Supplemental dietary curcumin improves testicular hemodynamics, testosterone levels, and semen quality in Baladi bucks in the non-breeding season

Determination of the impacts of supplemental dietary curcumin on post-partum uterine involution using pulsed-wave doppler ultrasonography in Zaraibi goat

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of supplemental dietary curcumin on post-partum uterine involution using pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in postpartum goats. Ten pluriparous Zaraibi goats were used and divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 5; control) received only a base diet. Group 2 (n = 5; treated) received a base diet supplemented with curcumin (200 mg/kg diet) daily for 28 days, starting from day 1 postpartum (PP) till day 28 PP. Uterine morphometrical changes (uterine horn diameter; UHD and caruncle diameter; CD), uterine hemodynamics (resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), systolic/ diastolic ratio (S/D), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), blood flow volume (BFV), and blood flow rate (BFR)), and progesterone level were evaluated. Results revealed that the diameter of the uterine horn decreased rapidly from day 1 to day 10 PP (> 50%) but more steadily from day 14 to day 28 PP in both groups. After day 21 PP, there was nearly no reduction in UHD and CD in both groups. The treated group had lower values of the RI and PI (P < 0.05) than the control group. Regarding the BFR and BFV in the treated group, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) on day 17 PP, then started to decrease till day 28 PP. While in the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in BFR and BFV from day 1 PP till day 28 PP. In conclusion, the incorporation of curcumin in the diet of PP Zaraibi goats improved reproductive performance via improvements in uterine morphometric changes as well as blood perfusion.

Outcomes of dietary alpha-lipoic acid on testicular vascularization, steroid hormones, and seminal quality in aged Baladi bucks

BACKGROUND

Senescence is accompanied by a progressive decrease in male reproductive performance, mainly due to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant, that diffuses freely in aqueous and lipid phases, possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to examine the effects of supplemental dietary ALA on testicular hemodynamics (TH), circulating hormones, and semen quality in aged goats. Twelve Baladi bucks were divided into two groups (n = 6 each); the first fed a basic ration and served as a control group (CON), while the second received the basic ration supplemented with 600 mg ALA/ kg daily for consecutive eight weeks (ALA).

RESULTS

There were improvements in testicular blood flow in the ALA group evidenced by a lower resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) concurrent with higher pampiniform-colored areas/pixel (W3-W6). There were increases in testicular volume and decreases in echogenicity (W3-W5; ALA vs. CON). Compared to the CON, ALA-bucks had higher serum concentrations of testosterone, estradiol, and nitric oxide (W3-W5). There were enhancements in semen traits (progressive motility, viability, morphology, and concentration, alanine aminotransferase enzyme) and oxidative biomarkers (catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde).

CONCLUSIONS

ALA dietary supplementation (600 mg/kg diet) improved aged bucks' reproductive performance by enhancing the testicular volume, testicular hemodynamics, sex steroids, and semen quality.

Maternal supplementation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3-day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17β), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11-32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14-32). On D20-32 (MUA) and D14-32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20-32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17-32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.

Coat color affects the resilience against heat stress impacts on testicular hemodynamics, reproductive hormones, and semen quality in Baladi goats

Drastic climatic changes threaten animal productivity and prolificacy, whose adaptability is governed by its pheno- and genotypic traits. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of coat color on the adaptability of goat bucks under heat stress conditions from the perspectives of testicular blood flow (TBF) and biometry, reproductive hormones, and semen quality. Twenty bucks (Capra hircus) bearing different coat colors were selected from a large flock and divided into four equal groups (n = 5 each) as follows: black coat (BC; 100% black), brown coat (BrC; 100% dark brown), white coat (WC; 100% white), white-black coat (WBC; 50-60% white). Bucks were examined for TBF [Doppler ultrasonography and serum nitric oxide (NO)], testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), seminal plasma oxidative biomarkers [catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)], and sperm traits percentages [progressive motility (PM), viability (SV), normal morphology (NM), and sperm concentration (SC) once a week for seven consecutive weeks (W1-W7) in the summer season (temperature humidity index = 88.4-92.2). Specifically, at W3-W7, darker bucks (BC and BrC) testicular volume, testicular colored area, T, NO, CAT, TAC, PM, SV, NM, and SC (W7 only) differed significantly (P < 0.05) by decrease than the lighter ones (WC and WBC). Both Doppler indices and serum MDA concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) at W3-W7 in the BC and BrC bucks compared to WC and WBC groups. In conclusion, bucks with lighter coats were more resistant to the negative effects of HS on TBF, seminal oxidative biomarkers, and semen quality.

