Search Results (266)

Background: The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major pest of cotton that causes significant yield losses and costly control measures. As a cotton-specialized species, its population dynamics are heavily influenced by environmental conditions and management practices during the off-season. This study examined the effects of off-season food sources on adult survival, reproductive capacity, and susceptibility to malathion in the last generation before the off-season and in the generation entering the next planting season. Methods: Females were fed diets representing off-season conditions (cotton terminals and pollen) and the standard diet (flower buds), and then evaluated for survival, copulation, sperm viability, and egg production. Concentration–mortality bioassays determined malathion susceptibility before and after the off-season. Results: Female survival was lowest in those fed cotton terminals, while pollen and flower buds supported higher survival rates. The likelihood of copulation and sperm viability remained similar among diets after 60 days, or up to 100 days in surviving females; however, females fed flower buds had more eggs in their oviducts. Females that mated early maintained viable sperm up to the end of the 100-day assessment period. Populations collected after the off-season were more susceptible to malathion than those collected at the end of the growing season. Conclusions: Food restrictions and reduced malathion exposure during the off-season may contribute to a reversion toward boll weevils’ susceptibility to malathion. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of the fallow period and proper management of residual off-season populations for effective long-term boll weevil control, confirming malathion’s continued viability as a management tool. Full article

Ooencyrtus kuvanae is an egg parasitoid species that attacks the egg masses of Dendrolimus spp. and Lymantria spp. in China, which gives it a temporal niche advantage against pest infestations by Dendrolimus spp. and Lymantria spp. Moreover, it has a short life cycle, high offspring outcome, and female-biased population, showing distinctive ovarian development and oviposition behaviors and thus providing an ideal model for reproductivity and regulatory mechanisms. Previous studies have found that the Vitellogenin (Vg) and Vitellogenin Receptor (VgR) genes play important regulatory roles in the ovarian development of a few wasp species, but little is known about how these two genes work within O. kuvanae. Therefore, we observed their oviposition traits, characterized their gene structure, and clarified the function of Vg and VgR. The results showed that continuous daily oviposition significantly reduced the daily mature eggs and offspring per female by providing a single host egg for oviposition in each experimental trial, while the proportion of female offspring reached 100%, indicating that thelytokous parthenogenesis occurred. The full-length sequences of OkVg and OkVgR were cloned and submitted to GenBank. qPCR detection revealed that the transcription levels were the highest in adults. Feeding 20-hydroxyecdysone can increase OkVg gene expression (by 2.4-fold), while feeding juvenile hormone can promote their OkVgR expression (by 2.3-fold). RNA interference significantly downregulated OkVg and OkVgR expression in adult ovaries. And dsVg significantly reduced the ovarian egg load by 45% (p < 0.05), while dsVgR caused oviduct contraction and offspring decrease. Simultaneous silencing of OkVg and OkVgR significantly reduced offspring outcomes, indicating both genes may jointly dominate oocyte development. This study provides functional evidence of molecular regulation and interaction between OkVg and its receptor genes. Full article

Iodoacetic acid (IAA), a highly cytotoxic disinfection byproduct commonly detected in drinking water, poses a potential risk to female reproductive health. The direct molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on the reproductive system epithelium remain unclear. This study demonstrates that IAA induces glycational stress in primary porcine uterine (UECs) and oviduct epithelial cells (OECs), representing an early event contributing to extensive cellular toxicity. IAA exposure inhibited Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) enzymatic activity and promoted the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, calcium dyshomeostasis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These disturbances activated a dysregulated signaling network involving the p38 MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB pathways, ultimately causing G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Notably, pretreatment with the AGE inhibitor pyridoxamine reduced CML accumulation, restored mitochondrial function, and alleviated apoptotic cell death. These findings identify glycational stress as a key initiating mechanism for IAA-induced reproductive epithelial toxicity, providing mechanistic insight into the potential health risks of environmental disinfection byproducts. Full article

