Exploring the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database chemical space to target I7L protease from monkeypox virus using molecular screening and simulation approaches

In the current study, we used molecular screening and simulation approaches to target I7L protease from monkeypox virus (mpox) from the Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) database. Using molecular screening, only four hits TCM27763, TCM33057, TCM34450 and TCM31564 demonstrated better pharmacological potential than TTP6171 (control). Binding of these molecules targeted Trp168, Asn171, Arg196, Cys237, Ser240, Trp242, Glu325, Ser326, and Cys328 residues and may affect the function of I7L protease in in vitro assay. Moreover, molecular simulation revealed stable dynamics, tighter structural packing and less flexible behaviour for all the complexes. We further reported that the average hydrogen bonds in TCM27763, TCM33057, TCM34450 and TCM31564I7L complexes remained higher than the control drug. Finally, the BF energy results revealed -62.60 ± 0.65 for the controlI7L complex, for the TCM27763I7L complex -71.92 ± 0.70 kcal/mol, for the TCM33057I7L complex the BF energy was -70.94 ± 0.70 kcal/mol, for the TCM34450I7L the BF energy was -69.94 ± 0.85 kcal/mol while for the TCM31564I7L complex the BF energy was calculated to be -69.16 ± 0.80 kcal/mol. Although, we used stateoftheart computational methods, these are theoretical insights that need further experimental validation.

Trauma-focused treatments for refugee children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of KIDNET versus EMDR therapy versus a waitlist control group (KIEM)

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees is reportedly higher in comparison to the general population. Refugee children specifically are often coping with trauma and loss and are at risk for mental health difficulties. With staggering numbers of people seeking refuge around the world and 50% being 18 years or younger, research examining the effects of trauma-focused therapies for refugee children with PTSD is highly needed. Both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the child version of Narrative Exposure Therapy (KIDNET) have been used for refugees, although these treatment methods have not been systematically compared. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effectiveness of EMDR and KIDNET, compared to a waitlist control group and with each other, offered to refugee children.

METHODS

A randomized controlled three-arm trial has been designed. The primary outcome is PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children DSM5 (CAPS-CA-5) at baseline (T1), 1 month post-treatment, or after 8 weeks of waiting (T2) and 3 months follow-up (T3). Additionally, instruments to assess posttraumatic stress symptoms, behavioral and emotional problems, and quality of life perception in children aged 8-18 are conducted at T1, T2, and T3.

DISCUSSION

This is the first RCT that examines the effectiveness of EMDR and KIDNET in refugee children aged 8-18 years specifically, compared to a waitlist control group intended to reduce PTSD diagnosis and severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms and comorbid complaints in a growing and challenging population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register NL40769 . Retrospectively registered on June 16, 2021.

Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in refugees resettling in high-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The number of refugees is at its highest since the Second World War and on the rise. Many refugees suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but exact and up-to-date prevalence estimates are not available.

AIMS

To report the pooled prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders and PTSD in general refugee populations residing in high-income countries and to detect sources of heterogeneity therein.

METHOD

Systematic review with meta-analyses and meta-regression.

RESULTS

Systematic searches (final search date 3 August 2019) yielded 66 eligible publications that reported 150 prevalence estimates (total sample N = 14 882). Prevalence rates were 13 and 42% (95% CI 8-52%) for diagnosed and self-reported anxiety, 30 and 40% (95% CI 23-48%) for diagnosed and self-reported depression, and 29 and 37% (95% CI 22-45%) for diagnosed and self-reported PTSD. These estimates are substantially higher relative to those reported in non-refugee populations over the globe and to populations living in conflict or war settings, both for child/adolescent and adult refugees. Estimates were similar over different home and resettlement areas and independent of length of residence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a challenging and persisting disease burden in refugees due to anxiety, mood disorders and PTSD. Knowing this is relevant for the development of public health policies of host countries. Scalable interventions, tailored for refugees, should become more readily available.

Using knowledge management tools in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey helpdesk: pre and post study

Background

With the growth of information technology, there is a need for the evaluation of cost-effective means of monitoring and support of field workers involved in large epidemiological surveys.

Aim

The aim of this research was to measure the performance of a survey help desk that used knowledge management tools to improve its productivity and efficiency. Knowledge management tools are based on information technologies that improve the creation, sharing, and use of different types of knowledge that are critical for effective decision-making.

Methods

The Saudi National Mental Health Survey’s help desk developed and used specific knowledge management tools including a computer file system, feedback from experts and a call ticketing system. Results are based on the analyses of call records recorded by help desk agents in the call ticketing system using descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon rank-sum test (p < 0.01) and Goodman and Kruscal test (gamma). The call records were divided into two phases and included details such as types of calls, priority level and resolution time.

Results

The average time to resolve a reported problem decreased overall, decreased at each priority level and led to increased first contact resolution.

Conclusion

This study is the first of its kind to show how the use of knowledge management tools lead to a more efficient and productive help desk within a health survey environment in Saudi Arabia. Further research on help desk performance, particularly within health survey environments and the Middle Eastern region is needed to support this conclusion.

Implementing the TRAPD model for the Saudi adaptation of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0

BACKGROUND

The World Mental Health-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) 3.0, originally in English, is a fully-structured interview designed for the assessment of mental disorders. Although Arabic translations of CIDI from countries like Lebanon and Iraq exist, a Modern Standard Arabic translation was developed to suit the Saudi population. While the translation model used in the present paper has been used to translate instruments in Asian and European languages, there is no study to the best of our knowledge which has used this specific model to translate a validated instrument from English to Arabic.

