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Ding Y, Li J, Gao Y, Wang X, Wang Y, Zhu C, Liu Q, Zheng L, Qi M, Zhang L, Ji H, Yang F, Fan X, Dong W. Analysis of morphology, histology characteristics, and circadian clock gene expression of Onychostoma macrolepis at the overwintering period and the breeding period. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2024; 50:1265-1279. [PMID: 38568383 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-024-01336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Fish typically adapt to their environment through evolutionary traits, and this adaptive strategy plays a critical role in promoting species diversity. Onychostoma macrolepis is a rare and endangered wild species that exhibits a life history of overwintering in caves and breeding in mountain streams. We analyzed the morphological characteristics, histological structure, and expression of circadian clock genes in O. macrolepis to elucidate its adaptive strategies to environmental changes in this study. The results showed that the relative values of O. macrolepis eye diameter, body height, and caudal peduncle height enlarged significantly during the breeding period. The outer layer of the heart was dense; the ventricular myocardial wall was thickened; the fat was accumulated in the liver cells; the red and white pulp structures of the spleen, renal tubules, and glomeruli were increased; and the goblet cells of the intestine were decreased in the breeding period. In addition, the spermatogenic cyst contained mature sperm, and the ovaries were filled with eggs at various stages of development. Throughout the overwintering period, the melano-macrophage center is located between the spleen and kidney, and the melano-macrophage center in the cytoplasm has the ability to synthesize melanin, and is arranged in clusters to form cell clusters or white pulp scattered in it. Circadian clock genes were identified in all organs, exhibiting significant differences between the before/after overwintering period and the breeding period. These findings indicate that the environment plays an important role in shaping the behavior of O. macrolepis, helping the animals to build self-defense mechanisms during cyclical habitat changes. Studying the morphological, histological structure and circadian clock gene expression of O. macrolepis during the overwintering and breeding periods is beneficial for understanding its unique hibernation behavior in caves. Additionally, it provides an excellent biological sample for investigating the environmental adaptability of atypical cavefish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jincan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Dayi Xunlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Zhu
- Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qimin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Qi
- China Institute of Selenium Industry, Ankang, 725000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- China Institute of Selenium Industry, Ankang, 725000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoteng Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- Shaanxi Dayi Xunlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- Shaanxi Dayi Xunlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Barbato O, Menchetti L, Casano AB, Ricci G, De Matteis G, Agradi S, Curone G, Brecchia G, Achihaei EL, Barile VL. Interferon-Tau in Maternal Peripheral Blood and Its Relationship with Progesterone and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins in the Early Phases of Gestation in Water Buffalo. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1658. [PMID: 38891705 PMCID: PMC11171196 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111658] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group (p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 (p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 (p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal-placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 6, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (G.R.); (E.L.A.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Anna Beatrice Casano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Ricci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 6, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (G.R.); (E.L.A.)
| | - Giovanna De Matteis
- Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Salaria 31, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (G.D.M.); (V.L.B.)
| | - Stella Agradi
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Emilia Larisa Achihaei
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 6, 06100 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (G.R.); (E.L.A.)
| | - Vittoria Lucia Barile
- Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’Economia Agraria (CREA), Via Salaria 31, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (G.D.M.); (V.L.B.)
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Agradi S, González-Cabrera M, Argüello A, Hernández-Castellano LE, Castro N, Menchetti L, Brecchia G, Vigo D, Tuccia E, Curone G. Colostrum Quality in Different Goat Breeds Reared in Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3146. [PMID: 37835753 PMCID: PMC10571944 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193146] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the colostrum quality in three different local goat breeds of Northern Italy (i.e., Frisa Valtellinese, Orobica, and Lariana) and a cosmopolitan one (i.e., Camosciata delle Alpi) (n = 30 per breed), reared under traditional semi-extensive and intensive systems, respectively. Lariana showed the highest percentage of fat (10.18 ± 3.14%) and total solids (30.73 ± 4.89%) but the lowest percentage of lactose (1.87 ± 0.82%; p < 0.05); Orobica had the lowest percentage of fat (7.13 ± 2.48%), total solids (24.11 ± 5.48%), and protein (10.77 ± 4.53%) but the highest percentage of lactose (3.16 ± 0.73%; p < 0.05). This suggests that breeds which have a more pronounced meat aptitude (i.e., Frisa and Lariana) have a higher concentration of components than breeds with more dairy aptitude (i.e., Orobica and Camosciata). Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that IgG is the parameter that best differentiates local breeds from cosmopolitan ones (p < 0.01). Colostrum from Frisa goats showed the highest IgG concentration (100.90 ± 8.11 mg/mL), while the lowest concentration was in the Camosciata breed (74.75 ± 20.16 mg/mL). Finally, the highest lactoferrin concentration was in Frisa (1781.3 ± 892.6 µg/mL) and the lowest in Camosciata and Lariana (763.1 ± 357.9 and 1148.0 ± 858.6 µg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). Differences between Camosciata and local breeds could be due to the different farming systems, in addition to the genetic characteristics. The higher quality of colostrum produced by some local goats could be an adaptive characteristic that helps the growth and survival of the kids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.A.); (D.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Marta González-Cabrera
- IUSA-ONEHEALTH 4. Animal Production and Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Montaña Cardones, s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain; (M.G.-C.); (A.A.); (L.E.H.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Anastasio Argüello
- IUSA-ONEHEALTH 4. Animal Production and Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Montaña Cardones, s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain; (M.G.-C.); (A.A.); (L.E.H.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Enrique Hernández-Castellano
- IUSA-ONEHEALTH 4. Animal Production and Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Montaña Cardones, s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain; (M.G.-C.); (A.A.); (L.E.H.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Noemí Castro
- IUSA-ONEHEALTH 4. Animal Production and Biotechnology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Montaña Cardones, s/n, 35413 Arucas, Spain; (M.G.-C.); (A.A.); (L.E.H.-C.); (N.C.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.A.); (D.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.A.); (D.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Edoardo Tuccia
- ET Dairy Veterinary Services, Via Magenta 14, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (S.A.); (D.V.); (G.C.)
