Search Results (107)

Background: Adrenal glands are situated cranially and in close proximity to both kidneys. The rabbit is a preferred animal pet species and is also used as an experimental model in research. The aim of this study was to investigate the CT anatomical features of the rabbit adrenal glands, using the CT device SOMATOM. Methods: Ten sexually mature clinically healthy rabbits, with body weights from 2.5 to 3.0 kg were used. They were separated into two groups—five males and five females. CT algorithm: Transverse, sagittal, and dorsal CT studies were performed. The animals were positioned in supine recumbency. They were anesthetized with 15 mg/kg Zoletil^® 50. Helical CT was carried out. The body was scanned from the intrathoracic part of the abdominal cavity to the pelvic inlet. CCD, DVD, and MLD dimensions were measured. Results: Transverse CT scans at the Th12 and L1 level visualized the topography of the right and left adrenal glands. Sagittal CT scans of Regio abdominis, 10 mm to the right and to the left of the median plane, showed the right and left adrenal glands as findings with intermediate attenuation. The dorsal CT investigation of Regio abdominis 30 mm and 45 mm ventral to the spine demonstrated both glands in the vicinity of abdominal organs and large blood vessels. CCD of the right adrenal gland was 6.9 ± 0.5 mm, DVD of the same gland was 5.7 ± 0.7 mm, and MLD was—3.9 ± 0.3 mm. CCD of the left adrenal gland was 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, DVD was—4.0 ± 1.1 mm, and MLD was—4.1 ± 0.9 mm. Conclusions: CCD and DVD of the right adrenal gland were greater than the same parameters of the left gland. MLD of the right adrenal gland was lower than the same parameter measured for the left one. Full article

Background/Objectives: Puberty is a critical stage in sheep development when reproductive capability is established, but the hormonal mechanisms underlying this transition remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in estradiol (E2) levels and the expression patterns of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) during puberty in Duolang sheep, a breed characterized by early sexual maturity and high reproductive efficiency. Methods: A total of 18 female Duolang sheep were assigned to three developmental stages (n = 6 per group): prepuberty (145 days), puberty (within 0 h of first estrus), and postpuberty (+3 days). Serum E2 concentrations and the mRNA and protein levels of ERα and ERβ were assessed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. Additionally, primary ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were isolated and stimulated in vitro with increasing concentrations of E2 (0–1000 ng/mL) to evaluate the dose-dependent expression of ERα, ERβ, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Results: E2 levels peaked at the onset of puberty and declined thereafter. ERα expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary decreased during puberty but rebounded postpuberty, indicating a role in negative feedback regulation. In contrast, ovarian ERα expression reached its highest level during puberty, while ERβ expression in the ovary gradually increased from prepuberty to postpuberty. In GCs, ERα exhibited a biphasic expression pattern, peaking at 250 ng/mL E2 and decreasing at higher concentrations. ERβ and GnRH expression levels increased in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ERα primarily mediates E2 feedback within the hypothalamus–pituitary axis, whereas ERβ is associated with ovarian development and may regulate GnRH expression during the pubertal transition. The study provides new insights into the hormonal regulation of puberty in Duolang sheep and offers potential biomarkers for improving reproductive efficiency through targeted breeding strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Syphilis, a chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (T. pallidum), is still endemic in low- and middle-income countries and has been resurgent for decades in many high-income nations despite being treatable. Improving our understanding of syphilis pathogenesis, immunology, and T. pallidum biology could result in novel measures to curtail syphilis spread, including new therapeutics, a preventive vaccine, and, most importantly, improved diagnostics. Methods: Using overlapping synthetic peptides spanning the length of the T. pallidum Tp0435 mature lipoprotein, an abundant antigen known to induce an immunodominant humoral response during both natural and experimental infection, we evaluated which Tp0435 linear epitopes are most significantly recognized by antibodies from an infected host. Specifically, we used sera from 63 patients with syphilis at different stages, sera from non-syphilis patients (n = 40), and sera longitudinally collected from 10 rabbits infected with either the Nichols or SS14 isolates of T. pallidum, which represent the model strains for the two known circulating clades of this pathogen, to further evaluate the use of this animal model for syphilis studies. Recognized amino acid sequences were then mapped to the experimentally determined Tp0435 structure. Results: Reactive epitopes in both serum groups mapped predominantly to the α-helix preceding Tp0435 soluble β-barrel and the loops of the barrel. Conclusions: In the current effort to improve current syphilis diagnostics, the peptides corresponding to these immunodominant epitopes could help develop epitope-based assays such as peptide-based ELISAs and lateral flow point-of-care tests to improve the performance of treponemal tests and expedite diagnosis in low-income settings, where the infection is still a significant concern for public health and access to facilities with laboratories equipped to perform complex procedures might be challenging. Full article

