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Hashem NM, Essawi WM, El-Raghi AA. Ovarian activity, hormone profile, pro-inflammatory cytokines and reproductive performance of buffalo cows fed diets with different estrogenicity. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024; 108:1-12. [PMID: 37377415 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13854] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Buffalo cows play a vital role in milk and meat production; however, they are characterised by several reproductive disorders. Feeding diets with high oestrogenic activity may be a disrupting factor. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding roughages with different oestrogenic activity on the reproductive performance of early postpartum buffalo cows. A total of 30 buffalo cows were equally stratified into two experimental groups and fed either Trifolium alexandrinum (Berseem clover, phytoestrogenic roughage) or corn silage (nonoestrogenic roughage) for 90 consecutive days. After 35 days from the beginning of the feeding treatments, buffalo cows in both groups were synchronized for oestrus using a double i.m. injection of 2 mL prostaglandin F2α , 11 days apart, subsequently, overt signs of oestrus were observed and recorded. Moreover, ovarian structures, numbers and sizes of follicles and corpora lutea, were ultrasonography examined at day-12 (represents Day 35 of feeding treatment), Day 0 (day of oestrus) and Day 11 after oestrous synchronization (mid-luteal phase). Pregnancy was diagnosed 35 days postinsemination. Blood serum samples were analysed for progesterone (P4 ), estradiol (E2 ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interlukein-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO). The high performance liquid chromatography-analysis of roughages showed the abundance of isoflavones in Berseem clover, with about 58 times higher concentration than that in corn silage group. During the experimental period, the numbers of ovarian follicles of all size categories were higher in the Berseem clover group than that in the corn silage group. No significant difference in the numbers of corpora lutea was observed between both experimental groups, but lower (p < 0.05) diameter of corpus luteum was observed in the Berseem clover group than that in the corn silage group. The Berseem clover group had higher (p < 0.05) overall concentrations of blood serum E2 , IL-1β and TNF-α, but lower (p < 0.05) overall concentrations of blood serum P4 than those recorded in the corn silage group. Oestrous rate, onset of oestrus time and oestrous duration were not significantly affected by the treatment. The conception rate was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the Berseem clover group compared with that in the corn silage group. In conclusion, feeding roughage with a high oestrogenic activity such as Berseem clover can negatively affect the conception rate of buffalo cows. This reproductive loss seems to be associated with inadequate luteal function and P4 concentration during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrein M Hashem
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walaa M Essawi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Ali A El-Raghi
- Department of Animal, Poultry and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
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2
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Berisha B, Thaqi G, Sinowatz F, Schams D, Rodler D, Pfaffl MW. Prostaglandins as local regulators of ovarian physiology in ruminants. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12980. [PMID: 37788129 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12980] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandins are synthesized from arachidonic acid through the catalytic activities of cyclooxygenase, while the production of different prostaglandin types, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE), are regulated by specific prostaglandin synthases (PGFS and PGES). Prostaglandin ligands (PGF and PGE) bind to specific high-affinity receptors and initiate biologically distinct signalling pathways. In the ovaries, prostaglandins are known to be important endocrine regulators of female reproduction, in addition to maintaining local function through autocrine and/or paracrine effect. Many research groups in different animal species have already identified a variety of factors and molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the regulation of prostaglandin functions. In addition, prostaglandins stimulate their intrafollicular and intraluteal production via the pathway of prostaglandin self-regulation in the ovary. Therefore, the objective of the review article is to discuss recent findings about local regulation patterns of prostaglandin ligands PGF and PGE during different physiological stages of ovarian function in domestic ruminants, especially in bovine. In conclusion, the discussed local regulation mechanisms of prostaglandins in the ovary may stimulate further research activities in different methodological approaches, especially during final follicle maturation and ovulation, as well as corpus luteum formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bajram Berisha
- Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
- Academy of Science of Albania, Tirana, Albania
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Granit Thaqi
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Fred Sinowatz
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dieter Schams
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Daniela Rodler
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising Weihenstephan, Germany
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Pate JL, Hughes CHK. Review: Luteal prostaglandins: mechanisms regulating luteal survival and demise in ruminants. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100739. [PMID: 37567666 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) is critical for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in all mammals. However, the fate of the CL in ruminants is dependent on the presence of a functional uterus or signals from a developing embryo to modify uterine function to ensure its own survival. The key molecule secreted by the uterus that must be modified is prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2A). At the same time, there is evidence that mechanisms within the CL may influence the ability of PGF2A to cause luteolysis. This review focuses on prostaglandins and steroidogenic capacity as endogenous modulators of the sensitivity of the CL to exogenous PGF2A. Early luteal development and early pregnancy are two different luteal stages in which sensitivity of the CL to PGF2A renders it incapable, or less capable, respectively, of undergoing luteolysis in response to PGF2A compared to a midcycle CL. An analysis of molecular changes that occur during these two stages provides some novel insight into molecules and pathways worth exploring to explain the regulation of luteolytic capacity in corpora lutea of ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Pate
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, AVBS Building, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - C H K Hughes
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
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4
