Paternal effects on fetal programming

Paternal programming is the concept that the environmental signals from the sire's experiences leading up to mating can alter semen and ultimately affect the phenotype of resulting offspring. Potential mechanisms carrying the paternal effects to offspring can be associated with epigenetic signatures (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs), oxidative stress, cytokines, and the seminal microbiome. Several opportunities exist for sperm/semen to be influenced during development; these opportunities are within the testicle, the epididymis, or accessory sex glands. Epigenetic signatures of sperm can be impacted during the pre-natal and pre-pubertal periods, during sexual maturity and with advancing sire age. Sperm are susceptible to alterations as dictated by their developmental stage at the time of the perturbation, and sperm and seminal plasma likely have both dependent and independent effects on offspring. Research using rodent models has revealed that many factors including over/under nutrition, dietary fat, protein, and ingredient composition (e.g., macro- or micronutrients), stress, exercise, and exposure to drugs, alcohol, and endocrine disruptors all elicit paternal programming responses that are evident in offspring phenotype. Research using livestock species has also revealed that sire age, fertility level, plane of nutrition, and heat stress can induce alterations in the epigenetic, oxidative stress, cytokine, and microbiome profiles of sperm and/or seminal plasma. In addition, recent findings in pigs, sheep, and cattle have indicated programming effects in blastocysts post-fertilization with some continuing into post-natal life of the offspring. Our research group is focused on understanding the effects of common management scenarios of plane of nutrition and growth rates in bulls and rams on mechanisms resulting in paternal programming and subsequent offspring outcomes. Understanding the implication of paternal programming is imperative as short-term feeding and management decisions have the potential to impact productivity and profitability of our herds for generations to come.(AU)

The embryo culture media in the era of epigenetics: is it time to go back to nature?

This review is intended to draw attention to the importance of the culture media composition on the health of the embryos, fetuses, newborns, and adults derived from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Although current research and industry trends are to use chemically defined media because of their suitability for manufacturing, commercialization, and regulatory purposes, compelling evidence indicates that those media fail to adequately account for the biological demands of early embryogenesis. Here, we list the main undesirable consequences of the ART described in the literature and results we and others have obtained over the past decade exploring an alternative and more natural way to support embryo growth in vitro: inclusion of endogenous reproductive fluids as additives in the ART culture media for pigs, cows, and humans. This review systematically assesses the pros and cons of using reproductive fluid additives, as well as the requirements to implement this approach in the future.(AU)

Life history traits of parental care in Crenicichla lepidota (Cichliformes, Geophagini) in the upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil

During focal observations carried out in the Olho d’Água River, upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil, we registered the defensive behaviour of one pair of Crenicichla lepidota attempting to protect their offspring from conspecific and non-specific predators. Adults exhibited substrate-guarding behaviour and displayed primary and secondary anti-predation mechanisms. The primary mechanisms (e.g., fin flicking and flaring, gill extending) were ineffective against conspecific predators or against other species. Secondary mechanisms included charging would-be predators of the offspring, and this tactic was successful against non-specifics. This record confirms, in the wild, agonistic behaviour as an effective secondary defence mechanism used in parental care in Crenicichla lepidota.

Life history traits of parental care in Crenicichla lepidota (Cichliformes, Geophagini) in the upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil

Abstract During focal observations carried out in the Olho dÁgua River, upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil, we registered the defensive behaviour of one pair of Crenicichla lepidota attempting to protect their offspring from conspecific and non-specific predators. Adults exhibited substrate-guarding behaviour and displayed primary and secondary anti-predation mechanisms. The primary mechanisms (e.g., fin flicking and flaring, gill extending) were ineffective against conspecific predators or against other species. Secondary mechanisms included charging would-be predators of the offspring, and this tactic was successful against non-specifics. This record confirms, in the wild, agonistic behaviour as an effective secondary defence mechanism used in parental care in Crenicichla lepidota.

Life history traits of parental care in Crenicichla lepidota (Cichliformes, Geophagini) in the upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil

During focal observations carried out in the Olho dÁgua River, upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil, we registered the defensive behaviour of one pair of Crenicichla lepidota attempting to protect their offspring from conspecific and non-specific predators. Adults exhibited substrate-guarding behaviour and displayed primary and secondary anti-predation mechanisms. The primary mechanisms (e.g., fin flicking and flaring, gill extending) were ineffective against conspecific predators or against other species. Secondary mechanisms included charging would-be predators of the offspring, and this tactic was successful against non-specifics. This record confirms, in the wild, agonistic behaviour as an effective secondary defence mechanism used in parental care in Crenicichla lepidota.(AU)

The sex ratio of the koinobiont parasitoid Microcharops anticarsiae Gupta remains female-biased on young larvae of velvetbean in the laboratory environment

