The effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphism on growth and milk production traits in two native Indian tropical goat breeds.

Insulin like growth factor1(IGF-1) is an essential growth factor that mediates the growth-promoting functions of pituitary growth hormone. Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates the actions of IGF1. Therefore, IGF1R is a candidate gene for examining SNPs linked with growth and production traits. The objective of this study was to detect the c.546 + 179170A > T transversion in intron 2 of the gene encoding IGF1R in two goat breeds, Attappady Black and Malabari, and examine the association of this polymorphism with growth and milk production. For the identification of the SNP, the T-ARMS-PCR was utilized. All three genotypes were present in the two investigated breeds. The polymorphism was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) linked with growth traits. At birth, 3 and 6 months of age, Attappady goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights than those with the AA and TT genotypes. Malabari goats with the AT genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights at birth and at 3 months of age. The genotypes of the IGF1R gene had no effect on total or peak milk production. Therefore, this SNP could be used as a molecular marker in selection of meat-producing goat breeds.HIGHLIGHTSc.546 + 179170A > T IGF1R transversion was detected using T-ARMS-PCR in two indigenous goat breeds from Kerala.Attappady Black and Malabari goat breeds of Kerala possessed all the three genotypesIn these breeds, there was a significant correlation between this SNP, c.546 + 179170A > T IGF1R, and body weight.In both the breeds, there was no association between this SNP and milk production traits.

Oral micronized progesterone for prevention of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate oral micronized progesterone (OMP) to prevent preterm birth (PTB). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 150 women with at least one PTB who received 100 mg of OMP or placebo twice a day from recruitment (18-24 weeks) until 36 weeks or delivery. RESULTS: PTB occurred in 29 (39.2%) women in the OMP group (n=74) compared with 44 (59.5%) in the control group (n=74, P=0.002). Mean gestational age at delivery was higher in the OMP group (36.1 vs 34.0 weeks, P<0.001). Fewer preterm births occurred between 28 and 31 weeks plus 6 days in the OMP group (RR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.73, P<0.001). Neonatal age at delivery (34 vs 32 weeks, P<0.001), birth weight (2400 vs 1890 g, P<0.001), NICU stay (>24 h, P<0.001), and Apgar scores (P<0.001) were more favorable in the OMP group, and fewer neonatal deaths occurred (3 vs 7, P=0.190). CONCLUSION: OMP reduced the risk of PTB between 28 and 31 weeks plus 6 days, NICU admissions, and neonatal morbidity and mortality in high risk patients.