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Ding LM, Yan Q, Liu PP, Yang QE, Henkin Z, Degen AA. Livestock turnover and dynamic livestock carrying capacity are crucial factors for alpine grassland management: The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau as a case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 365:121586. [PMID: 38941853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Alpine grasslands are distributed widely on high-elevated ranges and plateaus from the wet tropics to polar regions, accounting for approximately 3% of the world's land area. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world, and approximately 60% of the plateau consists of alpine grassland, which is used mainly for grazing animals. Livestock structure was determined in Guinan (GN), Yushu (YS) and Maqu counties (MQ) on the QTP by interviewing 235 local pastoralists. Based on data collected from GN, the livestock carrying capacity was calculated using herbage dry matter biomass intake (LCCm) by the livestock, and the metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) and digestible crude protein (LCCp) available in pasture. The pasture area per household differed among the regions of the QTP, which was the main reason for the difference in livestock stocking rate. The householders raised the appropriate proportion of breeding females and young yaks and sheep in GN and MQ, but not in YS, to maintain a constant turnover. Most pasture in YS was used at the community level, especially in summer. The calculated carrying capacities based on metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) of the pasture and dry matter biomass (LCCm) were similar in most months except for August, when the value of LCCe was higher than LCCm. Based on the digestible protein of the pasture, the calculated livestock carrying capacity overestimated the actual carrying capacity during the herbage growing season from May to September. Appropriate practices should be taken in different regions of QTP, such as providing supplementary feed, especially protein, during the forage non-growing season. Livestock carrying capacity should be adjusted dynamically, and calculated by a number of parameters. The stocking rate should be controlled to optimize livestock production and curb or minimize grassland degradation to generate a sustainable system. This study examined the grasslands and LCC on the QTP, but the results could be applied to grasslands worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Ming Ding
- Sichuan Provincial Forest and Grassland Key Laboratory of Alpine Grassland Conservation and Utilization of Tibetan Plateau, Institute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, College of Grassland Resources, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Qi Yan
- Center for the Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Pei-Pei Liu
- College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Zalmen Henkin
- Department of Natural Resources, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Israel
| | - Abraham Allan Degen
- Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Feng F, Huang C, Luosang D, Ma X, La Y, Wu X, Guo X, Pingcuo Z, Liang C. Serum Metabolomic Analysis of Synchronous Estrus in Yaks Based on UPLC-Q-TOF MS Technology. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1399. [PMID: 38791618 PMCID: PMC11117382 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The yak is a unique species of livestock found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas. Due to factors such as late sexual maturity and a low rate of estrus, its reproductive efficiency is relatively low. The process of estrus synchronization in yaks plays a crucial role in enhancing their reproductive success and ensuring the continuation of their species. In order to clarify the characteristics of the serum metabolites of yak estrus synchronization, the yaks with inactive ovaries were compared with the estrus synchronization yaks. In this study, yaks were divided into the inactive ovaries group (IO), gonarelin-induced yak estrus group (GnRH), and chloprostenol sodium-induced yak estrus group (PGF). After the completion of the estrus synchronization treatment, blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the non-estrus yaks in the control group and the yaks with obvious estrus characteristics in the GnRH and PGF groups. Metabolites were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that a total of 70 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the GnRH vs. IO group, and 77 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the PGF vs. IO group. Compared with non-estrus yaks, 36 common significant differential metabolites were screened out after the induction of yak estrus by gonarelin (GnRH) and cloprostenol sodium (PGF), which were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as the beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, bile acid biosynthesis, oxidation of branched chain fatty acids, steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. This study analyzed the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F (PGF) on the reproductive performance of yaks treated with estrus synchronization, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization and application of yak estrus synchronization technology and promotes the healthy development of the yak industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Feng
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Dunzhu Luosang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lasa 850004, China;
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Zhandui Pingcuo
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Tibet Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lasa 850004, China;
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (F.F.); (C.H.); (X.M.); (Y.L.); (X.W.); (X.G.)
- Plateau Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Center, Lasa 850004, China
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Yan Q, Wang Q, Nan J, Chen T, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yuan L. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway of yak Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2024; 220:96-107. [PMID: 38503100 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.003] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful male reproduction depends on healthy testes. Autophagy has been confirmed to be active during many cellular events associated with the testes. It is not only crucial for testicular spermatogenesis but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for Sertoli cell (SCs) ectoplasmic specialization integrity and normal function of the blood-testis-barrier. Hypoxic stress induces oxidative damage, apoptosis, and autophagy, negatively affecting the male reproductive system. Cryptorchidism is a common condition associated with infertility. Recent studies have demonstrated that hypoxia-induced miRNAs and their transcription factors are highly expressed in the testicular tissue of infertile patients. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) is a heat-shock protein family member associated with cellular antioxidant defense and anti-apoptotic functions. The present study found that the HO1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism compared to normal testes. Next, we investigated the expression of HO1 in the SCs exposed to hypoxic stress and characterized the expression of key molecules involved in autophagy and apoptosis. The results showed that hypoxic stress induced the upregulation of autophagy of SCs. The down-regulation of HO1 using siRNA increases autophagy and decreases apoptosis, while the over-expression of HO1 attenuates autophagy and increases apoptosis. Furthermore, HO1 regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These results will be helpful for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of HO1 in yak cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jinghong Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juntao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
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Xiao-Hong H, Meng W, Yang-Yang P, Jiang-Feng F, Jing-Lei W, Ling Z, Ya-Ying W, Tong-Xiang Z, Tian Z, Tian-Yi D, Yan C, Si-Jiu Y. Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in yak granulosa cells through miR-23a/ASK1 axis. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111010. [PMID: 38128707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111010] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), miR-23a, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), autophagy and apoptosis play crucial roles in follicular development. However, their role in yak granulosa cells (GCs) remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the effect of miR-23a, ASK1, FSH, and LH on apoptosis, autophagy, and the release and reception of some steroid hormones in these cells. Our results showed that miR-23a overexpression significantly increased the abundance of Beclin1, the LC3II/I ratio, and the number of Ad-mRFP-GFP-LC3-labeled autophagosomes, and decreased p62 abundance. Additionally, Bax abundance and the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotide triphosphate nick end labeling-positive cells were reduced, while Bcl2 expression was increased. Overexpression of miR-23a also significantly increased the abundance of estradiol receptor α (ER-α) and β (ER-β) and the concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) in yak GCs. Here, treating yak GCs with miR-23a decreased ASK1 expression, which regulates ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, E2 and P4 levels, and ER-α/β abundance. In contrast, treatment of yak GCs with FSH (10 μg/mL) and LH (100 μg/mL) increased miR-23a abundance, regulating the subsequent effect on ASK1/JNK-mediated apoptosis, autophagy, ER-α/β abundance, and E2 and P4 concentrations. In conclusion, miR-23a enhances autophagy in yak GCs, attenuates apoptosis, and increases ER-α/β abundance and E2 and P4 concentrations by downregulating ASK1. Additionally, FSH and LH can regulate these effects of miR-23a by altering its expression. These results provide important insights that can inform the development of strategies to reduce abnormal follicular atresia and improve the reproductive rate of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xiao-Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Pan Yang-Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Fan Jiang-Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Jing-Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhao Ling
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Wang Ya-Ying
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhang Tong-Xiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhao Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ding Tian-Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Cui Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yu Si-Jiu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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5
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Zhao H, Huang Y, Shu S, Wang G, Fu C, Huang R, Zhang J, Su H, He Y, Lei C, Du L, Zhao J, Peng W. Transcriptomics and metabolomics of blood, urine and ovarian follicular fluid of yak at induced estrus stage. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:201. [PMID: 38383305 PMCID: PMC10882836 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic differences within and outside the body, as well as changes in transcription levels following estrus in yaks, we conducted transcriptome and metabolome analyses on female yaks in both estrus and non-estrus states. The metabolome analysis identified 114, 13, and 91 distinct metabolites in urine, blood, and follicular fluid, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis highlighted an enrichment of pathways related to amino acid and lipid metabolism across all three body fluids. Our transcriptome analysis revealed 122 differentially expressed genes within microRNA (miRNA) and 640 within long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Functional enrichment analysis of lncRNA and miRNA indicated their involvement in cell signaling, disease resistance, and immunity pathways. We constructed a regulatory network composed of 10 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 30 mRNAs, based on the targeted regulation relationships of the differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, the accumulation of metabolites such as amino acids, steroids, and organic acids, along with the expression changes of key genes like miR-129 during yak estrus, provide initial insights into the estrus mechanism in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangqing Zhao
- Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Shi Shu
- Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Huawei Su
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang He
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Du
- Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiahao Zhao
- Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Qinghai University, Xining, China.
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Jiang X, Ma Y, Gong S, Zi X, Zhang D. Resveratrol Promotes Proliferation, Antioxidant Properties, and Progesterone Production in Yak ( Bos grunniens) Granulosa Cells. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:240. [PMID: 38254409 PMCID: PMC10812796 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RES) is a class of natural polyphenolic compounds known for its strong anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. Granulosa cells (GCs) are one of the important components of ovarian follicles and play crucial roles in follicular development of follicles in the ovary. Here, we explored the effects of RES on the proliferation and functions of yak GCs. Firstly, we evaluated the effect of RES dose and time in culture on the viability of GCs, and then the optimum treatment protocol (10 μM RES, 36 h) was selected to analyze the effects of RES on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid droplet content, ATP production, and steroidogenesis of GCs, as well as the expression of related genes. The results show that RES treatment significantly (1) increased cell viability and proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis by upregulating BCL-2 and SIRT1 genes and downregulating BAX, CASP3, P53, and KU70 genes; (2) increased the proportion of GCs in the S phase and upregulated CCND1, PCNA, CDK4, and CDK5 genes; (3) reduced ROS accumulation and MDA content and increased GSH content, as well as upregulating the relative expression levels of CAT, SOD2, and GPX1 genes; (4) decreased lipid droplet content and increased ATP production; (5) promoted progesterone (P4) secretion and the expression of P4 synthesis-related genes (StAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1); and (6) inhibited E2 secretion and CYP19A1 expression. These findings suggest that RES at 10 μM increases the proliferation and antioxidant properties, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes ATP production, lipid droplet consumption, and P4 secretion of yak GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.J.); (Y.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Yao Ma
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.J.); (Y.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Sanni Gong
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.J.); (Y.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Xiangdong Zi
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.J.); (Y.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Dawei Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Cao Z, Wang S, Qi M, Zhang J, Liu R, Ren X, Wu Q, Cui Z, Dong H. Exploring the induction of endometrial epithelial cell apoptosis in clinical-type endometritis in yaks through the cyt-c/caspase-3 signaling axis. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106470. [PMID: 38043625 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106470] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a significant contributor to reduced productivity in yaks in Tibet, China. The Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial pathway that triggers cell apoptosis due to endogenous factors. In this study, we examined the endometrial epithelial tissue of yaks with endometritis using pathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, TUNEL staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The results indicated significant changes in the apoptotic factors of the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis. The expression levels of Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased. Immunohistochemistry results revealed significant increase in Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm compared to the healthy group, except for Bcl-2, which showed a significant decrease. Pathological section analysis demonstrated that clinical endometritis in yaks led to structural damage, bleeding, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the endometrial epithelium. Our study findings indicated that clinical endometritis in yaks can modulate apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells via the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in different levels of damage. This research is pioneering in exploring cell apoptosis induced by clinical endometritis in yaks, offering novel insights and potential strategies for the future prevention and treatment of endometritis in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Linzhi Agricultural and Rural Bureau (Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center), Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ruidong Liu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Xiaoli Ren
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Qingxia Wu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Zhonghua Cui
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China.