The natural parasitic behavior of parasitoidsshould be known by those in charge of planning strategies for the biological control of pests; therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the larval instar of Anticarsia gemmatalisHübner parasitized by Microcharops anticarsiaeGupta in the field and the implication of such parasitic behavior in the sex ratio in the laboratory environment. The length of each larval instar of A. gemmatalisparasitized by M. anticarsiaein the field was determined, and the egg-to-pupa period of the parasitoid and its larval instar lengths were plotted in Gantt charts. According to the chart, A. gemmatalis was parasitized at the first (15%) and second (85%) larval instars in the field, but the length of the first, second and third larval instars of this species was not affected by the parasitism by M. anticarsiaein the field; however, its fourth larval instar was extended and the fifth one was shortened in 2015 but not affected in 2016. The sex ratio of A. gemmatalislarvae parasitized byM. anticarsiaein the field was female-biased, and the sex ratio of early parasitized larvae (3-day old) in the laboratory environment was also female-biased for three cultivated generations. The ‘generation’ factor has affected the egg-to-pupa, pupal and egg-to-adult periods of M. anticarsiae, since females pupated earlier than males in the egg-to-pupa period. Based on the results, M. anticarsiaemostly parasitized the second larval instar of A. gemmatalisin the field, and parasitism in 3-day old larvae in the laboratory environment produced female-biased sex ratio in M. anticarsiae, regardless of the generation.

Influência da adiposidade durante a gestação de éguas da raça Crioula sobre o acúmulo de gordura em seus potros / Influence of adiposity during pregnancy of Crioulo mares on the fat accumulation in their foals

Este trabalho investigou a influência da adiposidade em éguas Crioulas gestantes sobre o peso e o acúmulo de gordura de seus potros do nascimento aos quatro meses de vida. Foram avaliadas 28 éguas Crioulas no terço final de gestação, divididas em dois grupos (normais e obesas) quanto ao peso, à circunferência de pescoço, à altura da crista do pescoço e à gordura subcutânea na base da cauda, bem como quanto à relação dessas medidas com as de seus potros, do parto aos 120 dias de idade. Os filhos de éguas obesas apresentaram maior deposição de gordura na base da cauda, no segundo mês (P<0,05), e na crista do pescoço (P=0,0022), no quarto mês de idade. Houve correlação positiva da altura da crista do pescoço da égua com o peso dos potros ao nascer (P=0,01; r= 0,54) e do peso corporal das éguas com gordura na base da cauda dos potros ao nascimento (P=0,03; r=0,49), além de forte associação entre gordura na base da cauda das éguas obesas com essa medida nos seus potros aos quatro meses (P=0,01; r=0,71). Essa diferença entre os grupos de potros quanto à adiposidade sugere que filhos de éguas obesas são mais propensos a acumular mais gordura já nos primeiros meses de vida.(AU)

This work investigated the influence of adiposity on pregnant Crioulo mares on the weight and fat deposition of their foals from birth to four months of life. Twenty-eight Crioulo mares were evaluated during the final third of gestation, divided into two groups (normal and obese) regarding weight, neck circumference, neck crest height and fat at the tail base, and the relation of these measurements with those of their foals from birth to 120 days old. The obese mares presented higher fat deposition at the tail base in the 2nd month (P< 0.05) and crest of the neck (P= 0.0022) in the 4th month of age. There was positive correlation between height of mare's neck crest and foal weight at birth (P= 0.01, r= 0.54) and body weight of mares between the fat at tail base of foals at birth (P= 0.03, r= 0.49), as well as strong association between fat at the tail base in obese mares with this measurement in their foals at 4 months (P= 0.01, r= 0.71). This difference of adiposity between groups suggests that obese mare's offspring are more likely to accumulate more fat in the first months of life.(AU)

Influência da adiposidade durante a gestação de éguas da raça Crioula sobre o acúmulo de gordura em seus potros / Influence of adiposity during pregnancy of Crioulo mares on the fat accumulation in their foals

Este trabalho investigou a influência da adiposidade em éguas Crioulas gestantes sobre o peso e o acúmulo de gordura de seus potros do nascimento aos quatro meses de vida. Foram avaliadas 28 éguas Crioulas no terço final de gestação, divididas em dois grupos (normais e obesas) quanto ao peso, à circunferência de pescoço, à altura da crista do pescoço e à gordura subcutânea na base da cauda, bem como quanto à relação dessas medidas com as de seus potros, do parto aos 120 dias de idade. Os filhos de éguas obesas apresentaram maior deposição de gordura na base da cauda, no segundo mês (P<0,05), e na crista do pescoço (P=0,0022), no quarto mês de idade. Houve correlação positiva da altura da crista do pescoço da égua com o peso dos potros ao nascer (P=0,01; r= 0,54) e do peso corporal das éguas com gordura na base da cauda dos potros ao nascimento (P=0,03; r=0,49), além de forte associação entre gordura na base da cauda das éguas obesas com essa medida nos seus potros aos quatro meses (P=0,01; r=0,71). Essa diferença entre os grupos de potros quanto à adiposidade sugere que filhos de éguas obesas são mais propensos a acumular mais gordura já nos primeiros meses de vida.(AU)