Growth media for human cell culture were developed in the twentieth century, when the first immortal human cell lines were established. The nutrient compositions of these media arose not from a desire to reproduce the microenvironment of the cells in vivo, but rather to encourage continuous replicative growth. Armed with comprehensive datasets detailing the metabolomes of the various fluid compartments within which cells reside, cell culturists are now exploring the effects of media designed to reproduce the in vivo environment on cell biology. The early results of this research indicate the media composition has profound impacts on cell form and function. In parallel, taking care to maintain oxygen at the relatively low levels found in vivo also affects many cellular activities. The lessons learned from ‘physiological cell culture’ should be applied to the culture of human embryos in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic, where a critical stage of growth and development might be best supported by recreating, to the greatest extent possible, the environment of the oviduct and uterus. In this review, we translate recent advancements in physiological cell culture to emerging approaches in human embryo culture. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong No. 2 laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12): a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg α-Ma. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, after which production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and uterine gene expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with α-mangostin, particularly at 120 mg/kg, significantly improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05), as evidenced by a reduced feed-to-egg ratio from week 2 onward, without affecting average daily feed intake or egg production rate. After 4 weeks, hens receiving 120 mg/kg α-Ma exhibited significantly greater egg weight and eggshell strength (p < 0.05). Serum and hepatic antioxidant capacities were significantly enhanced, with increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-Ma at 120 mg/kg specifically lowered the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in both serum and uterine tissue (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, this dosage significantly upregulated uterine genes essential for eggshell formation (p < 0.05), including calcium transporters (TRPV6, ATP2B2), the matrix protein gene OC-116, and other key genes (LYZ, CA2, SLC4A9, and ATP6V0D2). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 120 mg/kg α-Ma effectively enhances feed efficiency, strengthens antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and upregulates uterine genes involved in biomineralization, thereby improving eggshell quality in aging laying hens. These findings support α-Ma as a promising plant-based feed additive for maintaining productivity and egg quality in antibiotic-free layer production systems. Full article

Oxygen (O₂) tension is a critical factor influencing in vitro development of pre-implantation embryos. The in vivo environment has lower O₂ tension (2–10%) than atmospheric air (~20%), along the female reproductive tract, from the oviducts (8–10%) to the uterus (2–5%), supporting development of early-stage embryos. As the female reproductive tract is inherently hypoxic, replicating low-O₂ conditions in vitro may enhance embryo development. In contrast, culturing embryos under non-physiological O₂ tension may impair stress adaptation and reduce developmental competence. Optimal O₂ tension likely varies with species and embryo stage, suggesting a single uniform O₂ tension throughout in vitro culture may not be ideal; conditions beneficial at one stage may be detrimental at another. Although atmospheric O₂ harms embryo development and redox balance, specific advantages of low (5%) or ultra-low (≤2%) O₂ remain uncertain, despite many studies documenting improved development under hypoxia. This review examines the current literature on effects of atmospheric, low, and ultra-low O₂ tension during in vitro embryo culture, emphasizing impacts on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, and the regulation of transcription and epigenomics during pre-implantation embryo development. Full article

This study compared the bioenergetic profiles of immature and in vitro–matured bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) using Seahorse extracellular flux technology, with the aim of establishing standardized conditions for real-time metabolic assessment during in vitro maturation (IVM). Groups of five COCs were analysed prior to maturation and after 22 h of IVM using the Seahorse XFp Analyzer to measure oxygen consumption rate (OCR, pmoL/min) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR, mpH/min), providing dynamic readouts of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis that extend beyond conventional endpoint assays. To optimize assay performance, three media were first evaluated: TCM199, DMEM/F12, and HEPES-buffered synthetic oviductal fluid (HSOF). HSOF yielded the most reliable readings for immature COCs, whereas TCM199 provided superior conditions for mature COCs. Adhesion strategies were then tested by comparing uncoated wells with wells coated with fibronectin, concanavalin A, or Matrigel^®. Sequential injections of oligomycin and rotenone plus antimycin A enabled partitioning of mitochondrial and glycolytic contributions to ATP production. COC maturation was associated with a clear metabolic shift from glycolysis toward oxidative metabolism. Immature COCs displayed a predominantly glycolytic phenotype, while mature COCs showed increased active mitochondrial ATP production. Adhesion conditions markedly affected the detected metabolic profile: concanavalin A and fibronectin supported effective attachment and were associated with robust energy metabolism, whereas Matrigel^® and poor adhesion were linked to quiescent profiles with low OCR and ECAR signals. Together, these data define practical assay parameters for extracellular flux analysis of COCs and highlight the increasing reliance on mitochondrial function as a hallmark of oocyte maturation, supporting improved metabolic phenotyping for IVM optimization. Full article

