Tinospora cordifolia modulates the seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and seminal antioxidants in equilibrated and cryopreserved semen of Sahiwal bulls.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi) in the semen extender on seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and antioxidants in semen of Sahiwal bull. A total of 48 ejaculates from four bulls were selected for the study. Spermatozoa of 25 × 106 were incubated in 100, 300 and 500 µg of stem extract of Guduchi as Gr II, III and IV, respectively, and pre-freeze and post-thaw semen samples were analysed for seminal parameters [motility, viability, total sperm abnormality (TSA), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosomal integrity (AcI)], intracellular enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and seminal antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase] in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). The results revealed that stem extract-treated semen had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in untreated control group at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Semen treated with 100 µg stem extract/25 × 106 spermatozoa had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in control, 300- and 500-µg-treated groups at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Further, these seminal parameters and antioxidants were showing decreasing trend and TSA and leakage of intracellular enzymes were showing increasing trend from Gr II to Gr IV at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Thus, 100 µg/25 × 106 spermatozoa were optimum or suitable dose for cryopreservation of Sahiwal bull semen. The study concluded that T. cordifolia stem extract 100 µg/25 × 106 spermatozoa in the semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and improve the pre-freeze and post-thaw seminal parameters in Sahiwal bull. However, further studies on effects of different concentrations of stem extract on in vitro or in vivo fertility trials are to be conducted to assess the impact of the stem extract supplementation in the semen extender on field pregnancy outcomes in bovine species.

Effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid-rich linseed on the reproductive performance of ewes in subtropical climates.

The present study evaluated the effects of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid-rich linseed supplementation on the reproductive performance, endocrine profile, and biochemical profile of ewes reared in subtropical climates. Forty-eight acyclic and clinically healthy Marwari sheep, aged 1.5-2.5 years with no parity, were divided into four groups (n = n = 12 in each). Ewes in the control group (group I) were fed only a basal feed, whereas ewes in the treatment groups II, III, and IV were fed the basal diet along with 10%, 15%, and 20% linseed, respectively, daily on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted during the typical breeding season (October-November) of the sheep. The estrus induction rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups than in the control group. The estrus induction interval was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group III. The conception rate in group I was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, ewes in the control group had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) lambing rate than all treatment groups. Serum progesterone concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the control and the treatment groups on days 15, 30, 45, and 60 of supplementation. On treatment days 15 and 30, the serum estrogen concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups compared to that in group I. In all treatment groups, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) increased significantly (p < 0.05) from day 15 onward. In conclusion, by providing 15% dietary linseed supplementation to ewes, their reproductive performance can be improved in subtropical climates. Future studies are recommended to further elucidate the role of linseed supplementation in sheep reproduction in subtropical climates.

Is VEGF under-expressed in Indian children with Perthes disease?

BACKGROUND: The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after ischaemic necrosis of the femoral head in Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) has not been adequately studied in humans, especially in Indian population. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the serum levels of VEGF-A in Indian children with various stages of LCPD and compare them with those of an age- and sex-matched control group of healthy children. METHODS: In this case-control study, we enrolled 42 children (below 14 years age) suffering from LCPD and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients were classified radiographically according to Waldenstrom's classification. Serum VEGF-A was estimated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The serum values were compared between the patient group and the control group, as well as between the Waldenstrom subgroups. Results were expressed as means with ranges or median with interquartile range. RESULTS: The mean age in the patient as well as the control group was 9 years (range 4-13 years). The median value (interquartile range) of serum VEGF-A was 162.5 pg/ml (673.75 pg/ml) in the patient group and 652 pg/ml (190.5 pg/ml) in the control group (p = 0.013). When compared between lower Waldenstrom stages (initial stage + stage of fragmentation) and higher Waldenstrom stages (re-ossification stage + stage of healing), the mean values of serum VEGF-A were 464.7 pg/ml (range 0-2211 pg/ml) and 301.1 pg/ml (range 0-1910 pg/ml), respectively (p = 0.305). CONCLUSIONS: VEGF is under-expressed in Indian children suffering from LCPD. As VEGF acts as a key regulator of endochondral ossification, our finding may open new therapeutic approaches to the disease. Also, serum VEGF may act as a valuable marker for the follow-up of the disease. Our study also provides baseline data about serum VEGF-A levels in Indian cohort of LCPD patients. Future multi-centre studies are warranted with a larger sample size to fully appreciate the patho-physiological changes in VEGF occurring in LCPD.

Middle ear function in cleft palate.

This study is based on an impedence audiometric evaluation of three groups of patients-20 with un-operated cleft palate, 28 normal subjects as controls and 20 operated cleft palate patients. Four major parameters have been analysed: middle ear pressure, static compliance, acoustic reflex and tympanometry. It was confirmed that in the normal child Eustachian tube function improves with growth and the critical age when the middle ear pressure becomes normal in almost all the normal children is 5 to 6 years. This process of improvement is disturbed in the presence of a cleft palate. Poor Eustachian tube function, evidenced by persistent negative middle ear pressure, continues to be commonly seen in the older subjects with un-operated cleft palates. The static compliance that reflects the elasticity of the conducting mechanism of the middle ear is poorer in cleft palate patients. It was also observed that when the cleft palate had been repaired before the age of 6 years, Eustachian tube function improved significantly in the older age group as shown by the lower incidence of negative middle ear pressure and Eustachian tube block. The high incidence of serous otitis media is apparently unaffected by surgery on the cleft palate and is responsible for some degree of hearing loss encountered in the older patients with operated cleft palates. Thus the incidence of hearing loss as studied by acoustic reflex is higher in all age groups in the presence of a cleft palate.