Thyroid hormone dynamics of Tharparkar and Sahiwal cattle during induced heat stress.

Thyroid hormones and Cortisol level are the essential biomarkers in the assessment of stress condition. This study was done to estimate the metabolic hormonal profile of Tharparkar and Sahiwal during heat stress condition. The experiment was conducted on two groups consisting of Tharparkar and Sahiwal animals (5 in each group) and the experimental period comprised a 7-day acclimatization period, a heat exposure period of 21 days at control (25 °C), moderate (35 °C) and severe (42 °C) heat stress within a 9-10-day recovery period between each exposure. The hormonal concentrations of T3, T4 and cortisol were determined in serum. The serum concentration of Thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) decreases whereas cortisol level increases in both the breeds when subjected to heat stress. However, the serum level of T4 was significantly (p < 0.05) more declined in Sahiwal as compared to Tharparkar but there was no significant difference found between the two breeds in serum T3 levels. The cortisol levels were elevated in both breeds during heat stress but significantly (p < 0.05) more elevated in the Sahiwal. Hence, observations of these hormonal profiles suggest a better thermo-adaptability in Tharparkar as compared to Sahiwal.

Uterine infection influences size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The effect of uterine infection on size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle was studied in buffalo. Reproductive tracts were collected from 102 graded Murrah buffaloes at an abattoir. Uterine infection was diagnosed by physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test and uterine cytology. Samples with pus-containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test and/or >5% neutrophils were considered to be positive for uterine infection. Diameter of the largest follicle was measured, and follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), cholesterol, oestradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)). Infected buffaloes had smaller-sized (p < 0.0001) largest follicles than non-infected buffaloes. Follicular fluid collected from the largest follicle in infected buffaloes had greater (p < 0.0001) NO and P(4) concentrations coincident with lesser AA (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and E(2) (p < 0.0001) concentrations. Results indicated that uterine infection has an inhibitory effect on growth of the largest follicle in buffalo. The changes in follicular fluid composition in infected buffaloes suggest that the direct effect of uterine infection on ovarian function may be mediated through an alteration in the follicular microenvironment. Greater NO and lesser AA concentrations in the follicular fluid of infected animals are novel findings.

Hypertension among cotton textile workers.

The present cross sectional study on prevalence of hypertension was carried out among 514 cotton textile workers of Shri Bapurao Deshmukh Sut Gimi, Wardha. Using standard guidelines for measuring blood pressure and standard criteria for diagnosis of hypertension, 20.2% of the subjects were found to have raised systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among persons aged 35 years or more, in the present occupation for 10 years or more and those working in more noisy department.

Stimulatory effect of luteinizing hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor on progesterone secretion and viability of cultured bubaline luteal cells.

We evaluated the temporal (24, 48 and 72 hours) and dose-dependent (5, 10, and 100 ng/mL of LH, IGF-1, and EGF, respectively) production and secretion of progesterone (P4) in cultured luteal cells from different stages of estrous cycle as well as the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1), and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B), anti-apoptotic gene PCNA, and pro-apoptotic gene BAX in luteal cells of mid-luteal phase in buffalo. Samples from early luteal phase (ELP; Day 1 to 4; n = 4), mid-luteal phase (MLP; Day 5 to 10; n = 4), and late luteal phase (LLP; Day 11 to 16; n = 4) of estrous cycle were collected. Progesterone was assayed by RIA, whereas mRNA expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results depicted that highest dose (100 ng/mL) of LH, IGF-1, and EGF and longer duration of time brought about a (P < 0.05) rise in P4 level and expression of steroidogenic enzymes and PCNA compared with the lower level(s) and control while, all treatments (P < 0.05) inhibited BAX expression in a time dependent-manner. Analysis of interaction between stage and treatments revealed that LH treatment (P < 0.05) increased P4 production compared with IGF-1 and EGF in ELP and MLP. However in LLP, treatment with IGF-1 and EGF significantly (P < 0.05) increased P4 production compared with LH treatment. Summarizing, our study explores the steroidogenic potential of LH and growth factors across different luteal stages in buffalo, which on promoting steroidogenic enzyme expression and cell viability culminated in enhanced P4 production in luteal cells.