CASE PRESENTATION

This paper describes the Saudi adaptation of CIDI 3.0. The TRAPD team translation model-comprising of translation, review, adjudication, pretesting and documentation-was implemented to carry out the Saudi adaptation of CIDI 3.0. Pretests involving cognitive interviewing and pilot study led to translation revisions which consequently confirmed that Saudi respondents had a good understanding of various items of the instrument. The adaptation procedures for the Saudi CIDI 3.0 were well documented and the instrument was linguistically validated with the Saudi population.

CONCLUSION

The TRAPD model was successfully implemented to adapt the CIDI 3.0 to be used as the main survey instrument for the Saudi National Mental Health Survey, findings of which will provide health policy makers mental health indicators for health decision making and planning.

CHANGES IN IRISIN RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO PERIPHERAL KISSPEPTIN-10 ADMINISTRATION IN HEALTHY AND OBESE ADULT MEN

Context

Kisspeptin role in metabolism has been implicated recently. However, the nature of the signals that may connect body fat/muscle tissues with the central nervous system governing energy homeostasis remains to be elucidated.

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in human males.

Subjects and methods

Kisspeptin-10 was administered to normal weight (n=8) and obese (n=8) men. Sequential blood sampling was performed for 30 minutes pre and 210 minutes post kisspeptin injection at 30 minutes interval. ELISA kit was used to detect plasma irisin levels.

Results

There is a significant (P<0.0001) effect of Kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in both normal weight and obese participants. Mean irisin levels (96.24 ± 1.351 ng/mL) at 210 minutes were significantly (P<0.0001) enhanced as compared to pre-kisspeptin (59.18 ± 4.815 ng/mL) in normal weight subjects. In obese subjects mean irisin levels (75.76 ± 4.06 ng/mL) were significantly (P<0.0001) elevated at 180 minutes post-kisspeptin when compared with pre-kisspeptin irisin levels (41.28 ± 2.89 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that kisspeptin may have a novel therapeutic potential to induce irisin release in humans which may have anti-obesity effects.

Evidence-based guideline implementation of quality assurance and quality control procedures in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey

Background

The World Mental Health surveys have been known to apply high standards of quality control, but few studies have been published to document this. Furthermore, the effectiveness of quality control has rarely been reported in the Middle East.

Case presentation

The focus of this paper was to highlight the implementation of quality control procedures in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey under the World Mental Health Survey Consortium. The paper summarizes the guidelines implemented for the various phases of survey quality control—the quality assurance procedures, the quality control procedures and the quality control appraisal components—as per previously prescribed recommendations in literature.

Conclusions

Survey quality management is a process and not reducible to a single event. Midstream corrections are warranted by detecting problems and intervening appropriately. The Saudi National Mental Health Survey implemented such procedures through continuous quality improvement.

The Saudi National Mental Health Survey: Methodological and logistical challenges from the pilot study

Several challenges exist in carrying out nation-wide epidemiological surveys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) due to the unique characteristics of its population. The objectives of this report are to review these challenges and the lessons learnt about best practices in meeting these challenges from the extensive piloting of the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS), which is being carried out as part of the World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative. We focus on challenges involving sample design, instrumentation, and data collection procedures. The SNMHS will ultimately provide crucial data for health policy-makers and mental health specialists in KSA.

Morphokinetic analysis of human embryo development and its relationship to the female age: a retrospective time-lapse imaging study

Time-lapse imaging technique has provided embryologists with a unique chance of studying the embryo morphokineticsto select the most viable embryos for implantation in the field of IVF (In vitro fertilization).The conventional method of morphological evaluations has proved that maternal age affects the human embryo quality. This retrospective study carried out at Islamabad Clinic Serving Infertile Couples, Islamabad, Pakistan mainly focuses on the effect of female age on human embryo morphokinetics. A total number of 200 patients undergoing ICSI treatment cycles at the clinic were selected for the study and divided into five age groups (&lt; 26, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, and &gt; 40 years). Embryo culture was done at 37°C, 6% CO2 and 5% oxygen for 5-6 days. Ten time-points were selected for kinetic analysis. The number of retrieved, matured, fertilized and cleaved oocytes showed highly significant difference (P≤ 0.0001) when compared among different age groups. There was no significant difference in average morphokinetic time-points among young versus old women.Whereas timely cleaved embryos showed significant difference in tPNa i.e. time for pronuclear appearance (P≤ 0.001), t4 and t5 i.e. time for 4 and 5-cell cleavage (P≤ 0.05)among different age groups. The clinical pregnancy rates showed a decline with increasing age. These results indicate the effect of female age on time-lapse embryo morphokinetic parameters. In future the addition of time-lapse analysis in routine IVF can help to improve the success rate by selecting the most viable embryos for uterine transfer.

A Reevaluation of the Question: Is the Pubertal Resurgence in Pulsatile GnRH Release in the Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta) Associated With a Gonad-Independent Augmentation of GH Secretion?