Effects of Chinese herbal feed additives on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity in breeding boars

Currently, Chinese herbal feed additives (CHFA) are commonly utilized in domestic pig farms. However, their impact on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of imported breeding boars has yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, the effect of CHFA on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of the imported Duroc boars was investigated. Sixteen boars were randomly divided into control group and experimental (CHFA treated) group and fed normal or CHFA-levels containing diets, respectively. The sperm quality and reproductive hormone levels were periodically tested, and the reproductive capacity with breeding sows were evaluated. The results showed that the CHFA treated group boars significantly improved sperm volume, sperm concentration, and motility and reduced the sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, the serum levels of reproductive hormone such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) in the CHFA treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although there was no significant difference in the initial birth weight of piglets between the two groups, the CHFA treated group had a significantly higher average number of piglets born, the average number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets weaned at 28 days, and the weaning weight compared to the control group. These findings suggest that CHFA can significantly improve the sperm quality of breeding boars and enhance their reproductive hormone levels as well as the reproductive capacity, providing direct evidence for the further application of CHFA in the management of breeding boars in China.

Association between body condition score, testicular haemodynamics and echogenicity, nitric oxide levels, and total antioxidant capacity in rams

Higher body fatness adversely affects metabolic and hormonal homeostasis. The present work aimed to evaluate the association between body condition score (BCS) and haemodynamic pattern and echogenic appearence of the testes as well as nitric oxide (NO) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). For that, fifteen Ossimi rams were blocked according to their BCS into a lower BCS group (L-BCS:2-2.5; n = 5), medium BCS group (M-BCS:3-3.5; n = 5), and higher BCS group (H-BCS:4-4.5; n = 5). Rams were examined for testicular haemodynamics (TH; Doppler ultrasonography), testicular echotexture (TE; B-mode image software analysis), and serum levels of NO and TAC (colorimetric). Results are presented as means ± standard error of the mean. There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the resistive index and pulsatility index means among the groups under experimentation, being the least in the L-BCS group (0.43 ± 0.02 and 0.57 ± 0.04, respectively) compared to the M-BCS (0.53 ± 0.03 and 0.77 ± 0.03, respectively) and H-BCS rams (0.57 ± 0.01 and 0.86 ± 0.03, respectively). Among blood flow velocity measurements [peak systolic, end-diastolic (EDV), and time-average maximum], only EDV showed significant (P < 0.05) higher values in the L-BCS group (17.06 ± 1.03 cm/s) compared to M-BCS (12.58 ± 0.67 cm/s) and H-BCS (12.51 ± 0.61 cm/s) groups. Regarding the TE results, there were no significant differences among the examined groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in the concentrations of TAC and NO among the groups under experimentation, in which the L-BCS rams had the highest levels of TAC and NO in their sera (0.90 ± 0.05 mM/L and 62.06 ± 2.72 μM/L, respectively) than the M-BCS (0.058 ± 0.05 mM/L and 47.89 ± 1.49 μM/L, respectively) and H-BCS rams (0.45 ± 0.03 mM/L and 49.93 ± 3.63 μM/L, respectively). In conclusion, body condition score is associated with both testicular hemodynamic and the antioxidant capacity in rams.

