall layers without removing the ovaries or sacrificing the animals has limited more in-depth studies on folliculogenesis. In this study, a novel ultrasound-guided follicle wall biopsy (FWB) technique was used to obtain in vivo follicle wall layers and follicular fluid samples of growing antral follicles. The expression of proliferative, hormonal, angiogenic, and pro-/antiapoptotic receptors and proteins in the follicular wall among three follicle classes were compared during the spring transitional anovulatory (SAN) and spring ovulatory (SOV) seasons in mares. The main findings observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and/or all follicle layers during the SOV season compared with the SAN season were (a) small-sized follicles (10-14 mm) had greater epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bcl-2 expression; (b) medium-sized follicles during the expected deviation/selection diameter (20-24 mm) had greater expression of EGFR, Ki-67, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and Bcl-2; and (c) dominant follicles (30-34 mm) had greater EGFR, Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor, LHR, and Bcl-2 expression. Estradiol related receptor alpha expression and intrafollicular estradiol concentration increased, along with an increase in follicle diameter in both seasons. In this study, the application of the FWB technique allowed a direct comparison of different receptors' expression among follicles in different stages of development and between two seasons using the same individuals, without jeopardizing their ovarian function. The successful utilization of the FWB technique and the mare as an experimental animal offer a great combination for future folliculogenesis studies on mechanisms of follicle selection, development, and ovulation in different species, including women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan M A Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.,Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Gabriel A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Gustavo D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Melba O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
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Torii Y, Matsumoto N, Sakamoto H, Nagano M, Katagiri S, Yanagawa Y. Monitoring follicular dynamics using ultrasonography in captive brown bears (Ursus arctos) during the breeding season. Theriogenology 2019; 140:164-170. [PMID: 31476686 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) may be a useful tool in the reproductive management of endangered animals, including bears. To establish an AI program for bears, we investigated follicular dynamics using weekly transrectal ultrasonography in six captive brown bears. Along with ultrasonography, we monitored plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations. Furthermore, two bears were administered a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to induce ovulation on the first day on which the largest follicle reached more than 10.0 mm in diameter. Brown bears showed two patterns of follicular development in the early and late periods of the breeding season. In the early period (May to mid-June), multiple follicular waves were observed; namely, many follicles developed, and the largest follicles grew to less than 6.0 mm in diameter then regressed. In the late period (mid-June to July), one or two follicles grew to greater than 6.0 mm in diameter and developed as dominant follicles. Moreover, the growth rate of the largest follicle in the late period was faster than that in the early period of the breeding season. One bear with a follicle of 13.1 mm ovulated spontaneously, and one bear ovulated when the follicle was 10.2 mm in diameter after GnRH agonist treatment. Plasma E2 concentrations increased and showed peaks five to seven days before the largest follicles reached their maximum size. Plasma P4 concentrations increased on the day the corpus luteum could be detected using ultrasonography. This is the first study that showed there are two patterns of follicular development in brown bears. Furthermore, the largest follicle reaching greater than 10.0 mm in diameter could be an indicator of the appearance of ovulatory follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Torii
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Naoya Matsumoto
- Noboribetsu Bear Park, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, 059-0515, Japan
| | | | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Cavinder CA, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. In vivo antral follicle wall biopsy: a new research technique to study ovarian function at the cellular and molecular levels. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:71. [PMID: 30055625 PMCID: PMC6064614 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo studies involving molecular markers of the follicle wall associated with follicular fluid (FF) milieu are crucial for a better understanding of follicle dynamics. The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall (granulosa and theca cells) without jeopardizing ovarian function has restricted advancement in knowledge of folliculogenesis in several species. The purpose of this study in mares was to develop and validate a novel, minimally invasive in vivo technique for simultaneous collection of follicle wall biopsy (FWB) and FF samples, and repeated collection from the same individual, during different stages of antral follicle development. We hypothesized that the in vivo FWB technique provides samples that maintain the normal histological tissue structure of the follicle wall layers, offers sufficient material for various cellular and molecular techniques, and allows simultaneous retrieval of FF. METHODS In Experiment 1 (ex vivo), each follicle was sampled using two techniques: biopsy forceps and scalpel blade (control). In Experiment 2 (in vivo), FWB and FF samples from 10-, 20-, and 30-mm follicles were repeatedly and simultaneously obtained through transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique. RESULTS In Experiment 1, the thickness of granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa layers was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the harvesting techniques. In Experiment 2, the overall recovery rates of FWB and FF samples were 97 and 100%, respectively. However, the success rate of obtaining samples with all layers of the follicle wall and clear FF varied according to follicle size. The expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was mostly confined in the theca interna layer, with the estradiol-related receptor alpha (ERRα) in the granulosa and theca interna layers. The 30-mm follicle group had greater (P < 0.05) LHR expression in the theca interna and ERRα in the granulosa layer compared to the other groups. The overall expression of LHR and ERRα, and the intrafollicular estradiol were higher (P < 0.05 - P < 0.0001) in the 30-mm follicle group. CONCLUSION The in vivo technique developed in this study can be repeatedly and simultaneously used to provide sufficient FWB and FF samples for various cellular and molecular studies without jeopardizing the ovarian function, and has the potential to be translated to other species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S T Bashir
