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Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Schemann K, Deshpande N, Harnett JE. Effect of probiotics and prebiotics on the composition of the equine fecal and seminal microbiomes and sperm quality: A pilot study. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 135:105032. [PMID: 38401778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Probiotic and prebiotic effects on equine semen and gastrointestinal microbiome composition and sperm quality are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pre-, pro- or synbiotic supplementation on fecal and semen microbiome composition and sperm quality parameters of stallions. This Latin square crossover trial involved four miniature pony stallions receiving control diet only, or addition of a pro-, pre- or synbiotic formulation. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to measure diversity of semen and fecal microbiomes. Total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, DNA integrity, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, biomarkers of sperm quality, were measured after each intervention. A general linear model was employed to analyse and compare microbiome diversity measures and sperm quality data across four time points. Shannon's diversity index (alpha-diversity), and evenness of semen and gastrointestinal microbiomes were significantly different (p<0.001). A trend was observed for prebiotic effects on the diversity indices of the GI microbiome (p= 0.07). No effects of treatments were observed on either semen microbiome or sperm quality. Pre-, pro- and synbiotic supplements showed no negative effect on sperm quality parameters observed. This proof of concept provides preliminary data to inform future studies exploring the relationship between microbiomes and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giselle Cooke
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher G Grupen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - Kathrin Schemann
- Sydney Informatics Hub, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Nandan Deshpande
- Sydney Informatics Hub, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Joanna E Harnett
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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2
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Catandi GD, Fresa KJ, Cheng MH, Whitcomb LA, Broeckling CD, Chen TW, Chicco AJ, Carnevale EM. Follicular metabolic alterations are associated with obesity in mares and can be mitigated by dietary supplementation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7571. [PMID: 38555310 PMCID: PMC10981747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing concern in human and equine populations, predisposing to metabolic pathologies and reproductive disturbances. Cellular lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction play an important role in the pathologic consequences of obesity, which may be mitigated by dietary interventions targeting these processes. We hypothesized that obesity in the mare promotes follicular lipid accumulation and altered mitochondrial function of oocytes and granulosa cells, potentially contributing to impaired fertility in this population. We also predicted that these effects could be mitigated by dietary supplementation with a combination of targeted nutrients to improve follicular cell metabolism. Twenty mares were grouped as: Normal Weight [NW, n = 6, body condition score (BCS) 5.7 ± 0.3], Obese (OB, n = 7, BCS 7.7 ± 0.2), and Obese Diet Supplemented (OBD, n = 7, BCS 7.7 ± 0.2), and fed specific feed regimens for ≥ 6 weeks before sampling. Granulosa cells, follicular fluid, and cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from follicles ≥ 35 mm during estrus and after induction of maturation. Obesity promoted several mitochondrial metabolic disturbances in granulosa cells, reduced L-carnitine availability in the follicle, promoted lipid accumulation in cumulus cells and oocytes, and increased basal oocyte metabolism. Diet supplementation of a complex nutrient mixture mitigated most of the metabolic changes in the follicles of obese mares, resulting in parameters similar to NW mares. In conclusion, obesity disturbs the equine ovarian follicle by promoting lipid accumulation and altering mitochondrial function. These effects may be partially mitigated with targeted nutritional intervention, thereby potentially improving fertility outcomes in the obese female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana D Catandi
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Kyle J Fresa
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Ming-Hao Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Luke A Whitcomb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Corey D Broeckling
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Thomas W Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Adam J Chicco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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Bresnahan DR, Catandi GD, Peters SO, Maclellan LJ, Broeckling CD, Carnevale EM. Maturation and culture affect the metabolomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells in young and old mares. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1280998. [PMID: 38283993 PMCID: PMC10811030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1280998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oocytes and follicular somatic cells within the ovarian follicle are altered during maturation and after exposure to culture in vitro. In the present study, we used a nontargeted metabolomics approach to assess changes in oocytes, cumulus cells, and granulosa cells from dominant, follicular-phase follicles in young and old mares. Methods: Samples were collected at three stages associated with oocyte maturation: (1) GV, germinal vesicle stage, prior to the induction of follicle/oocyte maturation in vivo; (2) MI, metaphase I, maturing, collected 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo; and (3) MIIC, metaphase II, mature with collection 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo plus 18 h of culture in vitro. Samples were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry only when all three stages of a specific cell type were obtained from the same mare. Results and Discussion: Significant differences in metabolite abundance were most often associated with MIIC, with some of the differences appearing to be linked to the final stage of maturation and others to exposure to culture medium. While differences occurred for many metabolite groups, some of the most notable were detected for energy and lipid metabolism and amino acid abundance. The study demonstrated that metabolomics has potential to aid in optimizing culture methods and evaluating cell culture additives to support differences in COCs associated with maternal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Bresnahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - G D Catandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - S O Peters
