The effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on the bovine gametes during an in vitro embryo production model.

Roundup® (R), while it is the most used herbicide globally, and its residues are ubiquitous in urban and suburban areas, its impact on vertebrates' safety remains highly debated. Here, in three in vitro experiments, we investigated the effects of a very low dose (1 ppm) of R on the fertilization capacity and embryo development in cattle. In the first experiment, frozen-thawed bull semen exposed to R for 1 h exhibited reduced motility parameters but unaffected fertilization ability. However, after in vitro fertilization, the rates of embryo formation were significantly lower compared to the untreated controls. In the second experiment, oocytes exposed to R during in vitro maturation showed reduced cleavage rates, and the embryo yield on days 7, 8, and 9 of embryo culture was significantly lower than that of the controls. In the third experiment, oocytes were matured in the presence of R and in a medium containing both R and Zinc, chosen to offer antioxidant protection to the oocytes. Day-7 blastocysts were analyzed for the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and epigenetic reprogramming. Exposure to R markedly suppressed embryo formation rates compared to the controls. The combination of R with Zinc restored the blastocyst yield, which on days 8 and 9 was comparable to that of the controls and higher than the groups exposed only to R on all days. The gene expression analysis revealed that R promotes oxidative stress development, triggers apoptosis, and induces epigenetic changes in developing embryos, while zinc presence alleviates these adverse effects of R. These findings imply that even at very low doses, R could be highly toxic, leading to functional abnormalities in both gametes, potentially affecting fertility in both genders.

Impact of cardiac transplantation in 24 hours circadian blood pressure and heart rate profile.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate 24 hours blood pressure (BP) and heart rate changes as well as 24-hour circadian BP rhythm of cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS: Twenty-five transplant recipients and twenty-five healthy volunteers underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Parameters of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (24-h/daytime/nightime systolic, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and heart rate) were determined in all patients. RESULTS: Clinic systolic/diastolic BP, mean 24-h systolic/diastolic BP, mean daytime systolic/diastolic BP, mean nighttime systolic/diastolic BP, and mean 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rate were significantly higher in transplant recipients than in control group subjects. Standard deviations of 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rates were significantly lower in transplant recipients. Dippers were 48% of the control and only 12% of the transplantation group. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac transplant recipients had increased ambulatory BP. They also had increased 24-h/daytime/nighttime heart rate and decreased heart rate variability. Also, diminished nocturnal decrease of BP was found in transplant recipients.