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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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Flórez JM, Martins K, Solin S, Bostrom JR, Rodríguez-Villamil P, Ongaratto F, Larson SA, Ganbaatar U, Coutts AW, Kern D, Murphy TW, Kim ES, Carlson DF, Huisman A, Sonstegard TS, Lents CA. CRISPR/Cas9-editing of KISS1 to generate pigs with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as a castration free trait. Front Genet 2023; 13:1078991. [PMID: 36685939 PMCID: PMC9854396 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1078991] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Most male pigs are surgically castrated to avoid puberty-derived boar taint and aggressiveness. However, this surgical intervention represents a welfare concern in swine production. Disrupting porcine KISS1 is hypothesized to delay or abolish puberty by inducing variable hypogonadotropism and thus preventing the need for castration. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we generated the first KISS1-edited large animal using CRISPR/Cas9-ribonucleoproteins and single-stranded donor oligonucleotides. The targeted region preceded the sequence encoding a conserved core motif of kisspeptin. Genome editors were intracytoplasmically injected into 684 swine zygotes and transferred to 19 hormonally synchronized surrogate sows. In nine litters, 49 American Yorkshire and 20 Duroc liveborn piglets were naturally farrowed. Results: Thirty-five of these pigs bore KISS1-disruptive alleles ranging in frequency from 5% to 97% and did not phenotypically differ from their wild-type counterparts. In contrast, four KISS1-edited pigs (two boars and two gilts) with disruptive allele frequencies of 96% and 100% demonstrated full hypogonadotropism, infantile reproductive tracts, and failed to reach sexual maturity. Change in body weight during development was unaffected by editing KISS1. Founder pigs partially carrying KISS1-disruptive alleles were bred resulting in a total of 53 KISS1 +/+, 60 KISS1 +/-, and 34 KISS1 -/- F1 liveborn piglets, confirming germline transmission. Discussion: Results demonstrate that a high proportion of KISS1 alleles in pigs must be disrupted before variation in gonadotropin secretion is observed, suggesting that even a small amount of kisspeptin ligand is sufficient to confer proper sexual development and puberty in pigs. Follow-on studies will evaluate fertility restoration in KISS1 KO breeding stock to fully realize the potential of KISS1 gene edits to eliminate the need for surgical castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio M. Flórez
- Acceligen Inc., Eagan, MN, United States,Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | - Staci Solin
- Recombinetics Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Doug Kern
- Recombinetics Inc., Eagan, MN, United States
| | - Thomas W. Murphy
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | | | | | - Abe Huisman
- Hypor, Hendrix Genetics, Boxmeer, Netherlands
| | - Tad S. Sonstegard
- Acceligen Inc., Eagan, MN, United States,*Correspondence: Tad S. Sonstegard,
| | - Clay A. Lents
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, United States
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Giriboni J, Martínez-Nevado E, García J, Velázquez R, Toledano-Díaz A, Ungerfeld R, Santiago-Moreno J. Single or repeated immunization against GnRH fails to completely abolish spermatogenesis in dwarf bucks (Capra hircus). Zoo Biol 2022; 42:364-370. [PMID: 36239294 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21743] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In both captive wildlife and production animals is important to develop strategies for population control. Immunization against GnRH is an easy and inexpensive immunocastration method that reduces the concentration of testosterone and decreases sperm quality. However, its effectiveness depends on the species and repetition of the treatment. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single treatment (initial immunization plus a booster with Improvac) vs repeated treatment (six doses of Improvac) to inhibit testicular function and maintain the contraceptive status during long periods in bucks. Three Dwarf bucks (Capra hircus) received two doses of Improvac, the first on Week 0, and the booster 4 weeks later (single immunization, group SI) while three Dwarf bucks received one dose of Improvac every 6 months during 3 consecutive years (repeated immunization, group RI). The other three Dwarf bucks remained untreated (control bucks, group CON). Bucks from RI had a greater decrease in scrotal circumference, testosterone concentration, male odor intensity, and sperm quality than SI bucks. However, there were no differences between SI and CON bucks in any of the variables studied. Overall, repeated treatment of Improvac decreased the testicular function of Dwarf bucks, although did not produce complete infertility. However, the repetition of the treatment produced more intensive negative effects, indicating that the strength of the effects of Improvac is rapidly lost in bucks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Giriboni