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Han X, Yu S, Cui Y, Li J, Fan J, Wang L, Wang M, Pan Y, Xu G. MiR-23a promotes autophagy of yak cumulus cells to alleviate apoptosis via the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Theriogenology 2023; 212:50-63. [PMID: 37690377 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The ultimate fate of Graafian follicles is ovulation or atresia which relies on the highly coordinated processes of apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cells. Long non-coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (LncRNA MEG3), miR-23a, and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) are factors associated with autophagy. However, whether these factors can regulate autophagy in cumulus cells (CCs) of yak is unclear. Here, miR-23a overexpression upregulated the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and Beclin1 abundance while reducing p62 accumulation (p < 0.05). The monodansylcadaverine assay exhibited a marked increase in punctate green fluorescence, and the GFP-LC3B displayed increased yellow fluorescence (p < 0.05). The opposite effect was observed for miR-23a inhibitors. Furthermore, miR-23a overexpression downregulated the abundance of ASK1 mRNA and total ASK1 protein (t-ASK1), whereas miR-23a inhibitors up-regulated them (p < 0.05). The effects of miR-23a overexpression on ASK1 phosphorylated protein at serine 845 (P-845), total JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) (t-JNK) and the JNK phosphorylated protein (p-JNK) were similar to those of t-ASK1 but elicited the opposite effect on ASK1 phosphorylated protein at serine 967 (P-967) (p < 0.05). We further demonstrated that ASK1 expression can be silenced by small-interfering RNA (siRNA), which had no significant effect on t-JNK abundance (p > 0.05) but significantly suppressed the p-JNK expression (p < 0.05). Silencing ASK1 significantly improved Beclin1 abundance and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, but decreased p62 abundance (p < 0.05). An increase in yellow GFP-LC3B puncta and green MDC staining puncta were observed (p < 0.05). Overexpression of LncRNA MEG3 significantly increased the expression of t-ASK1, P-845, and JNK and decreased the abundance of P-967 and miR-23a (p < 0.05). In addition, miR-23a upregulation reduced the number of the TUNEL-positive cells, and the addition of 8 mM 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed this downregulation (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed for the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cleaved-caspase3 abundance. In summary, miR-23a promotes autophagy by inhibiting ASK1 abundance, which reduces apoptosis of yak CCs. This effect can be inhibited by LncRNA MEG3, which has implications for decreasing abnormal Graafian follicular atresia and maintaining development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Han
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Yan Cui
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China; Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Jiangfeng Fan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Libin Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Gengquan Xu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
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9
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Ma Y, Jiang XD, Zhang DW, Zi XD. Molecular characterization and effects of the TGIF1 gene on proliferation and steroidogenesis in yak (Bos grunniens) granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 211:224-231. [PMID: 37660474 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.024] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
TG interaction factor 1 (TGIF1) plays a major role in transcriptional inhibition and suppression of TGF-β signaling, but its functional roles in granulosa cells (GCs) have not been elucidated; in particular, there is no information about the yak (Bos grunniens) TGIF1 gene. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to clone yak TGIF1 and investigate TGIF1 functions in yak GCs. RT‒PCR results showed that the coding region of yak TGIF1 is 759 bp and encodes 252 amino acids. Its nucleotide sequence showed 85.24-99.74% similarity to mouse, human, pig, goat and cattle homologous genes. To explore the functional roles of TGIF1, we studied proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, steroidogenesis and the expression levels of related genes in yak GCs transfected with small interfering RNA specific to TGIF1. The results showed that TGIF1 knockdown promoted proliferation and cell cycle progression and inhibited apoptosis and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) production in cultured yak GCs. Conversely, TGIF1 overexpression inhibited proliferation and cell cycle progression and stimulated apoptosis and E2 and P4 production. In addition, these functional changes in yak GCs were observed parallel to the expression changes in genes involved in the cell cycle (PCNA, CDK2, CCND1, CCNE1, CDK4 and P53), apoptosis (BCL2, BAX and CASPASE3), and steroidogenesis (CYP11A1, 3β-HSD and StAR). In conclusion, TGIF1 was relatively conserved in the course of animal evolution. TGIF1 inhibited GC viability and stimulated apoptosis and the secretion of E2 and P4 by yak GCs. Our results will help to reveal the mechanism underlying yak follicular development and improve the reproductive efficiency of female yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ma
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xu-Dong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Da-Wei Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - Xiang-Dong Zi
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
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10
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Mo L, Ma J, Xiong Y, Xiong X, Lan D, Li J, Yin S. Factors Influencing the Maturation and Developmental Competence of Yak ( Bos grunniens) Oocytes In Vitro. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1882. [PMID: 37895231 PMCID: PMC10606142 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique breed living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas, providing locals with a variety of vital means of living and production. However, the yak has poor sexual maturity and low fertility. High-quality mature oocytes are the basis of animal breeding technology. Recently, in vitro culturing of oocytes and embryo engineering technology have been applied to yak breeding. However, compared to those observed in vivo, the maturation rate and developmental capacity of in vitro oocytes are still low, which severely limits the application of in vitro fertilization and embryo production in yaks. This review summarizes the endogenous and exogenous factors affecting the in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental ability of yak oocytes reported in recent years and provides a theoretical basis for obtaining high-quality oocytes for in vitro fertilization and embryo production in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoyu Mo
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Ma
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Yan Xiong
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shi Yin
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.M.); (J.M.); (Y.X.); (X.X.); (D.L.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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11
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Yang X, Ma J, Mo L, Xiong Y, Xiong X, Lan D, Fu W, Yin S. Molecular cloning and characterization of STC1 gene and its functional analyses in yak (Bos grunniens) cumulus granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 208:185-193. [PMID: 37354862 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.023] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs), an important type of ovarian somatic cells, carries out various functions related to oogenesis, follicular development, and steroidogenesis. Studying the biological mechanisms involved in the development and function of CGCs makes a great contribution to understanding the reproductive regulation in female animals. Stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) is an important Ca2+-regulated glycoprotein hormone that exhibits high expression levels in ovaries. In this study, we cloned the coding sequence of the yak STC1, predicted the structure of STC1 protein, detected the expression and localization of STC1 in yak ovaries, and analyzed the functions of STC1 in yak CGCs. The CDS (coding sequence) region of yak STC1 gene was found to be 744 bp and encoded 247 amino acids. Homology comparison revealed that STC1 protein was highly conserved among mammals. The STC1 mRNA displayed dynamic expression profiles in different stages of yak ovaries, and the highest expression was found in the follicular phase. Regarding localization, STC1 protein was widely distributed in various kinds of yak ovarian cells, including oocytes, mural granulosa cells, CGCs, and thecal cells. Repressing the expression of STC1 resulted in defective proliferation and survival of yak CGCs. In addition, knockdown the expression of STC1 repressed the secretion of progesterone and promoted the secretion of estrogen. Overexpression of STC1 partially rescued the proliferation of CGCs and resulted in opposite effects on the secretion of progesterone and estrogen. Several apoptosis and steroidogenesis-related genes, including BAX, BCL2, HSD3B1, HSD17B1, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 showed altered expressions after repressing or increasing the expression of STC1 in yak CGCs. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to focus on the role of STC1 in yak CGCs, and the outcomes offer fresh insights into the mechanism governing yak reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jun Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Luoyu Mo
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Shi Yin
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Modem Technology (Southwest Minzu University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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12
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Wu JF, Liu Y, Gong SN, Zi XD, Tan YG. Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the viability, apoptosis and steroidogenesis of yak (Bos grunniens) granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 207:1-10. [PMID: 37245256 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for follicle development through the regulation of granulosa cell (GC) function in some mammals, but its mechanism is unclear in yak (Bos grunniens). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of VEGF on the viability, apoptosis and steroidogenesis of yak GCs. First, we investigated the localization of VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR2) in yak ovaries by immunohistochemistry analysis and evaluated the effect of culture medium containing different VEGF concentrations and culture times on the viability of yak GCs by Cell Counting Kit-8. Then, optimal treatment with 20 ng/mL VEGF for 24 h was selected to analyze the effects of this compound on intracellular reactive oxygen species levels by DCFH-DA kit, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, steroidogenesis by ELISA kit and the expression of the related genes by RT‒qPCR. The results showed that VEGF and VEGFR2 were highly coexpressed in GCs and theca cells. GCs cultured in medium containing 20 ng/mL VEGF for 24 h significantly improved cell viability, decreased ROS production, promoted the transition from G1 phase to S phase (P < 0.05), increased the expression of the CCND1 (P < 0.05), CCNE1, CDK2, CDK4, and PCNA genes (P < 0.01) and decreased the expression of the P53 gene (P < 0.05). This treatment significantly reduced GC apoptosis (P < 0.05) by promoting the expression of BCL2 and GDF9 (P < 0.01) and inhibiting the expression of BAX and CASPASE3 (P < 0.05). VEGF promoted progesterone secretion (P < 0.05) accompanied by increased expression of HSD3B, StAR and CYP11A1 (P < 0.05). Taken together, our findings highlight the beneficial influence exerted by VEGF in improving GC viability and reducing ROS production and the apoptosis rate through the modulation of related gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Fei Wu
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China; Zigong Psychiatric Research Center, Zigong, 643020, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - San-Ni Gong
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiang-Dong Zi
- The Key Laboratory for Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China.
| | - You-Guo Tan
- Zigong Psychiatric Research Center, Zigong, 643020, PR China
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13
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Jiang XD, Liu Y, Wu JF, Gong SN, Ma Y, Zi XD. Regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, hormone secretion and gene expression by acetyl-L-carnitine in yak (Bos grunniens) granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 203:61-68. [PMID: 36972666 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Supplementation with acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) during in vitro maturation significantly improves the rates of oocyte cleavage and morula and blastocyst formation in sheep and buffalo; however, the mode of action of ALC in improving oocyte competence is not completely understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ALC on proliferation, antioxidant properties, lipid droplet accumulation and steroid hormone secretion in yak (Bos grunniens) granulosa cells (GCs). Yak GCs were identified using FSHR immunofluorescence. The cells were treated with different concentrations of ALC, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8, and the optimal concentration and treatment time were determined for subsequent experiments. Then, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by a DCFH-DA probe, and lipid droplet accumulation was observed by oil red O staining. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the medium were detected by ELISA, and the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, the cell cycle, antioxidants and steroid synthesis was determined by RT‒qPCR. The results showed that 1 mM ALC treatment for 48 h was the optimum treatment. It significantly increased cell viability (P < 0.05), significantly decreased the amount of ROS and lipid droplet content, and promoted P4 and E2 secretion (P < 0.05) of yak GCs. RT‒qPCR results verified that GCs treated with 1 mM ALC for 48 h significantly increased the expression of genes related to anti-apoptosis and the cell cycle (BCL-2, PCNA, CCND1 and CCNB1), antioxidants (CAT, SOD2 and GPX1), and E2 and P4 secretion (StAR, CYP19A1 and HSD3B1) (P < 0.05), but it significantly decreased the expression of apoptosis genes (BAX and P53) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ALC increased the viability of yak GCs, reduced the amount of ROS and lipid droplets, increased P4 and E2 synthesis and affected the expression of related genes in yak GCs.