Seasonal Alterations in Testicular Hemodynamics and Echotexture in Relation to Semen Quality in Buffalo Bulls

The present study is aimed at investigating the usefulness of the pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography for the characterization of testicular blood flow in buffaloes during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons. Ten Egyptian buffalo bulls were evaluated for changes in the blood flow (Doppler’s indices: resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI)) at the levels of supratesticular (STA) during the breeding (winter) and nonbreeding season (summer). The alterations in testicular parenchyma echotexture (pixel intensity (PIX) and echotexture heterogeneity (EH)) were assessed by computer analysis software. Circulating testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured colorimetrically. Sperm parameters including total and progressive motility %, viability %, morphology %, and concentrations were assessed. Results revealed lower values ( $p<0.05$ ) of RI ( $0.55\pm 0.02$ ) and PI ( $0.82\pm 0.03$ ) within the STA in the breeding period compared to the nonbreeding period (RI: $0.67\pm 0.03$ ; PI: $0.99\pm 0.01$ ). Higher ( $p<0.05$ ) PIX and EH were found in the nonbreeding season (PIX: $72.09\pm 1.81$ ; EH: $14.99\pm 1.37$ ) compared to the breeding season (PIX: $60.95\pm 1.51$ ; EH: $11.75\pm 0.63$ ). Concentrations of testosterone and TAC were not significantly changed. However, the concentrations of NO were greater ( $p<0.05$ ) during the breeding season ( $78.21\pm 0.87$ ) compared to those of the nonbreeding one ( $59.74\pm 2.97$ ). Total motility %, progressive motility %, viability %, and sperm concentrations were higher during the breeding season compared to that during the nonbreeding season ( $p<0.05$ ). In conclusion, seasonality alters testicular hemodynamics and echotexture, NO concentrations, and sperm quality in buffaloes without alterations in the testosterone and TAC levels.

The impact of curcumin on livestock and poultry animal's performance and management of insect pests

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

Intramuscular administration of l-arginine boosts testicular hemodynamics, plasma concentrations of testosterone and nitric oxide in heat-stressed rams

The current study aimed to assess, for the first time, the effects of intramuscular injection of l-arginine (L-arg) on testicular hemodynamics, echogenicity, and plasma concentrations of testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide (NO) in Ossimi rams. Twelve sexually matured heat-stressed rams were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the L-arg group (n = 6) received 5 mg/kg L-arg dissolved in 2 ml normal saline 0.9%, or the control group (n = 6) received merely 2 ml of normal saline 0.9%. Blood sampling, B-mode ultrasound assessment of the testicular parenchyma, and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound of the testicular artery for both right and left testis were performed immediately before 0 min and 1, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after L-arg or saline administration. In the L-arg group, resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) means were significantly lower compared to the control group at 4-168 h post-treatment. Plasma testosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) at 4 h and onward in the L-arg treated compared to the control rams, the same for NO levels however its increase (P < 0.05) was observed as soon as 1 h post-treatment. In L-arg treated rams, NO concentrations were positively correlated to plasma testosterone concentrations (r = 0.7, p < .01), but negatively correlated to both RI and PI (r = -0.8 and -0.6, respectively, p < .01). In conclusion, l-arginine administration enhanced testicular blood flow and increased plasma testosterone and nitric oxide concentrations in heat-stressed rams.

Effects of a single dose of long-acting FSH on testicular blood flow, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone, estradiol, and nitric oxide in rams during the non-breeding season

