Taurine dynamics in serum during the oestrous cycle in buffaloes.

Estrus identification is one of the common issues in buffaloes because of their short estrus duration and silent estrus problem. Hence, specific biomarkers facilitating in identifying the estrus stage would be helpful to buffalo farmers and researchers. In our previous studies, taurine, a non-protein amino acid that helps in the secretion of reproductive hormones such as GnRH, was found to be associated with postpartum anestrus in buffaloes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the level of taurine in serum during different stages of the oestrous cycle in healthy cyclic buffaloes. Blood samples were collected from healthy cyclic buffaloes (n = 4), and taurine was estimated at the estrus (0th day), proestrus (-2nd day), metestrus (3rd day) and diestrus (+10th day) stages using TLC method. The days of the oestrous cycle were determined by ultrasonography and observation of behavioural signs by trained professionals. The results revealed that taurine was consistently present in the serum. However, the highest concentration of taurine was observed at the proestrus (0.20 ± 0.03 mg/mL) stage, which was greater (p < .05) than metestrus (0.10 ± 0.05 mg/mL) and diestrus (0.13 ± 0.03 mg/mL) stages, but comparable with the estrus stage. These results were also validated in the simulated population datasets of population size 6 to 10,000. Further, ROC curve analysis for the large simulated population indicated the efficiency of taurine to distinguish proestrus from metestrus and diestrus stages at a lower cutoff value of <0.1643 mg/mL with 60% sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the present study concludes that serum taurine concentration could help in detecting proestrus stage of buffalo estrous cycle.

Profiling and integrated analysis of whole-transcriptome changes in uterine caruncles of pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes.

Improved reproductive performance in buffaloes can be achieved by understanding the basic mechanism governing the embryonic attachment and feto-maternal communication. Considering this, trascriptomic profiling and integrative analysis of long intergenic non-coding RNAs were carried out in the uterine caruncles of pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes. Transcriptome data of pregnant and non-pregnant uterine caruncles after quality control was used to perform the analysis. Total of 86 novel lincRNAs expressed in uterine caruncular tissues were identified and characterized. Differential expression analysis revealed that 447 mRNAs and 185 mRNAs were up- and down- regulated, respectively. The number of up- and down- regulated lincRNAs were 114 and 13, respectively. Of the identified 86 novel lincRNAs, six novel lincRNAs were up-regulated in the pregnant uterine caruncles. GO terms (biological process) and PANTHER pathways associated with reproduction and embryogenesis were over-represented in differentially expressed genes. Through miRNA interaction analysis, interactions of 16 differentially expressed lincRNAs with mi-RNAs involved in reproduction were identified. This study has provided a catalogue of differentially expressed genes and novel regions previously unknown to play a significant role in buffalo reproduction. The results from the current study extends the buffalo uterine lncRNAs database and provides candidate regulators for future molecular genetic studies on buffalo uterine physiology to improve the embryo implantation and successful completion of pregnancy.

Regulation of granulosa cell functions through NRP-1 mediated internalization of follicular fluid non-exosomal miR-210.

Crosstalk between follicular fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) plays a vital role in the regulation of folliculogenesis, ensuring regular reproductive cycle in mammals. This crosstalk is primarily mediated by hormones and signaling molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines. Recently, extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained a lot of attention in cell-to-cell communication. Extracellular miRNA transportation occurs through exosomes, a kind of micro-vesicles produced from almost all cells. However, the mode of non-exosomal miRNA internalization is not much studied. In the present study, we explored the role of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) as a receptor in internalizing FF non-exosomal miRNAs in GCs. We first confirmed the expression of NRP-1 in GCs during follicular development followed by its role in the internalization of miR-210, a non-exosomal miRNA. This study showed that incubation of GCs with a non-exosomal fraction of FF increased the content of miR-210 in GCs as compared to their control. To illustrate the role of NRP-1 as a receptor, NRP-1 was knockdown using siRNA. Silencing experimental results showed a significant decrease in uptake of miR-210 in NRP-1 knockdown GCs. Furthermore, downstream expression analysis of miR-210 target genes (CYP19A1, PCNA, and EFNA3) also confirmed the NRP-1 mediated miR-210 internalization. Results of the present study clearly demonstrated that FF non-exosomal miR-210 can be internalized through the NRP-1 receptor. Furthermore, differential expression of NRP-1 in GCs suggests its role in follicular development. Overall, these findings suggest that FF non-exosomal miRNA plays an important role in GC functions and female reproduction.