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14
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Zhou J, Zhao K, Shao L, Bao Y, Gyantsen D, Ma C, Xue B. Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Combination of Probiotics and Enzymes as Supplements on Growth Performance and Serum Parameters in Early-Weaned Grazing Yak Calves. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050785. [PMID: 36899642 PMCID: PMC10000113 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050785] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Early weaning is an effective strategy to improve cow feed utilization and shorten postpartum intervals in cows; however, this may lead to poor performance of the weaned calves. This study was conducted to test the effects of supplementing milk replacer with Bacillus licheniformis and a complex of probiotics and enzyme preparations on body weight (BW), size, and serum biochemical parameters and hormones in early-weaned grazing yak calves. Thirty two-month-old male grazing yaks (38.89 ± 1.45 kg body weight) were fed milk replacer at 3% of their BW and were randomly assigned to three treatments (n = 10, each): T1 (supplementation with 0.15 g/kg Bacillus licheniformis), T2 (supplementation with a 2.4 g/kg combination of probiotics and enzymes), and a control (without supplementation). Compared to the controls, the average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 60 d was significantly higher in calves administered the T1 and T2 treatments, and that from 30 to 60 d was significantly higher in calves administered the T2 treatment. The ADG from 0 to 60 d was significantly higher in the T2- than in the T1-treated yaks. The concentration of serum growth hormone, insulin growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor was significantly higher in the T2-treated calves than in the controls. The concentration of serum cortisol was significantly lower in the T1 treatment than in the controls. We concluded that supplementation with probiotics alone or a combination of probiotics and enzymes can improve the ADG of early-weaned grazing yak calves. Supplementation with the combination of probiotics and enzymes had a stronger positive effect on growth and serum hormone levels, compared to the single-probiotic treatment with Bacillus licheniformis, providing a basis for the application of a combination of probiotics and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Kaiqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lisheng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuhong Bao
- Institute of Pratacultural, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Dundup Gyantsen
- Institute of Pratacultural, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa 850009, China
| | - Chenglong Ma
- Lhasa Poultry Breeding Research and Protection and Extension Center, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Bai Xue
- Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Culture and Safety Production in Cattle in Sichuan, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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15
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Shah AM, Bano I, Qazi IH, Matra M, Wanapat M. "The Yak"-A remarkable animal living in a harsh environment: An overview of its feeding, growth, production performance, and contribution to food security. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1086985. [PMID: 36814466 PMCID: PMC9940766 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1086985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Yaks play an important role in the livelihood of the people of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and contribute significantly to the economy of the different countries in the region. Yaks are commonly raised at high altitudes of ~ 3,000-5,400 m above sea level. They provide many important products, namely, milk, meat, fur, and manure, as well as social status, etc. Yaks were domesticated from wild yaks and are present in the remote mountains of the QTP region. In the summer season, when a higher quantity of pasture is available in the mountain region, yaks use their long tongues to graze the pasture and spend ~ 30-80% of their daytime grazing. The remaining time is spent walking, resting, and doing other activities. In the winter season, due to heavy snowfall in the mountains, pasture is scarce, and yaks face feeding issues due to pasture scarcity. Hence, the normal body weight of yaks is affected and growth retardation occurs, which consequently affects their production performance. In this review article, we have discussed the domestication of yaks, the feeding pattern of yaks, the difference between the normal and growth-retarded yaks, and also their microbial community and their influences. In addition, blood biochemistry, the compositions of the yaks' milk and meat, and reproduction are reported herein. Evidence suggested that yaks play an important role in the daily life of the people living on the QTP, who consume milk, meat, fur, use manure for fuel and land fertilizer purposes, and use the animals for transportation. Yaks' close association with the people's well-being and livelihood has been significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mujtaba Shah
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Department of Livestock Production, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Bano
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Maharach Matra
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Metha Wanapat
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,*Correspondence: Metha Wanapat ✉
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Pei J, Xiong L, Guo S, Wang X, La Y, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Guo X. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals a Cell Atlas and Cell Communication in Yak Ovary. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031839. [PMID: 36768166 PMCID: PMC9915757 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Yaks (Bos grunniens) are the only bovine species that adapt well to the harsh high-altitude environment in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. However, the reproductive adaptation to the climate of the high elevation remains to be elucidated. Cell composition and molecular characteristics are the foundation of normal ovary function which determines reproductive performance. So, delineating ovarian characteristics at a cellular molecular level is conducive to elucidating the mechanism underlying the reproductive adaption of yaks. Here, the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was employed to depict an atlas containing different cell types with specific molecular signatures in the yak ovary. The cell types were identified on the basis of their specifically expressed genes and biological functions. As a result, a cellular atlas of yak ovary was established successfully containing theca cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and proliferating cells. A cell-to-cell communication network between the distinct cell types was constructed. The theca cells were clustered into five subtypes based on their biological functions. Further, CYP11A1 was confirmed as a marker gene for the theca cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our work reveals an ovarian atlas at the cellular molecular level and contributes to providing insights into reproductive adaption in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Yongfu La
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Correspondence:
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17
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Shu S, Fu C, Wang G, Peng W. The Effects of Postpartum Yak Metabolism on Reproductive System Recovery. Metabolites 2022; 12:1113. [PMID: 36422253 PMCID: PMC9694671 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the metabolism of multiparous female yaks during the late perinatal period and identify its effects on reproductive recovery in order to explain the low reproduction rate of yaks. Eight multiparous female yaks were randomly selected as the sample, and serum was collected from the yaks every 7 days from the day of delivery until 28 days after the delivery (five time points). The presence of serum metabolic profiles and reproductive hormones was identified using ELISA. The key metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and a dynamic metabolic network representation was created using bioinformatics analysis. A total of 117 different metabolites were identified by calculating the fold change of the metabolite expression at each time point. The dynamic metabolic network was created to represent the activities of the key metabolites, metabolic indexes and reproductive hormones. The initial efficiency of the glucose metabolism in the late perinatal period was found to be low, but it increased during the final period. The initial efficiencies of the lipid and amino acid metabolisms were high but decreased during the final period. We inferred that there was a postpartum negative energy balance in female yaks and that the synthesis and secretion of estrogen were blocked due to an excessive fatty acid mobilization. As a result, the reproductive hormone synthesis and secretion were maintained at a low level in the late perinatal period, and this was the main reason for the delayed recovery of the reproductive function postpartum. However, the specific mechanism needs to be further verified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wei Peng
- Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
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Yang S, Liu J, Gu Z, Liu P, Lan Q. Physiological and Metabolic Adaptation to Heat Stress at Different Altitudes in Yaks. Metabolites 2022; 12:1082. [PMID: 36355165 PMCID: PMC9699490 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yaks have strong adaptability to extremely cold and hypoxic conditions but are susceptible to high ambient temperature when yaks are raised in low-altitude areas during the high-temperature season. Twenty-four adult male yaks with similar weights and ages were randomly divided into TN (Thermoneutral, altitude = 3464 m), LHS (Light heat stress, altitude = 1960 m), and MHS (Medium heat stress, altitude = 906 m) groups to evaluate adaptation strategies to HS. Non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were applied to investigate the effects of different extents of HS on yaks. LHS- and MHS-yaks showed higher rectal temperatures and respiratory rates than TN-yaks. MHS-yaks had higher levels of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), whole blood relative index of middle shear at a shear rate of 5 S-1 (WMS), whole blood relative index of high shear at a shear rate of 200 S-1 (WHS), Casson viscosity (CV), middle shear flow resistance at a shear rate of 5 S-1 (MSFR), and high shear flow resistance at a shear rate of 200 S-1 (HSFR) as compared to TN- and LHS-yaks. Differential metabolites and metabolic pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and amino acid metabolism, were altered by HS. Metabolites in the glucose metabolism pathway in LHS- and MHS-yaks were lower than those in TN-yaks. However, LHS-yaks showed higher levels of metabolites in the HIF-1 signaling pathway compared to TN- and MHS-yaks. Most of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) intermediates and fatty acids were significantly decreased in MHS-yaks compared to the other two groups. As a whole, yaks raised at a low altitude (25.6 °C) suffered from severe HS, but they adapted to HS with vasodilatation for dissipating heat and the increased antioxidants and metabolite levels of energy substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Jinfeng Liu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhaobing Gu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Qin Lan
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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Dorji N, Derks M, Groot Koerkamp PWG, Bokkers EAM. Welfare and management practices of free-ranging yaks (Bos grunniens) in Bhutan. Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.4.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Inaccessibility of veterinary and livestock extension services, and shortages of labour and forage could potentially impact the welfare of yaks ( Bos grunniens) in Bhutan. The objective of this study was to assess practices relating to the welfare and management of free-ranging
yaks in Bhutan and explore variations between different yak-farming regions. We interviewed herders and observed the behaviour and health status of their animals, using an adaptation of the Welfare Quality® protocol, in three yak-farming regions (east, central and west) of Bhutan between
October 2018 and January 2019. In total, for 567 cows and 549 calves, integumentary condition, body cleanliness, ocular and nasal discharge, diarrhoea, signs of damage, and gait were scored. In addition, we assessed 324 cows and 272 calves for avoidance distance and examined 324 cows for subclinical
