Profiles of interferon-stimulated genes in multiple tissues and circulating pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and their association with pregnancy loss in dairy cows†.

Pregnancy loss (PL) in lactating dairy cows disrupts reproductive and productive efficiency. We evaluated the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) in blood leukocytes, vaginal and cervical epithelial cells, luteolysis-related genes, progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) profiles in lactating dairy cows (n = 86) to gain insight about PL. Expression of ISG on d17, d19, and d21 was greater in cows that maintained the pregnancy (P33) compared to nonpregnant with no PL (NP). Greater ISG differences between groups were observed in the cervix (96.7-fold) than vagina (31.0-fold), and least in blood leukocytes (5.6-fold). Based on individual profiles of ISG and PAG, PL was determined to occur either before (~13%) or after (~25%) d22. For cows with PL before d22, ISG expression was similar on d17 but by d21 was lower and OXTR was greater than P33 cows and similar to NP; timing of luteolysis was similar compared to NP cows suggesting embryonic failure to promote luteal maintenance and to attach to the endometrium (no increase in PAG). For cows with PL after d22, ISG expression was similar to P33 cows on d17, d19, and d21 and luteolysis, when it occurred, was later than NP cows; delayed increase in PAG suggested later or inadequate embryonic attachment. In conclusion, PL before d22 occurred due to embryonic demise/failure to signal for luteal maintenance, as reflected in reduced ISG expression by d21. Alternatively, embryos with PL between d22 and 33 adequately signaled for luteal maintenance (ISG) but had delayed/inadequate embryonic attachment and/or inappropriate luteolysis causing PL.

The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac®) modulates serotonin signaling to alter maternal peripartum calcium homeostasis.

Antidepressant use is two-fold greater in women compared to men; however, most studies have been performed in male subjects. We aimed to understand the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, most used antidepressants) on calcium homeostasis and steroid metabolism during the peripartum period. Pregnant sheep (n = 10/group) were treated with vehicle or fluoxetine (most common SSRI) during the last month of gestation. Fluoxetine treatment decreased circulating calcium prior to parturition (8.7 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs 8.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL; P = 0.07). In the control group, total calcium decreased after parturition corresponding to the onset of lactogenesis followed by increase in calcium by day 2 postpartum. Interestingly, this normal transient decrease in circulating calcium was absent in fluoxetine-treated ewes. The steroids cortisol and progesterone were not altered by fluoxetine treatment whereas estradiol was decreased after the onset of treatment (12.4 ± 1.3 vs 9.1 ± 1.2 pg/mL, P = 0.05) and prior to parturition (38.1 ± 8.1 vs 22.3 ± 4.2 pg/mL, P = 0.03). Our hypothesis was supported that fluoxetine treatment alters circulating concentrations of calcium in the peripartum period; however, we surprisingly observed a decrease in estradiol concentrations contrary to reports in in vitro studies.

Effect of drying methods on nutritional constitutes of fermented grape residue.

One of the biggest hurdles faced by the wine industry is the disposal of residual biomass generated after vinification. Although this residue is biodegradable, it constitutes a potential source of environmental pollutants. To alleviate this issue, this biomass may be used in alternative applications; for example, it may be transformed into an enriched flour that can be used to improve the nutrient content in different foods. In this study, were evaluated the effects of drying processes on the relevant nutritional components in dry extracts obtained from the residue of fermented grape pomace. The concentrations of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins were higher when drying the flour by the traditional oven procedure than by freeze-drying. The highest difference (approximately 40%) was observed for tannin compounds. Therefore, drying in an oven is recommended due to the lower loss of bioactive compounds, in addition to being simple and cheap.