The present study investigated the effect of a single administration of long-acting follicle simulation hormone (FSH) on testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and nitric oxide (NO) in the plasma of rams in the non-breeding season. Twelve Ossimi rams were subjected to either a single administration of long-acting FSH subcutaneously (FSH group; n = 6) or the vehicle (control group; n = 6). Assessment of testicular hemodynamics at the level of the supratesticular artery was performed just before administration (0 h), and at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 h after FSH or the vehicle administrations. Testicular volume (TV), and echotexture of testicular parenchyma including pixel intensity and heterogeneity were derived by the computer analysis software. Concentrations of T, E2, and NO were measured using commercial kits. Results revealed significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the values of Doppler indices (resistive index: RI and pulsatility index: PI), especially at 48 h after administration of FSH (RI: 0.42 ± 0.02, PI: 0.56 ± 0.04) compared to their values in the control group (RI: 0.54 ± 0.03, PI: 0.77 ± 0.04). FSH administration induced significant decreases (P ˂ 0.05) in the pixel intensity of testicular parenchyma. Testicular volume and T concentrations were not significantly changed (P ˃ 0.05). Concentrations of E2 increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) at 48 h and 72 h after FSH administration. (30.07 ± 5.23 pg/ml, 29.93 ± 1.44 pg/ml, respectively) compared to their values before FSH administration (14.63 ± 1.37 pg/ml). Concentrations of NO increased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) in the FSH group between 4 h to 48 h compared to the values in the control one. In conclusion, a single administration of long-acting FSH enhanced testicular blood perfusion as measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasonography in rams during the non-breeding season. Concurrently, significant increases in the concentrations of E2 and NO were found.

An updated insight on testicular hemodynamics: Environmental, physiological, and technical perspectives in farm and companion animals

In all organs, control of blood flow is important but might be particularly critical for testicular functions. This is because of the very low oxygen concentration and high metabolic rate of the seminiferous tubules, the physiological temperature of the testis, and its location outside the abdominal cavity. Many factors affect the characteristics of TBF in farm and companion animals, such as environment (thermal and seasonal effects) and physiological (species, breeds, age, body weight, and sexual maturity). Thermal environment stress has detrimental effects on spermatogenesis and consequently has more serious impacts on both human and animal fertility. Numerous studies have been performed to assess TBF in different animal species including bulls, rams, bucks, alpacas, stallions, and dogs with varied results. Hence, assessment of TBF by Doppler ultrasonography is of great importance to estimate the effect of high environment temperature on testicular functions. Also, differences observed in the TBF may result from different technical aspects such as the identification of the segment of the testicular artery to be examined. In the current review, we focused on the imperative roles of TBF in various animal species. Besides, we discussed in detail various factors that could affect TBF. These factors can significantly modify the TBF and thus should be considered when establishing reference values in farm animals for better clinical diagnosis. The information provided in this review is valuable for researchers and veterinarians to help them a better understanding of testicular hemodynamics for the proper evaluation of breeding soundness examination in males.

Diurnal rhythms in testicular blood flow, testicular morphometry and reproductive hormones in Shiba goats

Context Testicular blood flow (TBF) is crucial for testicular function. The pattern of TBF in Shiba goats indicates seasonal variations. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of diurnal variations on TBF, testis volume (TV), testicular echogenicity, and reproductive hormones in goats over a 24-h period. Methods In three trials that went for three consecutive days each, 12 bucks were scanned using Triplex ultrasonography to assess the TV, pixel intensity of testicular echotexture (PIX), and Doppler indices of TBF (resistive index: RI and pulsatility index: PI) in four-time points a day (at 6.00, 12.00, 18.00, and 00.00 h). Concomitantly, the changes in circulating FSH, LH, inhibin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), cortisol, and melatonin were assessed. Key results Results revealed diurnal alterations in the calculated RI of TBF and the PIX of testicular parenchyma (P < 0.05). Lower RI values of the TBF were observed at 6.00 h compared to other time points. There were significant diurnal alterations in the levels of FSH (P < 0.05), LH (P < 0.05), T (P < 0.0001), E2 (P < 0.0001), cortisol (P < 0.0001), and melatonin (P < 0.0001). FSH attained a higher concentration at 18.00 h compared to 12.00 h. Concentrations of LH were significantly higher at 06.00 h compared to those at 18.00 h. Concentrations of T were significantly higher at 6.00 compared to other time points. E2 showed higher concentrations at 6.00 h and 00.00 h compared to 12.00 h and 18.00 h. On the contrary, concentrations of cortisol were significantly higher at 12.00 h and 18.00 h compared to 06.00 h and 00.00 h. The highest concentrations of melatonin were observed at 00.00 h compared to other time points, while the lowest concentrations were at 12.00 h. Conclusions Diurnal rhythm induces significant changes in TBF, testicular PIX, and circulating FSH, LH, T, E2, cortisol, and melatonin over the 24-h day. Implications The outcomes of the study are reflected in the advisability of monitoring the TBF at a fixed time a day to avoid the circadian rhythm effect.