A somatic signal has been posited to trigger the pubertal resurgence in pulsatile GnRH secretion that initiates puberty in highly evolved primates. That GH might provide such a signal emerged in 2000 as a result of a study reporting that circulating nocturnal GH concentrations in castrated juvenile male monkeys increased in a 3-week period immediately preceding the pubertal resurgence of LH secretion. The present study was conducted to reexamine this intriguing relationship, again in an agonadal model. Four castrated juvenile male monkeys were implanted with indwelling jugular catheters, housed in remote sampling cages, and subjected to 24 hours of sequential blood sampling (every 30 min) every 2 weeks from 19.5 to 22 months of age. Twenty-four-hour profiles of circulating GH concentrations were analyzed using the pulse detection algorithm, PULSAR, and developmental changes in pulsatile GH release with respect to the initiation of the pubertal rise of LH secretion (week 0; observed between 22.5 and 32 mo of age) were examined for significance by a repeated-measures ANOVA. Changes in the parameters of pulsatile GH secretion, including mean 24-hour GH concentration and GH pulse frequency and pulse amplitude for 3 (n = 4) and 6 (n = 3) months before week 0 were unremarkable and nonsignificant. These findings fail to confirm those of the earlier study and lead us to conclude that the timing of the pubertal resurgence of GnRH release in the male monkey is not dictated by GH. Reasons for the discrepancy between the two studies are unclear.

The involvement of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone and kisspeptin in the metabolic regulation of reproduction

Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropeptides, have been acknowledged as significant regulators of reproductive function. KP stimulates reproduction while GnIH inhibits it. These two neuropeptides seem to be pivotal for the modulation of reproductive activity in response to internal and external cues. It is well-documented that the current metabolic status of the body is closely linked to its reproductive output. However, how reproductive function is regulated by the body's energy status is less clear. Recent studies have suggested an active participation of hypothalamic KP and GnIH in the modulation of reproductive function according to available metabolic cues. Expression of KISS1, the KP encoding gene, is decreased while expression of RFRP (NPVF), the gene encoding GnIH, is increased in metabolic deficiency conditions. The lower levels of KP, as suggested by a decrease in KISS1 gene mRNA expression, during metabolic deficiency can be corrected by administration of exogenous KP, which leads to an increase in reproductive hormone levels. Likewise, administration of RF9, a GnIH receptor antagonist, can reverse the inhibitory effect of fasting on testosterone in monkeys. Together, it is likely that the integrated function of both these hypothalamic neuropeptides works as a reproductive output regulator in response to a change in metabolic status. In this review, we have summarized literature from nonprimate and primate studies that demonstrate the involvement of KP and GnIH in the metabolic regulation of reproduction.

Pubertal and testicular development in the common marmoset (<i>Callithrix jacchus</i>) shows high individual variation

Abstract. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a New World primate that exhibits a man-like adult testicular organization. Aims: this study examines the pubertal testicular development in the common marmoset. Material and methods: immature male common marmosets (n = 48) were monitored longitudinally for a period of 13 months. Body weight and testicular volume (TV) were recorded, and testosterone levels were analyzed by an in-house radioimmunoassay. After 13 months the testes were collected, fixed and embedded in paraffin (n = 48). Histological and morphometric data were determined. Results: the first 6 months exhibited a rapid rise in body weight but not in TV. At 7 months a threefold increase in testosterone levels was observed. After 7 months the first few animals displayed rapid testis growth (> 250 mm3 at 10 months), while others exhibited no or slow pubertal development (≤ 100 mm3 at 10 months). Histological features confirmed an individually variable pattern of testicular development. Parallel with the rise in serum testosterone levels, an increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and an appearance of a tubular lumen as well as meiotic germ cells were encountered. The onset and the kinetics of testicular development were highly variable between individual animals in the colony. Epididymal sperm were first observed at 12 months of age. The TV and seminiferous tubule diameter showed continued growth after 12 months of age, especially in the animals developing with a delay after 7 months. Conclusions: pubertal onset in the common marmosets occurs at the earliest at 6 months of age and is hallmarked by sudden threefold increase in serum testosterone levels and a significant rise in the TV. Pubertal testis growth is characterized by an appearance of a tubular lumen and of primary and secondary spermatocytes. Spermatogenesis is qualitatively accomplished at the earliest at 12 months of age. A very high individual difference in onset and kinetics of pubertal development renders the age a very poor prognostic factor to determine the pubertal status of individual marmosets.

Acute fasting-induced repression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is reversed by RF-9 administration in the adult male macaque

Recently, hypothalamic RFRP-3 (a mammalian ortholog of avian GnIH) signaling has been proposed as an important negative modulator of the reproductive axis. The current study examined whether repression of reproductive hormonal expression during short-term fasting conditions in higher-order primate is influenced by altered RFRP-3 signaling. Eight intact postpubertal male macaques (Macaca mulatta) were administered a single intravenous bolus of RF-9 (n = 4), a potent and putative RFRP-3 receptor antagonist, or vehicle (n = 4) following a 48-h fasting condition. Intermittent blood samples were collected every 30 min during the 4-h post-bolus period, and blood glucose, plasma cortisol, and testosterone concentrations were measured. Relative to fed conditions, fasting reduced glucose and testosterone levels (p < 0.005) and increased cortisol levels (p < 0.05). Relative to baseline, mean testosterone levels were elevated 150 min after RF-9 (p < 0.05) but not vehicle administration. In addition, elevated mean plasma testosterone levels following RF-9 administration were equivalent to levels observed in normal fed monkeys. These results suggest an important role for RFRP-3 signaling in conveying metabolic state information to the reproductive axis in higher primates.

