In vitro maturation in synthetic oviductal fluid increases gene expression associated with quality and lipid metabolism in bovine oocytes.

Traditionally, in vitro oocyte and embryo culture progresses through a series of varying culture medium. To investigate simplifying the in vitro production of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), this study used synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Special interest was placed on gene expression linked to lipid metabolism and oocyte maturation. COCs were matured in different media: Medium 199 (M199 group), M199 with 100 µM CLA (M199 + CLA group), SOF (SOF group), and SOF with 100 µM CLA (SOF + CLA group). COCs matured with SOF showed a higher relative abundance of mRNA of quality indicators gremlin 1 (GREM1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in oocytes, and GREM1 in cumulus cells compared with in the M199 group. SOF medium COCs had a higher relative abundance of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) compared with the M199 group, which is essential for lipid metabolism in oocytes. Furthermore, the abundance of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) in oocytes matured with SOF was not influenced by the addition of CLA, whereas the relative abundance of SCD1 was reduced in M199 medium with CLA. We concluded that maturation in SOF medium results in a greater abundance of genes linked to quality and lipidic metabolism in oocytes, regardless of the addition of CLA.

Different nutritional systems influence the tenderness and lipid oxidation of ewe lamb meat without altering gene expression.

Feeding is a determining factor in the various characteristics of sheep meat and animal performance, the objectives were to evaluate the effect of supplementation of ewe lambs finished in different nutritional planes on the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST and its possible association with meat quality. Samples of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of 24 ewe lambs were used, distributed in 3 groups (n=8): P (pasture), PS (pasture and supplement) and F (feedlot). Physicochemical analyses were performed for centesimal analysis, pH, lipid oxidation, Warner-Bratzler shear force and RT-qPCR for the analysis of relative gene expression of the following genes: CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST. There is an increase in daily weight gain and ethereal extract values in the meat of confined animals, due to the greater energy intake in the nutrition of these animals. Animals kept only on pasture have lower lipid oxidation in meat than other treatments because of the lower percentage of lipids. The Warner-Bratzler shear force is considerably higher in the meat of animals kept only on pasture but is still considered tender. The different nutritional systems do not interfere with the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST in ewe lambs.

High-intensity interval training attenuates the effects caused by arterial hypertension in the ventral prostate.

BACKGROUND: The prostatic effects induced by arterial hypertension is very controversial and its mechanism is unclear. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise considered to be hypotensive. The objective of this work was to investigate the molecular, biochemical, and morphological effects of 8 weeks of HIIT in the prostatic tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: Twenty male SHR rats, 51.4 weeks old, were used. The SHR animals were divided into two groups: spontaneously sedentary hypertensive and spontaneously hypertensive submitted to HIIT. We analyze androgens receptor and glucocorticoid receptors in the prostate. Still, we verify effects of the hypertension and HIIT on the physiopathology prostatic, for immunohistochemistry investigated BCL-2, BAX, IGF-1, FAS/CD95, data's inflammatory tumour necrosis factor α, nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin (IL)-6, anti-inflammatory IL-10. The echocardiographic evaluation was performed at the baseline and after the training period. RESULTS: Arterial hypertension promote high prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia incidence in the prostate, increases IGF-1, BCL-2 (p < 0.05), and inflammatory proteins (p < 0.05). Eight weeks of HIIT training reduced the arterial pressure and increase the concentration of tissue collagen and intracellular glycogen and showed a higher expression of BAX, FAS/CD95, and IL-10 proteins (p < 0.05), coinciding with a lower incidence of lesions and lower prostate weight (p < 0.05) and reduction of the BCL-2 and IGF-1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that arterial hypertension suppressed apoptosis and increased damage prostatic. On other hand, HIIT promotes morphology and function improves in the prostatic environment, inhibited inflammation, and increased apoptosis.

Global transcriptome analysis implicates cholesterol availability in the regulation of canine cyclic luteal function.