Müllerian anomalies are anatomical variations of the female reproductive tract resulting from the incomplete development of the embryonic Müllerian ducts. The molecular mechanisms driving Müllerian duct development are complex and poorly understood, resulting in the largely unexplained aetiology of these conditions. WNT5A is a critical regulator of key developmental processes, including patterning, cell proliferation, and migration. Mutations of WNT5A have been associated with Robinow syndrome, a congenital condition characterized by skeletal and genital anomalies. In the mouse, WNT5A is necessary for the posterior development of the Müllerian duct, and ablation of Wnt5a results in vaginal agenesis. However, Wnt5a-/- uterine horns are hypoplastic and over 60% shorter than the wild type, suggesting specific functions in anterior Müllerian duct development. To better understand the role of Wnt5a, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of developing Müllerian ducts. We found that the non-canonical Wnt PCP pathway was dysregulated in Wnt5a-/- mice. In addition, Wnt5a-/- Müllerian ducts were enriched in oviductal mesenchymal cells due to the transformation of the anterior uterine horns into oviducts. Our results indicate additional roles for Wnt5a during Müllerian duct development, prompting further investigations into uterine functions and anatomy in complex clinical cases of Müllerian anomalies including Robinow syndrome. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), an omnivorous crop pest worldwide, reproduces prolifically. Validamycin, a competitive natural inhibitor of trehalase, is regarded as an effective and safe insecticide. Pupae were injected with a validamycin gradient (0.5–10 µg/µL) to block trehalase; enzyme activity and the Vitellogenin gene (Vg)/its receptor gene (VgR) expression (rpL10 reference) were subsequently quantified to determine the compound’s impact on S. frugiperda ontogeny and fecundity. Validamycin directly inhibited pupal membrane-bound trehalase, sharply lowering glycogen. Both pupal and adult mortality rose with dose, yielding marked abnormalities versus the Control Check (CK) group. At 0.5 μg/μL validamycin, eggs blackened and clumped in the lateral oviduct, blocking release; treated females produced far fewer eggs by day 4, exhibited ovarian atrophy, shorter lifespan, and low hatchability. The expression levels of Vg and VgR in the ovaries of the fall armyworm were consistent with the changes in the ovarian developmental phenotype. Validamycin significantly inhibited the activity of trehalase in S. frugiperda, severely hindering their normal eclosion and lowering the potential reproductive capacity of S. frugiperda. Simultaneously, it directly affects ovarian development and the lifespan of female moths. The results provide data to support the development of new methods for controlling S. frugiperda. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin (Cur) on reproductive toxicity induced by fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) in laying ducks during the peak egg-laying period. A total of seventy-two 50-week-old Cherry Valley ducks were randomly assigned to four groups: control, FB₁ (30 mg/kg), Cur (200 mg/kg), and Cur + FB₁ (200 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg). The experiment lasted for 35 days. Our results showed that cur supplementation effectively restored the reductions in final body weight (p = 0.005) and oviduct length (p = 0.020) induced by FB₁ exposure. Residual FB₁ concentrations in serum, liver, and ovaries were markedly increased in the FB₁-treated group, while Cur significantly decreased the FB₁ residual in duck liver (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, Cur supplementation markedly counteracted the FB₁-induced reductions in serum total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein induced by FB₁ exposure. Cur supplementation effectively regulated FB₁-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption. Specifically, Cur lowered FB₁-induced malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.010), attenuated interleukin-1β increase (p = 0.083), and reversed the reduction in immunoglobulin G levels. FB increased the levels of hormones associated with duck reproduction, including estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone; in contrast, curcumin supplementation decreased the levels of these hormones (p < 0.010). Histopathological analysis revealed that Cur significantly alleviated the inflammation and necrosis in the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and oviducts induced by FB₁. In conclusion, dietary Cur supplementation effectively alleviated FB₁-induced reproductive toxicity in laying ducks by enhancing antioxidant capacity, improving lipid metabolism, and restoring hormonal homeostasis. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a compound probiotic on production performance and antioxidant capacity in post-molting broiler breeders. A total of 6800 healthy 69-week-old Arbor Acres breeders were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (4 replicates of 850 birds each). Both groups were fed an identical basal diet, whereas the drinking water was supplemented with 75 g/t of the compound probiotic for the Experimental group only. The trial included a 7-day adaptation followed by a 49-day experimental period. Results demonstrated that drinking water supplementation with dietary compound probiotic preparation improved the laying performance rate, fertilization rate, and hatchability compared to the control (p < 0.05). The serum total antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), while a concurrent trend of reduction in MDA content was also noted (p = 0.086). Significant decreases in serum total protein and globulin levels were observed (p < 0.05). Antioxidant profiles in reproductive tissues were also improved, with increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and oviduct, enhanced total antioxidant capacity in the ovary and oviduct, and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde content in the oviduct (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum immunoglobulin M, and cecal butyric acid and isobutyric acid contents were higher in the compound probiotic preparation group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing drinking water with the compound probiotic during the post-molting period enhanced production performance, antioxidant status, and immune and gut health in aging broiler breeders, supporting the preservation of valuable poultry genetic resources. Full article