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Pérez-Ciria L, Miana-Mena FJ, Álvarez-Rodríguez J, Latorre MA. Effect of Castration Type and Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Sex Hormones and Metabolites, and Carcass Quality of Heavy Male Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081004. [PMID: 35454250 PMCID: PMC9024496 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Castration is indispensable in male pigs intended for the production of high-quality dry-cured ham; however, for welfare reasons, alternatives are being sought and, among them, immunocastration stands out. The literature shows that immunocastration might generate lower fat deposition than surgical castration, which is undesirable for the dry-curing process. Therefore, it would be interesting to confirm the impact of immunocastration in male pigs and to test feeding plans that benefit fatness. The aim of this trial was to assess the effect of type of castration (surgical vs. immunological) and diet (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein and amino acids) on growth performance, serum sex hormones and metabolites, and carcass quality of male pigs destined for the Protected Designation of Origin Teruel ham. Although immunocastration improved productive performance, it reduced carcass fatness. Also, alternative diets to control improved the feed conversion ratio but did not influence carcass quality traits. In conclusion, under a quality point of view, surgical castration would be preferable over immunocastration for dry-cured ham production, and the use of moderately high-energy or low-crude-protein and -amino-acids diets from 80 to 137 kg of body weight would not provide improvements. Abstract A trial was carried out to study the effect of type of castration and diet on pigs destined for Teruel ham production, which is a Spanish protected designation of origin for dry-cured ham. A total of 144 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) male pigs were used. Half of them were surgically castrated and the other half were immunocastrated with three doses at approximately 25, 58 and 79 kg of body weight. Furthermore, three diets (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein-CP- and amino acids-AA) were tested from 80 to 137 kg of body weight. Growth performance, serum sex hormones and metabolites, and carcass quality were evaluated. Immunocastrated males grew faster and had better feed conversion ratio than surgically castrated males, but presented lower carcass fatness. Pigs fed the high-energy diet and the low-CP and -AA diet were more efficient at transforming feed into gain than those fed the control diet, but no effect was detected on carcass quality. In conclusion, surgically castrated males are preferable than immunocastrated males for Teruel dry-cured ham elaboration. Besides, a high-energy diet or a low-CP and -AA diet might improve productive performances, but does not provide any benefit in terms of carcass quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Pérez-Ciria
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Miana-Mena
- Departamento de Farmacología y Fisiología, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Universidad de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Maria Angeles Latorre
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Samoilіuk VV, Koziy MS, Bilyi DD, Maslikov SM, Spitsina ТL, Galuzina LI. Effect of immunological castration of male pigs on morphological and functional con-dition of the testicles. REGULATORY MECHANISMS IN BIOSYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/022104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the priorities of the treatment of animals in the conditions of intense technology of production of livestock products are based on the necessity of wellbeing of animals. Therefore, there is a need of search for and broad introduction of generally accepted alternatives to surgery, which would use modern means of castration, particularly immunocastration. The study presents morpho-functional substantiation of practicability of using immunological castration in the conditions of industrial production of pork. At the same time, we studied immunological castration using Improvak on the morphological and physiological condition of the testicles of male pigs. The testosterone level was determined using radioimmunologic method after 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks of immunological and surgical castrations, and also in intact boars of the control group. During the slaughter, we selected biopates of the testicles in immunological castrates and pigs of the control group for histological examination. The testosterone level 2 weeks after castration was the lowest in the animals castrated using Improvak. This indicator gradually increased, and after 8 weeks was higher than in the surgically castrated pigs. In the latter, the level of testosterone gradually decreased for 8 weeks, and did not significantly change in non-castrated pigs. The last stages of spermatogenesis in immunocastrates were inhibited after the second vaccination. As a result of immunological castration, the interstitial tissue of the testicle underwent changes. Between the tubules, a spreading of the loose connective tissue was observed. Leydig cells lost hyper chromaticity of the cytoplasm and typical polygonal profile, and their functional potential decreased. This fact was confirmed by the changes in the Hertwig’s ratio. In particular, we observed decrease in the value of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. There were also a time shift of mitotic cycle, low degree of differentiation of spermatogonia and rupture of the course of the subsequent stages of spermatogenesis. However, there occurred multiplication of primary spermatogonia, single cellular divisions, and in the ductus deferentes, there could be found single spermatids. Some of them formed specific cellular groups of rounded and elliptic shapes in the seminiferous tubules. These structures were absent in the testicles of the control animals. Microstructural changes in the swine after injecting Improvak were characterized by deficiency of Leydig cells, indicating absence of the normal hormonal background, as confirmed by the results of the study of testosterone level. The epithelium-spermatogenic layer was underdeveloped, and the lumens of the tubules were in some places filled with generations of spermatocytes. In some places, meiosis was observed, which also indicates insignificant functioning of the testicles. Vaccination with Improvak caused atrophy of the testicles in swine and decrease in their functional condition, allowing it to be recommended it for broader application as an alternative to surgical castration.