Considering the key role of the corpus luteum in the regulation of the canine diestrus, the present study aimed to investigate changes in the luteal transcriptome of pseudopregnant dogs (n = 18) from days (D) 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 post-ovulation. After RNAsequencing was performed, data was analyzed by resorting to several informatic tools. A total of 3300 genes were differently expressed among all samples (FDR < 0.01). By comparing different time points, enriched biological processes as response to estradiol and lipids (D20 vs D10) and intracellular cholesterol transport (D40 vs D60) were observed. Moreover, LXR/RXR (liver X receptor- retinoid X receptor) signaling appeared as an overrepresented pathway in all comparisons. Thus, the expression of 19 genes involved in intracellular cholesterol availability was further evaluated; most were affected by time (P < 0.05). Adding to the deep transcriptomic analysis, presented data implies the importance of cholesterol regulation in luteal physiology of pseudopregnant dogs.

Effects of muscular strength training and growth hormone (GH) supplementation on femoral bone tissue: analysis by Raman spectroscopy, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and mechanical resistance.

The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of muscular strength training and growth hormone (GH) supplementation on femoral bone tissue by Raman spectroscopy (Raman), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and mechanical resistance (F-max) analysis. A total of 40 male Wistar animals, 60 days old, were used. The animals were distributed into four groups: control (C), control with GH (GHC), muscular strength training (T), and muscular strength training with GH (GHT). Blood samples were collected for the quantification of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and the femurs were removed for analysis by Raman, DXA, and F-max. A more pronounced increase in the bone mineral components was verified in the T group, for all the variables obtained by the Raman (calcium, phosphate, amide, and collagen). In addition, for animals submitted to GH supplementation, there was a reduction in the variable bone mineral density (BMD) obtained by the DXA (p < 0.05). Finally, the animals that received GH supplementation presented a higher F-max, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). It was concluded that animals that received GH supplementation demonstrated a decrease in BMD. In addition, T alone was able to promote increased calcium, phosphate, amide, and collagen compounds in bone tissue.

High final energy of gallium arsenide laser increases MyoD gene expression during the intermediate phase of muscle regeneration after cryoinjury in rats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gallium arsenide (GaAs) laser on IGF-I, MyoD, MAFbx, and TNF-α gene expression during the intermediate phase of muscle regeneration after cryoinjury 21 Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 7 per group): untreated with no injury (control group), cryoinjury without GaAs (injured group), and cryoinjury with GaAs (GaAs-injured group). The cryoinjury was induced in the central region of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA). The region injured was irradiated once a day during 14 days using GaAs laser (904 nm; spot size 0.035 cm2, output power 50 mW; energy density 69 J cm-2; exposure time 4 s per point; final energy 4.8 J). Twenty-four hours after the last application, the right and left TA muscles were collected for histological (collagen content) and molecular (gene expression of IGF-I, MyoD, MAFbx, and TNF-α) analyses, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in collagen density and IGF-I gene expression in all experimental groups. There were similar (P < 0.05) decreases in MAFbx and TNF-α gene expression in the injured and GaAs-injured groups, compared to control group. The MyoD gene expression increased (P = 0.008) in the GaAs-injured group, but not in the injured group (P = 0.338), compared to control group. GaAs laser therapy had a positive effect on MyoD gene expression, but not IGF-I, MAFbx, and TNF-α, during intermediary phases (14 days post-injury) of muscle repair.

Integrated aerobic exercise with LDE-docetaxel treatment: a novel approach to combat prostate cancer progression.

The variability in response to conventional prostate cancer (PC) therapies, coupled with the emergent issue of drug resistance, underscores the critical need for innovative treatment strategies. Aerobic physical exercise reduced incidence of several cancers, but the mechanism underlying these effects associated the nanoemulsion not fully understood. The application of a lipid nanoemulsion (LDE) delivery system for docetaxel (DTX), showing marked enhancement in therapeutic efficacy when combined with aerobic physical exercise. This novel intervention potentiates the antitumor activity of LDE-delivered DTX by augmenting nanoparticle internalization and inducing cell cycle arrest. Our findings reveal that this synergistic treatment not only significantly reduces prostate weight and mitigates adenocarcinoma proliferation but also attenuates anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression. Concurrently, it elevates pro-apoptotic proteins and diminishes inflammatory markers. Metabolic profiling of the combined therapy group disclosed additional benefits, such as reduced lipid and plasma glucose levels. Collectively, our data illuminate the profound impact of integrating LDE-mediated DTX delivery with structured physical exercise, which together spearhead a dual-front assault on PC. This multimodal approach heralds a new paradigm in PC management, accentuating the promise of combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to elevate tumor suppressor protein activity and refine patient outcomes.

Aerobic physical exercise modifies the prostate tumoral environment.