Feeding accounts for approximately 70% of total costs in livestock production, underscoring the need for cost-effective and high-quality alternative feed sources. Almond hulls (AHs), a byproduct of the almond processing industry, represent a promising option due to their availability and potential nutritional value. Moreover, their inclusion in animal diets contributes to a reduction in environmental waste associated with their disposal. This study examined the effects of incorporating 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated AHs into the diets of Assaf sheep (rams, ewes, and growing lambs) on feed utilization and animal performance. The experiment evaluated the chemical composition of AHs, nutrient digestibility, sexual behavior and semen quality in rams, milk composition in ewes, and the performance of growing lambs fed diets with increasing levels of inclusion of AHs. A total of 60 ewes and 21 rams were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, receiving diets containing 0%, 20%, or 40% AHs. NaOH treatment reduced the concentrations of organic matter and fiber fractions, while increasing the crude protein concentration of AHs (p < 0.01). Diets containing AHs did not affect nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Feeding a diet with 40% Na-OH-treated AHs significantly improved the daily weight gain (p = 0.002) of growing lambs up to 70 days after birth, and enhanced (p < 0.05) the libido, scrotal circumference, and semen quality of mature rams. In addition, ewes fed a diet containing 40% AHs showed (p < 0.05) improved fertility, prolificacy, and milk quality. NaOH-treated AHs are a cost-effective and sustainable feed ingredient that can improve reproductive performance and milk production, thereby increasing overall livestock productivity. The 40% inclusion level yielded the most favorable outcomes across all performance parameters evaluated in rams, ewes, and lambs. Full article

m⁶A methylation modification is an important genetic modification involved in biological processes such as sexual maturation, antibacterial, and antiviral in aquatic animals. However, few studies have been conducted in aquatic animals on the relationship between m⁶A methylation modification and autophagy-inflammation induced by lipid metabolism disorders. In the present study, a high-fat (HF) group and HF-MLP group (1 g mulberry leaf polysaccharides (MLPs)/1 kg HF diet) were set up. The mid-hind intestines of Megalobrama amblycephala juveniles from the two groups were collected for MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq after an 8-week feeding trial. The m⁶A peaks in the HF and HF-MLP groups were mainly enriched in the 3′ Untranslated Region (3′UTR), Stop codon, and coding sequence (CDS) region. Compared with the HF group, the m⁶A peaks in the HF-MLP group were shifted toward the 5′UTR region. ‘RRACH’ was the common m⁶A methylation motif in the HF and HF-MLP groups. Methyltransferase mettl14 and wtap expression in the intestines of the HF-MLP group were significantly higher compared with the HF group (p < 0.05). A total of 21 differentially expressed genes(DEGs) with different peaks were screened by the combined MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis enriched BCL2 interacting protein 3 (bnip3) to autophagy–animal and mitophagy–animal signaling pathways, etc., and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat protein 1 (nlrp1) was enriched to the Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway. Combined MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis indicated that the expression pattern of bnip3 was hyper-up and that of nlrp1 was hyper-down. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis confirmed that the intestinal genes of HF-MLP group positively regulate lysosomal and autophagy–animal signaling pathways. In the present study, we demonstrated that m⁶A methylation modification plays a role in regulating autophagy-inflammatory responses induced by HF diets by MLPs, and further explored the molecular mechanisms by which MLPs work from the epigenetic perspective. Full article