This work investigated the influence of adiposity on pregnant Crioulo mares on the weight and fat deposition of their foals from birth to four months of life. Twenty-eight Crioulo mares were evaluated during the final third of gestation, divided into two groups (normal and obese) regarding weight, neck circumference, neck crest height and fat at the tail base, and the relation of these measurements with those of their foals from birth to 120 days old. The obese mares presented higher fat deposition at the tail base in the 2nd month (P< 0.05) and crest of the neck (P= 0.0022) in the 4th month of age. There was positive correlation between height of mare's neck crest and foal weight at birth (P= 0.01, r= 0.54) and body weight of mares between the fat at tail base of foals at birth (P= 0.03, r= 0.49), as well as strong association between fat at the tail base in obese mares with this measurement in their foals at 4 months (P= 0.01, r= 0.71). This difference of adiposity between groups suggests that obese mare's offspring are more likely to accumulate more fat in the first months of life.(AU)

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.(AU)

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.

Transmissibilidade de Lentivírus de Pequenos Ruminantes para cabritos e cabras adultas por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente / Transmissibility of Small Ruminants Lentivirus in kids by experimentally infected semen

A Artrite Encefalite Caprina se caracteriza por ser multissistêmica e infecciosa, causada por um lentivírus. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a transmissibilidade do Lentivírus Caprino, para fêmeas e sua prole, por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente. Para tanto, onze fêmeas livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen de bode livre de CAEV ao qual foi adicionado CAEV-Cork para obter título infectante com carga viral em 105 TCID50/ml. (grupo experimental 1). Destas, seis obtiverem prenhez confirmada, e a sua prole (n=6) constituiu o grupo experimental 2. Duas cabras livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen do mesmo bode, sem o inócuo viral, constituindo-se o grupo controle. O diagnóstico da infecção pelo Lentivírus Caprino, foi realizado por IDGA, cELISA e nested-PCR. As fêmeas foram monitoradas durante 210 dias pós inseminação artificial. Já as proles foram imediatamente separadas das mães após o nascimento, e monitoradas nos momentos hora zero, aos quinze dias de idade e mensalmente, até doze meses de idade. Em relação às cabras, 56,96%(9/158) apresentaram positividade para cELISA, 24,05% (38/158) foram positivas a IDGA e nenhuma para nested-PCR. Em relação aos cabritos, 11,28% (15/133) amostras positivas para nested-PCR, 5,26% (7/133) amostras positivas para IDGA e nenhum para cELISA. As proles do grupo controle apresentaram resultados negativos para as três técnicas. A positividade encontrada em nested-PCR pode indicar grande importância para identificação de animais infectados, porém soronegativos, em situações de soroconversão tardia. De acordo com os resultados, concluiu-se que há a transmissão do Lentivírus caprino para a prole e para as mães pelo sêmen infectado.(AU)

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is a multisystemic infectious disease, caused by a lentivirus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transmissibility of caprine lentivirus to goats and their offspring, through experimentally infected semen. Therefore, eleven free-CAEV goats were artificially inseminated using semen from a free-CAEV buck experimentally infected with CAEV-Cork strain (experimental group one). Pregnancy was confirmed in only six goats and their offspring (n=6) constituted the experimental group two. Two free-CAEV females were artificially inseminated with semen from the same seronegative buck, without viral inoculum to constitute the control group. The diagnosis of caprine lentivirus infection was performed using AGID, cELISA and nested-PCR. All females were monitored for 210 days after artificial insemination. Kids were immediately separated from their mothers after birth, and monitored at zero time, 15 days old and monthly until 12 months old. Regarding goat samples, 56.96% (9/159) were positive in cELISA, 24.05% (38/158) were positive in IDGA and none was positive in nested-PCR. Regarding to the offspring samples, 11.28% (15/133) and 5.26% (7/133) were positive in nested-PCR and IDGA, respectively, while no sample was positive in cELISA. The control group showed no positives in the three techniques. The positivity observed to nested-PCR may show its importance to identify infected, but seronegative animals, in late seroconversion situations. According to results, the transmission of caprine lentivirus to offspring and their mothers through infected semen is possible.(AU)

Transmissibilidade de Lentivírus de Pequenos Ruminantes para cabritos e cabras adultas por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente / Transmissibility of Small Ruminants Lentivirus in kids by experimentally infected semen