Exercise is recognized for its potential role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this risk reduction are not fully understood. Here, we hypothesized that aerobic physical exercise induces cancer attenuating effects through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. To test this hypothesis, twenty male Sprague Dawley rats with chemically induced prostate tumors were divided into two groups: Prostate cancer (PC) in the absence and presence of exercise (PC + Ex). Rats in the PC + Ex group performed exercises on a treadmill for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week, at an intensity of 60 % of maximum capacity. Weight and feed efficiency, Ki-67, apoptosis, prostatic inflammation, and markers of oxidative stress were analyzed. We found that aerobic physical exercise significantly decreased prostate cell proliferation (p < 0.05) across modulation, tumor size, and prostate weight. The PC + Ex group also significantly reduced anti-apoptosis protein expression (p < 0.05) and increased pro-apoptotic protein expression. Furthermore, physical exercise increased enzymatic antioxidant defenses in the prostate, plasma, and whole blood. Moreover, PC + Ex reduced lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels (p < 0.05). In the prostate, there was an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB) after 8 weeks of physical exercise. In conclusion, we found that aerobic physical exercise is a functional, beneficial, and applicable approach to control PC progression, because it modifies the systemic environment, including the regulation of glucose and circulating lipids. This modification of the cancer cells environment has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that attenuate tumor growth.

An approach to uncover the relationship between 17b-estradiol and ESR1/ESR2 ratio in the regulation of canine corpus luteum.

The canine corpus luteum (CL) is able to synthetise, activate and deactivate 17b-estradiol (E2) and also expresses nuclear estrogen receptors in a time-dependent manner during diestrus. Nevertheless, we are still missing a better comprehension of E2 functions in the canine CL, especially regarding the specific roles of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and ERb, encoded by ESR1 and 2, respectively. For that purpose, we analyzed transcriptomic data of canine non-pregnant CL collected on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 of diestrus and searched for differentially expressed genes (DEG) containing predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) for ESR1 or ESR2. Based on biological functions of DEG presenting TFBS, expression of select transcripts and corresponding proteins was assessed. Additionally, luteal cells were collected across specific time points during diestrus and specificity of E2 responses was tested using ERa and/or ERb inhibitors. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 517 DEGs containing TFBS, from which 67 for both receptors. In general, abundance of predicted ESR1 targets was greater in the beginning, while abundance of ESR2 targets was greater in the end of diestrus. ESR1/ESR2 ratio shifted from an increasing to a decreasing pattern from day 30 to 40 post ovulation. Specific receptor inhibition suggested an ERa-mediated positive regulation of CL function at the beginning of diestrus and an ERb-mediated effect contributing to luteal regression. In conclusion, our data points toward a broad spectrum of action of E2 and its nuclear receptors, which can also act as transcription factors for other genes regulating canine CL function.

Insulin induces steroidogenesis in canine luteal cells via PI3K-MEK-MAPK.

Glucose uptake increases in canine luteal cells under insulin treatment. We hypothesize that insulin also increases luteal cell steroidogenesis. Dogs underwent elective ovariohysterectomy from days 10-60 post ovulation and their corpora lutea (CL) and blood samples were collected. Deep RNA sequencing determined differentially expressed genes in CL; those related to insulin signaling and steroidogenesis were validated in vivo by qPCR and their respective proteins by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Next, luteal cell cultures were stimulated with insulin with or without inhibition of MAPK14, MAP2K1 and PI3K. Studied proteins except P450 aromatase showed the same expression pattern of coding genes in vivo. The expression of HSD3B and CYP19A1 was higher in insulin-treated cells (P < 0.005). Following respective pathway blockades, the culture medium had decreased concentrations of progesterone (P4) and 17b-estradiol (E2) (P < 0.01). Our results indicate that insulin increases HSD3B and CYP19A1 expression via MAPK and PI3K, and contributes to the regulation of P4 and E2 production in canine luteal cells.