mastitis. The behaviour of the herds was observed in six consecutive 20-min blocks with each block divided into two stages. The first stage (5 min) consisted of counting the number of animals eating, lying down, standing idle and walking. The second stage (15 min) consisted of counting the
number of events of agonistic, allogrooming, flehming, self-licking, rubbing/scratching and playing behaviour. Avoidance distance differed between regions for calves, but not for lactating cows. Integumentary lesions, dirty body areas, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, signs of diarrhoea,
subclinical mastitis and lameness were virtually absent. A few instances of agonistic behaviour (6% of all counted behavioural events) and flehming behaviour (5% of all counted behavioural events) were observed. Yaks in the central and western regions exhibited more scratching
and rubbing behaviour than those in the eastern region. Herders perform a variety of painful management practices (castration, ear tagging, nasal septum piercing) without analgesia, which is a prominent welfare issue. Furthermore, mortality among yaks is relatively high and water sources often
dirty, creating a health risk. Nevertheless, the welfare status of yaks living in various regions of Bhutan was assessed as good at the time of visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dorji
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Bhutan
| | - M Derks
- Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - PWG Groot Koerkamp
- Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - EAM Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Zhao T, Pan Y, Li Q, Ding T, Niayale R, Zhang T, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhao L, Han X, Baloch AR, Cui Y, Yu S. Leukemia inhibitory factor enhances the development and subsequent blastocysts quality of yak oocytes in vitro. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:997709. [PMID: 36213393 PMCID: PMC9533679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.997709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multipotent cytokine of the IL-6 family which plays a critical role in the maturation and development of oocytes. This study evaluated the influence of LIF on the maturation and development ability of yak oocytes, and the quality of subsequent blastocysts under in vitro culture settings. Different concentrations of LIF (0, 25, 50, and 100 ng/mL) were added during the in vitro culture of oocytes to detect the maturation rate of oocytes, levels of mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin, and apoptosis in oocytes, mRNA transcription levels of apoptosis and antioxidant-related genes in oocytes, and total cell number and apoptosis levels in subsequent blastocysts. The findings revealed that 50 ng/mL LIF could significantly increase the maturation rate (p < 0.01), levels of mitochondria (p < 0.01) and actin (p < 0.01), and mRNA transcription levels of anti-apoptotic and antioxidant-related genes in yak oocytes. Also, 50 ng/mL LIF could significantly lower the generation of ROS (p < 0.01) and apoptosis levels of oocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, blastocysts formed from 50 ng/mL LIF-treated oocytes showed significantly larger total cell numbers (p < 0.01) and lower apoptosis rates (p < 0.01) than the control group. In conclusion, the addition of LIF during the in vitro maturation of yak oocytes improved the quality and the competence of maturation and development in oocytes, as well as the quality of subsequent blastocysts. The result of this study provided some insights into the role and function of LIF in vitro yak oocytes maturation, as well as provided fundamental knowledge for assisted reproductive technologies in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Robert Niayale
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
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Zhang T, Wang L, Pan Y, He H, Wang J, Zhao T, Ding T, Wang Y, Zhao L, Han X, Fan J, Xu G, Cui Y, Yu S. Effect of rapamycin treatment on oocyte in vitro maturation and embryonic development after parthenogenesis in yaks. Theriogenology 2022; 193:128-135. [PMID: 36162289 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.017] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy plays an important role in mammalian oocyte maturation and early embryonic development and rapamycin is well known for inducing autophagy. Although previous studies have reported the effects of rapamycin on oocytes in vitro maturation (IVM) in different species, few studies have been reported on the role of rapamycin in yak oocytes IVM and embryonic development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of rapamycin treatment on yak oocytes IVM and early embryonic development. Specifically, immature yak oocytes during IVM or parthenogenetic (PA) embryos were treated with different rapamycin concentrations to select an optimal dose. Then evaluated its effect on maturation rates, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS levels. Related genes and proteins expression in matured oocytes and blastocysts were also evaluated. The results show that 10 nM rapamycin treatment during IVM significantly improved oocyte maturation rates of oocytes and blastocyst formation rates. Treatment with 10 nM rapamycin reduced ROS level but increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Correspondingly, mRNA and protein expressions of LC3, Beclin-1, and Bcl-2 up-regulated while Bax down-regulated in matured yak COCs. When parthenogenetic embryos were treated with different rapamycin concentrations, 10 nM rapamycin treatment showed higher 8-cell and blastocyst formation rates. Also, CDX2, POU5F1, SOX2, and Nanog levels in blastocysts were upregulated. In summary, our findings demonstrate that rapamycin treatment improves oocytes maturation probably by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing ROS levels, and regulating the apoptosis in mature yak oocytes. Rapamycin treatment also improves embryonic developmental competence in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Libin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China
| | - Honghong He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiangfeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China
| | - Gengquan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, China.
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22
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Zhou J, Yue S, Du J, Xue B, Wang L, Peng Q, Zou H, Hu R, Jiang Y, Wang Z, Xue B. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the mechanism of dietary N-carbamoylglutamate in promoting follicle development in yaks. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:946893. [PMID: 36105003 PMCID: PMC9464987 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.946893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Yak is the main livestock in the highlands of China. The low reproductive rate of yaks is a serious constraint on their production and utility. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) can increase arginine synthesis in mammals and has been shown to improve reproductive performance. Twelve multiparous and simutaneous anoestrous female yaks were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was fed the basal diet (Control, n = 6), and the other was fed the basal diet supplemented with NCG at 6 g/day/yak (NCG, n = 6). All yaks were slaughtered on the 32nd day (the time predicted for the selection of the last wave of dominant follicles), and their ovarian tissues were collected and follicles were classified. NCG supplementation increased the number of large ovarian follicles (diameter > 10 mm), as well as caused significant changes in the transcriptional and metabolic levels in yak ovaries which due to the differential expression of 889 genes and 94 metabolites. Integrated analysis of the transcriptomics and metabolomics data revealed that the differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites were primarily involved in the process of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolic pathways, carbohydrate metabolic pathways, and lipid metabolic pathways. The highlighted changes were associated with amino acid synthesis and metabolism, ovarian steroid hormone synthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, suggesting that NCG supplementation may promote estrogen synthesis and help regulate follicular development by altering the pathways associated with glucose catabolism. The results present important clues for understanding the mechanisms by which NCG supplementation promotes follicular development in yaks. The findings of this study provide a basis for the development and application of NCG in optimizing animal reproduction, including yak reproductive performance, which may help optimize livestock management and uplift the pastoral economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuangming Yue
- Department of Bioengineering, Sichuan Water Conservancy College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Du
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Benchu Xue
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lizhi Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanhui Peng
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yahui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bai Xue
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Bai Xue
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Possible Consequences of Climate Change on Survival, Productivity and Reproductive Performance, and Welfare of Himalayan Yak (Bos grunniens). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080449. [PMID: 36006364 PMCID: PMC9413344 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Climate change is a global issue, with a wide range of ecosystems being affected by changing climatic conditions including the Himalaya. Yak are exquisitely adapted to the high-altitude conditions of the Himalaya and are thus highly likely to be affected by climate change. This paper reviews the evidence of how the reported impacts of climate change on the environment and ecosystem of the Himalaya are affecting the survival, productivity and welfare of Himalayan Yak. This review identified that we do not know how big the impact of climate change is on yak as very few papers have measured that impact and, in many cases, potentially climate-change-related effects (such as changes in feed supply) are principally driven by human factors. Abstract Yak are adapted to the extreme cold, low oxygen, and high solar radiation of the Himalaya. Traditionally, they are kept at high altitude pastures during summer, moving lower in the winter. This system is highly susceptible to climate change, which has increased ambient temperatures, altered rainfall patterns and increased the occurrence of natural disasters. Changes in temperature and precipitation reduced the yield and productivity of alpine pastures, principally because the native plant species are being replaced by less useful shrubs and weeds. The impact of climate change on yak is likely to be mediated through heat stress, increased contact with other species, especially domestic cattle, and alterations in feed availability. Yak have a very low temperature humidity index (52 vs. 72 for cattle) and a narrow thermoneutral range (5–13 °C), so climate change has potentially exposed yak to heat stress in summer and winter. Heat stress is likely to affect both reproductive performance and milk production, but we lack the data to quantify such effects. Increased contact with other species, especially domestic cattle, is likely to increase disease risk. This is likely to be exacerbated by other climate-change-associated factors, such as increases in vector-borne disease, because of increases in vector ranges, and overcrowding associated with reduced pasture availability. However, lack of baseline yak disease data means it is difficult to quantify these changes in disease risk and the few papers claiming to have identified such increases do not provide robust evidence of increased diseases. The reduction in feed availability in traditional pastures may be thought to be the most obvious impact of climate change on yak; however, it is clear that such a reduction is not solely due to climate change, with socio-economic factors likely being more important. This review has highlighted the large potential negative impact of climate change on yak, and the lack of data quantifying that impact. More research on the impact of climate change in yak is needed. Attention also needs to be paid to developing mitigating strategies, which may include changes in the traditional system such as providing shelter and supplementary feed and, in marginal areas, increased use of yak–cattle hybrids.