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - C A Cavinder
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
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Viljanto M, Hincks P, Hillyer L, Cawley A, Suann C, Noble G, Walker CJ, Parkin MC, Kicman AT, Scarth J. Monitoring dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the urine of Thoroughbred geldings for doping control purposes. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:1518-1527. [PMID: 29797687 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of testosterone and its pro-drugs, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is currently regulated in horseracing by the application of international testosterone thresholds. However, additional steroidomic approaches, such as steroid ratios, to distinguish overall adrenal stimulation from drug administrations and an equine biological passport for longitudinal steroid profiling of individual animals could be advantageous in equine doping testing. Thus, DHEA concentrations and related ratios (testosterone [T] to DHEA and DHEA to epitestosterone [E]) were assessed in the reference population by quantitative analysis of 200 post-race gelding urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. DHEA concentrations ranged between 0.9 and 136.6 ng/mL (mean 12.8 ng/mL), T:DHEA ratios between 0.06 and 1.85 (mean 0.43), and DHEA:E ratios between 0.21 and 13.56 (mean 2.20). Based on the reference population statistical upper limits of 5.4 for T:DHEA ratio and 48.1 for DHEA:E ratio are proposed with a risk of 1 in 10 000 for a normal outlier exceeding the value. Analysis of post-administration urine samples collected following administrations of DHEA, Equi-Bolic® (a mix of DHEA and pregnenolone) and testosterone propionate to geldings showed that the upper limit for T:DHEA ratio was exceeded following testosterone propionate administration and DHEA:E ratio following DHEA administrations and thus these ratios could be used as additional biomarkers when determining the cause of an atypical testosterone concentration. Additionally, DHEA concentrations and ratios can be used as a starting point to establish reference ranges for an equine biological passport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjaana Viljanto
- LGC, Fordham, Cambridgeshire, UK.,Drug Control Centre, Analytical and Environmental Sciences Research Divisions, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Lynn Hillyer
- The Turf Club, The Curragh, Kildare, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | | | | | - Glenys Noble
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher J Walker
- Drug Control Centre, Analytical and Environmental Sciences Research Divisions, King's College London, UK
| | - Mark C Parkin
- Drug Control Centre, Analytical and Environmental Sciences Research Divisions, King's College London, UK
| | - Andrew T Kicman
- Drug Control Centre, Analytical and Environmental Sciences Research Divisions, King's College London, UK
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9
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Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Gastal MO, Gastal EL. Pre-ovulatory follicle affects corpus luteum diameter, blood flow, and progesterone production in mares. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 187:1-12. [PMID: 29074033 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to study the temporal relationships between pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameter and blood flow, with systemic progesterone (P4) concentration during two transitional ovulatory seasons in mares. Variables of POF and CL/P4 were evaluated for 6days before and 17days after ovulation, respectively. Evaluations were performed during two consecutive estrous cycles in spring and fall seasons, and during the last estrous cycle of the season. There were significant correlations among POF and CL variables, and P4 concentration that ranged from 0.24 to 0.95, and among the ratios of different variables that ranged from 0.39 to 0.92. There were linear regressions (P<0.01-0.001) for all comparisons among different variables. The POF diameter before the first ovulation of the season was larger (P<0.05), and POF vascularity was less (P<0.05), than in the last estrous cycle during the season. The CL blood flow was less (P<0.01) during the last compared with first pre-ovulatory period of the season. The POF diameters were positively correlated (r=0.67) during the two pre-ovulatory periods of spring and fall. Results provide evidence that the POF affects CL diameter and blood flow, and subsequently P4 production, and that POF diameter is repeatable within the same individual during different seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S T Bashir
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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10
