Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in blood and urine in fertile cats.

In recent years, blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been investigated in female animals to diagnose many conditions, such as the presence of ovarian tissue, follicle reserve, and granulosa cell tumors. Since blood collection is an invasive method, diagnosis with a non-invasive method is important in terms of practicality and animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate the presence of AMH in cat urine and determine whether a correlation exists between blood and urine AMH levels. In addition, it was aimed at revealing whether there was a change in blood and urine AMH levels according to ovarian follicle distribution. Twenty-seven healthy, fertile female cats in the follicular phase were included. Following blood and urine sample collection, a routine ovariohysterectomy was performed. Histological analysis of the removed ovarian tissue was used to determine ovarian follicle types. While both AMH and estrogen levels were determined in blood samples, only AMH levels were investigated in urine samples. Blood AMH levels averaged 10.61 ± 0.75 ng/mL (range: 5-16 ng/mL), while urine AMH levels averaged 5.67 ± 0.91 ng/mL (range: 0.2-13 ng/mL). While urinary AMH level was <1 ng/mL in 7 cats, urinary AMH was >1 ng/mL in all remaining cats. While the study demonstrated AMH excretion in urine, no correlation was found between blood and urine AMH values. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between blood AMH levels and serum estrogen levels (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that urinary AMH may be a product of proteolytic degradation, potentially leading to inaccurate estimations of ovarian activity based solely on urine AMH levels.

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation improves metabolic profile during peripartum period in Gurcu goats and enhances the health and survival of kids.

In this study, the effect of intaking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the metabolic profile of Gurcu goats during the peripartum period and the survival/growth performance of kids were evaluated. Twenty-three pregnant goats were divided into two groups 21-23 days before the due date. Group 1 (G1, n = 10) was given HRW from day 21 before delivery until day 21 after delivery. Group 2 (G2, n = 13) served as the control. Blood samples were weekly taken from 21 days before delivery until 21 days after delivery. Hydrogen-rich water increased serum glucose concentration on the delivery day more than in G2 (P = 0.016). Hydrogen-rich water decreased serum total cholesterol (P = 0.02) and creatinine (P = 0.05) concentration at delivery. Group effect and time effect were significant in triglyceride (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) and albumin (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively) concentration. Aspartate transaminase decreased towards the delivery day in G1 (P < 0.05). Serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was lower in G1 than in G2, but there was no significant differences (P > 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration an increased in both groups during the prepartum period, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). Hydrogen-rich water did not affect the birth weight and growth performance of the kids (P > 0.05), but it increased their survival rates and overall health, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HRW may have an impact on the metabolic profiles during the peripartum period and have a positive effect on lipid profiles. Additionally, intaking HRW to goats during the peripartum period may improve the health and survival of kids and reduce their mortality.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and therapeutic efficacy of neroli oil in rats with endometriotic lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a serious health problem among women of reproductive age, with pelvic pain and infertility. Given the limited success of current treatments, this study explores Neroli oil (N.O.) effects on inflammation, oxidation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling implicated in endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Albino Wistar female rats were used to simulate an endometriosis model. Groups were established for comparison: a control, an endometriosis model, a N.O.-treated group, and a N.O.-treated group postendometriosis induction. The study focused on Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6, Interleukin 8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), myeloperoxidase, Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and anti-mullerian hormone values, as well as histopathological evaluations of endometriotic foci. RESULTS: AMH values showed a significant increase in the endometriosis group treated with N.O. compared with the endometriosis group (p < 0,01).A statistically significant decrease was found in MMP-1 level in the endometriosis group that underwent N.O. (p < 0.001). Increased CAT (p < 0.0001) and decrease in nitric oxide (p < 0.01) are found in N.O.-treated endometriosis group. TNF-α levels in the endometriosis group showed a statistically significant increase in the endometriosis group when compared with the control and sham group (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 respectively). In our study, a statistically significant increase was observed in VEGF levels (p < 0.001) in endometriosis group and significant decrease in the N.O. administered endometriosis model group. Groups treated with N.O. showed decreased inflammation and congestion scores. Histopathological assessments demonstrated reduced inflammation and tissue remodeling signs in endometriotic foci. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential of N.O. in the treatment of endometriosis, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic properties that can disrupt chronic processes. Our findings lend support to utilization of herbal remedies for the management of endometriosis, thereby emphasizing the necessity for additional comprehensive investigations in the future.

The effect of hydrogen-rich water on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effect of hydrogen-rich water on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN: Female rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of eight animals. The control group received a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution, the molecular hydrogen (H2) group was given hydrogen-rich water and a CMC solution, the PCOS group was administered letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution and the PCOS + H2 group was given hydrogen-rich water and letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution. Blood and tissue samples were then collected, and biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted on the samples. RESULTS: The histopathological analysis showed a reduction in the number of cysts in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the malondialdehyde, cortisol and testosterone data revealed a significant decrease in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0458, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0041, respectively). The glutathione also showed a statistically significant increase in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0012). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrate that hydrogen-rich water reduces the number of cysts and oxidative damage in rats with PCOS.

Oxidative response of sheep to transcervical applications.