This research aimed to assess body weight (BW) at the end of the brooding period in affecting Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wks from the aspects of growth performance, egg quality, sexual maturity, and productive performance. Pullets (6 wk old, n = 640) were sorted into two groups according to BW: normal (460.75 ± 10.82 g) and light (347.96 ± 6.27 g, 75.52% of normal weight), with eight replicates of 40 pullets each. All the hens, when reaching 6–72 wks in age, took the same diets by stages ad libitum. The heavier BW in the normal weight group (NWG) at 6 wks of age compared to lighter weight group (LWG) birds continued until 22 wks (p < 0.05). Similarly, a smaller coefficient of variation (CV) for BW of chicks in the LWG was detected at 19 (p < 0.01), 20 (p < 0.01), and 21 (p < 0.05) wks of age compared with that in the NWG. The body slope length and the shank circumference of pullets in the LWG were smaller than in the NWG at the age of 15 wks (p < 0.01), but the difference gradually disappeared by 20 wks of age (p > 0.05). The LWG presented raised ages of hens when producing the first egg and 5% eggs (p < 0.01), while the CV for the age at first egg decreased, compared with the CV in the NWG (p < 0.05). The total egg number (p < 0.05), laying rate (p < 0.05), and egg mass (p < 0.01) of laying hens in the LWG decreased at the age of 18–72 wks, and the CV for individual egg numbers (p < 0.05) increased compared with the CV in the NWG. Compared with the normal weight hens, the proportion of lighter weight hens laying more than 250 eggs at the age of 18–72 wks was significantly reduced (p < 0.05, 69.52% vs. 87.38%), while the proportion of hens laying less than 200 eggs was significantly increased (p < 0.05, 24.97% vs. 3.76%). In summary, BW by the end of the brooding period can be a good indicator reflecting individual differences among laying hens and may serve as an important phenotypic indicator for evaluating laying performance and early elimination of unqualified laying hens in layer production. Therefore, it is recommended that pullets weighing 25% or more below the normal flock weight at the end of the brooding period should be culled at this time. Full article

Reproduction and breeding are crucial to maintaining abalone aquaculture. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of sexual maturation is essential for advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. However, the molecular mechanisms of gonadal development in abalones remain poorly understood, particularly in microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation. Thus, this study conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of abalone Haliotis discus hannai (H. discus hannai) to identify genes and miRNAs associated with ovarian and testicular discovery. This study identified 685 differentially expressed (DE) genes between the H. discus hannai ovary (DD_ovary) and testis (DD_testis) groups, comprising 479 upregulated and 206 downregulated genes in the DD_ovary. Moreover, 137 miRNAs, including 83 novel and 54 known miRNAs, were detected, with 30 upregulated and 27 downregulated in the DD_ovary compared to the DD_testis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these miRNAs regulate key processes such as carbohydrate metabolic processes, kinase and hydrolase activity, and starch and sucrose metabolism, all potentially associated with reproductive traits. Further, key mRNA candidates, including Vitelline envelope sperm lysin receptor (Verl) and Testis-specific serine/threonine-protein kinase (Tssk) 1, and miRNAs such as novel_90 and novel_120, were identified as components of a functional miRNA-mRNA network associated with sexual maturity and sex determination. These key genes were verified using qRT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These transcriptomic and miRNA datasets provide valuable resources for understanding abalone reproductive biology and may support molecular breeding strategies. Full article

Long-term selective fishing pressure often leads to miniaturization, smaller size, and early sexual maturity in many commercial fish species. To adapt, these species increase energy allocations toward maturation and reproduction, which can reduce population productivity and recruitment. However, how different fishing pressures affect reproductive investment and energy allocation between growth and reproduction remains unclear. In this study, we designed three size-selective harvesting strategies—large, random, and small harvests—to examine their effects on the growth and reproductive investment of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). We analyzed changes in length, weight, and gonad weight across different harvest times. Results showed that the “large harvest” group allocated more energy to reproduction, leading to miniaturization and earlier maturation, while the “small harvest” group focused more on growth, resulting in larger fish at the same age. This study provides experimental evidence on how size-selective harvesting alters reproductive investment in fish populations, offering valuable insights for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different anesthetic protocols for semen collection from healthy tomcats using Urethral Catheterization after Pharmacological Induction (UrCaPI). Twenty sexually mature tomcats (Felis catus) were included in the study, in which high and low dosages of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine were administrated to collect semen. Ten healthy mature tomcats (Group A) received high dosages of the drugs, and, in particular, five of them were i.m. injected with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine (HMED) on day 1 and with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (HDEX) after 24 h (day 2). The remaining five tomcats of this group were i.m. injected with 60 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 120 μg/kg of medetomidine on day 2. The other ten healthy mature tomcats (Group B) received a low dosage of the same drugs; the first five tomcats were i.m. injected with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine (LMED) on day 1 and with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (LDEX) on day 2; the others were i.m. injected with 25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine on day 1 and with 50 μg/kg of medetomidine after 24 h. In both groups, semen collection was performed as soon as the pharmacological effect of the drug was reached. All protocols permitted sperm collection, even if with different results in quality for volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa, and movement score. Results suggest that both a high dosage of medetomidine and a high dosage of dexmedetomidine could be used for the collection of good-quality semen. Semen volume μL: HMED = 32 μL (25.75–37.5), HDEX = 23 μL (15.25–28). Concentration HMED = 670 × 10⁶/mL (576–990.5), HDEX = 670.5 × 10⁶/mL (536–790). Total number of spermatozoa = 23.24 × 10⁶ (18.37–32.05). Total number of spermatozoa = 13.121 × 10⁶ (10.116–16.83). However, the protocol with dexmedetomidine could not always guarantee an adequate sedation for urethral catheterization, so using a high dosage of medetomidine is still the better way to collect high quality semen with the UrCaPI technique. The outcome of the LMED and LDEX protocols was generally unsatisfactory regarding both level of sedation and semen collection in terms of volume (LMED = 3 μL (4–7.5); LDEX = 6 μL (4–7)), concentration (LMED = 215 × 10⁶/mL (157–248); LDEX = 27.05 × 10⁶/mL (0.040–110), total number of spermatozoa (LMED = 0.88 × 10⁶ (0.581–1.38); LDEX = 0.16 × 10⁶ (0.0001–0.80), and movement score (LMED = 3 (2–3); LDEX = 2 (0–2.75)). Full article