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Zakharova L, Sharova V, Izvolskaia M. Mechanisms of Reciprocal Regulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)-Producing and Immune Systems: The Role of GnRH, Cytokines and Their Receptors in Early Ontogenesis in Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010114. [PMID: 33374337 PMCID: PMC7795970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different aspects of the reciprocal regulatory influence on the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-producing- and immune systems in the perinatal ontogenesis and their functioning in adults in normal and pathological conditions are discussed. The influence of GnRH on the development of the immune system, on the one hand, and the influence of proinflammatory cytokines on the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system, on the other hand, and their functioning in adult offspring are analyzed. We have focused on the effects of GnRH on the formation and functional activity of the thymus, as the central organ of the immune system, in the perinatal period. The main mechanisms of reciprocal regulation of these systems are discussed. The reproductive health of an individual is programmed by the establishment and development of physiological systems during critical periods. Regulatory epigenetic mechanisms of development are not strictly genetically controlled. These processes are characterized by a high sensitivity to various regulatory factors, which provides possible corrections for disorders.
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Han X, Meng F, Cao X, Du X, Bu G, Kong F, Huang A, Zeng X. FSH promotes fat accumulation by activating PPARγ signaling in surgically castrated, but not immunocastrated, male pigs. Theriogenology 2020; 160:10-17. [PMID: 33166850 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was recently implicated as a novel regulator of fat accumulation. Surgical castration causes high FSH concentrations and increases fat accumulation, whereas immunocastration results in low FSH concentrations and less fat in immunocastrated boars versus barrows. However, detailed information regarding the role of FSH in regulation of fat accumulation in male pigs is unclear. First, expression of FSH receptor was confirmed (real-time quantitative PCR) in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (SAT and VAT, respectively) of boars. Then, surgical castration (high FSH model) was compared to immunocastration (low FSH model) to investigate potential roles of FSH in adipogenesis and fat accumulation. High FSH concentrations after surgical castration activated PPARγ signaling by upregulating expression of CREB (P < 0.05), and then recruited an array of PPARγ target adipogenic genes, including transcription factor (C/EBPα), long-chain fatty acid uptake (LPL), fatty acid de novo synthesis (FASN, ACACA) and lipid droplet formation (PLIN1) in both SAT and VAT, promoting fat accumulation in barrows. In contrast, much lower serum FSH concentrations in immunocastrates attenuated (P < 0.05) expressions of PPARγ and PPARγ target genes in both SAT and VAT, resulting in less fat accumulation in immunocastrated boars versus barrows. We concluded that the substantially elevated FSH concentrations in barrows promoted fat accumulation by activating the PPARγ signaling pathway in adipose tissues, whereas immunocastrates accumulated less fat due to low FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Han
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixian Bu
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanli Kong
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Huang
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- Isotope Research Lab, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, People's Republic of China.
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Mitjana O, Bonastre C, Tejedor MT, Garza L, Latorre MÁ, Moreno B, Falceto MV. Immuno-castration of female and male pigs with anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine: Morphometric, histopathological and functional studies of the reproductive system. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106599. [PMID: 32980649 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Immuno-castration is increasingly recommended in pigs due to welfare reasons; however, there are few studies in females compared to males. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of immuno-castration in female and male pigs. The weight, the morphometric and microscopic characteristics of the reproductive organs, and the hormone concentrations were studied in 12 immunocastrated females (IF) and 12 immunocastrated males (IM) and compared with control animals (C). At slaughter, IF tended to have greater body weights than CF (P = 0.051), whereas in IM and CM pigs there were not body weight differences (P = 0.140). The weight of the reproductive tract and size of all individual organs were less in IF compared with CF. Results from histological assessments indicated IF had more atretic follicles and a thinner endometrial mucosa than control females. Hormone concentrations were not different between CF and IF (P > 0.050). As a result of immuno-castration, there was impaired spermatogenesis in most males. Results from microscopic evaluations indicated there was a marked decrease of spermatogonial cells and size of Leydig cells in the testicles. Accessory gland structures were affected in CM and IM with there being differences in gross and microscopic characteristics. Testosterone concentrations, unlike estradiol, were different in IM compared to CM (P < 0.001). These results provide evidence that immuno-castration with the anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine is effective in female and male pigs and induces morphological and endocrine changes incompatible with fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Mitjana
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Bonastre
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mª Teresa Tejedor
- Departamento de Anatomía, Embriología y Genética Animal, CIBERCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Garza
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mª Ángeles Latorre
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Bernardino Moreno
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mª Victoria Falceto