A Artrite Encefalite Caprina se caracteriza por ser multissistêmica e infecciosa, causada por um lentivírus. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a transmissibilidade do Lentivírus Caprino, para fêmeas e sua prole, por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente. Para tanto, onze fêmeas livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen de bode livre de CAEV ao qual foi adicionado CAEV-Cork para obter título infectante com carga viral em 105 TCID50/ml. (grupo experimental 1). Destas, seis obtiverem prenhez confirmada, e a sua prole (n=6) constituiu o grupo experimental 2. Duas cabras livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen do mesmo bode, sem o inócuo viral, constituindo-se o grupo controle. O diagnóstico da infecção pelo Lentivírus Caprino, foi realizado por IDGA, cELISA e nested-PCR. As fêmeas foram monitoradas durante 210 dias pós inseminação artificial. Já as proles foram imediatamente separadas das mães após o nascimento, e monitoradas nos momentos hora zero, aos quinze dias de idade e mensalmente, até doze meses de idade. Em relação às cabras, 56,96%(9/158) apresentaram positividade para cELISA, 24,05% (38/158) foram positivas a IDGA e nenhuma para nested-PCR. Em relação aos cabritos, 11,28% (15/133) amostras positivas para nested-PCR, 5,26% (7/133) amostras positivas para IDGA e nenhum para cELISA. As proles do grupo controle apresentaram resultados negativos para as três técnicas. A positividade encontrada em nested-PCR pode indicar grande importância para identificação de animais infectados, porém soronegativos, em situações de soroconversão tardia. De acordo com os resultados, concluiu-se que há a transmissão do Lentivírus caprino para a prole e para as mães pelo sêmen infectado.(AU)

Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is a multisystemic infectious disease, caused by a lentivirus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transmissibility of caprine lentivirus to goats and their offspring, through experimentally infected semen. Therefore, eleven free-CAEV goats were artificially inseminated using semen from a free-CAEV buck experimentally infected with CAEV-Cork strain (experimental group one). Pregnancy was confirmed in only six goats and their offspring (n=6) constituted the experimental group two. Two free-CAEV females were artificially inseminated with semen from the same seronegative buck, without viral inoculum to constitute the control group. The diagnosis of caprine lentivirus infection was performed using AGID, cELISA and nested-PCR. All females were monitored for 210 days after artificial insemination. Kids were immediately separated from their mothers after birth, and monitored at zero time, 15 days old and monthly until 12 months old. Regarding goat samples, 56.96% (9/159) were positive in cELISA, 24.05% (38/158) were positive in IDGA and none was positive in nested-PCR. Regarding to the offspring samples, 11.28% (15/133) and 5.26% (7/133) were positive in nested-PCR and IDGA, respectively, while no sample was positive in cELISA. The control group showed no positives in the three techniques. The positivity observed to nested-PCR may show its importance to identify infected, but seronegative animals, in late seroconversion situations. According to results, the transmission of caprine lentivirus to offspring and their mothers through infected semen is possible.(AU)

Transmissibilidade de Lentivírus de Pequenos Ruminantes para cabritos e cabras adultas por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente

ABSTRACT: Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis is a multisystemic infectious disease, caused by a lentivirus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transmissibility of caprine lentivirus to goats and their offspring, through experimentally infected semen. Therefore, eleven free-CAEV goats were artificially inseminated using semen from a free-CAEV buck experimentally infected with CAEV-Cork strain (experimental group one). Pregnancy was confirmed in only six goats and their offspring (n=6) constituted the experimental group two. Two free-CAEV females were artificially inseminated with semen from the same seronegative buck, without viral inoculum to constitute the control group. The diagnosis of caprine lentivirus infection was performed using AGID, cELISA and nested-PCR. All females were monitored for 210 days after artificial insemination. Kids were immediately separated from their mothers after birth, and monitored at zero time, 15 days old and monthly until 12 months old. Regarding goat samples, 56.96% (9/159) were positive in cELISA, 24.05% (38/158) were positive in IDGA and none was positive in nested-PCR. Regarding to the offspring samples, 11.28% (15/133) and 5.26% (7/133) were positive in nested-PCR and IDGA, respectively, while no sample was positive in cELISA. The control group showed no positives in the three techniques. The positivity observed to nested-PCR may show its importance to identify infected, but seronegative animals, in late seroconversion situations. According to results, the transmission of caprine lentivirus to offspring and their mothers through infected semen is possible.

RESUMO: A Artrite Encefalite Caprina se caracteriza por ser multissistêmica e infecciosa, causada por um lentivírus. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a transmissibilidade do Lentivírus Caprino, para fêmeas e sua prole, por meio de sêmen infectado experimentalmente. Para tanto, onze fêmeas livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen de bode livre de CAEV ao qual foi adicionado CAEV-Cork para obter título infectante com carga viral em 105 TCID50/ml. (grupo experimental 1). Destas, seis obtiverem prenhez confirmada, e a sua prole (n=6) constituiu o grupo experimental 2. Duas cabras livres de CAEV foram inseminadas artificialmente com sêmen do mesmo bode, sem o inócuo viral, constituindo-se o grupo controle. O diagnóstico da infecção pelo Lentivírus Caprino, foi realizado por IDGA, cELISA e nested-PCR. As fêmeas foram monitoradas durante 210 dias pós inseminação artificial. Já as proles foram imediatamente separadas das mães após o nascimento, e monitoradas nos momentos hora zero, aos quinze dias de idade e mensalmente, até doze meses de idade. Em relação às cabras, 56,96%(9/158) apresentaram positividade para cELISA, 24,05% (38/158) foram positivas a IDGA e nenhuma para nested-PCR. Em relação aos cabritos, 11,28% (15/133) amostras positivas para nested-PCR, 5,26% (7/133) amostras positivas para IDGA e nenhum para cELISA. As proles do grupo controle apresentaram resultados negativos para as três técnicas. A positividade encontrada em nested-PCR pode indicar grande importância para identificação de animais infectados, porém soronegativos, em situações de soroconversão tardia. De acordo com os resultados, concluiu-se que há a transmissão do Lentivírus caprino para a prole e para as mães pelo sêmen infectado.