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Bai B, Degen AA, Han X, Hao L, Huang Y, Niu J, Liu S. Average Daily Gain and Energy and Nitrogen Requirements of 4-Month-Old Female Yak Calves. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:906440. [PMID: 35903137 PMCID: PMC9325412 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.906440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little information available on milk intake and energy and nitrogen requirements of growing yak calves. This study aimed to fill this important gap, as this information could be beneficial in designing a system to wean yak calves earlier than in natural time. We determined the average daily gain and energy and nitrogen balances and requirements of 4-month-old female yak calves (48.8 ± 2.45 kg, n = 8). The calves were allowed to suck once a day and were fed an ad libitum concentrate: hay diet at a ratio of 60:40. Milk intake averaged 540 ± 26 g/d, yielding 2.28 ± 0.112 MJ/d, which was 13% of the gross energy intake (GEI). The digestible energy intake (DEI):GEI ratio was 0.681, metabolizable energy intake (MEI):DEI was 0.913, and MEI:GEI was 0.621. The average daily gain of the calves was 433 ± 153.1 g/d, which consisted of 78.0 ± 8.99 g protein, 52.7 ± 23.74 g fat, and 302.3 ± 95.1 g water, that is, 18.0% protein, 13.0% fat and 69.8% water. There were 130.7 g of body solids and 9.06 MJ of energy in every kg of body mass gain. Of the MEI, 25.17 kJ were required for 1 g of body mass, 83.40 kJ for 1 g of body solids, and 2.62 kJ for 1 kJ of retained energy (RE), and RE was 36.6% of MEI. The maintenance energy requirement was 5.35 MJ/d, the efficiency of utilization of energy for growth (kg) was 0.72, and the heat increment of feeding for growth was 0.28 (1.55 MJ/d). Digestible nitrogen (N) was 0.685 while retained N (RN) was 0.489 of N intake. The N requirement for maintenance was 11.73 g/d or 0.61 g N/kg0.75 per day, while the biological value (BV) of N was 91.1%. The energy and N requirements for yak calves were relatively low, which could be explained, at least in part, by the high efficiency of utilization of energy and high BV of N when compared to other livestock. These findings could be beneficial in designing early weaning systems for the many Himalayan households depending on yak production for their livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binqiang Bai
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, The Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - A. Allan Degen
- Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, The Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Lizhuang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, The Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- *Correspondence: Lizhuang Hao
| | - Yayu Huang
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, Institut Nationale de la Recherche Agronomigue, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Jianzhang Niu
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, The Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Shujie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Feed Science of Qinghai Province, State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, The Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Shujie Liu
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25
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Pei J, Zhao S, Yin M, Wu F, Li J, Zhang G, Wu X, Bao P, Xiong L, Song W, Ba Y, Yan P, Song R, Guo X. Differential proteomics of placentas reveals metabolic disturbance and oxidative damage participate yak spontaneous miscarriage during late pregnancy. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:248. [PMID: 35761325 PMCID: PMC9235108 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03354-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High spontaneous miscarriage rate in yak, especially during late pregnancy, have caused a great economic loss to herdsmen living in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. However, the mechanism underlying spontaneous miscarriage is still poorly understood. In the present study, placenta protein markers were identified to elucidate the pathological reasons for yak spontaneous miscarriage through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomic technology and bioinformatic approaches. Results Subsequently, a total of 415 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between aborted and normal placentas. The up-regulated DEPs in the aborted placentas were significantly associated with “spinocerebellar ataxia”, “sphingolipid signalling”, “relaxin signalling”, “protein export”, “protein digestion and absorption” and “aldosterone synthesis and secretion” pathway. While the down-regulated DEPs in the aborted placentas mainly participated in “valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation”, “PPAR signalling”, “peroxisome”, “oxidative phosphorylation”, “galactose metabolism”, “fatty acid degradation”, “cysteine and methionine metabolism” and “citrate cycle” pathway. Conclusions The results implied that the identified DEPs could be considered as placental protein markers for yak miscarriage during late pregnancy, and biomacromolecule metabolic abnormality and oxidative damage might be responsible for the high spontaneous miscarriage rate in yak. These findings provide an important theoretical basis for deciphering the pathologic mechanism of late spontaneous miscarriage in yak. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03354-w.
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Guo S, Wang X, Cao M, Wu X, Xiong L, Bao P, Chu M, Liang C, Yan P, Pei J, Guo X. The transcriptome-wide N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) map profiling reveals the regulatory role of m 6A in the yak ovary. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:358. [PMID: 35538402 PMCID: PMC9092806 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Yak estrus is a seasonal phenomenon, probably involving epigenetic regulation of synthesis and secretion of sex hormones as well as growth and development of follicles. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification of the eukaryotic mRNA. However, there are no detailed reports on the m6A transcriptome map of yak ovary. Therefore, this study aimed to collected the yak ovarian tissues at three different states of anestrus (YO-A), estrus (YO-F), and pregnancy (YO-P), and obtained the full transcriptome m6A map in yak by MeRIP-seq. RESULTS The HE staining revealed that the number of growing follicles and mature follicles in the ovary during the estrus period was relatively higher than those in the anestrus period and the pregnancy period. The RT-qPCR showed that the expression of METTL3, METTL14, FTO, YTHDC1 were significantly different across different periods in the ovaries, which suggests that m6A may play a regulatory role in ovarian activity. Next, we identified 20,174, 19,747 and 13,523 m6A peaks in the three ovarian samples of YO-A, YO-F and YO-P using the methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). The m6A peaks are highly enriched in the coding sequence (CDS) region and 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) as well as the conserved sequence of "RRACH." The GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis revealed the involvement of m6A in many physiological activities of the yak's ovary during reproductive cycle. The association analysis found that some genes such as BNC1, HOMER1, BMP15, BMP6, GPX3, and WNT11 were related to ovarian functions. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of the distribution patterns of methylation peaks in the ovarian tissues across different periods further explored the m6A markers related to the regulation of ovarian ovulation and follicular development in the yak ovary. This comprehensive map provides a solid foundation for revealing the potential function of the mRNA m6A modification in the yak ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Min Chu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
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Zi XD, Xiong Y, Wu JB, Gige MT, Zhao SB, Yu ZH, Lu Y, Qiao YS. Dynamic changes in gene expression during follicle development and the efficacy of four timed AI protocols in non-suckling female yaks ( Bos grunniens). Anim Biotechnol 2022:1-7. [PMID: 35133936 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to investigate changes in the mRNA expression levels of five genes during antral follicle development and to assess the efficacy of four timed-artificial insemination (TAI) protocols in female yaks (Bos grunniens). RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression levels were greater for follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and bone morphogenic protein 15 in the small follicle, luteinizing hormone receptor, and kit ligand in the large follicle, and growth differentiation factor 9 in the medium follicle (p < 0.05). Non-suckling yaks were treated as a 7-d CIDR, and PGF2α + eCG at CIDR withdrawal and TAI with frozen yak semen at 56-58 h after PGF2α (PPe-7d); either a 7-d CIDR (PPG-7d) or a 5-d CIDR (PPG-5d), and PGF2α at CIDR withdrawal and TAI + GnRH at 70-72 h after PGF2α; and GnRH treatment on Day 0, followed by PGF2α on Day 7 and TAI + GnRH on Day 9 (GPG-7d). The results showed that the pregnancy rate (P/AI) was greater in PPG-5d than in GPG-7d (p < 0.05), but the P/AI was not different among the other TAI protocols. In conclusion, the expression levels of these genes in follicles are dynamically changed during antral follicle development in yaks. The PPG-5d protocol achieved a greater P/AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong Zi
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin-Bo Wu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, China
| | - Mo-Ti Gige
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shou-Bao Zhao
- Datong Yak Breeding Farm of Qinghai Province, Xining, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Yu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, China
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Differential proteomic analysis demonstrates follicle fluid participate immune reaction and protein translation in yak. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:34. [PMID: 35031034 PMCID: PMC8758897 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian follicle fluid (FF) as a microenvironment surrounding oocyte plays critical roles in physio-biochemical processes of follicle development and oocyte maturation. It is hypothesized that proteins in yak FF participate in the physio-biochemical pathways. The primary aims of this study were to find differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between mature and immature FF, and to elucidating functions of the mature and immature FF in yak. Results The mature and immature FF samples were obtained from three healthy yaks that were nonpregnant, aged from four to five years, and free from any anatomical reproductive disorders. The FF samples were subjected to mass spectrometry with the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). The FF samples went through correlation analysis, principle component analysis, and expression pattern analysis based on quantification of the identified proteins. Four hundred sixty-three DEPs between mature and immature FF were identified. The DEPs between the mature and immature FF samples underwent gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The DEPs highly expressed in the mature FF mainly took parts in the complement and coagulation cascades, defense response, acute-phase response, response to other organism pathways to avoid invasion of exogenous microorganisms. The complement activation pathway contains eight DEPs, namely C2, C5, C6, C7, C9, C4BPA, CFH, and MBL2. The three DEPs, CATHL4, CHGA, and PGLYRP1, take parts in defense response pathway to prevent invasion of exogenetic microorganism. The coagulation cascades pathway involves many coagulation factors, such as F7, F13A1, FGA, FGB, FGG, KLKB1, KNG1, MASP1, SERPINA1, and SERPIND1. While the DEPs highly expressed in the immature FF participated in protein translation, peptide biosynthetic process, DNA conformation change, and DNA geometric change pathways to facilitate follicle development. The translation pathway contains many ribosomal proteins, such as RPL3, RPL5, RPS3, RPS6, and other translation factors, such as EIF3J, EIF4G2, ETF1, MOV10, and NARS. The DNA conformation change and DNA geometric change involve nine DEPs, DDX1, G3BP1, HMGB1, HMGB2, HMGB3, MCM3, MCM5, MCM6, and RUVBL2. Furthermore, the expressed levels of the main DEPs, C2 and SERPIND1, were confirmed by western blot. Conclusions The differential proteomics revealed the up-regulated DEPs in mature FF take parts in immunoreaction to prevent invasion of microorganisms and the up-regulated DEPs in immature FF participate in protein synthesis, which may improve our knowledge of the follicular microenvironment and its biological roles for reproductive processes in yak. The DEPs, C2 and SERPIND1, can be considered as protein markers for mature yak follicle. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03097-0.
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Yang L, Min X, Zhu Y, Hu Y, Yang M, Yu H, Li J, Xiong X. Polymorphisms of SORBS1 Gene and Their Correlation with Milk Fat Traits of Cattleyak. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123461. [PMID: 34944239 PMCID: PMC8697865 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Increasing milk fat rate has a good effect on the milk quality of cattleyak. SNPs can help us find potential molecular markers for the milk fat traits of cattleyak, and they can be screened according to molecular markers when they are young. It provides a reference for cultivating high milk fat cattle population in the future. The results of this study suggest that the SORBS1 gene polymorphism is closely related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak, which could be used as a candidate genetic marker for milk fat trait selection in cattleyak. This study provides a new molecular marker and theoretical basis for screening the milk fat traits of cattleyak. It has a certain reference value for the research and improvement of milk quality. Abstract This study aimed to find the SNPs in the SORBS1 gene of cattleyak, analyze the relationship between its polymorphisms and the milk fat traits, and find potential molecular markers for the milk fat traits of cattleyak. The polymorphism of the SORBS1 gene in 350 cattleyak from Hongyuan County (Sichuan, China) were detected by PCR and DNA sequencing, and the correlation between these SNPs and the milk production traits of cattleyak was analyzed. The results showed that there were nine SNPs in the CDS and their adjacent non-coding regions of the SORBS1 gene, and all SNPs have three genotypes. The correlation analysis found that the genotypes with superior milk fat traits in the other eight alleles were homozygous genotypes with a high genotype frequency except the g.96284 G > A (c.3090 G > A) (p < 0.05). However, at locus g.96284 G > A, the milk fat percentage, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) of the GA genotype were significantly higher than that of GG and AA genotypes (p < 0.05). Among these SNPs, three SNPs (g.6256 C > T (c.298 C > T), g.24791 A > G (c.706 A > G) and g.29121 A > G (c.979 A > G)) caused the amino acids change. The genotypes of the three SNPs consist of three haplotypes and four diplotypes. The amino acid mutation degree of diplotype H1–H1 (CCAAAA) was the highest, and its milk fat percentage, MUFAs, PUFAs and SFAs were also the highest (p < 0.05). Taken together, we found nine SNPs in the SORBS1 gene that are closely related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak. Moreover, the mutation of amino acids caused by SNPs had positive effects on the milk fat traits of cattleyak. H1-H1 is the dominant diplotype which significantly related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak. This study provides a new molecular marker and theoretical basis for screening the milk fat traits of cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xingyu Min
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Yulei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Manzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hailing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (L.Y.); (X.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.H.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China; (M.Y.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Changes in Transcriptomic Profiles in Different Reproductive Periods in Yaks. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121229. [PMID: 34943144 PMCID: PMC8698885 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The molecular regulation mechanism of yak ovarian activity has attracted extensive attention. This study investigated the global gene expression profiles in different reproductive stages (anestrus, estrus, and pregnancy) by RNA-seq technology. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in the process of follicular growth, ovulation, and hormone metabolism. This study explored the regulation mechanism of the yak ovary in the reproductive cycle and laid a theoretical foundation for further understanding the reproductive characteristics of yak. Abstract Yak reproductive characteristics have received extensive attention, though the molecular regulation mechanism of its ovarian activity remains to be explored. Therefore, this study initially conducted a comparative analysis of yak ovarian activities in anestrus, estrus, and pregnancy regarding their morphology and histology, followed by implementing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to detect the overall gene expression and biological mechanism in different reproductive stages. H&E staining showed that there were more growing follicles and mature follicles in ovarian tissue sections during estrus than ovarian tissues during non-estrus. The RNA-seq analysis of yak ovary tissues in three periods showed that DEGs related to follicular development and hormone metabolism were screened in the three comparison groups, such as COL1A2, NR4A1, THBS2, PTGS2, SCARB1, STAR, and WNT2B. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these DEGs are involved in ion binding, cell development, metabolic processes, enriched in ECM–receptor interactions, steroid biosynthesis, together with aldosterone generation/discharge and Wnt/PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. In addition, we speculate alternate splice development events to have important role/s in regulating ovarian functional genomic expression profiles. These results provide essential knowledge aimed at scrutinizing pivotal biomarkers for yak ovarian activity, together with paving the way for enhancing researchers’ focus on improving yak reproductive performance.
