Genome-wide association study identifies genomic regions associated with key reproductive traits in Korean Hanwoo cows.

BACKGROUND: Conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle, including age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), gestation length (GL), and number of artificial inseminations per conception (NAIPC), is of paramount significance. These analyses provided a thorough exploration of the genetic basis of these traits, facilitating the identification of key markers for targeted trait improvement. Breeders can optimize their selection strategies, leading to more efficient and sustainable breeding programs, by incorporating genetic insights. This impact extends beyond individual traits and contributes to the overall productivity and profitability of the Hanwoo beef cattle industry. Ultimately, GWAS is essential in ensuring the long-term genetic resilience and adaptability of Hanwoo cattle populations. The primary goal of this study was to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the studied reproductive traits and subsequently map the underlying genes that hold promise for trait improvement. RESULTS: A genome-wide association study of reproductive traits identified 68 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across 29 Bos taurus autosomes (BTA). Among them, BTA14 exhibited the highest number of identified SNPs (25), whereas BTA6, BTA7, BTA8, BTA10, BTA13, BTA17, and BTA20 exhibited 8, 5, 5, 3, 8, 2, and 12 significant SNPs, respectively. Annotation of candidate genes within a 500 kb region surrounding the significant SNPs led to the identification of ten candidate genes relevant to age at first calving. These genes were: FANCG, UNC13B, TESK1, TLN1, and CREB3 on BTA8; FAM110B, UBXN2B, SDCBP, and TOX on BTA14; and MAP3K1 on BTA20. Additionally, APBA3, TCF12, and ZFR2, located on BTA7 and BTA10, were associated with the calving interval; PAX1, SGCD, and HAND1, located on BTA7 and BTA13, were linked to gestation length; and RBM47, UBE2K, and GPX8, located on BTA6 and BTA20, were linked to the number of artificial inseminations per conception in Hanwoo cows. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study enhance our knowledge of the genetic factors that influence reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle populations and provide a foundation for future breeding strategies focused on improving desirable traits in beef cattle. This research offers new evidence and insights into the genetic variants and genome regions associated with reproductive traits and contributes valuable information to guide future efforts in cattle breeding.

Change of Ruminoreticular Temperature and Body Activity before and after Parturition in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Cows.

How do body temperature and activity change before and after parturition in pregnant cows? Changes in body temperature such as ruminal, rectal, and vaginal temperature during the parturition have been reported, but there are no results of the simultaneous observation of body temperature and activity. The aim of this study was to simultaneously confirm changes in the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity before and after parturition using the ruminoreticular bio-capsule sensor every 1 h. The 55 pregnant cows were used for the experiment, the ruminoreticular bio-capsule sensor was inserted and stabilized, and the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity were measured. The ruminoreticular temperature was lower by 0.5° from -24 h to -3 h in parturition compared to 48 h before parturition and then recovered again after parturition. Body activity increased temporarily at the time of parturition and 12 h after parturition. Therefore, the ruminoreticular temperature and body activity before and after parturition was simultaneously confirmed in pregnant cows.

Whole Genome Re-Sequencing of Three Domesticated Chicken Breeds.

Chicken is one of the most popular domesticated species worldwide, as it can serve an important role in agricultural as well as biomedical research fields. Because it inhabits almost every continent and presents diverse morphology and traits, the need of genetic markers for distinguishing each breed for various purposes has increased. The whole genome sequencing of three different breeds (White Leghorn, Korean domestic, and Araucana) that show similar coloring patterns, with the exception of the White Leghorn breed, have confirmed previously reported genomic alterations and identified many novel variants. Additionally, the Whole Genome Re-Sequencing (WGRS) approach identified an approximately 4 kb insert within SLCO1B3 responsible for blue egg shell color. Targeted investigation of pigment-related genes corroborated previously reported non-synonymous mutations, and provided deeper insight into chicken coloring, where not a single but a combination of non-synonymous mutations in the MC1R gene is likely to be responsible for altered feather coloring.

Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Gene and Fatty Acid Composition in Korean Native Cattle.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene plays an important role in the biosynthesis process controlled by a number of fatty acid transcription factors. This study investigates the relationships between 130 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PPARγ gene and the fatty acid composition of muscle fat in the commercial population of Korean native cattle. We identified 38 SNPs and verified relationships between 3 SNPs (g.1159-71208 A>G, g.42555-29812 G>A, and g.72362 G>T) and the fatty acid composition of commercial Korean native cattle (n = 513). Cattle with the AA genotype of g.1159-71208 A>G and the GG genotype of g.42555-29812 G>A and g.72362 G>T had higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and carcass traits (p<0.05). The results revealed that the 3 identified SNPs in the PPARγ gene affected fatty acid composition and carcass traits, suggesting that these 3 SNPs may improve the flavor and quality of beef in commercial Korean native cattle.

Gene-gene interactions of fatty acid synthase (FASN) using multifactor-dimensionality reduction method in Korean cattle.