Effect of anti-TNF-alpha on the development of offspring and pregnancy loss during pregnancy in rats

Background: Etanercept binds soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and is classified as pregnancy risk category B. Increase in TNF-alpha level causes preterm labour or miscarriage. Lipopolysaccharides trigger preterm birth and abortion via producing of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are divided into two groups as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, whereas interleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. IL-10 predominant in normal pregnancy while TNF-alpha characterize in abortion and recurrent abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of etanercept on the development of offspring and lipopolysaccharide-induced pregnancy loss. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight female and 7 male Wistar rats (5-6 months old) were used in this study. The rats were fed a standard pelleted diet and tap water ad libitum. After female rats were caged with males for 1 day, the presence of a vaginal plug was designated as day 0 of pregnancy. Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups, as follows: control (0.3 mL of Normal Saline Solution intravenously on day 10 of pregnancy); etanercept (0.8 mg kg-1/day intraperitoneally on days 9 and 10 of pregnancy); lipopolysaccharide (160 µg kg-1 intravenously on day 10 of pregnancy); and etanercept + lipopolysaccharide. Blood samples were obtained from the [...](AU)

Effect of anti-TNF-alpha on the development of offspring and pregnancy loss during pregnancy in rats

Background: Etanercept binds soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and is classified as pregnancy risk category B. Increase in TNF-alpha level causes preterm labour or miscarriage. Lipopolysaccharides trigger preterm birth and abortion via producing of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are divided into two groups as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. TNF-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, whereas interleukin (IL)-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. IL-10 predominant in normal pregnancy while TNF-alpha characterize in abortion and recurrent abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of etanercept on the development of offspring and lipopolysaccharide-induced pregnancy loss. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight female and 7 male Wistar rats (5-6 months old) were used in this study. The rats were fed a standard pelleted diet and tap water ad libitum. After female rats were caged with males for 1 day, the presence of a vaginal plug was designated as day 0 of pregnancy. Twenty-eight pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 equal groups, as follows: control (0.3 mL of Normal Saline Solution intravenously on day 10 of pregnancy); etanercept (0.8 mg kg-1/day intraperitoneally on days 9 and 10 of pregnancy); lipopolysaccharide (160 µg kg-1 intravenously on day 10 of pregnancy); and etanercept + lipopolysaccharide. Blood samples were obtained from the [...]

Reproductive life history of Heterandria bimaculata (Heckel, 1848) (Poeciliinae: Poeciliidae) in the Honduran interior highlands: trait variation along an elevational gradient

This study examined reproductive traits and growth rates of Heterandria bimaculata (Poeciliidae) in Cusuco National Park (CNP), a cloud forest reserve in northern Honduras, Central America. In CNP, H. bimaculata occurs in the absence of other fish species and major invertebrate predators along an approximately 1000 m elevation gradient. This allowed for the examination of trait variation along the gradient without the confounding effects of interspecific interactions or habitat patchiness. Heterandria bimaculata exhibited traits characteristic of a low-predation environment: balanced sex ratio, slow growth, late maturity and large female size. Females produced more, smaller eggs from upstream to downstream, but overall reproductive allocation remained constant along the gradient. Maximum male length and annual growth rates increased from upstream to downstream, but female growth showed no trend. The patterns of growth and reproductive allocation tradeoff are consistent with predicted response to a longitudinally-increasing productivity gradient in which food resources become more abundant downstream. Macrobrachium and Bellastoma could have caused some predation, but were sparse and patchily distributed. Fish density remained fairly constant among elevations; if food resources were limiting in upstream habitats, per-capita resource availability would be lower and density-dependent competition would drive selection for larger but fewer, more competitive offspring. Future work should quantify longitudinal changes in productivity and conduct experiments to decouple the effects of stream order and fish density dependence.(AU)