Transcriptome analysis of buffalo granulosa cells in three dimensional culture systems.

Hanging drop (HD) three-dimensional (3D) culture model for buffalo granulosa cells (GC) was reported to mimic the preovulatory stage of ovarian follicles in our previous study. To further verify its reliability, the present study attempted a comparative transcriptome profile of buffalo GC freshly isolated from ovarian follicles (<8 mm diameter) (FC) and their cultures in normal culture dish (ND or 2D), polyHEMA coated dish (PH) and HD culture systems (3D). Out of 223 significantly (-log2 fold change: >3; p < .0005; false discovery rate [FDR]: <0.1) differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) among different culture systems, 137 were found unannotated, and 94, 29, and 66 were exclusively expressed in FC, PH, and HD, respectively. However, on eliminating the fixed points of p values and FDR from the entire raw data, only 11 genes related to long noncoding RNA, 12 genes related to luteinization, and 3 genes related to follicular maturation were exclusively expressed in FC, PH, and HD culture systems, respectively. The quantitative real time-PCR validation and the next generation sequencing data had more than 90% correlation. Bioinformatics analyses of the exclusively expressed SDEG revealed that the freshly aspirated GCs were a true representative of GCs from small follicles (<8 mm diameter), the GC spheroids under PH maintained mitochondrial function, and those cultured in HD system for 6 days simulated the inflammatory milieu required for ovulation. Therefore, the comparative transcriptome profile also reinforced that HD culture system is better in vitro culture method than the other methods analyzed in this study for buffalo GC.

Effect of Vedic music on steroidogenic gene expression in 3D-cultured buffalo granulosa cell spheroids model system, a pilot study.

Music is known for reducing stress, anxiety and depression, improving cognitive performance, and enhancing oestrogen levels. However, its effect on non-auditory mammalian cell system and the molecular events leading to higher oestrogen levels is less explored. Therefore, the present study targeted to know the direct effects of a peaceful Vedic music on 3D cultured buffalo granulosa cell spheroids. The spheroids were daily exposed to the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, a kind of Vedic chants, for 1.5 hr for 6 days. After 6 days, the music effect was analysed by the expression analysis of steroidogenic (CYP19A1, STAR and HSD17ß1) and proliferative marker (PCNA) genes. Interestingly, the CYP19A1 gene expression was significantly upregulated by 3.464 ± 0.15 folds in the music exposed spheroids than the non-exposed spheroids. However, the expression of other steroidogenic and proliferative genes was unaltered. These observations provided a transcriptional clue for higher estradiol levels by the music and a scope to use Vedic chants for increasing the CYP19A1 expression to help tackle some pathophysiological conditions.

Reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for detection of AhR receptor responsive xenobiotics.

Dioxins are a group of highly toxic environmental persistent organic pollutants, which are lipophilic in nature. 2, 3, 7, 8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most toxic representative of this class. TCDD causes several human health effects like endocrine disruption, carcinogenesis and reproductive toxicity mediated by aryl-hydrocarbon receptor. Current detection methods of dioxins like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry etc. are costly and time consuming. Therefore, the present study aims to develop a relatively faster and cheaper technique called reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay to detect dioxins. Cultured granulosa cells used as a model system were treated with different doses (5, 10 and 15 pg/mL) of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)responsive xenobiotic, TCDD, in accordance with maximum residue limit values. Cells were treated for 6, 12 and 24 h, respectively to study the gene expression of TCDD receptor called AhR and AhR responsive genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, in a dose and time dependent manner. All targeted genes expression significantly increased after 6 and 12 h by 1.3-8 folds. For the development of RT-LAMP assay, CYP1A1 gene was used with 6 h TCDD treatment. RT-LAMP assay was standardized with optimal color change at 30 min using 50 ng of cellular RNA. In all the cases, we could distinguish RT-LAMP-positive condition from one sample to another sample due to intensity of color. The method was also validated by spectrometric method. In conclusion, the developed method will be used to screen AhR receptor responsive xenobiotics by observing the color change in RT-LAMP assay like dioxin used in the present study.

Gold nanoparticles modulate the steroidogenic and apoptotic pathway in a buffalo granulosa cell model.