C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) Could Improve Sperm Motility and Reproductive Function of Asthenozoospermia

This study is to analyze the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on sperm motility of asthenozoospermia and explore the influence mechanism of CNP on the reproductive system and sperm motility. Our results showed that the concentration of CNP in asthenospermia patients’ semen was lower than in normal people’s. The motility of sperm could be improved markedly by CNP and 8-Br-cGMP, while the effect of CNP was inhibited by NPR-B antagonist and KT5823. In the asthenozoospermia mouse model induced by CTX, CNP injection could improve sperm motility in the epididymis, alleviate tissue damage in the testes and epididymis, and increase testosterone levels. The asthenospermia mouse model showed high activity of MDA and proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6), as well as low expression of antioxidants (SOD, GSH-Px, CAT) in the testis and epididymis, but this situation could be significantly ameliorated after being treated with CNP. Those studies indicated that the concentration of CNP in the semen of asthenospermia patients is lower than in normal people and could significantly promote sperm motility through the NPR-B/cGMP pathway. In the asthenospermia mouse model induced by CTX, CNP can alleviate the damage of cyclophosphamide to the reproductive system and sperm motility. The mechanism may involve increasing testosterone and reducing ROS and proinflammatory factors to damage the tissue and sperm.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation enhances testicular volume and hemodynamics, reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and seminal antioxidant capacity in goat bucks under summer hot humid conditions

Oxidative stress (OS) is brought on by heat stress (HS), which weakens antioxidant defense and initiates OS. Since mitochondria are the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), HS-mediated OS may be lessened by targeting mitochondria with particular antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on the reproductive performance of goat bucks under HS conditions. Ten mature bucks were randomly separated into two groups and housed in an environment with a high-temperature humidity index (THI: 88.3 to 94.8; summer season). The first group (n = 5) got the baseline diet while the second group (n = 5) received supplemental oral CoQ10 (3 mg/kg BW; CoQ10 group) daily for six weeks. Testicular blood flow parameters (TBF), testicular volume (TV) and echogenicity (TE), nitric oxide (NO), seminal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and catalase (CAT) activities, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and semen quality traits were all measured. The examinations started a week before (W-1), on the first supplementation day (W0), and weekly for eight consecutive weeks (W1-W8). There were marked (P < 0.05) increases in TBF (W3-W6) and TV, and a decrease in TE (W3-W5) in the CoQ10 group compared to the CON group. Similarly, testosterone (T) and NO levels (W3-W5) in the CoQ10 group were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control group. The CoQ10 group demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) increases in seminal CAT (W4-W8) and TAC (W2-W6) activities and decreases in ALT (W4-W7) activity and MDA (W5-W8) concentration as compared to the control group. The CoQ10 group showed improvements (P < 0.05) at W3-W6 for sperm progressive motility, viability, and normal morphology and at W6-W8 for sperm concentration. In conclusion, oral CoQ10 supplementation improved testicular hemodynamics, testosterone production, semen quality, and antioxidant capacity in goat bucks during summer heat stress conditions.