Este estudo analisou características reprodutivas e taxas de crescimento de Heterandria bimaculata (Poeciliidae) no Parque Nacional de Cusuco (CNP), uma reserva florestal nubosa no norte de Honduras, América Central. No CNP, H. bimaculata ocorre na ausência de outras espécies de peixes e grandes predadores invertebrados, ao longo de um gradiente de aproximadamente 1.000 m de altitude. Isto permitiu a análise de variação das características ao longo do gradiente sem a interferência dos efeitos de interações interespecíficas ou desconexão de hábitat. Heterandria bimaculata exibiu traços característicos de um ambiente de baixa predação: proporção sexual equilibrada, de crescimento lento, maturidade tardia e fêmeas de grande porte. As fêmeas produzem mais ovos menores de montante para jusante, mas a alocação reprodutiva global manteve-se constante ao longo do gradiente. O comprimento máximo dos machos e as taxas de crescimento anual aumentaram da montante para jusante, mas o crescimento as fêmeas não mostrou nenhuma tendência. Os padrões de crescimento e alteração de alocação reprodutiva são consistentes com a resposta prevista para um gradiente de produtividade que aumenta longitudinalmente, no qual os recursos alimentares se tornam mais abundantes a jusante. Macrobrachium e Bellastoma poderiam ter causado alguma predação, mas foram escassos e pouco distribuídos. A densidade de peixes manteve-se relativamente constante entre as elevações; se os recursos alimentares fossem limitantes em hábitats a montante, a disponibilidade de recursos per capita seria menor e a competição dependente da densidade iria conduzir a seleção para uma prole mais competitiva, maior mas menos numerosa. Trabalhos futuros deverão quantificar as mudanças longitudinais na produtividade e conduzir experimentos para dissociar os efeitos da ordem do riacho e dependência da densidade de peixes.(AU)

RELAÇÃO DA CONTAGEM DE FOLÍCULOS ANTRAIS COM O COMPORTAMENTO DE ESTRO E MÉRITO GENÉTICO EM FÊMEAS BOS TAURUS INDICUS

objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação da contagem de folículos antrais (CFA) de vacas Bos taurus indicus submetidas à IATF com a manifestação de estro, taxa de concepção, CFA das filhas e mérito genético de seus filhos. No primeiro estudo 450 vacas Nelore multíparas, avaliadas por ultrassonografia foram classificadas em baixa ( 15 folículos; n= 150), intermediária ( 19 e 26 folículos; n= 150) ou alta ( 30 folículos; n= 150) CFA. No primeiro dia do protocolo hormonal (D0), as vacas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1,2 g de progesterona e administrado via IM 2,0 mg de benzoato de estradiol. Após 8 dias (D8), os dispositivos de P4 foram removidos e foram administrados via IM 450 g de cloprostenol sodico, 300 UI de gonadotrofina corionica equina e 1,0 mg de cipionato de estradiol. Após 48 horas (D10), no momento da inseminação artificial (IA), foi realizada a avaliação da manifestação de estro. Trinta dias após a IA procedeu- se o diagnóstico de gestação por ultrassonografia. Os dados foram analisados por teste de regressão logística binária (p < 0.05). A taxa de concepção de fêmeas do grupo de baixa CFA (69,3%) foi maior (p < 0.05) em relação aos de intermediária (60%) e a alta (56,7%); e maior (p < 0.05) para a vacas que manifestaram cio (67,3%) em relação às que manifestaram cio parcial (58,2%) e as que não manifestaram cio (45,4%). A taxa de concepção foi influenciada pela CFA (p=0,04) e pelo cio (p=0,006), mas não houve efeito da interação entre CFA e cio (p=0,511). No segundo estudo, foram utilizados 444 animais Bos taurus indicus, da raça Nelore. Durante a estação de monta, foram avaliadas 222 vacas recém paridas quanto á CFA em baixa ( 15 folículos; n= 52), intermediária ( 16 e 29 folículos; n= 37) ou alta ( 30 folículos; n= 38) contagem. Avaliou- se 95 filhas e 127 filhos dessas vacas provenientes de IA, para análise de uma possível relação entre a CFA de mães e filhas e o mérito genético dos filhos. As filhas foram analisadas quantos sua CFA e os filhos foram avaliados num programa de melhoramento genético que utiliza matriz de parentesco além de dados de perímetro escrotal (PE) e peso corporal para classificação dos animais quanto seu mérito genético. Para análise da prole foi incluso o efeito paterno. O modelo linear generalizado de efeito misto (GLIMMIX) foi utilizado para análise da CFA, PE, peso e mérito genético. A CFA das filhas não teve relação com efeitos maternos e paternos e vacas de alta CFA apresentaram filhos com melhor mérito genético (p= 0,09). Embora esse estudo demonstre uma relação positiva da CFA com o mérito genético, mais estudos dever realizados sobre a atuação da CFA em provas de melhoramento animal. Contudo, em vacas selecionados geneticamente, as fêmeas de baixa CFA apresentam maior taxa de concepção à IATF.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the antral follicles count (AFC) of in Bos taurus indicus cows submitted to a TAI with the manifestation of estrus, conception rate, AFC of the female offspring and the genetic merit of their male offspring. In the first study, 450 multiparous Nelore cows, evaluated by ultrasound, were classified as low ( 15 follicles; n= 150), intermediate ( 19 and 26 follicles; n= 150) or high ( 30 follicles; n= 150) AFC. On the first day of the hormonal protocol (D0), the cows received an intravaginal device containing 1.2 g of progesterone and administered by IM 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate. After 8 days (D8), the P4 devices were removed and IM 450 g of sodium cloprostenol, 300 UI of equine chorionic gonadotrophin and 1.0 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered by IM. After 48 hours (D10), at the time of artificial insemination (AI), the evaluation of the estrus manifestation was performed. Thirty days after the AI, a pregnancy diagnosis was made by ultrasound. The data were analyzed by binary logistic regression test (p <0.05). The conception rate of females in the low AFC group (69.3%) was higher (p <0.05) in relation to intermediate (60%) and high (56.7%); and higher (p <0.05) for cows that showed estrus (67.3%) in relation to those that showed partial estrus (58.2%) and those that did not show estrus (45.4%). The conception rate was influenced by AFC (p = 0.04) and estrus (p= 0.006), but there was no effect of the interaction between AFC and estrus (p= 0.511). In the present study, the conception of Nelore cows was influenced by the estrus manifestation (67.3%) and low CFA (69.3%). In the second study, 444 Bos taurus indicus of the Nelore breed were used. During the breeding season, 222 cows recently calved for low CFA ( 15 follicles; n= 52), intermediate ( 16 and 29 follicles; n= 37) or high ( 30 follicles; n= 38) score were evaluated. 95 female offspring and 127 male offspring of these cows from AI were evaluated to analyze a possible relationship between the AFC of mothers and female offspring AFC and the genetic merit of their male offspring. The female offspring were analyzed about their AFC and male offspring were evaluated in a genetic improvement program that uses a kinship matrix in addition to scrotal perimeter (SP) and body weight data to classify the animals according to their genetic merit. For the analysis of offspring, the paternal effect was included. The generalized mixed effect linear model (GLIMMIX) was used to analyze AFC, SP, weight and genetic merit. The female offspring AFC was not related to maternal and paternal effects and high CFA cows had male offspring with better genetic merit (p= 0.09). Although this study demonstrates a positive relationship between AFC and genetic merit, more studies should be carried out on AFC performance in animal breeding tests. However, in genetically selected cows, females with low AFC have a higher conception rate at TAI.