Background/Objectives: Vaginal laser therapy is a promising treatment for menopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). This study evaluates the efficacy of a dual-wavelength diode laser (980 + 1470 nm) in treating VVA. Methods: Thirty postmenopausal patients with moderate-to-severe VVA were recruited, and twenty-nine completed the study. Patients underwent a screening visit (T0); three laser sessions at 4-week intervals (T1, T2, and T3); and a follow-up visit 4 weeks after the last treatment (T4). At T0 and T4, the Schiller test and Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) were performed; sexual function was assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). At each visit, the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for dyspareunia were administered. Potential side effects were investigated, and the VAS for the pain associated with the procedure was assessed. Data analysis included the overall group and two subgroups: women with (group A) and without (group B) a history of breast cancer (BC). Results: Significant improvements in the VHI and reduced dyspareunia were observed at T4 compared to T0 in all groups. The improvement was already seen after the first procedure, with further improvement after the other procedures, being persistent at the 1-month follow-up. The Schiller test showed significant improvements from T0 to T4 in all groups. The VMI showed a significant improvement from T0 to T4 in the overall group and group B. The FSFI questionnaires showed a significant improvement in all areas for the whole population, whereas the FDSF-R questionnaire showed an improvement only in the overall group. Procedural pain was low (mean VAS 1.6), and no side effects were reported. Conclusions: The dual-wavelength diode laser is an effective and safe option for the treatment of VVA in patients with and without a history of BC. Full article

Fish exhibit diverse mechanisms of sex differentiation and determination, shaped by both external and internal influences, often regulated by distinct DNA methylation patterns responding to environmental changes. In S. senegalensis aquaculture, reproductive issues in captivity pose significant challenges, particularly the lack of fertilization capabilities in captive-bred males, hindering genetic improvement measures. This study analyzed the methylation patterns and transcriptomic profiles in gonadal tissue DNA from groups differing in rearing conditions and sexual maturity stages. RRBS (Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing) was employed to detect notable methylation variations across groups, while RNA was extracted and sequenced for differential expression analysis. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation significantly regulates gene expression, acting as a mechanism that can both repress and enhance gene expression depending on the genomic context. The complexity of this epigenetic mechanism is evident from the varying levels of methylation and correlation rates observed in different CpGs neighboring specific genes linked to reproduction. Differential methylation comparisons revealed the highest number of differently methylated CpGs between maturation stages, followed by rearing conditions, and lastly between sexes. These findings underscore the crucial role of methylation in regulating gene expression and its potential role in sex differentiation, highlighting the complex interplay between epigenetic modifications and gene expression. Full article