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - L J Maclellan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - C D Broeckling
- Proteomic and Metabolomics Core Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - E M Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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4
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Catandi GD, Bresnahan DR, Peters SO, Fresa KJ, Maclellan LJ, Broeckling CD, Carnevale EM. Equine maternal aging affects the metabolomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells during different maturation time points. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1239154. [PMID: 37818125 PMCID: PMC10561129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1239154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oocyte quality and fertility decline with advanced maternal age. During maturation within the ovarian follicle, the oocyte relies on the associated somatic cells, specifically cumulus and granulosa cells, to acquire essential components for developmental capacity. Methods: A nontargeted metabolomics approach was used to investigate the effects of mare age on different cell types within the dominant, follicular-phase follicle at three time points during maturation. Metabolomic analyses from single oocytes and associated cumulus and granulosa cells allowed correlations of metabolite abundance among cell types. Results and Discussion: Overall, many of the age-related changes in metabolite abundance point to Impaired mitochondrial metabolic function and oxidative stress in oocytes and follicular cells. Supporting findings include a higher abundance of glutamic acid and triglycerides and lower abundance of ceramides in oocytes and somatic follicular cells from old than young mares. Lower abundance of alanine in all follicular cell types from old mares, suggests limited anaerobic energy metabolism. The results also indicate impaired transfer of carbohydrate and free fatty acid substrates from cumulus cells to the oocytes of old mares, potentially related to disruption of transzonal projections between the cell types. The identification of age-associated alterations in the abundance of specific metabolites and their correlations among cells contribute to our understanding of follicular dysfunction with maternal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. D. Catandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - D. R. Bresnahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - S. O. Peters
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - K. J. Fresa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - L. J. Maclellan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - C. D. Broeckling
- Proteomic and Metabolomics Core Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - E. M. Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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5
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Jaillardon L, Kaiser M. Pathogenesis of the crosstalk between reproductive function and stress in animals - part 2: Prolactin, thyroid, inflammation and oxidative stress. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:137-143. [PMID: 37724656 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Stress has a significant impact on reproductive health and fertility in both humans as well as various animal species. In particular, chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance of the hormonal system that regulates reproductive function, leading to a variety of reproductive disorders and fertility issues. Beside the action of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system and the sympatho-adrenomedullary system (SAM), other subsequent mechanisms have been incriminated. Thus, stress has also been associated with increased prolactin level, resulting in an inhibition of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system leading to several reproductive disorders. Thyroid function is inhibited during chronic stress, and therefore considered an important regulator of reproductive function. Thus, and in particular by interfering with the HPA system, stress-induced immune dysregulation can have adverse effects on reproduction. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation have been proposed as potential mechanisms by which chronic stress affects reproductive function. This is caused by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that has a harmful effect on cells. Furthermore, inflammation can lead to tissue damage and scarring, which can affect fertility. The present review completes the complex mechanism linking stress and reproduction through the current knowledge in various animal species in a comparative point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Jaillardon
- Oniris, LabOniris, Nantes Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Sciences and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Marianne Kaiser
- Management and Modelling, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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6
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White-Springer SH, Bruemmer J, Coleman RJ. The Past, Present, and Future of Equine Science. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 124:104297. [PMID: 37236727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104297] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A core group of 27 equine nutritionists and physiologists joined together in the late 1960s to formally address and enhance the direction of equine research, creating the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society. In 2003, that growing society transformed into the Equine Science Society, which now serves as the preeminent, internationally recognized scientific equine organization. In recent years, it has been appreciated that equine science encompasses a wide range of focus areas, including exercise science, nutrition, genetics, reproductive physiology, teaching and extension, production and management, and mix of other specialties, qualified as biosciences. Additionally, trainees are highly valued in the society, with the clear understanding that young people are the future of equine science. Amongst tightening budgets, equine researchers must focus on timely dissemination of high-quality research studies and development of strong, interdisciplinary, cross-species, and multi-institutional collaborations to ensure sustainability of academic research programs. With a little creativity, equine science will continue to thrive for the betterment of the horse and all involved in the equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H White-Springer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX.