O ESTRESSE MATERNO INDUZ NA PROLE DE RATOS JOVENS COMPORTAMENTOS TIPO-DEPRESSIVO-ANSIOSO E RESILIENCIA AO ESTRESSE: IMPLICAÇÕES DA LIMITAÇÃO DAS CONDIÇÕES DO NINHO

Mendes-Lima, 2020. O estresse materno induz na prole de ratos jovens comportamentos tipo-depressivo-ansioso e resiliência ao estresse: implicações da limitação das condições do ninho. 86 f.. Orientação: Prof. Dra. Maria Martha Bernardi, Doutorado (Patologia Ambiental e Experimental) Universidade Paulista, São Paulo, 2020. A diminuição ou ausência do cuidado materno é denominada negligência materna, que pode ser entendida como uma situação de constante omissão para com a criança ou adolescente que coloca em risco seu desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar em um modelo animal de negligência materna, a limitação das condições do ninho de ratas (LCN) na lactação, no desenvolvimento e o comportamento e níveis de corticosterona da prole masculina de ratas observadas na idade juvenil. Também foram investigados o desempenho reprodutivo das fêmeas e a sobrevida da prole, bem como o comportamento maternal e níveis de corticosterona. Na prole, observou-se o desenvolvimento físico, reflexológico e ponderal. Entre os dias 30-31 de vida, a prole masculina das ratas foram observadas quanto à atividade geral em campo aberto nos testes de transição em caixa-claro-escuro, natação forçada e comportamento social na infância. Após estas avaliações, os níveis de corticosterona sérica da prole foram também dosados. Os resultados mostraram que em relação ao grupo controle: 1) as fêmeas lactantes submetidas à LCN apresentaram melhores escores de qualidade do ninho, nenhuma modificação no comportamento maternal voltado aos filhotes, porém aumento no grooming e dos níveis séricos de corticosterona. Ainda foi verificada menor porcentagem de sobrevivência da prole exposta à LCN; 2) a prole submetida à LCN apresentou prejuízos no desenvolvimento físico e de reflexos, com adiantamento do dia de erupção dos dentes incisivos e do dia de endireitamento postural, atraso no desenvolvimento de pelos, no dia de descida dos testículos e do reflexo de preensão palmar; 3) aos 31 dias de idade, a prole exposta à LCN apresentou menor peso corporal, comportamento tipo-ansiedade e tipo-depressivo e redução dos níveis séricos de corticosterona. A LCN não modificou a atividade geral observada em campo aberto e o comportamento social desta prole. Os resultados sugerem que a LCN promova o estresse materno, causando prejuízos na programação perinatal do desenvolvimento da prole e, em período precoce da vida desta prole, aumento de comportamento tipo-ansiedade e de comportamento tipo-depressivo e resiliência ao estresse.