The high-intensity interval training mitigates the cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiac structural and functional characteristics and myocardial mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in hypertensive rats. METHODS: Male rats (12 months old) were divided into three groups: Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY, n = 8); sedentary spontaneously hypertensive rats (SED-SHR, n = 10), and trained spontaneously hypertensive rats (HIIT-SHR, n = 10). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), functional capacity, echocardiography, isolated papillary muscle, and gene expression of MAPK gene-encoding proteins associated with Elk1, cJun, ATF2, MEF2 were analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: HIIT decreased SBP and increased functional capacity, left ventricular diastolic diameter, posterior wall thickness-left ventricle, relative wall thickness-left ventricle, and resting tension of the papillary muscle. In hypertensive rats, we observed a decrease in the gene-encoding ATF2 protein; this decrease was reversed by HIIT. SIGNIFICANCE: The influence of HIIT in the SHR model in the compensated hypertension phase generated an increase in cardiac hypertrophy, attenuated myocardial diastolic dysfunction, lowered blood pressure, improved functional capacity, and reversed the alteration in gene-encoding ATF2 protein.

Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and aerobic exercise improve functioning, morphology, and redox balance in prostate obese rats.

The high-fat diet (HFD) stimulates an increase in lipids and can be prejudicial for harmful to prostatic morphogenesis. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action in some types of cancer. The combination of aerobic physical exercise and PUFA can be more effective and reduce the risk of death. The study evaluates the effects of aerobic physical exercise associated with omega-3 (fish and chia oils), on the ventral prostate of Wistar rats those fed with HFD. Here, we report that HFD modified the final body weight and the weight gain, decreased the expression of the androgen receptor and increased prostatic inflammation via TNF-α produced damage prostatic like intraepithelial neoplasia. The supplementation with fish oil decreases final body weight, reduced BCL-2 and inflammation compared to chia oil; aerobic physical exercise associated with fish oil reduced lipids circulant and prostatic, increased proteins pro-apoptotic expression and reduced IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α potentiating the CAT (p = 0.03) and SOD-1 (p = 0.001) expression. Additionally, the chia oil increased the NRF-2 (p < 0.0001) and GSS (p = 0.4) genes. PUFAs reduced the damage caused by excessive high-fat diet in the prostate so that there is greater effectiveness in omega-3 intake, it is necessary to associate with aerobic physical exercise.

Prebiotics mannan-oligosaccharides accelerate sexual maturity in rats: A randomized preclinical study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The prebiotics, mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), demonstrate the ability to increase probiotic microorganisms and fixation and removal of pathogens associated with chronic systemic inflammation in the digestive system. Inflammatory processes play an important role in modulating the brain-intestinal axis, including maintaining male reproductive function and spermatogenesis and regulating stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of MOS on testosterone and corticosterone concentrations and the reproductive system development of rats in the growth phase as an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 128 male rats were used, randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=32): Control; MOS 1; MOS 2; and MOS 3. From each group, eight animals were sacrificed in four experimental moments (14, 28, 42, and 56 days, respectively, moments 1, 2, 3, and 4) and hormonal measurements and histological evaluations were performed. RESULTS: The results revealed the effect of diet, MOS, and timing on testicle weight (p<0.05). At moments 3 and 4, the groups supplemented with MOS showed higher concentrations of testosterone and decreased corticosterone levels throughout the experimental period. Groups supplemented with MOS showed an increase in the frequency of relative sperm and sperm scores. The radii of the seminiferous tubules presented a significant statistical effect of the diet, moments, and diet + moment interaction. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the three different MOS prebiotics brought forward sexual maturity.

Serum Progesterone and Conception Rates in Acyclic Embryo Recipient Mares Using a Bovine Progesterone-Releasing Intravaginal Device.

The objective of this study was to quantify serum progesterone levels, uterine features, and pregnancy rates in acyclic, embryo recipient mares using a bovine progesterone-releasing intravaginal device in a commercial embryo transfer (ET) program. The study included 73 recipient mares of unknown breed, aged 3-10 years, weighing 350-500 kg, and kept under an intensive management system on Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) pastures with water and mineral salt ad libitum. The horses were divided into two groups: a group with a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (1 g progesterone, G-IVP4, n = 24) and a control group (G-iP4, n = 49) receiving an injection of 1,500 mg long-acting progesterone. Jugular blood was collected for the G-IVP4 group for subsequent progesterone measurement by radioimmunoassay on three occasions: Day 0 (D0), intravaginal device was placed; Day 5 (D5), day of the ET; and Day 9 (D9), day of pregnancy diagnosis. There was an increase (P < .0001) in serum progesterone levels on D5 and D9 compared with D0 (4.09 ± 0.81 and 6.45 ± 1.03 ng/mL vs. 0.71 ± 0.14 ng/mL). There were no differences among groups in the pregnancy rate (P > .05), with rates of 83.33% and 73.46% for G-IVP4 and G-iP4, respectively. In conclusion, the intravaginal route for absorption of 1 g of progesterone device increased the serum level of progesterone sufficiently to prepare the uterus of acyclic recipient mares for ET, and the conception rate was similar to the standard protocol using long-acting injectable progesterone.