Primate HPT axis response to the peripheral kisspeptin challenge under different time periods of food restriction in monkeys

Metabolism and reproduction are closely linked. Both long- and short-term fasting-induced metabolic deficiency suppresses reproductive function in mammals. Recently, we have shown that 48-h fasting-induced metabolic deficiency attenuates the reproductive axis responsiveness to peripheral kisspeptin injection in the sexually mature monkeys. But currently there is no data to show whether shorter time periods of fasting also alter the reproductive axis responsiveness to kisspeptin. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the reproductive axis responsiveness to kisspeptin administration in the adult male rhesus monkey fasted for 12-, 18-, and 24h. Intravenous boli of vehicle (1 ml) and human kisspeptin-10 (KP10; 50 μg) were given to 5 intact sexually mature male rhesus monkeys in both fasting (12-, 18-, 24-h) and ad libitum feeding conditions. Specific immunoassays were used to determine plasma hormones concentrations. KP10 injection highly stimulated testosterone secretion in all conditions. However, mean testosterone concentrations in 3-h post-KP10 injection period were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in 18- and 24-h fasted monkeys when compared to 12-h fasted and fed monkeys. Moreover, 18- and 24-h fasting conditions also significantly (p<0.05) delayed the duration to the first significant increase in T levels after KP10 injection. Vehicle injection did not alter these parameters in any conditions. Present results indicate that 18- and 24-h fasting conditions suppressed the testosterone response to KP10 administration both in initiation and quantity. These results suggest that 18- and 24-h fasting-induced inhibition of the reproductive functions in the mature male macaque may partly involve attenuation in the reproductive axis responsiveness to endogenous kisspeptin stimulation.

Intratesticular action of kisspeptin in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Kisspeptin-Kiss1R signalling in mammals has been implicated as an integral part of the reproductive cascade. Kisspeptinergic neurons upstream of GnRH neurons are involved in the activation of the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator during pubertal onset. Thus, the major research focus has been on the central effects of kisspeptin. The demonstration of the presence of KissR expression in human testes suggests additional unknown actions of kisspeptin-KISS1R signalling at the distal component of the male reproductive axis. Here we explored the impact of kisspeptin at the testis in the adult male rhesus monkey. We employed the clamped monkey model to assess the intratesticular actions of kisspeptin. Plasma testosterone and LH levels were monitored in four adult male monkeys. The peripheral administration of human kisspeptin-10 (50 μg, iv bolus) caused a single LH pulse, which was followed by a robust increase in plasma testosterone levels sustained for at least 180 min. This response was abolished when kisspeptin was administered to GnRH receptor antagonist (acyline) pre-treated animals. However, kisspeptin administration significantly (P < 0.005) elevated hCG-stimulated testosterone levels in acyline pre-treated monkeys when compared with saline+ hCG treatment. These results revealed a novel peripheral facet of kisspeptin signalling.

Differential response of the primate HPG axis to N-methyl-D, L-aspartate, but not to Kisspeptin challenge under euglycemic and hypoglycemic conditions

Hypoglycemia inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by still incompletely deciphered mechanisms. Many evidences suggest that the hypoglycemia-induced inhibition of the HPG axis involves alteration of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release, but neuroendocrine factors responsible for this alteration are yet to be completely elucidated. The current study was carried out to ascertain whether insulin-induced hypoglycemic suppression of the HPG axis involves modulation of responsiveness of the GnRH neuron to kisspeptin and excitatory amino acids (EAA) drives. Five intact chair-restraint habituated adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were given intravenous boli of GnRH, hCG, human kisspeptin-10 (KP10), NMDA (N-methyl-D, L-aspartate, an EAA analogue), and vehicle in both insulin (1 IU/kg)-induced hypoglycemic (IIH) and normal euglycemic conditions. Specific RIAs were used for measuring plasma cortisol and T concentrations. KP10 and NMDA administration stimulated significantly (p<0.005) T secretion in both euglycemic and hypoglycemic monkeys. Mean post-KP10 T concentrations and AUC were comparable between euglycemic and hypoglycemic monkeys. However, mean post-NMDA T levels and AUC in hypoglycemic animals were significantly lower (p<0.01-0.005) as compared to the corresponding values in euglycemic animals. T response to GnRH and hCG was similar between hypoglycemic and euglycemic monkeys. Vehicle did not affect plasma T concentrations in all conditions. Our results demonstrate that while the primate HPG axis response to kisspeptin stimulation remains intact that to EAA excitation is attenuated in hypoglycemic conditions, suggesting that hypogonadism in IIH is contributed, in part, by reduced sensitivity of the GnRH neurons to EAA signaling in the primate hypothalamus.

Study on the effect of peripheral kisspeptin administration on basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion under fed and fasting conditions in the adult male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Kisspeptin (KP)-Kiss1r, a ligand-receptor pair, has recently been implicated as a pivotal regulator of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. KISS1 (encoding KP) as well as KISS1R (encoding receptor for KP) are expressed in several peripheral tissues including the pancreas. But the specific role of KP in the physiology of pancreas is still incompletely deciphered. This study was designed to examine the effect of peripheral KP administration on basal and glucose-induced plasma insulin (an important pancreatic hormone) secretion under fed and fasting conditions in the adult male rhesus monkey. A set of 4 chair-restraint habituated intact adult male rhesus monkeys were assigned to receive intravenous bolus administration of human kisspeptin-10 (KP10, 50 μg), and vehicle (1 ml) in normal fed and fasting conditions without or with glucose infusions. Plasma concentrations of insulin were measured by using a specific IRMA. Glucose infusion significantly stimulated plasma insulin levels (p<0.005). Vehicle administration did not affect both basal and glucose stimulated insulin in fed as well as in fasting condition. KP10 administration had no effect on the basal insulin levels in both fed and fasting as compared to pretreatment or vehicle treatment levels, while it significantly heightened glucose stimulated insulin levels (p<0.05) in both fed and fasted monkeys. The present results show that KP administration does not affect the basal secretion of insulin under both fed and fasting condition while potentiated the glucose-induced insulin levels in the adult male rhesus monkey. Therefore, these findings suggest a potential role of KP in the physiology of pancreas.