OBJECTIVES: Granulosa cells are associated with steroidogenesis and ovarian function in females. Aims of the study are to understand the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on steroidogenesis and apoptotic pathway associated genes in buffalo granulosa cells. RESULTS: The AuNP were prepared chemically and thereby characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging, absorbance and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements for hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. The cultured buffalo granulosa cells (BGC) were co-incubated with AuNP in two concentrations (2 × 109 and 2 × 1010 AuNP/ml) for 24 h. Treatment of BGC with AuNP significantly modulated the steroidogenesis associated genes (3ß-Hsd and Cyp19A1) expression and progesterone accumulation in the culture fluid. AuNP affected the apoptotic pathway in BGC by affecting the gene expression of Caspase-3, Bad and Bax. The AuNP did not exert oxidative stress through anti-oxidant induction & lipid peroxidation in the buffalo GC. CONCLUSIONS: AuNP may modulate the endocrine system by having impact on the steroidogenesis pathway and also have the potential to affect apoptotic pathway in a buffalo granulosa cell model.

Identification and sequence characterization of melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) in Bos indicus versus (Bos taurus X Bos indicus).

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) plays a vital role in melanogenesis and determines coat color of mammals. Polymorphic variants in MC1R, causing coat color variation, were described in few mammals; however, such studies were not done in cattle. The objective of the study was to explore the association of MC1R gene polymorphism within Tharparkar (Bos indicus) and Karan Fries (B. indicus X Bos taurus) cattle. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of Tharparkar breed by modified Phenol: Chloroform; Isoamyl alcohol method. Using genomic DNA as template for PCR, MC1R gene was amplified and sequenced. The sequences were analyzed and submitted to Genbank with Acc.No MG373615-MG373644. Comparison of sequence alignment with other bovine species using ClustalW revealed 99-96% similarity. MC1R gene phylogenetic analyses were analyzed using MEGA X. The MC1R gene tree, protein domains and genetic variation of cattle were retrieved from Ensemble Asia Cattle Genome Browser. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (c.296T > C, c.583T > C, c.663C > T, c.830T > C, c.853G > A, c.880G > A, c.906C > G, c.927C > T) in CDS reveal high genetic variability. Subsequent to amino acid changes p.L99P, p.F195L, p.F277S, p.A285T and p.D293N, p.R302S, respectively found in seven-transmembrane. Mutations appeared in MC1R of B. taurus with white and black coat color as compared to B. indicus with white coat.

An efficient method for extracting next-generation sequencing quality RNA from liver tissue of recalcitrant animal species.

The next-generation RNA sequencing technologies expedite the discovery of a large number of novel transcripts and genes associated with various pathophysiological conditions. These technologies involve poly(A) enrichment, which in turn requires micrograms of high-quality total RNA. Unfortunately, the available RNA isolation approaches produce poor quality total RNA from difficult-to-isolate animal tissues, such as the liver with high glycogen content. Moreover, the extraction efficiencies of these approaches vary significantly depending on the animal species. To address this challenge, we optimized a three-step protocol for the extraction of high-yield and high-quality total RNA from the liver tissue (LT). The procedure effectively resolved the problem of glycogen coprecipitation by its stepwise removal. No signs of RNA degradation on gel electrophoresis analysis and RNA integrity number values ≥8.5 indicated that the extracted RNA is suitable for downstream processing, such as poly(A) enrichment and transcriptome profiling. To demonstrate the robustness of the novel protocol, a comparison was made with other currently available RNA extraction approaches from diverse resources. Whereas other protocols yielded partially degraded bands with either decreased or reversed ribosomal RNA (rRNA) ratio, our protocol yielded intact rRNA with a ratio of 2.0 ± 0.1. This optimized protocol was also successfully followed for other animal tissues, such as the bone and muscles. In conclusion, the study has described a highly efficient method for the next-generation sequencing quality RNA isolation from LT across a broad range of animal species, with extended applicability to other difficult-to-isolate tissues.

High serum free fatty acids and low leptin levels: Plausible metabolic indicators of negative energy balance in early lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Lactation is a highly demanding event in mammals, including buffaloes. It modulates the partitioning of nutrients, energy utilization, and food intake of the mother to meet her own and infant's energy needs. Failure to satisfy these energy needs leads to Negative Energy Balance (NEB). Currently, the only available indirect NEB indicator is Body Condition Score (BCS). However, direct dependency of the BCS on the peak depletion of body fat causes its inefficient use in a dairy farm. Thus, to establish objective NEB indicators in buffaloes, the serum levels of biochemical (serum ß-hydroxybutyrate [BHBA] and free fatty acids [FFAs]), and endocrine (Growth Hormone [GH], insulin-like growth factor1 [IGF1], Insulin, and leptin) parameters were estimated in buffaloes. Our results revealed that serum FFA levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in high milk yielders (HMY) than low milk yielders (LMY) and heifers (H) during the 3rd and the 4th weeks of postpartum. The serum FFA levels were also significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the postpartum buffaloes with BCS < 3 in the field conditions. Further, serum leptin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in HMY than LMY during the 3rd week of postpartum. However, the BHBA, GH, IGF1, and insulin levels were not significantly different between lactating buffaloes and H. These observations indicated that the NEB condition is probably restricted to the first month of early lactation in buffaloes. In conclusion, the simultaneous higher FFA and lower leptin levels could act as direct plausible metabolic indicators of NEB in buffaloes.

Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase attenuates endotoxin-mediated tolerance in granulosa cells through kynurenine pathway.

Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) have been shown to have innate immune capabilities, which modulate their native endocrine functions through toll-like receptors (TLRs). We have recently shown that GCs exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1.0 µg/mL) transiently regulate proinflammatory cytokine expression (interleukin 1ß [IL-1ß], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α) through chromatin remodeling. In the present study, we have demonstrated that GCs become tolerant to LPS on repeated exposure of LPS. To understand the mechanism of this endotoxin tolerance (ET) phenomenon in buffalo GCs, we have further studied the genome-wide transcriptomic analyses in buffalo GCs (unpublished data) and identified indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) gene, known to be involved in tryptophan catabolism, was found to be highly upregulated in endotoxin-tolerant GCs. Real-time gene expression analyses also showed similar results. Further analyses of tryptophan and tryptophan metabolite, kynurenine, showed that tryptophan was found to be depleted with the accumulation of kynurenine in the endotoxin-tolerant GCs. The effect of IDO1 induced ET was reversed when cells were pretreated with IDO1 inhibitor (1-methyl tryptophan, 1 mM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the role of IDO1 gene in ET in GCs mimicked by repeated endotoxin exposure in vitro. In summary, the present study convincingly demonstrated that the tryptophan catabolism, through the kynurenine pathway, plays a crucial role as an immunomodulatory mechanism of ET in GCs. The finding could be exploited in developing potential therapeutics to treat impaired GCs function due to the ET underlying prolonged uterine or systemic infection leads to accumulation of endotoxin in follicular fluid.

Buffalo liver transcriptome analysis suggests immune tolerance as its key adaptive mechanism during early postpartum negative energy balance.

Females undergo negative energy balance (NEB) during the early postpartum period to meet the lactation demands. The liver, being the key metabolic organ, plays a major role in handling NEB. Dairy animals handling high lactation demands are better models to understand the liver adaptive mechanisms during this phase. Therefore, we analyzed the liver transcriptome of dairy buffaloes during early postpartum. Liver biopsies were performed on three lactating buffaloes on the 15th and the 30th days of early postpartum and three heifers (controls) at the diestrous stage. Paired-end Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) identified 509 significantly differentially expressed genes (SDE) in the liver among the three groups. The SDE with log2 fold change > 3 and the unique SDE revealed the promotion of immune suppression (e.g., TCR), apoptosis (e.g., CCDC103), PGF2α synthesis, fat accumulation (e.g., BGLAP) and liver regeneration (e.g., FGF10) pathways, and the downregulation of antigen presentation (e.g., BOLA-DQA) on the 15th day of lactation. Consistently upregulated genes on the 15th and 30th days of early postpartum indicated the promotion of immune tolerance (e.g., IFITM3), medium and long-chain fatty acids' oxidation (e.g., ACSM3), and lipid accumulation (e.g., INSIG1). However, consistently downregulated genes during early postpartum showed immunosuppression, the downregulation of gluconeogenesis from amino acids (e.g., DDO), and the biosynthesis of taurine (e.g., CSAD) and unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., SCD). Functional annotation and network analyses also indicated the promotion of immune tolerance, fat accumulation and decreased gluconeogenesis from amino acids, and estrogen metabolism on the 15th day of lactation. Overall, the liver showed immune tolerance as an adaptive mechanism during early postpartum of buffaloes.

Comparative serum proteome analysis reveals potential early pregnancy-specific protein biomarkers in pigs.