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying parity’s impact on sow reproductive function by comparing the transcriptome profiles of high-parity (9 parities) and low-parity (1 parity) Wanyue Black pigs. Oviduct tissues were collected and subjected to RNA-seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the DESeq2 algorithm. A total of 4218 DEGs were detected, with 2421 up-regulated and 1797 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis using GO and KEGG revealed that these DEGs were significantly associated with reproductive pathways, including cilium movement, oocyte maturation, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis highlighted key genes such as HSD3B1 and DNAI1, which play central roles in the parity differences. The expression patterns of selected candidate genes were further validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the results were consistent with the RNA-seq data, confirming the reliability of our findings. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular regulation of parity in sows and offers a theoretical basis for optimizing reproductive management and breeding strategies in pig production. Full article

Hyperketonemia (HYK), defined by blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ≥ 1.2 mmol/L, is described as a significant risk factor for cows developing postpartum (pp) diseases and impaired reproductive performance. The goal of the present study was to observe metabolic challenges in transition cows and to identify systemic markers reflecting HYK associated with lessened reproductivity. Fifty-four Simmental cows were monitored, revealing approximately 30% prevalence of HYK at the early pp period on 7, 14, or 28 days in milk (DIM). We assessed the dry matter intake, rumination time (RT), serum liver activity index, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), acute phase proteins, and uterine and oviductal health. Elevated NEFA and reduced RT 14 days antepartum were a good predictor for HYK at 7 DIM. Hyperketonemia at 14 DIM resulted in higher milk yield compared with controls. We could neither detect differences in uterine health nor in reproductive key performance parameters between hyperketonemic and control cows, whereby the proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in oviductal epithelia was significantly lower in hyperketonemic cows 14 DIM. We conclude that elevated concentrations of BHB in HYK 7, 14, or 28 DIM indicated energy supply to support physiological metabolic adaptations and lactation and that, in the absence of excessive inflammation during the transition period, HYK was not a risk factor for impaired fertility. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising therapeutic agents due to their role in intercellular communication. This study examined the protective effects of milk-derived EVs (mEVs) on bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) under cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced oxidative stress (OS), comparing EVs stored at −80 °C or lyophilized. mEVs and algae-derived EVs (aEVs; negative control) were isolated via tangential flow filtration and applied at 10⁷, 10⁹, and 10¹¹ particles/mL in three treatment strategies: pre-treatment, co-incubation, and post-treatment. mEVs specifically enhanced cell viability in all protocols except for post-treatment, where only 10⁷ particles/mL was effective; meanwhile, storage method did not affect EV activity. Enzyme digestion suggested that internal EV cargos are potentially the dominant contributors to the protective response compared to surface-associated molecules. mEVs reduced the expression of the OS markers DDIT4 and HIF1A while promoting cell migration more effectively than aEVs. Pathway enrichment analysis of previously reported mEV miRNAs indicated regulation of cytokine production and glucocorticoid responses, potentially contributing to OS defense. mEV protein cargo analysis showed pathways primarily linked to peptidase and vesicle-related functions, suggesting that protein cargo may also contribute to the observed protective effects. Overall, mEVs protect BOECs against CoCl₂-induced OS and maintain bioactivity after lyophilization. Full article

In viviparous teleosts, the lack of oviducts defines intraovarian gestation, with the ovary being the site for oogenesis but also the site for insemination, fertilization, and gestation. Consequently, intraovarian gestation is a complex and exceptional type of reproduction among vertebrates. The analysis of the morphological and physiological components of intraovarian gestation documents the evolutionary process of nutrition in viviparous species. Two types of embryonic nutrition may occur during gestation: (a) lecithotrophy, when most nutrients for the embryo come from the abundant yolk stored during oogenesis, and (b) matrotrophy, when nutrients for the embryo with scarce yolk must be obtained during gestation by additional maternal provisioning, developing a placenta. Then, investment of maternal nutrients for the embryo is greater during oogenesis in lecithotrophic species, and investment of maternal resources for the nutrition of the embryo is greater during gestation in matrotrophic species. Microscopic techniques allow for proper observation of maternal and embryonic structures involved in both types of nutrition during the development of embryos. Specifically, we focused on the morphology of placental structures associated with embryonic nutrition at different stages of development, which are the yolk sac and the pericardial sac. The oocytes of Poecilia latipinna contain a large amount of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 1.9 mm); in contrast, the oocytes of Heterandria formosa contain extremely reduced amounts of yolk (an average oocyte diameter of 0.4 mm). Therefore, these species represent appropriate models for studying the strategy of two different types of embryonic nutrition, lecithotrophy and matrotrophy, in viviparous teleosts. Full article