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Maurizio A, Perrucci S, Tamponi C, Scala A, Cassini R, Rinaldi L, Bosco A. Control of gastrointestinal helminths in small ruminants to prevent anthelmintic resistance: the Italian experience. Parasitology 2023; 150:1105-1118. [PMID: 37039466 PMCID: PMC10801368 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Helminth infections are ubiquitous in grazing ruminants and cause significant costs due to production losses. Moreover, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in parasites is now widespread throughout Europe and poses a major threat to the sustainability of modern ruminant livestock farming. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and liver- and rumen-flukes in Italian small ruminants are outdated and fragmentary. However, anthelmintics are commonly used to control these infections and often without prior diagnosis. Compared to other European countries, few reports of AR in small ruminants against levamisole, ivermectin and benzimidazoles have been published in Italy, but recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is spreading. Increased and integrated research efforts in developing innovative approaches to control helminth infections and AR are needed and must be tailored to the peculiarities of each context in order to be effectively implemented. This manuscript provides an overview on helminth prevalence and distribution, sustainable treatment strategies and integrated control approaches in small ruminants in Italy. The implementation of targeted treatments and targeted selective treatments is discussed based on different parameters, such as fecal egg count, degree of anaemia (FAMACHA© method), milk production and body condition score. In addition, several Italian studies have also investigated the implementation of alternative strategies such as the use of different natural bioactive compounds or genetic selection for resistance and resilience to helminth infections. These concrete solutions for helminth management in small ruminant farms in the country are reported and discussed, representing a valid example for other Mediterranean countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maurizio
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16-35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16-35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Draghi S, Agradi S, Riva F, Tarhan D, Bilgiç B, Dokuzeylül B, Ercan AM, Or ME, Brecchia G, Vigo D, Arioli F, Di Cesare F, Curone G. Roe Deer ( Capreolus capreolus) Hair as a Bioindicator for the Environmental Presence of Toxic and Trace Elements. TOXICS 2023; 11:49. [PMID: 36668775 PMCID: PMC9864796 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The return to pasture use as an alternative to intensive livestock farming implies some risks with the lack or the excessive presence of potentially toxic elements; in this regard, wild animals have been used as bioindicators for decades. Thus, the purpose of this study is quantifying Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Al, Fe, and Mg in fur from roe deer and understanding if it is a valid bioindicator tool. Hair was collected from 39 hunted roe deer and divided by age (<36 months old/≥36 months old), sex (male/female), and area of origin (urbanized/rural area). The mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, Mn, Al, Cr, and Pb were higher (p < 0.05) in the urbanized group; the mean levels of Mg and Cr were higher (p < 0.05) in older animals; and Cu, Fe, Mg, Cd, and Cr showed a higher accumulation in females. Our findings showed an age-related variation of elements, with higher concentrations in adult animals and females. In conclusion, our findings prove that hair is a valid matrix for this type of survey, and wild animals are good bioindicators for monitoring the presence of trace elements in pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Duygu Tarhan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bengü Bilgiç
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Dokuzeylül
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alev Meltem Ercan
- Biophysics Department, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Topkapı, Turgut Ozal Millet Cd, Fatih, 34093 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Erman Or
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Universitesi Avcılar Kampusu, Baglariçi Cd. No:7, Avcılar, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Arioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Redox Status and Hematological Variables in Melatonin-Treated Ewes during Early Pregnancy under Heat Stress. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090499. [PMID: 36136715 PMCID: PMC9505195 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The preovulatory follicles and preimplantation stage embryos are found to be rather sensitive to heat stress due to their low potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of melatonin administration on redox status and hematological variables during the preovulatory period and early stages of embryogenesis in heat-stressed ewes in vivo. Forty Karagouniko-breed ewes were divided in two groups, the melatonin (M, n = 20) group and control (C, n = 20) one. All animals were subjected to heat stress throughout the study, which lasted forty days (D0 to D40). In M group, melatonin implants were administered on D0. Then, oestrous synchronization was applied (D19-D33). On D34, six rams were introduced into the ewe flock for mating. Ultrasonographic examination was conducted on D73 for pregnancy diagnosis. The temperature humidity index (THI), the rectal temperature (RT), and the number of breaths per minute (BR) were evaluated twice daily. Redox biomarkers, namely total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were assayed in blood samples collected on D0, D33, and D40. In addition, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count, and cortisol assessment were conducted in blood samples on D33 and D40. The results indicated improved fertility rate and mean number of lambs born per ewe due to improved redox status (p < 0.05) in ewes that received melatonin implants 34 days approximately before the onset of oestrus. The PCV decreased in both groups between the two time-points (p < 0.05). However, the NEU/LYMPH ratio decreased (p < 0.05) only in group M. The low cortisol levels and the decreased NEU/LYMPH ratio in both groups support the hypothesis that ewes of the indigenous Karagouniko breed may exhibit adaptation to environmental thermal stress. The administration of melatonin as an antioxidant regime may improve the reproductive competence of heat stressed ewes and may also enhance their ability to adapt at high ambient temperatures.
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