Effect of peripheral kisspeptin administration on adiponectin, leptin, and resistin secretion under fed and fasting conditions in the adult male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

In the last few years, kisspeptin-KISS1R signaling has appeared as a major regulator of the reproductive function in several vertebrate species. However, KISS1(encoding kisspeptin) and its putative receptor, KISS1R, are expressed in several other tissues. Adipose tissue, which secretes many peptides with diverse functions in normal physiology, expresses KISS1, which is modulated by gonadal steroids as well as by body nutritional status. Similarly, KISS1Rexpression is also found in adipose tissue, but the local role of kisspeptin in adipocyte function is currently unknown. Therefore, in the present study the effects of exogenous human kisspeptin-10 (KP10) were studied on three important adipokines, namely, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin in a set of four chair-restraint habituated intact adult male rhesus monkeys under; 1) normal fed conditions, 2) 24-h fasting conditions, and 3) 48-h fasting conditions. Plasma resistin and leptin levels decreased (p<0.01), whereas adiponectin levels increased (p<0.05) in fasted monkeys. Kisspeptin administration significantly increased (p<0.05) mean plasma adiponectin levels under fed and 24-h fasting conditions as compared to pretreatment or vehicle-treatment levels. A stimulatory effect was also observed on the 48-h fasting stimulated plasma adiponectin levels, but it lacked statistical significance. In contrast, no effect of kisspeptin was observed on mean plasma leptin and resistin levels. Thus, the present study demonstrated a stimulatory effect of peripheral kisspeptin administration on the plasma adiponectin levels under fed and 24-h fasting conditions in the adult male rhesus monkey. These findings, therefore, assign a novel role to kisspeptin, a regulator of adipocyte function in higher primate.

Testicular development and establishment of spermatogenesis in Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls

Fifteen longitudinally reared Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were slaughtered at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo of age (n=3 per group) to observe testicular development and to examine qualitatively the establishment of spermatogenesis. With the age held constant, scrotal circumference and testes weight were correlated (0.95; P<0.05). Testes weight increased from 3.5+/-0.7 at 1 mo of age to 185+/-30g at 24 mo of age. Seminiferous tubules diameter developed in a linear fashion (57microm at 1 mo and 178microm at 24 mo), and the lumen formed at 12 mo of age. Differentiation of basal indifferent supporting cells to Sertoli cells started at 6 mo, and formation of Sertoli cells completed near 12 mo of age. Gonocytes predominated at 1 mo, but by 12 mo, most had been replaced by spermatogonia, thus rapid proliferation of tubular contents occurred at 12 mo (testes weight=75g). Spermatocytes were first observed at 12 mo, and their number increased through 18 and 24 mo. Establishment of spermatogenesis, as reflected by appearance of significant number of spermatids, occurred by 18 mo of age (testes weight 122g). Thus, the establishment of spermatogenesis was progressive from birth, and marked changes were observed during the last 6 mo.

501. BACTERIOSPERMIA AND ITS CONTROL IN BUBALINE SEMEN

The present study was designed to investigate the bacterial species incriminated in bubaline semen and to find out the effectiveness of antibiotics (GTLS; gentamycin, tylosin and linco-spectin or SP; streptomycin and penicillin) in cryodiluent on bacterial control and quality of buffalo bull spermatozoa. For this purpose four experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, a total of 11 bacterial species were identified from buffalo ejaculates. The predominant bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the ejaculates. In experiment 2, total aerobic bacterial counts in post-thaw samples were lower (P<0.05) in GTLS than in SP or NC (negative control). Fewer bacterial genera were identified in semen samples having GTLS than SP. Majority of the bacterial isolates from ejaculates showed more sensitivity towards GTLS than SP. In experiment 3, motilities (visual and computer-assisted), velocities (straight-line, average path and curvilinear), amplitude of lateral head displacement and plasma membrane integrity in post-thaw semen samples did not differ (P>0.05) due to antibiotics. Spermatozoal abnormalities (acrosome, head, mid-piece and tail) were lower (P<0.05) in GTLS and SP than in NC. In experiment 4, the fertility rates for SP-based vs. GTLS-containing frozen semen of buffalo bull were 42.8 and 55.2%, respectively. The results for GTLS were significantly higher than SP. The fertility rates also differed significantly in the first and second batch of inseminations performed with SP or GTLS-based cryopreserved semen of buffalo bull. In conclusion, a number of bacterial species are isolated from bubaline semen. Bacterial and seminal quality measured by standard laboratory tests and field fertility trials indicate that GTLS is more suitable in extender for cryopreservation of buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Central nervous system receptors involved in mediating the inhibitory action of neuropeptide Y on luteinizing hormone secretion in the male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