This study aimed to investigate the stress-related changes that may occur in sheep following non-surgical cervical line passage. A total of 20 sheep underwent transcervical transition, and their heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood samples were collected at specific time points: 1 h prior to the procedure, immediately after the procedure, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h post-procedure. The study found that there was a statistically significant decrease in body temperature immediately after the procedure (p < .05); however, there were no significant differences in body temperature at other time points (p > .05). Respiratory rate remained similar throughout the study, and no significant differences were observed (p > .05). On the other hand, there was a significant increase in heart rate at the 1-h mark after the procedure (p < .05), which subsequently decreased to a similar level as the control group at the 4-h mark after the procedure (p > .05). The cortisol levels increased significantly after the application (p < .05) but decreased to a level similar to the control after 1 h (p > .05). The level of nitric oxide increased significantly in the first hour (p < .05) and decreased by the 5th hour (p < .05). There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) levels 2 h after the application (p < .05), but this increase ceased at the 4th and 5th hours for MDA (p > .05) and at the 3rd, 4th and 5th hours for TOC (p > .05). The total antioxidant capacity decreased after the 2nd hour of application (p < .05) but remained similar at the fourth and 5th hours (p > .05). In conclusion, based on the cortisol data, transcervical manipulations create short-term stress. Therefore, it may be necessary to use various antioxidants before such procedures to reduce the effects of oxidative stress.

Determination of natural antibodies, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acid levels in the serum of peripartum Tuj and Hemsin sheep.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Many metabolic and immunological changes occur during the transition period. Innate immunity plays an important role against to infections and natural antibodies (NAb) are important in immunity. This study aims to determine a connection between serum NAb titers, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in Tuj and Hemsin sheep during the peripartum period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum NAb, BHBA, and NEFA levels were determined from the blood samples collected from Tuj and Hemsin sheep on days 30 and 15 before birth, on the day of birth (day 0), and on days 15 and 30 after birth. RESULTS: NAb titers were found to be higher in Tuj than in Hemsin sheep (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in serum BHBA concentrations of both breeds on all sampling days (p>0.05). The serum NEFA level was lower in Tuj sheep in the last 15 days of pregnancy compared to Hemsin sheep (p<0.05), while no difference was found in samples collected at the other time points. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that serum NAb titers significantly changed in Tuj and Hemsin sheep during the transition period. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased during the last stages of pregnancy and decreased after birth. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the immunological status could vary by the breed of sheep or various factors that affect the sheep's metabolic state.

Oestrus Synchronisation with Progesterone-containing Sponge and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin in Pirlak Ewes During the Non-breeding Season: Can Toryum Improve Fertility Parameters?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and minerals in the supplement Toryum administered before and during oestrus synchronisation on some fertility parameters of ewes during the non-breeding season. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experimental animals were clinically healthy Pirlak ewes, 55-75 days postpartum, aged 2-4 years and weighing 40-50 kg. A sponge was inserted into the vagina for 10 d (G1, n = 30; G2, n = 30) or 14 d (G3, n = 30; G4, n = 30) for oestrus synchronisation, and on the day of removal, 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was injected. Toryum soft capsules were administered individually (1 capsule/ewe p.o.) to G1 and G3 ewes seven days before the sponge was inserted and on the day it was removed. Oestrus detection was started 12 h after sponge removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography on the 30th day after mating. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was statistically different between G1 and G4 (P < 0.05). The onset of oestrus was statistically different (P < 0.001) between the 10-d groups (G1 and G2) and the 14-d groups (G3 and G4). The litter size and oestrus, conception, lambing, multiple birth, and survival rates were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Toryum administered to Pirlak ewes during progesterone-based oestrus synchronisation protocols during the non-breeding season may increase pregnancy rates. The relationship between Toryum and fertility parameters in ewes would be better understood by comprehensive studies.

Efficacy of a commercial test kit to determine early pregnancy in cows using whole blood and blood serum.

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Fassisi®BoviPreg visual test kit (Fassisi®BoviPreg) in determining early pregnancies in cows by measuring the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in whole blood and blood serum. The study was conducted on 50 cows, the artificial insemination (AI) dates of which were designated as day 0. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed with transrectal ultrasonography (USG), and serum samples were simultaneously collected and used with Fassisi®BoviPreg to determine pregnancies on 30 days after AI. The results of the Fassisi®BoviPreg test on serum and whole blood samples, respectively, on 30 days after AI were as follows: sensitivity, 61.54% and 50.0%; specificity, 79.17% and 75%; accuracy, 70.0% and 62.0%; positive predictive values, 76.2% and 68.4%; negative predictive values, 65.5% and 58.1%; false-positive diagnoses, 23.8% and 31.6%; and false-negative diagnoses, 34.5% and 41.9%. On day 50 after AI, sensitivities were 63.64% and 50.0%, specificities were 100.0% and 100.0%, and accuracies were 75.0% and 65.62% in serum and whole blood, respectively. Higher pregnancy rates were obtained using Fassisi®BoviPreg in cows with ≥ 5 ng/mL P4 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the results from the Fassisi®BoviPreg tests on cows on 30 and 50 days after AI showed that the use of blood serum is more accurate and suitable than that of whole blood. The results also showed a higher confidence level in specificity 50 days after AI.