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Effects of apoptosis by 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity on corpus luteum formation during early pregnancy in cattle. CZECH JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.17221/116/2022-cjas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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Braun BC, Jewgenow K. Role of sex steroids and prostaglandins during the luteal life cycle in domestic cats and lynxes. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106689. [PMID: 34688216 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although lynxes and domestic cats are both felids, their luteal life cycles differ. As in many species, corpora lutea (CLs) of domestic cats regress after pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. By contrast, CLs of lynxes do not functionally regress following the cycle of their formation. They stay physiologically active and persist for several years. To obtain an improved understanding of the life cycle of both species, we comparatively studied the CLs of these species in detail. In this review, we summarize the similarities and differences of their CLs regarding sex steroid and prostaglandin generation and receptors. The most evident differences were visible in the CLs of lynxes, which persist from previous cycles, compared with CLs of lynxes and domestic cats from the recent luteal cycle. We assume that these differences could indicate processes ensuring long-term luteal survival and functionality, for example, by high estrogen production/metabolism or by antioxidative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Braun
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - K Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315, Berlin, Germany
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Przygrodzka E, Monaco CF, Plewes MR, Li G, Wood JR, Cupp AS, Davis JS. Protein Kinase A and 5' AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways Exert Opposite Effects on Induction of Autophagy in Luteal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:723563. [PMID: 34820368 PMCID: PMC8607825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.723563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of pregnancy the ovarian corpus luteum undergoes regression, a process characterized by decreased production of progesterone and structural luteolysis involving apoptosis. Autophagy has been observed in the corpus luteum during luteal regression. Autophagy is a self-degradative process important for balancing sources of cellular energy at critical times in development and in response to nutrient stress, but it can also lead to apoptosis. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), key players in autophagy, are known to inhibit or activate autophagy, respectively. Here, we analyzed the signaling pathways regulating the initiation of autophagy in bovine luteal cells. In vivo studies showed increased activating phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172) and elevated content of LC3B, a known marker of autophagy, in luteal tissue during PGF2α-induced luteolysis. In vitro, AMPK activators 1) stimulated phosphorylation of regulatory associated protein of MTOR (RPTOR) leading to decreased activity of MTOR, 2) increased phosphorylation of Unc-51-Like Kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin 1 (BECN1), at sites specific for AMPK and required for autophagy initiation, 3) increased levels of LC3B, and 4) enhanced colocalization of autophagosomes with lysosomes indicating elevated autophagy. In contrast, LH/PKA signaling in luteal cells 1) reduced activation of AMPKα and phosphorylation of RPTOR, 2) elevated MTOR activity, 3) stimulated phosphorylation of ULK1 at site required for ULK1 inactivation, and 4) inhibited autophagosome formation as reflected by reduced content of LC3B-II. Pretreatment with AICAR, a pharmacological activator of AMPK, inhibited LH-mediated effects on RPTOR, ULK1 and BECN1. Our results indicate that luteotrophic signaling via LH/PKA/MTOR inhibits, while luteolytic signaling via PGF2α/Ca2+/AMPK activates key signaling pathways involved in luteal cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Przygrodzka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Corrine F Monaco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Guojuan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olson Center for Women's Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
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Przygrodzka E, Plewes MR, Davis JS. Luteinizing Hormone Regulation of Inter-Organelle Communication and Fate of the Corpus Luteum. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9972. [PMID: 34576135 PMCID: PMC8470545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum is an endocrine gland that synthesizes the steroid hormone progesterone. luteinizing hormone (LH) is a key luteotropic hormone that stimulates ovulation, luteal development, progesterone biosynthesis, and maintenance of the corpus luteum. Luteotropic and luteolytic factors precisely regulate luteal structure and function; yet, despite recent scientific progress within the past few years, the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present review, we summarize the recent progress towards understanding cellular changes induced by LH in steroidogenic luteal cells. Herein, we will focus on the effects of LH on inter-organelle communication and steroid biosynthesis, and how LH regulates key protein kinases (i.e., AMPK and MTOR) responsible for controlling steroidogenesis and autophagy in luteal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Przygrodzka
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
| | - Michele R. Plewes
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (E.P.); (M.R.P.)
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
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8
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Cao N, Cao L, Gao M, Wang H, Zhang L, Yang L. Changes in mRNA and protein levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone and receptor in ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen, and liver during early pregnancy. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 76:106607. [PMID: 33582417 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There exists maternal immunological modification in maternal immune organs during early pregnancy in mammals. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is widely distributed in vertebrate tissues, including immune organs. However, it is unclear that early pregnancy induces expression of GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) in ovine immune organs. The objective of this study was to explore the expression of GnRH and GnRHR in main immune organs (thymus, lymph node, spleen, and liver) during early pregnancy in sheep. Ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver were sampled at day 16 of estrous cycle, and days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy. The expression of GnRH and GnRHR was detected through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results indicated that early pregnancy induced upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of GnRH and GnRHR in the maternal lymph node, spleen and liver, and mRNA and protein of GnRH in the maternal thymus, but mRNA and protein of GnRHR decreased in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy. In summary, the mRNA and protein levels of GnRH and GnRHR were changed in maternal thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver in a tissue specific manner during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - M Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - H Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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9
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Nowak RA. An Interview with Dr Joy Pate. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1145-1147. [PMID: 32939548 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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