An earlier finding that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion may be triggered prematurely in the juvenile male monkey by central administration of 1229U91, a Y1 receptor antagonist, contributed to our current hypothesis that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a major component of the brake that holds pulsatile GnRH release in check during prepubertal development in primates. However, 1229U91 is also a Y4 receptor agonist, and the present study was conducted to further examine the role of the Y1 receptor in mediating the putative inhibitory action of NPY on GnRH release. Agonadal juvenile and postpubertal male monkeys were implanted with i.v. and i.c.v. cannulae to gain continuous access to the venous and cerebroventricular circulations without sedation. Luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion was measured to provide an indirect index of GnRH release. The specific Y1 antagonists, VD-11 (476 microg; n = 4) and isopropyl 3-chloro-5-[1-((6-[2-(5-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-4-morpholin-4-ylpyridin-2-yl)amino)ethyl]phenylcarbamate (Compound A, 300 microg; n = 4), did not mimic the stimulatory action of 1229U91 on GnRH secretion in the juvenile male monkey. Additionally, neither NPY (200 microg; n = 2), a general Y receptor agonist, nor rPP (100 microg; n = 4), a Y4 agonist, mimicked the action of 1229U91 in stimulating GnRH release. Moreover, previous exposure of the hypothalamus of juvenile monkeys (n = 5) to NPY (660 microg) failed to block 1229U91-induced (200 microg) GnRH release. However, the action of NPY (364 microg) in inhibiting GnRH release postpubertally was attenuated by 1229U91 (300 microg). We conclude that, although the action of exogenous NPY to suppress GnRH release from the postpubertal hypothalamus appears to be mediated, at least in part, by the Y1 receptor, the existence of a Y1 receptor pathway inhibitory to GnRH release in the prepubertal hypothalamus remains to be substantiated.

Sephadex and sephadex ion-exchange filtration improves the quality and freezability of low-grade buffalo semen ejaculates

The effect of sephadex and sephadex ion-exchange filtration on the improvement in quality and freezability of low-grade buffalo semen ejaculates was assessed. Two types of filtration columns were used: one containing only sephadex G-10 (FS) and the other sephadex G-10 along with ion-exchangers (diethyl amino ethane-52 (DEAE-52) cellulose and carboxy methyl-52 (CM-52) cellulose; FS+IE). Unfiltered samples served as controls. Semen ejaculates extended in Tris-citric acid (1:4) (n=16; initial motility 40-50%) were filtered at the rate of 1.5 ml/min under negative pressure at room temperature (28-30 degrees C). The mean recovery rate (%) of motile spermatozoa in the FS (85.9+/-1.51) and FS+IE (77.10+/-2.28) filtrates did not differ significantly. Percentages of sperm motility, normal acrosomes, and intact plasma membranes were highest (P<0.05) in FS+IE, intermediate (P<0.05) in FS and lowest (P<0.05) in controls at the three stages of cryopreservation (postfiltration final dilution, after equilibration, and after freezing). Mean sperm abnormalities were lowest (P<0.05) in the filtrates of FS+IE, moderate (P<0.05) in FS and highest in controls at all stages of freezing. Compared to dilution and equilibration, freezing greatly reduced (P<0.05) the overall percent motility, normal acrosomes and intact plasma membranes. The spermatozoa eluted through FS+IE columns proved more resistant (P<0.05) in bearing dilution, equilibration, freezing and thawing stresses than the spermatozoa from FS and control samples. It is concluded that filtration systems containing an FS+IE column can effectively enhance the quality and freezability of extended, low quality buffalo semen.

Reduction of luteinzing hormone secretion induced by long-term feed restriction in male rats is associated with increased expression of GABA-synthesizing enzymes without alterations of GnRH gene expression

In rats, fasting or restriction of feed intake impairs the activity of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator which results in reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. It is still unknown which neurotransmitters are involved in this phenomenon. However, it is known that increased GABA concentrations in the hypothalamus reduce GnRH biosynthesis and release. Therefore, we examined whether 17 days of feed restriction in male rats affected the hypothalamic gene expression of GnRH and the GABA-synthesizing enzymes glutaminase (GLS) and glutamic acid decarboxylase-which exists in two forms, GAD67 and GAD65-in the mammalian brain. Furthermore, the expression of the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) and the GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) were investigated. Feed restriction resulted in a 75% reduction in body weight (b.w.) compared to rats fed ad libitum. Serum concentrations of LH and testosterone in the feed restricted group were significantly reduced to approximately 15% of that of rats fed ad libitum, while the FSH concentration remained unchanged. In the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) where GnRH is released into the portal vessels, mRNA levels of GAD67 and GLS were increased twofold compared to rats fed ad libitum while no changes were observed in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) where GnRH is biosynthesised. Neither the expression of preoptic GnRH mRNA nor the expression of GAD65 and of GnRH-R mRNA in both hypothalamic structures was affected by feed restriction. In the anterior pituitary, a significant reduction of the expression of GnRH-R, LH-beta and the alpha subunit was observed in the feed restricted rats, whereas FSH-beta mRNA levels remained constant. Thus, feed restriction selectively increased the expression of GABA-synthesizing enzymes in the MBH but did not modify GnRH expression in the POA. However, the reduced expression of the LH-beta- and alpha-subunit and of the GnRH-R in the anterior pituitary indicates that pulsatile GnRH release may have been attenuated or even abolished. We suggest, that enhanced expression of GABA-synthesizing enzymes reflects increased GABAergic neurotransmission and thereby reducing GnRH release from the MBH.