In this study, the comparative serum proteome profile of Day 5, 12 and 16 of gestation, representing three early embryonic events, namely formation, elongation and implantation of blastocysts, and non-pregnant control were explored by a label-free quantitation-based mass spectrometric approach to identify early pregnancy biomarkers in pigs. A total of 131 proteins were identified with respect to different groups, out of which 105 were found to be differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Among the DEPs, 54 and 66 proteins were found to be up and downregulated respectively in early pregnancy groups (fold change >2) and the maximum number of upregulated proteins was observed in the Day 12 pregnancy stage. Functional classification and pathway analysis of the DEPs revealed involvement of most of the proteins in complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic processes and immune and inflammatory responses. Proteins such as glutathione peroxidise (GPX), pregnancy zone protein (PZP), thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), α-1-antitrypsin (AAT) and mannose-binding lectin C (MBLC) were differentially expressed during early pregnancy and actively involved in different pregnancy-related activities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on comparative serum protein profiling of different early pregnancy stages in pigs and our results provide a set of proteins that can be used as potential biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis in pigs.

Curcumin primed exosomes reverses LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression in buffalo granulosa cells.

Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties and provides a promising treatment for inflammation. The aim of the study is to establish that buffalo granulosa cells when primed with curcumin (20 µM), release improved cellular contents through exosome that can mitigate granulosa cell dysfunction. Recently, we have shown that buffalo granulosa cells exposed to LPS (1 µg/mL) in serum free culture, transiently increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6) expression followed by the inhibition of CYP19A1 gene expression and estradiol production. Therefore, LPS-treated granulosa cells were used as a model of inflammation and curcumin primed exosomes were utilized to check their potential for reducing granulosa cell dysfunction. Expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CYP19A1 were detected by real time PCR while estradiol levels were measured by ELISA. Exosomes derived from curcumin-treated cells alleviated LPS mediated inflammation. In conclusion, our study potentiates the use of curcumin primed exosomes in mitigating granulosa cell dysfunction. Results show the therapeutic conservatories of curcumin via primed exosomes.

Postpartum uterine infection & ovarian dysfunction.

Postpartum uterine infections such as metritis, endometritis and mastitis have been considered as underlying causes for ovarian dysfunction in mammals. Almost all mammals, particularly dairy animals are susceptible to postpartum uterine infections, resulting in impaired fertility and economic loss. One of the factors for low fertility in females is ovarian dysfunction, which is exhibited as impaired growth and function of ovarian follicles by the postpartum infection. Immune system of mammals provides a host defence mechanism against pathogenic microbes through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and forming inflammasomes. Like immune cells, ovarian granulosa cells also exhibit a similar pattern of cytokine gene expressions on exposure to PAMPs. Genome-wide transcriptomic approaches explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune function of buffalo granulosa cells during endotoxin exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanism of ovarian dysfunction due to uterine infection would be helpful to implement various strategies to handle the adverse effects of postpartum uterine disease on fertility by developing potential therapeutics. Therefore, this article focuses on key factors that are responsible for postpartum infection and particularly summarizes the molecular mechanism of infection underlying the ovarian dysfunction in dairy animals.

A syntenic locus on buffalo chromosome 20: novel genomic hotspot for miRNAs involved in follicular-luteal transition.

The developmental reorganization of ovarian follicular granulosa cells (GC) during follicular maturation, ovulation, and luteinization require a well-controlled regulation of dynamic gene expression profiles. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were found to be key players of ovarian follicular dynamics. The current study aimed to understand the miRNA regulatory role in follicular-luteal transition by characterizing the miRNA profile through miRNA-seq at different follicular (small, medium, and large) and luteal (early, mid, and late) stages in Indian water buffaloes, mono-ovulatory animals like humans. A total of 517 miRNAs were identified in follicular granulosa cells (GC) and corpus luteum (CL) together. Among them, 2 unique and 40 novel miRNAs were in GC; 15 unique and 45 novel miRNAs were in CL. Among the remaining 415 annotated common miRNAs between GC and CL, 43 have showed significant (p < 0.05) differential expression between GC and CL. Particularly, 39 and 4 miRNAs showed higher expression in CL and GC, respectively, with respect to each other. Genome mapping analysis revealed that 71.7% of differential miRNAs having higher expression in CL compared to GC, and 93% of the unique miRNAs in CL were mapped to a short chromosomal region of 0.7 Mb (67.4 to 68.1 Mb) on chromosome 21 of cows which is syntenic to the buffalo chromosome 20. Clustering of all these miRNAs at this locus suggests it as a chromosomal hotspot for miRNAs involved in follicular-luteal transition, especially for CL physiological functions.

Salivary miR-16, miR-191 and miR-223: intuitive indicators of dominant ovarian follicles in buffaloes.