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Paul V, Krishnan G, Deori S, Bam J, Chakravarty P, Sarkar M. Body status and blood metabolites profiles during resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in yak (Poephagus grunniens). Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1377-1386. [PMID: 34378257 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the changes in body weight (BW), back-fat thickness (BFT) and blood metabolites in relation to postpartum (PP) ovarian activity status in twenty female yaks raised under semi-intensive system. BFT and ovarian activities, like follicle development, ovulation (OV) and corpus luteum (CL) development, were monitored from 4 to 15 weeks (wk) PP using ultrasonography. Resumption of ovarian activity was confirmed with ovulation of dominant follicle (DF) and subsequent CL development, and >1 ng/ml progesterone concentration in blood plasma sample after 1week of ovulation. Yaks were further classified as cyclic (with CL), acyclic (without CL), and cystic (with >25 mm follicular cyst; FC). Within 20 weeks PP, 60% yaks resumed cyclic ovarian activity, while 25% failed to initiate cycling activity, and 15% developed follicular cysts. In all categories of yak, BW gradually decreased (p < .05) till nadir; however, nadir reached earlier (p < .05) in acyclic yaks. BFT differed (p < .05) among the yak groups, but it tended to be higher in cyclic yaks as compared to acyclic and cystic. No difference (p > .05) in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) values was found among the different categories of yaks, whereas, beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) levels were higher in cystic animals as compared to acyclic and cyclic. Blood glucose levels decreased in all yaks during initial 2 weeks after calving. Our findings suggest that yaks with low BW, BFT and glucose levels, and higher BHB values were at risk of delayed resumption of ovarian activity and concomitant development of follicular cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Paul
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - G Krishnan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India.,ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - S Deori
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India.,ICAR-Research Complex for NEH region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Joken Bam
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - P Chakravarty
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - M Sarkar
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Wu JF, Liu Y, Zi XD, Li H, Lu JY, Jing T. Molecular cloning, sequence, and expression patterns of DNA damage induced transcript 3 (DDIT3) gene in female yaks ( Bos grunniens). Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:280-287. [PMID: 34353209 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1957686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays an important role in regulating the reproductive process of female mammals, mainly involved in follicular atresia and corpus luteum regression. DNA damage induced transcript 3 (DDIT3) is a marker gene of ERS. The objectives of the present study were to clone and analyze the sequence and tissue expression characteristics of DDIT3 gene in female yaks. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) strategy, we obtained full-length 507-bp DDIT3-cDNA, encoding for 168-aa protein. Yak DDIT3 exhibited highest and least identity with that of bison and horse, respectively. Real-time PCR analyses revealed that the expression level of DDIT3 gene in ovary was higher than that in heart, liver, kidney, spleen, lung, uterus and oviduct (p < 0.05). DDIT3 expression level in ovary and uterus during pregnancy was higher than that in follicular phase, luteal phase and fetus stage. DDIT3 was highly expressed in metaphase II oocytes and granulosa cells than that in germinal vesicle and metaphase I oocytes (p < 0.05), respectively. This is the first molecular characterization and expression patterns of DDIT3 gene in female yaks. These results indicated that the DDIT3 gene possibly plays an important role in regulating ovary function and pregnancy maintenance in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Fei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xiang-Dong Zi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Jian-Yuan Lu
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Tian Jing
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, PR China
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Ma J, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Yu X, Hu R, Wang X, Cao G, Zou H, Shah AM, Peng Q, Xue B, Wang L, Zhao S, Kong X. Glutamine supplementation affected the gut bacterial community and fermentation leading to improved nutrient digestibility in growth-retarded yaks. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6300444. [PMID: 34132351 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of glutamine supplementation on nutrient digestibility, immunity, digestive enzyme activity, gut bacterial community and fermentation of growth-retarded yaks. A total of 16 growth-retarded yaks were randomly allocated to two groups: negative control (GRY) and glutamine supplementation group (GLN). Another eight growth-normal yaks were used as a positive control (GNY). Compared with GRY group, the crude protein digestibility was higher in GLN and GNY animals and the neutral detergent fiber digestibility was increased in GLN yaks. The concentrations of serum IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-10, as well as butyrate concentration and cellulase activity in the rumen and cecum were higher in GLN yaks compared to those in GRY animals. Supplementation with glutamine enhanced the chymotrypsin activity and increased the relative abundances of unclassified Peptostreptococcaceae and Romboutsia while decreased the relative abundances of unclassified Chitinophagaceae and Bacteroides in the jejunum and ileum of growth-retarded yaks. In the cecum, the relative abundance of unclassified Muribaculaceae was higher in GLN group than that in GRY group. The findings in this study suggest that the improved nutrient digestibility and immunity of growth-retarded yaks with glutamine supplementation may be through its potential impact on the lower gut host and microbial functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiong Yu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumchi 830052, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guang Cao
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ali Mujtaba Shah
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Quanhui Peng
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bai Xue
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lizhi Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production, University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Suonan Zhao
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei 810299, China
| | - Xiangying Kong
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei 810299, China
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Xie J, Kalwar Q, Yan P, Guo X. Expression and characterization of the serum proteome from yak induced into estrus by improved nutrition. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 33:930-940. [PMID: 33625304 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1853137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of estrus plays a crucial role in the livestock industry. It is reported that providing better nutrition can induce early estrus in animals. However, little is known about the major endocrine and physiological mechanisms that could enhance estrus in anestrus animals. Hence in the current research two different groups of yaks, non-breeding season (February-June, NBS) estrus yaks as the experiment group and breeding season (July-September, BS) estrus animals as the control group were compared using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique. Study displayed that cold season supplementation significantly improved growth performance, serum biochemical indicators and reproductive hormone concentrations in yaks. We also identified 25 differentially expressed proteins in yak serum using iTRAQ proteomics. Go and KEGG analysis indicated that calcium signaling pathway and beta-alanine metabolism may be candidate pathways for seasonal estrus induced by nutrition. Differential protein expression was validated using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The results of this study initially identified A2M, IGF2, A1BG and APOA1 as candidate proteins for seasonal estrus induced by nutrition. Altogether, In conclusion, our results show that providing additional nutrients in the cold season can improve yak productivity and reproductive efficiency, and provide a new reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpeng Xie
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qudratullah Kalwar
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Effects of Premating Calcium and Phosphorus Supplementation on Reproduction Efficiency of Grazing Yak Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020554. [PMID: 33672512 PMCID: PMC7923756 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study was realized to explore the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl) and monocalcium phosphate (MCP) supplementation on the reproductive efficiency of grazing yak heifers. The body weight, serum markers of bone metabolism, and conception and calving rate of grazing yaks in control group and supplementary feeding groups were compared. The results revealed that supplementation with MCP but not CaCl could significantly improve the reproductive performance, possibly due to the improvement in body weight and bone phosphorus storage providing better estrous physiological conditions for grazing yak heifers. The findings of this study may be helpful and instructional to improve the reproductive efficiency of yaks on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. Abstract Reproductive efficiency is the main factor limiting yak production on the Tibet Plateau. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with calcium chloride (CaCl) and monocalcium phosphate (MCP) for 30 days before breeding on body weight (BW) change, serum bone metabolism biomarkers, conception rate, and calving rate of grazing yaks. Ninety 3 year old yak heifers (153.05 ± 6.56 kg BW) were assigned to three treatments (n = 30 per treatment): grazing without supplementation (CONT), grazing plus calcium chloride supplementation (CaCl), and grazing plus monocalcium phosphate supplementation (MCP). Compared with the CONT group, supplementation with CaCl increased the serum concentrations of osteocalcin and decreased the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (p < 0.05); supplementation with MCP increased the average daily gain (ADG), serum concentrations of phosphorus (P) and osteocalcin, conception rate, and calving rate (p < 0.05), whereas it decreased the serum concentrations of hydroxyproline, ALP, and calcitonin (p < 0.05). Both CaCl and MCP supplementation had no effect on serum calcium (Ca) concentration. The ADG, conception rate, and calving rate were higher in the MCP group than in the CaCl group (p < 0.05), while the serum concentrations of hydroxyproline and calcitonin were lower (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that premating supplementation with MCP increased the body weight gain and subsequent conception and calving rate of grazing yaks. Supplementation with MCP had a positive effect on body condition and bone metabolism, thus providing a better estrous condition for grazing yak heifers, which could contribute to enhancing reproduction efficiency.
