Extracellular vesicles in low volume uterine lavage and serum: novel and promising biomarker for endometritis in Arabian mares

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF_2α and PGE₂). Mares were divided into 30 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 20 fertile (controls). Serum and LVL was collected for EV isolation, and determination of serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Characterization and visualization of EVs were done by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and flow cytometry.

Results

Serial ultracentrifugation of LVL and use of a commercial kit for serum were strategies for EVs isolation. Mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs. The EVs from mares with endometritis differentially expressed CD9 and CD63, compared to controls. Mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators.

Conclusions

Thus, EVs could be used for a better understanding the regulatory mechanisms associated with developing endometritis in mares.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03137-3.

Combined Supplementation of Nano-Zinc Oxide and Thyme Oil Improves the Nutrient Digestibility and Reproductive Fertility in the Male Californian Rabbits

Simple Summary

The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of supplementing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), thyme oil (THO), or their combination on the reproductive parameters, nutrient digestibility coefficients, and some blood metabolites of male Californian rabbits. Results showed an improvement in the nutrients digestibility, liver and kidney functions, testosterone concentration, and semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm motility, vitality, and morphology). ZnO-NPs were more effective in improving the male fertility, while THO showed a marked improvement in nutrient digestibility. Therefore, the inclusion of ZnO-NPs, or THO, or both is recommended for a rabbit feeding regimen to improve the feeding profitability.

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), thyme oil (THO), or their combination on the nutrient digestibility coefficients, reproductive parameters, and some blood metabolites of male Californian rabbits. One hundred rabbits, 29-weeks of age (initial body weight 3.48 ± 0.08 kg) were randomly distributed into four groups, 25 rabbits each. Treatment groups were fed a control diet, a control diet supplemented with ZnO-NPs (100 mg/kg), THO (500 mg/kg), or combination of ZnO-NPs (100 mg/kg) and THO (500 mg/kg). The feeding trial lasted for 35 days. Results showed improvements in dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, and crude fiber in ZnO-NPs, THO, and their combination treated groups compared to those of control. Furthermore, semen volume, sperm motility, vitality, and morphology were significantly improved (p < 0.01) in ZnO-NPs and THO groups rather than the control. Both ZnO-NPs and THO, as either individual or combined treatments significantly improved the serum alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), urea, and creatinine compared to the control. Moreover, serum concentrations of testosterone were significantly increased in rabbits supplemented with ZnO-NPs, THO, or their combination compared to those of control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ZnO-NPs, THO, or their combination improved the digestibility of nutrients, liver/ kidney functions, semen characteristics, and testosterone concentration in male rabbits.