Characterization of the LH peak after short and long fixed-time artificial insemination protocols in sheep raised in the tropics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the peak in luteinizing hormone (LH) and the pregnancy rate of sheep (Texel × Santa Inês) in the tropics using short- (6 days) and long-term (12 days) progesterone protocols followed by artificial insemination (AI) both in and out of the breeding season. Experiment 1 was conducted within (IN) the breeding season (autumn, n = 36), and experiment 2 was conducted outside (OUT) of the breeding season (spring, n = 43). In each experiment, the sheep were divided into two groups (6 or 12 days) according to the duration of treatment with a single-use progesterone release vaginal device (CIDR® , Pfizer, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), and blood samples were collected from 10 animals per group every 4 hr to measure the LH and progesterone concentrations. In the spring, the characteristics of the LH peak did not differ between groups; but in the autumn, there were differences between groups at the beginning (G-6 IN: 36.44 ± 5.46 hr; G-12 IN: 26.57 ± 4.99 hr) and end of the LH peak (G-6 IN: 46.22 ± 7.51 hr; G-12 IN: 34.86 ± 8.86 hr). The results showed alterations in the LH peak during the breeding season only in the sheep undergoing the short-term protocol.

Effects of Growth Hormone on Cardiac Remodeling During Resistance Training in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Although the beneficial effects of resistance training (RT) on the cardiovascular system are well established, few studies have investigated the effects of the chronic growth hormone (GH) administration on cardiac remodeling during an RT program. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of GH on the morphological features of cardiac remodeling and Ca2+ transport gene expression in rats submitted to RT. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 7 per group): control (CT), GH, RT and RT with GH (RTGH). The dose of GH was 0.2 IU/kg every other day for 30 days. The RT model used was the vertical jump in water (4 sets of 10 jumps, 3 bouts/wk) for 30 consecutive days. After the experimental period, the following variables were analyzed: final body weight (FBW), left ventricular weight (LVW), LVW/FBW ratio, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (CSA), collagen fraction, creatine kinase muscle-brain fraction (CK-MB) and gene expressions of SERCA2a, phospholamban (PLB) and ryanodine (RyR). RESULTS: There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference among groups for FBW, LVW, LVW/FBW ratio, cardiomyocyte CSA, and SERCA2a, PLB and RyR gene expressions. The RT group showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in collagen fraction compared to the other groups. Additionally, the trained groups (RT and RTGH) had greater CK-MB levels compared to the untrained groups (CT and GH). CONCLUSION: GH may attenuate the negative effects of RT on cardiac remodeling by counteracting the increased collagen synthesis, without affecting the gene expression that regulates cardiac Ca2+ transport.

Hormônio do crescimento versus treinamento de força: alterações nas estruturas colágenas, lipídicas e glicídicas / Growth hormone (gh) versus strength training: changes in collagen, lipid and glucidic structures