Exogenous L-arginine administration improves uterine vascular perfusion, uteroplacental thickness, steroid concentrations, and nitric oxide levels in pregnant buffaloes under subtropical conditions

Heat stress (HS) during pregnancy adversely affects uterine vascular perfusion and fetal development. L-arginine (L-Arg), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, has been proven to enhance an organ's vascular perfusion. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of L-Arg administration on the pregnant buffaloes' uterine hemodynamics and uteroplacental thickness under environmental HS conditions. For this purpose, pluriparous (n=12) HS-pregnant buffaloes (mid-gestation, 180-190 d; temperature humidity index > 85) were haphazardly assigned into two groups, either administered a single intravenous (IV) bolus of 5 mg/kg BW of L-Arg Hcl (n=6; ARG) or received normal saline (0.9%; IV; 25 ml) that served as a control group (n=6; CON). Combined uteroplacental thickness (CUPT, mm), middle uterine arteries' (MUA) diameter (mm), and uterine Doppler hemodynamics (ipsi-lateral and contralateral to the pregnant horn) were examined utilizing B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. The serum levels of progesterone (P4), estradiol 17 β (E2), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assayed using commercial kits. The experimental time points were -1, 0, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h post-L-Arg administration. The ARG group showed higher (P < 0.05) CUPT and MUA diameter values starting at 24 h post-treatment and onward than the control buffalo cows. In addition, there were improvements (P<0.05) in the blood flow parameters in the ipsilateral MUA after L-Arg treatment evidenced by lower values of pulsatility and resistive indices starting at 48 and 4 h, respectively and onward, and higher values of peak systolic velocity, colored areas toward the pregnant uterine horn (both 24-72 h). Increases in the NO levels were found during the period between 4 and 120 h in the ARG group compared to the CON group. Moreover, significant increases in the E2 and P4 means were noted in the ARG group, especially at 24 h onward, respectively compared to the CON group. Concerning the TAC status, neither the administration nor the hours affected serum TAC levels in the HS pregnant buffaloes (CON and ARG). In conclusion, L-Arg administration improved uteroplacental thickness and enhanced uterine hemodynamics, NO levels, and steroids production in mid-pregnant buffalo cows under environmental heat stress conditions which could improve fetal growth and development.

Ovarian, uterine, and luteal vascular perfusions during follicular and luteal phases in the adult cyclic female rabbits with special orientation to their histological detection of hormone receptor

Understanding the does reproductive hemodynamic changes during the estrous cycle is crucial for improving reproductive competence and fertility potential in this species. The objective of this study is to investigate the hemodynamic variations in ovarian (OA) and uterine (UA) arteries, histological and morphometric changes in ovarian and uterine tissues throughout the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases in rabbits and determine estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distributions using immunohistochemistry.Fourteen adults pluriparous New Zealand rabbits were divided into rabbits at the FP (Day - 1; n = 7) and those at the LP (Day 9; n = 7). Animals were subjected to Doppler, hormonal (estrogen [E2], progesterone [P4], insulin-like growth factor [ILGF], and VEGF), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. In LP, OA Doppler indices were significantly increased, whereas peak systolic velocity (PSV) was decreased compared with that in FP. UA Doppler indices were significantly decreased in the LP, whereas PSV was increased (P < 0.05). E2 levels were increased in the FP, whereas P4 levels were increased in the LP. The morphometric analysis of uterine tissues during the LP revealed an increase in the mean uterine endometrium length, endometrial connective tissue area percentage (%), endometrial glands number, myometrial area (%) and thickness. Furthermore, ovarian follicles and corpus luteum (CL) displayed strong positive immunoreactivity for ER, PR, and VEGF-A during both phases. The ovarian sections displayed a substantial (P < 0.05) increase in the area % of VEGF-A in the ovarian follicles during FP while in the CL during LP. Conversely, area percentage of VEGF-A immunoreactivity in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelia during the FP and LP revealed no differences. However, the number of VEGF-A-stained blood capillaries revealed an increase during LP than FP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the changes in both ovarian and uterine arteries during two different phases of the rabbit cycle in relation to the histo-morphometric analysis and distribution of ER, PR, and VEGF-A, which regulate uterine functions that play a role in reproduction.