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Schauer S, Briant C, Ottogalli M, Decourt C, Handel I, Donadeu F. Supplementation of equine early spring transitional follicles with luteinizing hormone stimulates follicle growth but does not restore steroidogenic activity. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1076-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Recombinant Equine Luteinizing Hormone Stimulates Production of Progesterone from Murine Leydig, Ovine Small Luteal, and Equine Granulosal Cells. J Equine Vet Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Scarth JP, Teale P, Kuuranne T. Drug metabolism in the horse: a review. Drug Test Anal 2010; 3:19-53. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Doyle LK, Hogg CO, Watson ED, Donadeu FX. Seasonal effects on the response of ovarian follicles to IGF1 in mares. Reproduction 2008; 136:589-98. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The response of follicles to IGF1 was compared between the transition into the ovulatory season (transitional period) and the ovulatory season (ovulatory period) in eight mares using a cross-over experimental design within periods. Granulosa cells were collected from follicles 15–24 or 25–34 mm and expression ofIGF1R,IGF2R,FSHR,LHCGRandPAPPAwas determined by qPCR. In addition, 10 mg IGF1 or vehicle were injected into the largest follicle (transitional period) or the second largest follicle (ovulatory period) of a follicular wave before the beginning of diameter deviation between the two largest follicles (mean diameters at injection 19.2 and 20.0 mm during transitional and ovulatory periods respectively). Follicular fluid was collected 24 h after injection for determination of free IGF1, IGFBP, inhibin A and oestradiol levels. Granulosa cells from follicles 25–34 mm, but not follicles 15–24 mm, expressed higher levels ofIGF1R(P=0.01),FSHR(P<0.007) andLHCGR(P=0.09) during the ovulatory period than during the transitional period, whereasIGF2Rexpression was higher in transitional than ovulatory follicles (P=0.06). Follicular IGFBP2 levels were not different (P>0.1) between periods and treatments, whereas IGFBP5 levels were higher (P<0.05) during the ovulatory period. Finally, IGF1 injection before the beginning of deviation induced an approximately twofold increase (P=0.01) in follicular inhibin A levels during each period and did not affect oestradiol (P>0.1). These results suggest that, as during ovulatory waves, equine follicles during transitional waves are responsive to IGF1 before the beginning of deviation and that, therefore, inadequate IGF1 responsiveness before deviation may not underlie the deficient development of dominant follicles during transition.
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Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc)-regulated steroidogenesis as an organ-specific molecular and cellular target for endocrine disrupting chemicals in fish. Cell Biol Toxicol 2008; 24:527-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s10565-008-9069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Donadeu FX, Watson ED. Seasonal changes in ovarian activity: Lessons learnt from the horse. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 100:225-42. [PMID: 17207590 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2006] [Revised: 11/24/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The annual reproductive cycle in the horse involves a reduction in ovarian activity during short days. The absence of ovulatory activity during winter has important consequences for an equine industry eager to breed mares early during the year. The anovulatory season results from a reduction in the secretion of pituitary gonadotropin that is in turn triggered by the inhibitory effects of short photoperiod on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Recent studies have provided evidence that the response of the ovaries to endocrine stimuli during the anovulatory season is affected not only by circulating concentrations of trophic hormones but also by locally produced growth factors that are putative modulators of follicular responses to gonadotropins. The present review summarises current knowledge on ovarian dynamics during the equine anovulatory season and the regulatory mechanisms involved at both systemic and local levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- F X Donadeu
- Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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Watson ED, Bae SE, Thomassen R, Thomson SRM, Woad K, Armstrong DG. Insulin-like growth factors-I and -II and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 in dominant equine follicles during spring transition and the ovulatory season. Reproduction 2004; 128:321-9. [PMID: 15333783 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The period between seasonal anoestrus and cyclicity is characterized in many mares by cyclical growth and regression of large dominant follicles. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays a key role in follicular growth and regression; therefore, we hypothesized that changes in the IGF system and its binding proteins would modulate onset of cyclicity in mares. Ovaries were obtained from pony mares on the day after detection of an actively growing 30 mm transitional anovulatory follicle, and also at the second or third oestrus of the breeding season on the day after the preovulatory follicle reached 30 mm in diameter. Size of dominant follicles at the time of removal was similar in transition (32 ± 0.8 mm) and at oestrus (34 ± 0.6 mm). IGF-I mRNA was present in granulosa cells, with low thecal expression, whereas IGF-II mRNA was confined to the theca layer. Expression of IGF-I and -II mRNAs, and intrafollicular concentrations of oestradiol, were lower (P < 0.01; paired t test) in transitional anovulatory follicles than in preovulatory follicles. Messenger RNA encoding IGFBP-2 was present in both theca and granulosa layers. Steady-state concentrations of mRNA encoding IGFBP-2 mRNA increased (P < 0.001) in theca in preovulatory follicles. Intrafollicular concentrations of IGFBP-2 were higher (P < 0.001) in transitional than in preovulatory follicles. The similarity in circulating concentrations of IGF-I in transitional and cyclic mares, suggested that the somatotrophic axis is not involved in transition from anovulatory to ovulatory cycles. The results suggest that the increased expression of IGF-I and -II mRNAs in preovulatory follicles, along with the decrease in IGFBP-2 concentrations, could increase the bioavailability of intrafollicular IGF in large follicles during the breeding season, and support our hypothesis that intrafollicular IGF bioavailability must exceed a threshold level before ovulation can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- E D Watson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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