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de hormônio do crescimento (Growth Hormone - GH) e treinamento de força (TF) na composição do tecido ósseo de ratos Wistar a partir da Espectroscopia Raman. 40 ratos machos foram distribuídos de forma aleatória em quatro grupos: controle (C [n=10]), controle a aplicação de GH (GHC [n=10]), treinamento de força (T [n=10]) e treinamento de força e aplicação de GH (GHT [n=10]). O treinamento foi composto por quatro séries de 10 saltos aquáticos, realizados três vezes por semana, com sobrecarga correspondente a 50% do peso corpóreo e duração de quatro semanas. O GH foi aplicado na dose de 0,2 UI/Kg em cada animal, três vezes por semana e em dias alternados. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram eutanasiados e coletados os fêmures direitos para realização da análise da composição óssea. A espectroscopia Raman (ER) foi utilizada para observar os seguintes compostos a partir de suas respectivas bandas: colágeno e fosfolipídio (1445 cm-1), colesterol (548 cm-1), glicerol (607 cm-1), glicose (913 cm-1), Pico de carboidrato (931 cm-1 ) e prolina (918 cm-1 ). Para a análise estatística, foram realizados os testes de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk e análise de variâncias ANOVA one-way, seguida pelo pós-teste de Tukey. Os resultados revelaram aumento nas concentrações de colágeno e fosfolipidio, colesterol, glicerol, glicose, pico de carboidrato e prolina em todos os grupos experimentais, associados ou não à realização do ST e/ou aplicação de GH. Porém, somente o grupo T diferiu significativamente do grupo C (p<0,05). Conclui-se que todas intervenções puderam promover ganho no tecido ósseo, porém, somente o grupo T demonstrou diferença significativa nos compostos minerais analisados. (AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of growth hormone (GH) and strength training (TF) on the bone tissue composition of Wistar rats using Raman Spectroscopy. 40 male rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C [n = 10]), control the application of GH (GHC [n = 10]), strength training (T [n = 10]) and training of strength and application of GH (GHT [n = 10]). The training consisted of four series of 10 water jumps, performed three times a week, with an overload corresponding to 50% of body weight and lasting four weeks. GH was applied at a dose of 0.2 IU / kg to each animal, three times a week and on alternate days. After four weeks, the animals were euthanized and the right femurs were collected to carry out the analysis of the bone composition. Raman spectroscopy (ER) was used to observe the following compounds from their respective bands: collagen and phospholipid (1445 cm-1), cholesterol (548 cm-1), glycerol (607 cm-1), glucose (913 cm-1), Peak carbohydrate (931 cm-1), proline (918 cm-1). For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and ANOVA One-Way analysis of variances were performed, followed by the Tukey post-test. The results revealed an increase in the concentrations of collagen and phospholipid, cholesterol, glycerol, glucose, peak carbohydrate and proline in all experimental groups, associated or not with the performance of ST and / or application of GH. However, only group T differed significantly from group C (p <0.05). It was concluded that all intervention could promote gain in bone tissue, however, only the T group showed a significant difference in the analyzed mineral compounds. (AU)

Angiotensin II reverses the inhibitory action produced by theca cells on bovine oocyte nuclear maturation.

The presence of prorenin, renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang II receptors in the ovary is suggestive of a functional ovarian renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In cattle, the expression of Ang II is greatest in large follicles, suggesting that it is important during follicular growth and maturation. The present study was designed to investigate the role of Ang II in bovine oocyte nuclear maturation. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with or without follicular cells and Ang II or saralasin (Ang II antagonist). In the absence of follicular cells, Ang II at 0, 10(-11), 10(-9) and 10(-7) M did not affect the percentage of oocytes reaching the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) stage after 7-h (41.3 +/- 4.3, 35.3 +/- 4.0, 31.3 +/- 9.7, 38.7 +/- 8.6), 12-h (31.6 +/- 7.0, 34.7 +/- 6.1, 31.7 +/- 5.3, 28.9 +/- 9.1; mean +/- S.E.M.) and 18-h (44.9 +/- 7.3, 58.4 +/- 8.4, 53.1 +/- 7.4, 44.9 +/- 7.3) of culture, respectively. Similarly, saralasin at 0, 10(-11), 10(-9) and 10(-7) M did not affect the percentage of oocytes reaching MII stage after 18-h of culture (37.6 +/- 7.4, 34.4 +/- 7.7, 30.0 +/- 10.8 and 31.2 +/- 5.1, respectively). The theca cells (MII = 22.9%) or medium conditioned with follicular cells (GV = 65.5%, MI = 23.6%) inhibited oocyte maturation; however, theca cells (MII = 35.5 +/- 4.9; P < 0.05) or medium conditioned with follicular cells (GV = 34.6%, MI = 52.7%; P < 0.01) were not able to inhibit nuclear maturation when Ang II (10(-11) M) was present in the culture system. Theca cells remained viable during the culture period when Ang II was present. Therefore, results supported the idea of a role of Ang II in blocking the inhibitory effect of theca cells on nuclear maturation of bovine oocytes.