Furazolidone treatment suppresses pubertal testosterone secretion in male broiler breeder birds (Gallus domesticus)

We determined the effect of chronic administration of furazolidone (Fz) on sexual maturation of male broiler breeder birds (Ross 308; Gallus domesticus). A total of 20 15-w-old birds were randomly assigned to receive 0, 150, 250 or 350 mg Fz/kg feed daily for 5-w. Blood samples were taken at weekly intervals. The birds were challenged with 500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) i.v. at the age of 24 w before slaughtering. Concentration of testosterone in the plasma was measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. Testicular tissue was processed for morphometric studies. Testicular weights of the groups fed 250 or 350 mg Fz/kg feed/d were decreased (P < 0.05). Plasma testosterone levels were affected by age (P < 0.001) and dose of Fz (P < 0.001). Mean plasma testosterone levels during and after drug administration were reduced (P < 0.05) by all Fz doses. Human chorionic gonadotropin administration led to poor testosterone response (P < 0.05) in all Fz-dosed groups, but not the control group (P < 0.05). As compared to the control, Fz-dosing reduced the seminiferous tubule diameter (P < 0.05) at the 350 mg/kg feed dose, seminiferous epithelial height (P < 0.05) at the 250 and 350 mg/kg feed doses, and Leydig cell nuclear diameter (P < 0.05) at the 350 mg/kg feed dose. This data suggest that sexual maturation in male broiler breeder birds is adversely affected by chronic Fz-administration. Actions of Fz on sexual maturation probably involve a direct effect at the testicular level.

Fasting-induced suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the adult rhesus monkey: evidence for involvement of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters

The present study was designed to examine whether acute food-restriction in non-human primates, suppresses hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis via alterations in the excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitter-utilizing drive to the GnRH neuron. This was achieved indirectly by comparing the plasma testosterone (T) responses to administration of an excitatory amino acid analogue, N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA), in acutely fasted and normal fed monkeys. A set of 4 chair-restrained adult male rhesus monkeys, was assigned to the following treatments: a) normal feeding, b) one-day fasting (omission of morning and afternoon meals), c) normal feeding+NMA (15 mg/kg BW) and d) one-day fasting+NMA (15 mg/kg BW). Starting 1 h after the provision or omission of the afternoon meal, frequent blood sampling was initiated at 15-min intervals for a period of 3-h. NMA was administered as an iv bolus 1 h after start of the sampling. Secretion of T was affected (P<0.005) by the treatments. A peak in T was evident during the first h of the sampling in fed but not fasted monkeys. Mean 3-h T concentrations were suppressed (P<0.001) by the fasting. Administration of NMA in fasting conditions resulted into an acute stimulation of T secretion in 2 of the 4 monkeys. However, mean 60-min post-NMA T concentrations were greater (P<0.05) than those prevailing during the same period in fasted animals not given NMA. In contrast, all 4 fed-monkeys showed significant T elevations in plasma immediately following the NMA challenge and mean T levels during the 60-min post-NMA period were higher (P<0.05) than those in fed animals not injected with NMA, at a comparable time. Testosterone area under the curve for the 2-h post-NMA period was greater (P<0.05) in fed- than in fasted-monkeys. These results indicate that although NMA can stimulate GnRH release both in fed and short-term fasting conditions, the response appears to be suppressed in the later situation suggesting that fasting-induced suppression of the HPT axis in the adult male rhesus monkey may involve a reduction in the sensitivity of GnRH neurons to the EAA neurotransmission.

Insecticide-induced changes in secretory activity of the thyroid gland in rats

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of organochlorine (Heptachlor, Benzene hexachloride (BHC)), organophosphorus (Malathion, Monitor) and pyrethroid (Karate, Talstar) insecticides on the thyroid secretory function in rats. Heptachlor (0.5 mg per rat), BHC (0.66 mg per rat) Malathion (0.06 mg per rat), Monitor (0.2 mg per rat), Karate (0.2 mg per rat), Talstar (0.5 mg per rat) were orally administered to young adult rats for 21 days. Serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyrotrophin (TSH) were determined by using specific radioimmunoassays. Body weight was not affected by treatment with any insecticide except Talstar (P < 0.01). Among organochlorine and organophosphorus insecticides, treatment with BHC and Malathion, respectively, led to a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in serum concentration of T3 and T4. Administration of BHC and Malathion also increased (P < 0.01) TSH secretion. Treatment with both of the pyrethroid insecticides similarly induced significant suppression (P < 0.01) of serum T3 and T4 levels, and concomitant stimulation (P < 0.01) of TSH concentrations. The T4/T3 ratio was decreased (P < 0.05) in rats treated with Karate but not with any other insecticide. These data indicate that immense care is warranted in the use of insecticides, because they not only affect the liver, kidney and other organs but also may alter the activity of the endocrine glands.

Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor using excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters in control of pulsatile secretion of LH during sexual development in Holstein bull calves

The neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the development of pulsatile release of LH in bull calves are poorly understood. The hypothesis that endogenous excitatory amino acids, working through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, are involved in the generation of pulsatile LH release during sexual maturation of bull calves was tested. Holstein bull calves were administered i.v. 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg-1 body mass of MK-801, a specific noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, on alternate days at 1, 12 and 24 weeks of age (n = 6 per dose), using a replicated 3 x 3 latin square design. Blood samples were obtained from jugular catheters at intervals of 10 min for 2 h before and 2 h after MK-801 treatment at 1 week and for periods of 4 h before and after MK-801 administration at 12 and 24 weeks of age. Plasma concentrations of LH were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay and pulsatile LH secretion was analysed using the Pulsar algorithm. Basal LH secretion at 1 week of age was low but was increased by 12 weeks (0.38 +/- 0.01 versus 1.38 +/- 0.11 ng ml-1; P < 0.001) with the establishment of frequent high amplitude pulses. Mean LH concentrations and pulse amplitude, but not frequency, were lower at 24 than at 12 weeks of age (0.88 +/- 0.08 versus 1.38 +/- 0.11 ng ml-1: P < 0.001, 1.74 +/- 0.14 versus 2.82 +/- 0.36 ng ml-1: P < 0.01, and 1.70 +/- 0.30 versus 1.70 +/- 0.41 in 4 h: P > 0.05, respectively). Administration of MK-801 did not affect LH secretion in 1- and 12-week-old calves.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of a single intravenous injection of N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid on secretion of luteinizing hormone and growth hormone in Holstein bull calves

The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation in the central regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) was tested by administering a bolus intravenous dose of N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA), a NMDA receptor agonist, to 24-week-old intact (n=5), estradiol-treated intact (n=3) and castrated (n=3) Holstein bull calves. The calves were bled for 12h pre- and 100 min post-NMA injection (1.75 mg-/kgBW) periods at 10 min intervals. Concentrations of LH and GH in plasma were measured by specific RIA. Prior to administration of NMA, the average concentration of LH, but not GH, differed significantly among the 3 groups. As expected, administration of estradiol prevented the normal ontogeny of pulsatile LH secretion, while castration resulted in an increased frequency of LH discharges. Injection of NMA resulted in an acute (P<0.001) release of LH in 3 of 5 intact and 3 of 3 estradiol-treated intact calves with the peak response being observed at 20 min (3.18 +/- 1.3 and 5.58 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, respectively) following the challenge. Treatment with NMA did not alter the release of LH in castrate calves. Concentrations of GH in plasma increased (P<0.001) within 20 to 30 min after administration of NMA in intact, estradiol-treated intact and castrate calves with a similar response being observed in each group. Based on these findings, we suggest an involvement of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hypothalamic or supra-hypothalamic control of LH and GH secretion, and that the excitatory effects of NMDA receptor activation on LH release are overtly influenced by gonadal steroids in bull calves.

FSH and testosterone, alone or in combination, initiate testicular growth and increase the number of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in a juvenile non-human primate (Macaca mulatta)

The present study was designed to investigate the relative contributions of FSH and testosterone in the initiation of testicular growth and function in primates. Four groups (n = 4/group) of juvenile rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), 12-18 months old, were treated with vehicle, a highly purified human FSH preparation (hFSH; Fertinorm, 3 IU/kg per day), testosterone (testosterone enanthate, 125 mg/week) or FSH plus testosterone, for a period of 12 weeks. Compared with vehicle treatment, the administration of hormones significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular weight and volume, and the diameter of seminiferous tubules. The number of Sertoli cells per tubule cross-section also increased significantly (P < 0.05). Numbers of Ad (dark) spermatogonia (reserve stem cells) were not significantly influenced by any treatment. In contrast, the numbers of Ap (pale) spermatogonia (renewing stem cells) were significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated with hFSH and testosterone alone. Following the combined treatment, numbers of Ap spermatogonia were also higher compared with control but this effect did not attain statistical significance. In half of the animals in both testosterone-treated groups, a few prophase I spermatocytes were present. Inhibin concentrations reached adult levels in hFSH-treated groups but remained unaffected by testosterone. Conversely, testosterone failed to influence inhibin levels and, unlike hFSH, increased testicular androgen concentration and epididymal weights. Our observations suggest that hFSH and testosterone alone are capable of initiating testicular growth and gametogenesis in an immature primate. Both hormones probably act via activation of the proliferation of Ap spermatogonia, which are considered to be renewing stem cells within the testis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible modulation of N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid induced prolactin release by testicular steroids in the adult male rhesus monkey

N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA), an agonist of the neurotransmitter glutamate has been shown to acutely stimulate the release of prolactin (PRL) in intact rats and monkeys. To further investigate the role of neuroexcitatory amino acids in PRL secretion, the effects of NMA administration were examined on PRL release in long term orchidectomized adult rhesus monkeys, in both the absence and presence of testosterone. Intact and long term castrated adult male monkeys weighing between 8-13 kg, were implanted with a catheter via the saphenous vein for blood withdrawal and drug infusion. Blood samples were collected at 10 min intervals for 50 min before and 70 min after administration of the drug or vehicle. Plasma PRL concentrations were estimated using radioimmunoassay. Whereas a single iv injection of NMA (15 mg/kg BW) induced a prompt discharge of PRL in intact monkeys, an identical dose had surprisingly no effect on PRL secretion in orchidectomized animals. On the other hand, plasma PRL increases in response to a challenge dose of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH; 6 micrograms/kg BW, iv) were similar in magnitude in the two groups of monkeys. Testosterone replacement in orchidectomized animals by parenteral administration of testosterone enanthate (200 mg/wk) reinitiated the PRL responsiveness to acute NMA stimulation. These results indicate that N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) dependent drive to PRL release in the adult male rhesus monkey may be overtly influenced by the sex steroid milieu.