We examined the gene-gene interactions of five exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding fatty acid synthase using 513 Korean cattle and using the model free and the non-parametrical multifactor dimensionality reduction method for the analysis. The five SNPs of g.12870 T>C, g.13126 T>C, g.15532 C>A, g.16907 T>C and g.17924 G>A associated with a variety of fatty acid compositions and marbling score were used in this study. The two-factor interaction between g.13126 T>C and g.15532 C>A had the highest training-balanced among the five-factor models and a testing-balanced accuracy at 70.18 % on C18:1 with a cross-validation consistency of 10 out of 10. Also, the two-factor interaction between g.13126 T>C and g.15532 C>A had the highest testing-balanced accuracy at 68.59 % with a 10 out of 10 cross-validation consistency, than any other models on MUFA. In MS, a single SNP g.15532 C>A had the best accuracy at 58.85 % and the two-factor interaction model g.12870 T>C and g.15532 C>A had the highest testing-balanced accuracy at 64.00 %. The three-factor interaction model g.12870 T>C, g.13126 T>C and g.15532 C>A was recorded as having a high testing-balanced accuracy of 63.24 %, but it was lower than the two-factor interaction model. We used likelihood ratio tests for interaction, and Chi square tests to validate our results, with all tests showing statistical significance. We also compared this with mean scores between the high-risk trait group and low-risk trait group. The genotypes of TTCA, TTAA and TCAA at g.15532 and g.13126 on C18:1, genotypes TTCC, TTCA, TTAA, TCAA CCAA at g.15532 and g.13126 on MUFA and genotypes CCCC, TCCA, CCCA, TTAA, TCAA and CCAA at g.15532 and g.12870 on MS were recommended for the genetic improvement of beef quality.

Detection of exonic variants within the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene in Black Silky, White Leghorn and Golden duckwing Araucana chicken.

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene can be considered a candidate functional gene for the pigmentation of plumage color. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the genotype frequencies of g.69 T>C, g.376 G>A and g.427 A>G SNPs within the MC1R gene in Black silky (O), Golden duckwing Araucana (GA) and White Leghorn (W). The CC and AA genotype frequencies of g.69 T>C and g.427 A>G SNPs in White Leghorn (W) were both 1.000, and the TT genotype frequency of the g.69 T>C SNP in Golden duckwing Araucana (GA) was also 1.000. The GG and AA genotype frequencies of g.376 G>A and g.427 A>G SNPs in Black silky (O) were both 0.100. When a haplotype is observed using a combination of markers, a Golden duckwing Araucana (GA) can especially be distinguished when it is a TAG, TGG and TAA type in the SNP combination of the MC1R gene. In case of the CAA types, only White Leghorn (W) could specifically be distinguished. Therefore, three SNPs in MC1R may provide identification in chicken breeds.

Identification of exonic nucleotide variants of the thyroid hormone responsive protein gene associated with carcass traits and Fatty Acid composition in korean cattle.

The thyroid hormone responsive protein (THRSP) gene is a functional gene that can be used to indicate the fatty acid compositions. This study investigates the relationships of exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the THRSP gene and fatty acid composition of muscle fat and marbling score in the 612 Korean cattle. The relationships between fatty acid composition and eight SNPs in the THRSP gene (g.78 G>A, g.173 C>T, g.184 C>T, g.190 C>A, g.194 C>T, g.277 C>G, g.283 T>G and g.290 T>G) were investigated, and according to the results, two SNPs (g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T) in exon 1 were associated with fatty acid composition. The GG and CC genotypes of g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had higher unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p<0.05). In addition, the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) in a linkage disequilibrium increased MUFAs and marbling scores for carcass traits (p<0.05). As a result, g.78 G>A and g.184 C>T had significantly relationships with UFAs and MUFAs. Two SNPs in the THRSP gene affected fatty acid composition, suggesting that GG and CC genotypes and the ht1*ht1 group (Val/Ala haplotype) can be markers to genetically improve the quality and flavor of beef.

Identification of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) Gene Interactions in Korean Native Cattle Based on the Multifactor-dimensionality Reduction Method.

Fat quality is determined by the composition of fatty acids. Genetic relationships between this composition and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the stearoyl-CoA desaturase1 (SCD1) gene were examined using 513 Korean native cattle. Single and epistatic effects of 7 SNP genetic variations were investigated, and the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was used to investigate gene interactions in terms of oleic acid (C18:1), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and marbling score (MS). The g.6850+77 A>G and g.14047 C>T SNP interactions were identified as the statistically optimal combination (C18:1, MUFAs and MS permutation p-values were 0.000, 0.000 and 0.001 respectively) of two-way gene interactions. The interaction effects of g.6850+77 A>G, g.10213 T>C and g.14047 C>T reflected the highest training-balanced accuracy (63.76%, 64.70% and 61.85% respectively) and was better than the individual effects for C18:1, MUFAs and MS. In addition, the superior genotype groups were AATTCC, AGTTCC, GGTCCC, AGTCCT, GGCCCT and AGCCTT. These results suggest that the selected SNP combination of the SCD1 gene and superior genotype groups can provide useful inferences for the improvement of the fatty acid composition in Korean native cattle.