Estrus or sexual receptivity determination is utmost important for efficient breeding programs for female buffaloes. Prominent estrus behavioral symptoms are the result of several molecular and neuroendocrine events involving the ovary and the brain. Expression of estrus behavior is poor in buffaloes during the summer season. Hence, the discovery of biomarkers specific to the estrus stage or its related ovarian events, like the presence of dominant ovarian follicle, is helpful for developing an easy estrus determination method. MicroRNA are small non-coding RNA with a potential to be biomarkers. Therefore, the present study targeted to investigate the potential of estrogen responsive miRNAs (miR-24, miR-200c, miR-16, miR-191, miR-223 and miR-203) as estrus biomarkers in buffalo saliva, a non-invasive fluid representing animals' pathophysiology. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the salivary presence of the miR-16, miR-191 and miR-223 at 6th and 18th-19th days than the 0 day (estrus), 10th day and the following consecutive estrus day. These observations may indicate an association between the representative lower presence of these miRNA in saliva and the presence of dominant ovarian follicles. To test this association, pathway analysis, target gene identification, functional annotation and protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were performed for miR-16, miR-191 and miR-223 by different bioinformatics tools. Interestingly, the top pathways (fatty acid biosynthesis and oocyte meiosis), target genes (FGF, BDNF and IGF1) and PPI hub genes (KRAS, BCL2 and IGF1) of these miRNAs were found essential for ovarian follicular dominance. In conclusion, the miR-16, miR-191 and miR-223 may not be the perfect estrus stage-specific biomarkers. However, their lower presence in saliva at estrus and 9th-10th day of estrous cycles, when the ovary usually has a dominant follicle in buffaloes, may intuitively indicate the follicular dominance. Further studies are needed to prove this association in a large population.

Exploration of Luteinizing hormone in murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) urine: Extended surge window opens door for estrus prediction.

Estrus detection in buffaloes has been a major concern for decades, and lack of reliable methods affects their effective reproductive management. Luteinizing hormone (LH) detection in urine is in practice for several mammals for timed insemination, whereas very few reports are available on buffalo urinary LH. The focus of this study is to detect the presence of LH in buffalo urine, quantitate variation in urinary LH during different estrous cycle phases and examine the duration of mid-cycle LH window. Nearly hundred buffaloes were examined, longitudinal urine samples (n=42) were collected from seventeen animals and classified into respective phases based on several estrus detection parameters. The urinary LH was detected using bovine LH ELISA kit validated for serum/plasma/tissue homogenate. Detection of buffalo LH in the neat urine convincingly proved the competence of the bovine LH kit. Variation in the LH range was observed between different phases of estrous cycle and significant fold variation (P<0.05) was noticed during estrus phase (1.01±0.23) with average baseline value of 46.73±3.36mIU/mL. Interestingly, an extended window (A1-A3) of mid-cycle LH surge was observed due to its lingering excretion in urine. The results, altogether, revealed that LH can be detected in buffalo urine with noticeable fold variation during estrus phase and the extended LH window intensifies the chance of ovulation prediction for timed insemination.

Direct saliva transcript analysis as a novel non-invasive method for oestrus marker detection in buffaloes.

Salivary RNA-based biomarkers are not available for any physiological condition in farm animals. Hence, an objective of this study was to perform salivary transcript analysis in buffaloes. Saliva, after removal of the cells and particulate matter, was directly used for RT-PCR without RNA isolation. Direct saliva transcript analysis (DSTA) showed a suggestively significant higher expression of the Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) at oestrus than the diestrous period in buffaloes by a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Therefore, DSTA without RNA isolation is an easy method to identify salivary RNA markers for oestrus detection in buffaloes.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Aloe vera Extract Preparations: A Review.

Obesity is considered to be an epidemic disease, and it is associated with several metabolic disorders. Pharmacological treatments currently available are not effective for prolonged treatment duration. So, people are looking toward new therapeutic approach such as herbal ingredients. Since ancient periods, different herbs have been used for remedy purposes such as anti-obesity, antidiabetes, and antiinflammatory. Among the several herbal ingredients, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is widely used to curb the metabolic complications. Till date, reports are not available for the side effects of A. vera. Several researchers are used to different solvents such as aqueous solution, alcohol, ethanol, and chloroform for the A. vera extract preparations and studied their hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in animal and human studies. Furthermore, little information was recorded with the active compounds extracted from the A. vera and their anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects in clinical studies. In this review, we made an attempt to compile all the available literature by using different search engines (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) on the A. vera extract preparations and the possible mechanism of action involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.