Mendes-Lima, 2020. Maternal stress model induces in juvenile rats depressive-anxious behaviors and resilience to stress: implications of limiting nest conditions. 86 f. Supervisor: Prof. Dra. Maria Martha Bernardi, PhD (Environmental and Experimental Pathology) Paulista University, São Paulo, 2020 The decrease or absence of maternal care is called maternal neglect, which can be understood as a situation of constant omission towards the child or adolescent that puts their development at risk. The objective of this work was to analyze, in an animal model of maternal neglect, the limitation of the nest conditions of rats (LCN) in lactation, development, behavior and corticosterone levels of male offspring of rats observed in juvenile age. The maternal reproductive performance, the offspring survival as well as the maternal behavior and the corticosterone levels investigated. In the offspring, the physical, reflexological and ponderal development was observed. Between 30-31 days of life, the male offspring of the rats were evaluated for the general activity in the open field, in the transition in light-dark box, forced swimming and social behavior tests. After these evaluations, the corticosterone serum levels in the offspring were measured. Relative to the control group the results showed that: 1) lactating females submitted to LCN had better nest quality scores, no changes in maternal behavior towards the young, but an increase in grooming and serum levels of corticosterone. There was still a lower percentage of survival of offspring exposed to LCN; 2) the offspring subjected to LCN showed impairments in physical development and reflexes with advanced in the day of the incisor teeth eruption and in the day of posture straightening as well as a delay in the development of hair, on the day of descent of the testicles and in the hand grip reflex; 3) at 31 days of age, the offspring exposed to LCN showed lower body weight, anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and reduced serum corticosterone levels. LCN did not modify the general activity observed in the open field and the social behavior of this offspring. Thus, it is proposed that the LCN promoted maternal stress, which produced losses in the perinatal programming of the development of the offspring and, in the early period of this offspring's life, an increase in type-anxiety and type-depressive behavior and resilience to stress.

The effect of arginine dietary supplementation in broiler breeder hens on offspring humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

The influence of supplementing the diet of broiler breeder hens with arginine (Arg) on their offspring's humoral and cell-mediated immune response was evaluated in two experiments. In experiments I and II, breeder hens were fed diets containing graded levels of Arg (0.943, 1.093, 1.243, 1.393 and 1.543% digestible Arg). In experiment I, the offspring was randomly grouped according to the treatment received by the breeder hens, with five levels of Arg in the maternal diet and six replicates, giving a total 30 experimental units. In experiment II, the offspring were grouped in accordance with the treatment received by the breeder hens; however, Arg was added to the starter diet (1.300, 1.450, 1.600, 1.750 and 1.900% digestible Arg) and also the growing diet (1.150, 1.300, 1.450, 1.600 and 1.750% digestible Arg). Supplementation of the broiler breeder hen diet did not influence (p > 0.05) the development of the lymphoid organs (cloacal bursa, thymus and spleen) of the offspring, whether their diet were supplemented or not. Nevertheless, greater weight and dimensions cloacal bursa were found in the supplemented offspring in comparison with the nonsupplemented offspring. Macrophage phagocytic activity was found to be unaffected (p > 0.05), independently of the Arg supplementation. The offspring fed with supplemented diets showed a linear reduction in the antibody titer against Newcastle Disease (p 0.05) by the breeder hen diet. This study concluded that supplementing the breeder hen diet with arginine is insufficient to improve the humoral and cellular immune response, requiring supplementation of the offspring diet.

The effect of arginine dietary supplementation in broiler breeder hens on offspring humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

The influence of supplementing the diet of broiler breeder hens with arginine (Arg) on their offspring's humoral and cell-mediated immune response was evaluated in two experiments. In experiments I and II, breeder hens were fed diets containing graded levels of Arg (0.943, 1.093, 1.243, 1.393 and 1.543% digestible Arg). In experiment I, the offspring was randomly grouped according to the treatment received by the breeder hens, with five levels of Arg in the maternal diet and six replicates, giving a total 30 experimental units. In experiment II, the offspring were grouped in accordance with the treatment received by the breeder hens; however, Arg was added to the starter diet (1.300, 1.450, 1.600, 1.750 and 1.900% digestible Arg) and also the growing diet (1.150, 1.300, 1.450, 1.600 and 1.750% digestible Arg). Supplementation of the broiler breeder hen diet did not influence (p > 0.05) the development of the lymphoid organs (cloacal bursa, thymus and spleen) of the offspring, whether their diet were supplemented or not. Nevertheless, greater weight and dimensions cloacal bursa were found in the supplemented offspring in comparison with the nonsupplemented offspring. Macrophage phagocytic activity was found to be unaffected (p > 0.05), independently of the Arg supplementation. The offspring fed with supplemented diets showed a linear reduction in the antibody titer against Newcastle Disease (p < 0.05) at seven days of age, and a quadratic response (p < 0.05) at 28 days of age. The antibody titer in the non-supplemented offspring was not influenced (p > 0.05) by the breeder hen diet. This study concluded that supplementing the breeder hen diet with arginine is insufficient to improve the humoral and cellular immune response, requiring supplementation of the offspring diet.(AU)