Different extenders in the cryopreservation of bovine epididymal spermatozoa.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different egg yolk extenders incubated with or without Sperm Talp on the motility and plasma membrane integrity of cryopreserved bovine epididymal spermatozoa after freezing. Twenty-five testicles with epididymides from mature bulls were collected at the abattoir. Epididymal sperm recovery was performed by retrograde flushing using a skim milk-extender (Botu-Semen™). After recovery, sperm were incubated either without or with Sperm Talp and then submitted to centrifugation. For the freezing process, half of the testes were processed with Tris egg yolk extender, and half were processed with Botu-Bov™ egg yolk extender. Samples incubated in Sperm Talp exhibited better results than epididymal spermatozoa that were incubated without Sperm Talp (p<0.05). Both Botu-Bov™ and Tris could be utilised to freeze sperm from the bovine epididymides if the sperm were previously incubated with Sperm Talp. The extenders examined in this work did not differ in their effect on plasma membrane integrity after freezing.

Effect of growth hormone (GH) and resistance training on the collagen properties of femoral bone tissue / Efecto de la hormona de crecimiento (HC) y el entrenamiento de fuerza en las propiedades colágenas del tejido óseo femoral

The indiscriminate use of anabolic steroids in gyms has been growing in a generalized way, among which, the most common is growth hormone (GH). In the short term GH may potentiate muscle growth, especially when taken in combination with resistance training. However, the effects of this hormone are not yet fully understood in the literature, especially in relation to collagen properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of growth hormone (GH) and resistance training (RT) on the collagen properties of femoral bone tissue using Raman Spectroscopy. In this study 40 male rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=10): control (C), control and GH application (GH), resistance training (T), and resistance training and GH application (GHT). The training consisted of four series of 10 water jumps, performed three times a week, with an overload corresponding to 50 % of body weight and duration of four weeks. GH was applied at a dosage of 0.2 IU/Kg (0.067 mg/kg) to each animal, three times a week, every other day. The animals were euthanized and the right femurs were collected for analysis of bone structure. Raman spectroscopy (RS) was used to observe the following compounds from their respective bands: type I collagen (662 cm-1), amide III (1243 cm-1), proteins including type I collagen (1278 cm-1), woven collagen (1322 cm-1), association of collagen, phospholipids, nucleic acid, and phosphate (1330 cm-1), and collagen and protein deformation (1448 cm-1). The results demonstrated an increase in the collagen properties in all analyzed variables, however, the T group presented a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). It is possible to conclude that isolated physical training was shown to be more efficient than when combined with the application of GH to increase the collagen properties of the femoral bone tissue.

El uso indiscriminado de anabolizantes en los gimnasios ha aumentado de forma generalizada, entre éstos la hormona de crecimiento (HC) es una de las más utilizadas, y a corto plazo puede potencializar el crecimiento muscular, principalmente cuando es realizado en combinación con el entrenamiento de fuerza. Sin embargo, los efectos de esta hormona aún no están totalmente esclarecidos en la literatura, especialmente en relación a las propiedades colágenas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación del HC y entrenamiento de fuerza (E) en las propiedades colágenas del tejido óseo femoral a partir de la utilización de la espectroscopía Raman. Se usaron 40 ratas Wistar distribuidos en cuatro grupos (n=10): control (C), control y aplicación del HC (HCC), entrenamiento de fuerza (E) y entrenamiento de fuerza y aplicación del HC (THC). El entrenamiento fue compuesto por cuatro series de 10 saltos acuáticos, realizados tres veces por semana, con sobrecarga correspondiente a 50 % del peso corporal y duración de cuatro semanas. El HC fue aplicado en una dosificación de 0,2 UI/Kg (0,067 mg/kg) en cada animal, tres veces por semana, en días no consecutivos. Los animales fueran eutanasiados y se retiró el fémur derecho para realización del análisis de la estructura ósea. La espectroscopía Raman (ER) fue utilizada para observar los siguientes compuestos a partir de las respectivas bandas: colágeno tipo I (662 cm-1), amida III (1243 cm1), proteínas, incluido colágeno tipo I (1278 cm-1), colágeno retorcido (1322 cm-1), asociación de colágeno, fosfolípidos, ácidos nucleicos y fosfato (1330 cm-1), deformación de colágeno y proteína (1448 cm-1). Hubo aumento en las propiedades colágenas en todas las variables analizadas, sin embargo, solamente el grupo E demostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05). En conclusión, para el aumento de las propiedades colágenas del tejido óseo femoral, el entrenamiento físico aislado es más eficiente que el entrenamiento combinado con el uso de HC.