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón - IA2 - (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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Wang S, Yao H, Ding L, Gao Y, Wang P, Xue Y. Effects of High-Glucose and High-Fat Condition on Estrogen Receptor- and Sexual Precocity-Related Genes in GT1-7 Cells. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e922860. [PMID: 32451371 PMCID: PMC7271683 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study was designed to investigate the effect of high-glucose and high-fat condition on estrogen receptor- and sexual precocity-related genes in GT1-7 cells. Material/Methods In this study, CCK8 was used to detect cell viability, and TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis levels of GT1-7 cells after treatment with glucosamine and palmitate. The expression level of GnRH was measured by ELISA and RT-qPCR. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of ERβ, CD36, and GPR54 in GT1-7 cells, and the expression of ERβ was detected using immunohistochemistry analysis. Finally, after adding the intervening drug tamoxifen to GT1-7 cells, the expression level of GnRH was measured by ELISA and Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of GPR54 and GnRH. Results GnRH secretion in the high-fat and high-glucose group increased continuously over time and peaked at 18 h, and GnRH gene expression peaked at 12 h. High-fat and high-glucose conditions also significantly increased the levels of estrogen receptors β (ERβ), fatty acid translocase protein (CD36), and G Protein-Coupled Receptors 54 (GPR54) in GT1-7 cells. After estrogen receptors β (ER) was inhibited, GnRH secretion and GPR54 expression were decreased at 12 h and 18 h. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that high-glucose and high-fat conditions promote the secretion of GnRH and ER and the expression of genes related to sexual precocity in GT1-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lan Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yiqing Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Endocrinology, XuZhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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Han X, Guan Z, Xu M, Zhang Y, Yao H, Meng F, Zhuo Y, Yu G, Cao X, Du X, Bu G, Kong F, Huang A, Zeng X. A novel follicle-stimulating hormone vaccine for controlling fat accumulation. Theriogenology 2020; 148:103-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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11
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Wassie T, Fanmei Z, Jiang X, Liu G, Girmay S, Min Z, Chenhui L, Bo DD, Ahmed S. Recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 DNA Vaccine Induces Immunity Against Orf Virus and Inhibits Spermatogenesis In Rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16262. [PMID: 31700161 PMCID: PMC6838309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Orf is a highly contagious zoonotic disease of small ruminants caused by Parapoxvirus. Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene with its cognate receptor GPR-54 is recognized as an upstream orchestrator in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study was designed to construct a DNA vaccine that produces a fused peptide composed of a major immunodominant protein of the orf virus (B2L) and kisspeptin-54, a neuropeptide with recognized roles in mammalian reproductive biology. The administration of this recombinant vaccine is shown to produce a significant antibody and cell-mediated immune response directed against B2L compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that rats inoculated with PBK-asd vaccine up-regulated antigen-mediated splenocyte proliferation and significantly raised antigen-specific tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα-), interferon-gamma (IFN-ϒ) and interleukin (IL-2) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This recombinant vaccine also stimulated antibody responses to kisspeptin and decreased serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels. Moreover, the current recombinant vaccine caused testicular atrophy and arrested spermatogenesis. It is concluded that this recombinant B2L and Kisspeptin-54 vaccine could be a promising approach for construction of bivalent orf virus and immunocastration vaccine. Furthermore, we concluded that the orf virus envelope protein (B2L) could be used as an immunomodulator for kisspeptin-54 to produce a strong antibody response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teketay Wassie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng Fanmei
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishay Girmay
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Min
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Chenhui
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Dong Bo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Sohail Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Immunocastration, a technique to replace surgical castration of piglets, consists of two consecutive vaccinations to induce antibodies which transiently suppress testicular functions and avoid boar taint. It is a method to ensure both a high product quality and a high level of animal welfare. The impact of immunocastration on the three pillars of sustainability has been studied extensively. While all aspects of sustainability have been studied separately, however, a contemporary global overview of different aspects is missing. In immunocastrates, performance results are better than in barrows, but worse than in boars. The environmental impact of pork production with immunocastrates is lower than with barrows, but higher than with boars. The level of aggression is considerably lower in immunocastrates compared to boars. Societal concerns are mainly related to food safety, and are not supported by scientific evidence. After second vaccination, immunocastrates switch from a boar- to a barrow-like status. Therefore, the timing of second vaccination is a fine-tuning tool to balance advantages of boars with environmental and economic benefits against increased risk of welfare problems and boar taint. Nevertheless, both synergic and conflicting relationships between the pillars of sustainability must be communicated along the value chain to produce tailored pork products.