| | - Jason Bruemmer
- USDA-APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Robert J Coleman
- Department of Food and Animal Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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7
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Pollard CL, Gibb Z, Clulow J, Ruiz A, Sheridan A, Bahrami M, Swegen A, Grupen CG. Supplemental Nicotinic Acid Elevates NAD+ Precursors in the Follicular Fluid of Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111383. [PMID: 35681847 PMCID: PMC9179367 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Miscarriage and embryonic death have been associated with a deficiency in NAD+ resulting from a lack of dietary niacin in women and mice. Mares often suffer from high rates of early embryonic loss, but the dietary requirement of niacin in pregnant mares remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing nicotinic acid, a form of niacin often supplemented in horse diets, on the elevation of other NAD+ precursors in the blood and follicular fluid of mares. We orally administered nicotinic acid to mares over consecutive days and collected blood and follicular fluid at the end of the feeding period. The results show that multiple examined NAD+ precursors were elevated in the follicular fluid of mares at the end of the feeding period, which we propose will aid in reducing early embryonic loss in the mare by promoting good quality oocytes. Abstract A deficiency in NAD+ has previously been linked with increased occurrences of congenital abnormalities and embryonic death in humans and mice. Early embryonic death is a major factor involved in pregnancy loss in mares, and very little is known regarding the NAD+ requirements for optimum reproductive function in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing the diet of mares with nicotinic acid (NA) on the composition of NAD+ metabolites in the blood and follicular fluid. Vehicle alone or NA (3 g per os) were administered to seven mares over a minimum of 3 consecutive days during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to supplemental feeding and follicular fluid aspiration. Follicular fluid was collected from the dominant follicle through transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. Blood and follicular fluid samples were processed and analysed by mass spectrometry. The concentration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in the follicular fluid of NA-fed mares was 4-fold greater than that in the corresponding plasma and 10-fold greater than that in the follicular fluid of vehicle-fed mares. The concentrations of NA, nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinuric acid (NUR) tended to be greater in the follicular fluid of NA-supplemented mares than in the corresponding plasma. The results show that NA supplementation increased the bioavailability of NAD+ precursors in the follicular fluid of the dominant follicle, which is proposed to better promote the maturation of good quality oocytes, especially in older mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley-Lea Pollard
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (Z.G.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Agustin Ruiz
- Newcastle Equine Rehabilitation and Reproduction Centre, Luskintyre, NSW 2321, Australia;
| | - Alecia Sheridan
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (Z.G.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Mohammad Bahrami
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (Z.G.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Aleona Swegen
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (Z.G.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (A.S.)