Histological and hemodynamic characterization of corpus luteum throughout the luteal phase in pregnant and non-pregnant buffalos in relation to nitric oxide levels based on its anatomical determination

This study aims to compare the complete growth and development of corpus luteum (CL) in domestic buffalos from day 5 until day 40 after ovulation either in pregnant or non-pregnant animals and whether luteal vascularity (LV) with progesterone (P4) and nitric oxide (NO) could determine luteal functionality or not. Pluriparous buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) were categorized as pregnant (n = 6) or non-pregnant (n = 9) after pregnancy check at day 25. Animals were subjected to ultrasound analysis to determine the CL area (cm²) and LV. Blood sampling was performed following the Doppler examination. Ovarian tissue samples from non-pregnant buffalo genitalia (n = 18) and early pregnant buffalo genitalia (n = 3) were collected from great abattoirs. Luteal Doppler indices were lower in the pregnant group, while peak systolic velocity (PSV) was increased (p < 0.05) in the same pregnant females. Both P4 and NOMs were elevated (p < 0.05) in the pregnant group. There was a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between P4 and CL PSV. Based on our macroscopical examination, the CL of non-pregnant buffalos was classified into four stages. Histologically, stage I showed that CL was covered by a highly vascularized connective tissue (CT) capsule. It consisted of small and large lutein cells, whereas stage II was similar to stage I except for the presence of numerous fibroblast cells and vacuolated cells. Stage III was characterized by increasing the number of collagen fibers and the thickness of the blood vessels. Stage IV revealed thickening of the CT capsule and septae, regressed capillaries and arterioles, in addition to shrunken degenerated lutein cells. CL of pregnant buffalos revealed the same structure as CL at stage II. CL area was increased in the pregnant group. The collective data suggested that evaluation of the luteal artery could be extremely helpful to determine the potential benefits of colored and pulsed Doppler in CL vascularization assessment in both luteal and early pregnancy phases.

The impact of varying doses of moringa leaf methanolic extract supplementation in the cryopreservation media on sperm quality, oxidants, and antioxidant capacity of frozen-thawed ram sperm

To increase rams' post-thaw semen quality following cryopreservation, this study used enriched Tris-based diluent with varying amounts of moringa leaf methanolic extract (MLME). The antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content were all assessed in MLME. The sperm of five healthy Awassi rams were collected, divided into 4 equal aliquots, and diluted [1:5; (v/v)] in Tris-citrate-glucose extender supplemented with 0.48, 0.56, and 0.64 mg MLME/ml or without MLME supplementation (control). The percentages of sperm total motility (STM, %), sperm progressive motility (SPM, %) and viability (V, %), abnormal morphology (AM, %), membrane functional integrity (MFI, %), and acrosome integrity (AI %) were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were measured. The total phenolic gallic acid and flavonoid catechin (equivalent) contents were 19.78 mg/g and 11.94 mg/g, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (34.37 mM TE/g) and 2,2'-azino-bis/3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (53.47 mM TE/g) were found in MLME. MLME had a 64.59 mM TE/g ferric-reducing power. In comparison to control, the addition of 0.64 mg/ml MLME to Tris-based extender resulted in the highest (P < 0.001) STM (55.22 ± 0.98), SPM (45.41 ± .70), SV (60.01 ± 1.05), MFI (75.23 ± 0.77), and AI (73.13 ± 0.72) and the lowest (P < 0.001) AM (21.34 ± 0.72) values. In comparison to the control, the addition of 0.56 mg/ml semen extender resulted in lower STM, SPM, SV, MFI, and AI with higher AM percentages. MDA (P = 0.03), NO (P = 0.012), CHO (P = 0.0001), and LDL (P = 0.004) were reduced by 0.64 mg/ml MLME, while AA (P = 0.017) and SOD (P = 0.0001) were elevated. In conclusion, the highest copper (P = 0.006) and lowest zinc concentrations in MLME (0.48 mg/ml extender) deteriorated the post-thaw semen quality, prompting us to suggest the addition of 0.64 mg MLME to rams' Tris-based semen extender.