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Han X, Zhou M, Cao X, Du X, Meng F, Bu G, Kong F, Huang A, Zeng X. Mechanistic insight into the role of immunocastration on eliminating skatole in boars. Theriogenology 2019; 131:32-40. [PMID: 30939354 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of skatole in fat tissue is one of the predominant factors, causing boar taint. The present study was aimed to understand the mechanism whereby active immunization against GnRH (immunocastration) eliminates skatole in boars. Thirty-six boars were assigned within litter into three groups (n = 12): control, surgically castrated, or immunized against GnRH at 10 wk of age (with a booster 8 wk later). Faecal and blood samples (for skatole and skatole-regulatory hormone profiles) were collected at 4-wk intervals until boars were slaughtered (26 weeks). Immunocastration reduced (P < 0.05) serum levels of androstenone, 17β-estradiol and IGF1 especially after the booster immunization, and down-regulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions of both IGF1 and IGF1receptor (IGF1R) in mucosa of ileum as well as colon at slaughter. Compared to intact controls, immunocastration substantially decreased (P < 0.05) faecal skatole contents subsequent to the decrease of serum IGF1 levels, which persisted in boars after surgical castration. In parallel with the decreased formation of skatole in the intestine, levels of skatole in serum and then in fat tissue were also decreased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, deprivation of testicular steroids, especially androstenone and 17β-estradiol accelerated skatole degradation metabolism in the liver by increasing (P < 0.05) hepatic CYP2E1, CYP2A, CYP2C49 and CYB5A expressions. Collectively, our results suggested that immunocastration decreased skatole formation in the intestine and meanwhile accelerated skatole degradation metabolism in the liver, resultantly eliminating skatole accumulation in male pigs. Decreased intestinal skatole formation by immunocastration appeared to be associated with the attenuated actions of IGF1 on the turnover of both ileal and colon mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Han
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhou
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixian Bu
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanli Kong
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Huang
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- Isotope Research Lab, Biological Engineering and Application Biology Department, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, People's Republic of China.
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Wassie T, Liu G, Jiang X, Tesema B, Han Y, Zhao J, Girmay S, Ahmad HI. Immunization against Kisspeptin-54 perturb hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular signaling pathway in ram lambs. Theriogenology 2019; 125:193-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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15
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Potent effect of KISS1-54 DNA vaccine compared with KISS1-10 DNA vaccine in inhibiting the fertility of female rats. Vaccine 2018; 36:6631-6639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Han YG, Liu GQ, Jiang XP, Xiang XL, Huang YF, Nie B, Zhao JY, Nabeel I, Tesema B. Reversibility and safety of KISS1 metastasis suppressor gene vaccine in immunocastration of ram lambs. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017; 31:835-841. [PMID: 29268573 PMCID: PMC5933981 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.17.0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the reversibility and safety of KISS1 metastasis suppressor (KISS1) gene vaccine in immunocastration. Methods Six eight-week old ram lambs were randomly divided into vaccinated and control groups. The vaccine (1 mg/ram lamb) was injected at weeks 0, 3, and 6 of the study. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before primary immunization and at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 22, and 30 after primary immunization. All ram lambs were slaughtered at 38 weeks of age, and samples were collected. Results The specific anti-KISS1 antibody titers in vaccinated animals were significantly higher and the serum testosterone level was significantly lower than those in the control groups from week 4 to 14 after primary immunization (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed at weeks 22 and 30 after the primary immunization. Similar results were also found for scrotal circumference, testicular weight, length, breadth, and spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules in week 30 after primary immunization. KS (KISS1-hepatitis B surface antigen S) fusion fragment of KISS1 gene vaccine was not detected in host cell genomic DNA of 9 tissues of the vaccinated ram lambs by polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion The effects of KISS1 gene vaccine in immunocastration were reversible and no integration events were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Guo Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gui-Qiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xun-Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xing-Long Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yong-Fu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Forage & Herbivore, Chongqing Engineering Research Centre for Herbivores Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bin Nie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ijaz Nabeel
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Birhanu Tesema
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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