Background/Objectives: Minipuberty is thought to play an important role in the sexual maturation of infants. Maternal disorders during pregnancy were found to have an impact on the activity of the reproductive axis in the first year of life. This prospective, matched, cohort study was aimed at investigating whether the course of minipuberty in boys is affected by maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: The study population consisted of three matched groups of boys: infants born to women with poorly controlled GDM, sons of women with adequately controlled GDM, and infants of healthy women with normal carbohydrate tolerance during pregnancy (control group). Salivary levels of testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-S and estradiol, and urinary concentrations of FSH and LH were repeatedly measured over the first 12 months of life. Hormone levels were correlated with the size of genital organs (testicular volume and penile length), which were measured at each visit. Results: Compared with the remaining groups, the male offspring of women with poorly controlled GDM were characterized by higher concentrations of both gonadotropins, higher salivary testosterone levels, lower salivary DHEA-S concentrations, and longer periods of detection for LH and testosterone. Levels of gonadotropin, testosterone and DHEA-S in sons of mothers with poorly controlled GDM correlated with mean levels of glycated hemoglobin during pregnancy. Moreover, the infant boys assigned to this group were characterized by larger sizes of the testes and penis. Over the entire study period, there were no differences in hormone levels, testicular volume and penile length between sons of adequately treated women with GDM and sons of healthy women. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that GDM, if poorly controlled, may affect the activity of the reproductive axis and postnatal growth of male genital organs in the offspring. Full article

The widespread use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its entry into humans and livestock is of serious concern. In our study, we investigated the impact of PVC treatments on physiological, pathological, hormonal, and microbiota changes in female rabbits. Trend-like alterations in weight were observed in the spleen, liver, and kidney in both low (P1) and high dose (P2) PVC treatment groups. Histopathological examination revealed exfoliation of the intestinal mucosa in the treated groups compared to the control, and microplastic particles were penetrated and embedded in the spleen. Furthermore, both P1 and P2 showed increased 17-beta-estradiol (E2) hormone levels, indicating early sexual maturation. Moreover, the elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels suggest inflammatory reactions associated with PVC treatment. Genus-level analyses of the gut microbiota in group P2 showed several genera with increased or decreased abundance. In conclusion, significant or trend-like correlations were demonstrated between the PVC content of feed and physiological, pathological, and microbiota parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the broad-spectrum effects of PVC microplastic exposure in rabbits. These results highlight the potential health risks associated with PVC microplastic exposure, warranting further investigations in both animals and humans. Full article

Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis; Mf) serve an essential role in the advancement of biomedical research. Aged macaques, in particular, are highly valued as animal models for the study of geriatric diseases. While social housing has become the default for nonhuman primates (NHPs), socially housing sexually mature males poses a unique challenge. Moreover, socially housing aged males that have been previously kept in single housing may pose even greater challenge and risk due to a higher likelihood of aggression. Temperament assessment plays an integral part in determining the success of social housing arrangements of NHPs. In this paper, we report our work at the Primate Research Center of IPB University in integrating behavior observation and veterinary management to socially house adult, male Mf. We describe our experience in successfully housing young-adult, male Mf (n = 8–10, aged 6 years) for over 2.5 years, and the multiple efforts to socially house a small group of previously singly housed aged, male Mf (n = 6, aged >15 years). The temperament of each Mf was considered in the planning and implementation of social housing attempts. While a simplified behavioral observation was performed for the young adults, a more rigorous PAIR-T assessment was performed on the aged Mf. A group formation was initially attempted, aiming to achieve a small group of six aged, male Mf. While this group at first showed promising outcomes, significant incidents of aggression required regrouping as pairs or triads wherein the subject combinations were determined based on temperament and dominance. A total of three attempts were made to house these aged Mf in a small group throughout the course of 17 months, and the results showed that at our facility, aged, male Mf are best housed as triads or pairs, with selections based on their temperament and dominance compatibility. We concluded that behavioral assessments and veterinary management are pivotal in supporting the social housing efforts of adult, male Mf in order to optimize their well-being. Full article

Early life stress (ELS) significantly increases the risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases and may cause neuroinflammation. This post hoc study, based on the material available from a previous study showing elevated “serum brain injury markers” in male control animals, examines the effect of sex and/or ELS on the cerebral and cardiac expression of the H₂S and oxytocin systems. Following approval by the Regional Council of Tübingen, a randomized controlled study was conducted on 12 sexually mature, uncastrated German Large White swine of both sexes. The control animals were separated from their mothers at 28–35 days, while the ELS group was separated at day 21. At 20–24 weeks, animals underwent anesthesia, ventilation, and surgical instrumentation. An immunohistochemical analysis of oxytocin, its receptor, and the H₂S-producing enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase was performed on hypothalamic, prefrontal cortex, and myocardial tissue samples. Data are expressed as the % of positive tissue staining, and differences between groups were tested using a two-way ANOVA. The results showed no significant differences in the oxytocin and H₂S systems between groups; however, sex influenced the oxytocin system, and ELS affected the oxytocin and H₂S systems in a sex-specific manner. No immunohistochemical correlate to the elevated “serum brain injury markers” in male controls was identified. Full article