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Qin W, Wang B, Yang L, Yuan Y, Xiong X, Li J, Yin S. Molecular cloning, characterization, and function analysis of the AMH gene in Yak (Bos grunniens) Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2021; 163:1-9. [PMID: 33476894 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) are important testicular somatic cells that carry out various functions in spermatogenesis. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying SC development may facilitate the understanding of animal reproduction. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein produced by SCs and plays essential roles in spermatogenesis. In this study, we cloned the coding sequence of the yak AMH, predicated the structure of AMH protein, analyzed AMH expression in the testis at different stages, and studied the functions of AMH in yak SCs. The open reading frame (ORF) of the yak AMH contained 1728 bp and encoded 575 amino acids. Structural analysis revealed that the yak AMH protein had a highly conserved transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) domain. The mRNA expression level for the AMH gene in yak testis increased significantly from the fetal stage to calf stage, then decreased with the increase of age. The highest expression was found in calf stage. Cell proliferation was depressed in AMH-deficient SCs. Expression of several genes involved in SC proliferation and development, including PCNA, BCL-2, BAX, CASP3, AR and AMHR2 were altered after knockdown of AMH. Also, three SC-secreted factors essential for spermatogenesis, SCF, GDNF and ABP, were repressed at the transcription level after AMH knockdown in yak SCs. Moreover, supplementation with exogenous AMH protein partially rescued SC proliferation, and the expression of PCNA, BCL-2, AR and AMHR2 after AMH gene interference. This research provided theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism by which AMH regulates yak spermatogenesis and might give new insights in improving yak reproductive performance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - YuJie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Shi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Modem Technology (Southwest Minzu University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Ma J, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Yu X, Hu R, Wang X, Cao G, Zou H, Shah AM, Peng Q, Xue B, Wang L, Zhao S, Kong X. Comparing the Bacterial Community in the Gastrointestinal Tracts Between Growth-Retarded and Normal Yaks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:600516. [PMID: 33391217 PMCID: PMC7775487 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.600516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In ruminants, the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has an essential role in healthy growth. Examining the bacterial composition in the GIT between growth-retarded and normal yaks could improve our understanding of the role of microorganisms in yaks with growth retardation. In this study, eight male yaks with growth retardation were used as the growth-retarded yak (GRY) group, and another eight male growth normal yaks (GNYs) with the same breed and age were used as the GNY group. We compared the bacterial community in the rumen, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon between GRY and GNY groups based on the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Alpha-diversity revealed that the Shannon index in the duodenum and ileum of the GNY group was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the GRY group. However, the opposite trend was found in the jejunum and cecum. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that the bacterial structure in all segments of GIT differed from each other between two groups. In the rumen, the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, and Treponema 2 were higher (P < 0.05) in the GNY group as compared with the GRY group. However, the Christensenellaceae R-7 group exhibited an opposite trend. In the jejunum, compared with the GNY group, the unclassified Chitinophagaceae was enriched significantly (P < 0.05) in the GRY group. However, the unclassified Peptostreptococcaceae, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group were enriched (P < 0.05) in the GNY group. In the ileum, the relative abundances of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group and Prevotellaceae UCG-004 were higher (P < 0.05) in the GNY group than those in the GRY group. In the cecum, the GNY group showed a higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotellaceae UCG-003 as compared with the GRY group. In the colon, the relative abundances of Treponema 2 and unclassified Lachnospiraceae were slightly higher (0.05 < P < 0.10) in the GNY group than those in the GRY group. Overall, these results improve our knowledge about the bacterial composition in the GIT of growth-retarded and normal yaks, and regulating the bacterial community may be an effective solution to promote the compensatory growth of GRYs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiong Yu
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumchi, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guang Cao
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ali Mujtaba Shah
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanhui Peng
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bai Xue
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lizhi Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Suonan Zhao
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei, China
| | - Xiangying Kong
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei, China
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Dietary supplementation with glutamine improves gastrointestinal barrier function and promotes compensatory growth of growth-retarded yaks. Animal 2020; 15:100108. [PMID: 33712211 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth retardation of yaks commonly exists on the Tibetan Plateau, and the gastrointestinal barrier function of growth-retarded yaks is disrupted. Glutamine (Gln) is an effective feed additive to improve the gastrointestinal barrier function of animals. This research evaluated the effects of Gln on growth performance, serum permeability parameters, gastrointestinal morphology and barrier function of growth-retarded yaks. Thirty-two male growth-retarded yaks (74.0 ± 6.16 kg of BW and 480 ± 5.50 days of age) were randomly allocated to 4 groups: the negative control (GRY, fed basal ration), Gln1 (fed basal ration and 60 g/d Gln per yak), Gln2 (120 g/d) and Gln3 (180 g/d). Another 8 male growth normal yaks (112 ± 6.11 kg of BW and 480 ± 5.00 days of age) with same breed were used as a positive control (GNY, fed basal ration). The results showed that GRY had lower growth performance and higher (P < 0.05) diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in serum as compared to GNY. Glutamine improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growth-retarded yaks, and the Gln2 group displayed highest ADG. Glutamine supplementation reduced markers of gut permeability in growth-retarded yaks. The GRY and Gln2 groups were selected to study the gastrointestinal barrier function. Growth-retarded yaks fed Gln2 showed higher (P < 0.05) height and surface area of ruminal papillae as compared to GRY. A similar trend of height and surface area in jejunal villus was found between GRY and Gln2 groups. The Gln2 increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A in jejunum and ileum of growth-retarded yaks. The rumen and jejunum of Gln2 yaks exhibited lower (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β and higher (P < 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA expressions. Growth-retarded yaks fed Gln2 increased (P < 0.05) the expressions of claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the rumen and jejunum. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Gln could improve the gastrointestinal barrier function and promote the compensatory growth of growth-retarded yaks.
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Ma J, Shah AM, Wang Z, Hu R, Zou H, Wang X, Cao G, Peng Q, Xue B, Wang L, Zhao S, Kong X. Comparing the gastrointestinal barrier function between growth-retarded and normal yaks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9851. [PMID: 32953274 PMCID: PMC7474896 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yak (Bos grunniens) is an ancient bovine species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Due to extremely harsh condition in the plateau, the growth retardation of yaks commonly exist, which can reduce the incomes of herdsman. The gastrointestinal barrier function plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients and healthy growth. Functional deficiencies of the gastrointestinal barrier may be one of the contributors for yaks with growth retardation. Methods To this end, we compared the growth performance and gastrointestinal barrier function of growth-retarded (GRY) and normal yaks (GNY) based on average daily gain (ADG), serum parameters, tissue slice, real-time PCR, and western blotting, with eight yaks in each group. Results GRY exhibited lower (P < 0.05) average daily gain as compared to GNY. The diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in the serum of GRY were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of GNY. Compared to GNY, the papillae height in the rumen of GRY exhibited lower (P = 0.004). In jejunum, with the exception of higher villus height, width, and surface area in GNY, numerical difference (P = 0.61) was detected between two groups for crypt depth. Both in rumen and jejunum, the mRNA expression of interleukin-1beta in GRY was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in GNY, but an opposite trend was found in interleukin-10 expression. Moreover, GRY showed a higher (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression in the rumen. The claudin-1 (CLDN1), occludin (OCLN), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO1) expressions of GRY in rumen and jejunum were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) as compared to GNY. The correlation analysis identified that in rumen and jejunum, there was a positive correlation between interleukin-10 and CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1 mRNA expressions, but the tumor necrosis factor-alpha was negatively correlated with CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1. In the rumen, the ADG was positively correlated with papillae surface area, and a same relationship between ADG and CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1 expressions was found. Conclusion The results indicated that the ruminal and jejunal barrier functions of GRY are disrupted as compared to GNY. In addition, our study provides a potential solution for promoting the growth of GRY by enhancing the gastrointestinal barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ali Mujtaba Shah
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhisheng Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guang Cao
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanhui Peng
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bai Xue
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lizhi Wang
- Low Carbon Breeding Cattle and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Suonan Zhao
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei, China
| | - Xiangying Kong
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei, China
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Fan J, Yu Y, Han X, He H, Luo Y, Yu S, Cui Y, Xu G, Wang L, Pan Y. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha in primary reproductive organs of the female yak (Bos grunniens) at different reproductive stages. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1371-1382. [PMID: 32706432 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The yak (Bos grunniens) is the most important livestock animal in high-altitude regions owing to its prominent adaptability to cold conditions, nutritional deficiencies and hypoxia. The reproductive organs exhibit different histological appearances and physiological processes at different reproductive stages. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is the regulatory subunit of HIF-1 that crucially regulates the response to hypoxia in mammalian organisms. The goal of our study was to investigate the expression and distribution of HIF-1α in the primary yak reproductive organs at different reproductive stages. Samples of the ovary, oviduct and uterus of 15 adult female yaks were collected and used in the experiment. The expression and localization of HIF-1α proteins and mRNA were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results indicated that the expression of HIF-1α protein in the ovary was higher during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase and gestation period (p < .05). In the oviduct, HIF-1α protein was also more highly expressed during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase and gestation period (p < .01). However, in the uterus, the HIF-1α protein had stronger expression during the gestation period than during the follicular phase (p < .01) and luteal phase (p < .05). The expression of HIF-1α mRNA was similar to that of its protein. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed intense immunostaining of HIF-1α proteins in the follicular granulosa cells, granular luteal cells, villous epithelial cells of the oviduct, endometrial glandular epithelium and luminal epithelium, foetal villous trophoblast, and epithelia of caruncular crypts. This study showed that the expression of HIF-1α in the ovary, oviduct and uterus varies according to the stage of the reproductive cycle. This implies that HIF-1α plays an important role in regulating the stage-specific physiological function of yak reproductive organs under hypoxic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yiteng Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Honghong He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuzhu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gengquan Xu
- Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Libin Wang
- Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
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The Expression of ERK1/2 in Female Yak ( Bos grunniens) Reproductive Organs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020334. [PMID: 32093255 PMCID: PMC7070411 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reproductive organs undergo different histological appearances and physiological processes under different reproductive statuses. The variation of these organs depends on a delicate regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) super family. They have important roles in regulating various biological processes of different cells, tissues, and organ types. Activated ERK1/2 generally promotes cell survival, but under certain conditions, ERK1/2 also have the function of inducing apoptosis. It is widely believed that ERK1/2 play a significant role in regulating the reproductive processes of mammals. The goal of our research is to investigate the expression and distribution of ERK1/2 in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages. In the present study, samples of the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of 15 adult female yak were collected and used in the experiment. The ERK1/2 proteins, localization, and quantitative expression of their mRNA were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) and relative quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that ERK1/2 proteins and their mRNA were highly expressed in the ovary of the luteal phase and gestation period, in the oviduct of the luteal phase, and in the uterus of the luteal phase and gestation period. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong distribution of ERK1/2 proteins in follicular granulosa cells, granular luteal cells, villous epithelial cells of the oviduct, endometrial glandular epithelium, and luminal epithelium. These results demonstrated that the expression of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins and their mRNA in the yak's ovary, oviduct, and uterus varies with the stage of the reproductive cycle. The variation character of ERK1 and ERK 2 expression in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages implies that they play an important role in regulating the reproductive function under different physiological statuses.