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Christopher G. Grupen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia;
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Benammar A, Derisoud E, Vialard F, Palmer E, Ayoubi JM, Poulain M, Chavatte-Palmer P. The Mare: A Pertinent Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2304. [PMID: 34438761 PMCID: PMC8388489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf Benammar
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d’Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Pollard CL, Gibb Z, Swegen A, Lawson EF, Grupen CG. Nicotinic acid supplementation at a supraphysiological dose increases the bioavailability of NAD + precursors in mares. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:1154-1164. [PMID: 34117670 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
NAD+ deficiency has recently been linked with increased occurrences of congenital abnormalities and embryonic death in human and animal subjects. Early embryonic death is a major component of pregnancy loss in mares and very little is known regarding the requirement for NAD+ in horses. The aim of this study was to quantify NAD+ and its metabolites in the plasma and urine of mares after orally administering an acute dose of nicotinic acid and determine the absorption, metabolism and excretion of this essential precursor for NAD+ biosynthesis. Nicotinic acid (5 g per os) was administered to four mares via a dosing syringe. Blood samples were collected at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 22 h, and urine samples were collected at 0, 3, 6 and 22 h. The samples were processed and analysed by mass spectrometry. A general additive model was applied to all metabolite concentration values followed by a post-hoc multiple comparisons test. Nicotinic acid was rapidly absorbed into peripheral blood within 15 min of administration and the concentrations of nicotinic acid, nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinuric acid, nicotinic acid mononucleotide and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NaAD) increased significantly in plasma at 30 min. The concentrations of NAM, nicotinic acid riboside and NaAD increased significantly in urine at 3 h. The levels of NAM and NaAD remained significantly elevated in plasma at 22 h, sixfold and ninefold greater, respectively, than the basal levels at 0 h. While the extracellular levels of NAD+ in the samples remained undetected, the large, sustained elevation of NaAD levels in plasma indicates that the NAD+ levels were boosted within the cellular compartments. The results show that nicotinic acid supplementation increases the bioavailability of NAD+ precursors in mares, which is proposed to be beneficial during periods of peak NAD+ demand, such as during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley-Lea Pollard
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Aleona Swegen
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Edwina F Lawson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher G Grupen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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10
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Comizzoli P, Ottinger MA. Understanding Reproductive Aging in Wildlife to Improve Animal Conservation and Human Reproductive Health. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:680471. [PMID: 34095152 PMCID: PMC8170016 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.680471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to humans and laboratory animals, reproductive aging is observed in wild species-from small invertebrates to large mammals. Aging issues are also prevalent in rare and endangered species under human care as their life expectancy is longer than in the wild. The objectives of this review are to (1) present conserved as well as distinctive traits of reproductive aging in different wild animal species (2) highlight the value of comparative studies to address aging issues in conservation breeding as well as in human reproductive medicine, and (3) suggest next steps forward in that research area. From social insects to mega-vertebrates, reproductive aging studies as well as observations in the wild or in breeding centers often remain at the physiological or organismal scale (senescence) rather than at the germ cell level. Overall, multiple traits are conserved across very different species (depletion of the ovarian reserve or no decline in testicular functions), but unique features also exist (endless reproductive life or unaltered quality of germ cells). There is a broad consensus about the need to fill research gaps because many cellular and molecular processes during reproductive aging remain undescribed. More research in male aging is particularly needed across all species. Furthermore, studies on reproductive aging of target species in their natural habitat (sentinel species) are crucial to define more accurate reproductive indicators relevant to other species, including humans, sharing the same environment. Wild species can significantly contribute to our general knowledge of a crucial phenomenon and provide new approaches to extend the reproductive lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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11
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Swegen A. Maternal recognition of pregnancy in the mare: does it exist and why do we care? Reproduction 2021; 161:R139-R155. [PMID: 33957605 PMCID: PMC8183633 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) is a process by which an early conceptus signals its presence to the maternal system and prevents the lysis of the corpus luteum, thus ensuring a maternal milieu supportive of pregnancy continuation. It is a fundamental aspect of reproductive biology, yet in the horse, the mechanism underlying MRP remains unknown. This review seeks to address some of the controversies surrounding the evidence and theories of MRP in the equine species, such as the idea that the horse does not conform to the MRP paradigm established in other species or that equine MRP involves a mechanical, rather than chemical, signal. The review examines the challenges of studying this particularly clandestine phenomenon along with the new tools in scientific research that will drive this quest forward in coming years, and discusses the value of knowledge gleaned along this path in the context of clinical applications for improving breeding outcomes in the horse industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleona Swegen
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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