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Reproduction in female wild cattle: Influence of seasonality on ARTs. Theriogenology 2020; 150:396-404. [PMID: 32081408 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Wild cattle species, often considered less alluring than certain conservation-dependent species, have not attracted the same level of interest as the charismatic megafauna from the general public, private or corporate donors, and other funding agencies. Currently, most wild cattle populations are vulnerable or threatened with extinction. The implementation of reproductive technologies to maintain genetically healthy cattle populations in situ and ex situ has been considered for more than 30 years. Protocols developed for domestic cattle breeds have been used with some success in various wild cattle species. However, inherent differences in the natural life history of these species makes extrapolation of domestic cattle protocols difficult, and in some cases, minimally effective. Reproductive seasonality, driven by either photoperiod or nutritional resource availability, has significant influence on the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This review focuses on the physiological processes that differ in breeding (ovulatory) and non-breeding (anovulatory) seasons in female cattle, and the potential methods used to overcome these challenges. Techniques to be discussed within the context of seasonality include: estrus synchronization and ovulation induction, ovarian superstimulation, artificial insemination (AI), multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET), and ovum pick-up (OPU) with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET).
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Transcriptome analysis revealed key signaling networks regulating ovarian activities in the domestic yak. Theriogenology 2020; 147:50-56. [PMID: 32092605 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Domestic yaks are the most important livestock species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Adult female yaks normally breed in warm season and enter anestrous in cold season. Currently, how the ovarian activity is regulated at the molecular level remains to be determined. This study was conducted to investigate follicular development and gene expression patterns of yak ovarian tissues in the warm and cold seasons. Dynamics of follicular development was evaluated based on histological analyses and global gene expression was examined by using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Firstly, we found that follicle development of yak cows in cold season was different from that in warm season. Interestingly, ovaries collected from yaks in cold season contained a significant higher number of antral follicles and some of these follicles showed signs of polycystic structure, indicating abnormal granulosa cell function. RNA-seq analyses of ovarian tissues from non-pregnant adult yaks in cold and warm season revealed that a list of 320 transcripts were differentially expressed, specifically, 79 were up-regulated and 241 were down-regulated in the ovaries from yaks during the cold season. Further analysis demonstrated that transcripts associated with estrogen secretion and metabolism signaling pathway were altered, including FST, CYP1A1, PIK3R1 and PIK3R2. This study showed histological features of follicle development and revealed candidate genes that may have important roles in regulating ovarian activities in the yak seasonal reproduction.
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Xia Y, Wang Q, He XD, Chen Y, JiGe MT, Zi XD. Cloning and expression analysis of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene in the reproductive axis of female yaks (Bos grunniens). Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 70:106383. [PMID: 31479928 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays a central role in promoting follicle maturation through the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-mediated cAMP pathway in animals. The objectives of the present study were to clone the FSHR gene of yaks (Bos grunniens) and compare differences in FSHR mRNA expression in the reproductive axis between yaks and cattle. Hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, oviduct, ovary, and uterus tissue samples were collected from adult female yaks (n = 5) and cattle (n = 5) during the follicular phase. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we found that the FSHR coding region of the yak is 2088 bp and encodes 695 amino acids. Its amino acid sequence showed 99.38%-72.22% similarity to the homologous genes of cattle, goats, sheep, cats, donkeys, horses, humans, chickens, monkeys, mice, rats, and wild boar. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the FSHR gene was expressed in all tissues examined. Expression of the FSHR gene in the yak was higher in the uterus than other tissues (P < 0.05) but, in cattle, was higher in the ovary than other tissues (P < 0.05). The FSHR gene expression level in the cattle ovary was significantly higher than that in the yak ovary (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the FSHR gene is relatively conserved in the course of animal evolution. The variation in sequence and expression level of FSHR between the two species might be associated with the difference in their reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xia
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Q Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - X D He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Conservation & Utilization of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resources, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Y Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Conservation & Utilization of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resources, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - M T JiGe
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - X D Zi
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Changed Caecal Microbiota and Fermentation Contribute to the Beneficial Effects of Early Weaning with Alfalfa Hay, Starter Feed, and Milk Replacer on the Growth and Organ Development of Yak Calves. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110921. [PMID: 31694162 PMCID: PMC6912816 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Yak calves during the pre-weaning period are mainly fed by maternal grazing and nursing, which is beneficial to the oestrus and mating of female yaks or the survival and growth of calves. Barn feeding and early weaning with mixed rations of available roughage and grains was presented as an alternative to maternal grazing and was supposed to be beneficial to the tremendous ruminal and intestinal development and growth of yak calves. The caecum is also the primary site of microbial fermentation, but the limited research has focused on the role of caecal microbiota in regulating the growth of yaks. The findings of the current study indicated that early weaning by supplying calves with milk replacer, alfalfa hay, and starter feed improves yak calf growth performance compared with maternal grazing and nursing, in part through alterations of caecal microbiota and caecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) production induced by supplementation with alfalfa hay and starter feed. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of early weaning by supplying calves with alfalfa hay, starter feed, and milk replacer on caecal bacterial communities and on the growth of pre-weaned yak calves. Ten 30-day-old male yak calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The maternal grazing (MG) group was maternally nursed and grazed, and the early weaning (EW) group was supplied milk replacer, starter feed, and alfalfa hay twice per day. Compared with the yak calves in the MG group, the yak calves in the EW group showed significantly increased body weight, body height, body length, and chest girth. When suffering to the potential mechanism of improved growth of yak calves, except for the enhanced ruminal fermentation, the significantly increased total volatile fatty acids, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate in the caecum in the EW group could also serve to promote the growth of calves. By using 16S rDNA sequencing, some significantly increased caecal phylum and genera, which were all related to the enhanced caecal fermentation by utilizing both the fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates, were identified in the EW group. In conclusion, early weaning of yak calves by supplying them with alfalfa hay, starter feed, and milk replacer is more beneficial to the growth of yak calves when compared with maternal grazing and nursing, in part due to alterations in caecal microbiota and fermentation.
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Behavioural characteristics of yaks grazing summer and winter pastures on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ma X, Jia C, Fu D, Chu M, Ding X, Wu X, Guo X, Pei J, Bao P, Liang C, Yan P. Analysis of Hematological Traits in Polled Yak by Genome-Wide Association Studies Using Individual SNPs and Haplotypes. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10060463. [PMID: 31212963 PMCID: PMC6627507 DOI: 10.3390/genes10060463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Yak (Bos grunniens) is an important domestic animal living in high-altitude plateaus. Due to inadequate disease prevention, each year, the yak industry suffers significant economic losses. The identification of causal genes that affect blood- and immunity-related cells could provide preliminary reference guidelines for the prevention of diseases in the population of yaks. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) utilizing a single-marker or haplotype method were employed to analyze 15 hematological traits in the genome of 315 unrelated yaks. Single-marker GWASs identified a total of 43 significant SNPs, including 35 suggestive and eight genome-wide significant SNPs, associated with nine traits. Haplotype analysis detected nine significant haplotype blocks, including two genome-wide and seven suggestive blocks, associated with seven traits. The study provides data on the genetic variability of hematological traits in the yak. Five essential genes (GPLD1, EDNRA,APOB, HIST1H1E, and HIST1H2BI) were identified, which affect the HCT, HGB, RBC, PDW, PLT, and RDWSD traits and can serve as candidate genes for regulating hematological traits. The results provide a valuable reference to be used in the analysis of blood properties and immune diseases in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Ma
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Congjun Jia
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Donghai Fu
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Min Chu
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Xuezhi Ding
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Xian Guo
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Jie Pei
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
| | - Ping Yan
- Animal Science Department, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
- Key Laboratory for Yak Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction Engineering of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
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He XD, Xia Y, Jige MT, Wang H, Zi XD. Adaptive response of reproduction to high-altitude hypoxic stress by altering mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factors in female yaks (Bos grunniens). Anim Biotechnol 2019; 31:373-375. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2019.1588128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong He
- Key-Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Key-Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mo-Ti Jige
- Key-Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key-Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Zi
- Key-Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhang Q, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Cheng S, Hu J, Ma Y, Zhao X. Comprehensive Analysis of MicroRNA⁻Messenger RNA from White Yak Testis Reveals the Differentially Expressed Molecules Involved in Development and Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103083. [PMID: 30304826 PMCID: PMC6213350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Testis development is a vital and tightly regulated process in mammals. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying testis development will benefit the animal reproduction industry. Expression changes in microRNA and messenger RNA in response to dynamic regulation effects have been associated with this process. However, very little is known about the roles of these molecules in yak development. Using whole-genome small RNA and messenger RNA sequencing, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the microRNA–messenger RNA interaction network expression in the testicles of Tianzhu white yaks during three developmental stages. Using Short Time-series Expression Miner analysis we identified 589 differentially expressed microRNAs (DERs) and 3383 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEGs) in the three age groups. A total of 93 unique DEGs are primarily involved in reproduction and testis development. Subsequently, four integration networks were constructed according to the DEGs and DERs in three biological processes. Nineteen DEGs were potentially regulated by 60 DERs, of which miR-574 and target gene AURKA played a crucial role in yak testis development and reproduction. The results of this study provide a basis for further exploration of the microRNA–messenger RNA interactions in testis development and reproduction and aid in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis in male mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanwei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
- College of Life science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
- College of Life science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Shuru Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
- College of Life science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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50
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Liu P, Dong Q, Liu S, Degen A, Zhang J, Qiu Q, Jing X, Shang Z, Zheng W, Ding L. Postpartum oestrous cycling resumption of yak cows following different calf weaning strategies under range conditions. Anim Sci J 2018; 89:1492-1503. [PMID: 30125429 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early weaning can improve body condition and reproductive performance of cows. The objectives of this study were to examine and compare oestrous cycling resumption, behaviour and blood parameters of yak cows following four different strategies of calf weaning. Twenty-six yak cows (4-8 years) and their calves (94.3 ± 2.4 days) were studied in which calves were: weaned naturally with free access to their mothers (NW; n = 13); weaned abruptly and separated permanently from their mothers (PW; n = 5); separated temporarily from their mothers for 15 days (TW; n = 5); and fitted with nose plates for 15 days, but allowed free access to their mothers (NP; n = 3). Yak cows with sucking calves (NW) spent more time grazing in the cold season (from d 39 to 84). Based on serum progesterone concentrations, none of nine NW yak cows resumed oestrous cycling during the study, while seven of nine yak cows with weaned calves resumed cycling (3/3 for PW; 2/3 for TW; and 2/3 for NP yaks). We concluded that early weaning improved postpartum reproductive performance of yak cows on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau and that abrupt and permanent weaning was an appropriate strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Alpine Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quanmin Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Cultivating Base of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Ecology of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Shujie Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Cultivating Base of Plateau Grazing Animal Nutrition and Ecology of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Academy of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Xining, China
| | - Allan Degen
- Desert Animal Adaptations and Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhanhuan Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenming Zheng
- Haibei Demonstration Zone of Plateau Modern Ecological Animal Husbandry Science and Technology, Haibei, China
| | - Luming Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystem, Institute of Arid Agroecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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