Increased accuracy of estrus prediction using ruminoreticular biocapsule sensors in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows.

Visual estrus observation can only be confirmed at a rate of 50%-60%, which is lower than that obtained using a biosensor. Thus, the use of biosensors provides more opportunities for artificial insemination because it is easier to confirm estrus than by visual observation. This study determines the accuracy of estrus prediction using a ruminoreticular biosensor by analyzing ruminoreticular temperature during the estrus cycle and measuring changes in body activity. One hundred and twenty-five Hanwoo cows (64 with a ruminal biosensor in the test group and 61 without biosensors in the control group) were studied. Ruminoreticular temperatures and body activities were measured every 10 min. The first service of artificial insemination used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in the control and test groups. The test group received artificial insemination based on the estrus prediction made by the biosensor, and the control group received artificial insemination according to visual estrus observation. Before artificial insemination, the ruminoreticular temperature was maintained at an average of 38.95 ± 0.05°C for 13 h (-21 to -9 h), 0.73°C higher than the average temperature observed at -48 h (38.22 ± 0.06°C). The body activity, measured using an indwelling 3-axis accelerometer, averaged 1502.57 ± 27.35 for approximately 21 h from -4 to -24 h before artificial insemination, showing 203 indexes higher body activity than -48 hours (1299 ± 9.72). Therefore, using an information and communication techonology (ICT)-based biosensor is highly effective because it can reduce the reproductive cost of a farm by accurately detecting estrus and increasing the rate of estrus confirmation in cattle.

Effect of oestrus synchronisation through ovulation delay by vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows.

BACKGROUND: In Korean cattle, after foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination, anovulation increases, acute immune response is stimulated. OBJECTIVE: Here, we aimed to improve the fertility rate by ovulation delay caused by the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine. METHODS: 160 cows (control, FMD, FMD+Gn250 and FMD+Gn500 groups, with 40 cows each) were used. We analysed the ovulation delay, ovulation rate, conception rate and acute-phase immune responses. RESULTS: In the group vaccinated only with FMD, the average follicle size was maintained at 12 mm and ovulation was delayed. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn500 group (500 µg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injections 3 days after the FMD vaccination) was the highest at 81.8%. The ovulation rate of the FMD+Gn250 group (250 µg GnRH injections 3 days after FMD vaccination) was 54.5%, and that of the control group (not FMD vaccinated) was 53.3%. The conception rate was 52.5% (19/40) in the control group, 37.5% (15/40) in the FMD+Gn250 group, and 67.5% (27/40) in the FMD+Gn500 group. Analysis of acute-phase immune response revealed that the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A increased up to 7 days after vaccination against FMD in all the experimental groups, except the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that ovulation delay can be employed to improve conception rate after FMD vaccination through a modified ovulation synchronisation method with GnRH.

Genomic Predictions in Korean Hanwoo Cows: A Comparative Analysis of Genomic BLUP and Bayesian Methods for Reproductive Traits.

This study aimed to predict the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for reproductive traits in Hanwoo cows using the GBLUP, BayesB, BayesLASSO, and BayesR methods. Accuracy estimates of GEBVs for reproductive traits were derived through fivefold cross-validation, analyzing a dataset comprising 11,348 animals and employing an Illumina Bovine 50K SNP chip. GBLUP showed an accuracy of 0.26 for AFC, while BayesB, BayesLASSO, and BayesR demonstrated values of 0.28, 0.29, and 0.29, respectively. For CI, GBLUP attained an accuracy of 0.19, whereas BayesB, BayesLASSO, and BayesR scored 0.21, 0.24, and 0.25, respectively. The accuracy for GL was uniform across GBLUP, BayesB, and BayesR at 0.31, whereas BayesLASSO showed a slightly higher accuracy of 0.33. For NAIPC, GBLUP showed an accuracy of 0.24, while BayesB, BayesLASSO, and BayesR recorded 0.22, 0.27, and 0.30, respectively. The variation in genomic prediction accuracy among methods indicated Bayesian approaches slightly outperformed GBLUP. The findings suggest that Bayesian methods, notably BayesLASSO and BayesR, offer improved predictive capabilities for reproductive traits. Future research may explore more advanced genomic approaches to enhance predictive accuracy and genetic gains in Hanwoo cattle breeding programs.

Genome-Wide Association Study to Identify QTL for Carcass Traits in Korean Hanwoo Cattle.

This study aimed to identify genetic associations with carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle using a genome-wide association study. A total of 9302 phenotypes were analyzed, and all animals were genotyped using the Illumina Bovine 50K v.3 SNP chip. Heritabilities for carcass weight (CWT), eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF), and marbling score (MS) were estimated as 0.42, 0.36, 0.36, and 0.47, respectively, using the GBLUP model, and 0.47, 0.37, 0.36, and 0.42, respectively, using the Bayes B model. We identified 129 common SNPs using DGEBV and 118 common SNPs using GEBV on BTA6, BTA13, and BTA14, suggesting their potential association with the traits of interest. No common SNPs were found between the GBLUP and Bayes B methods when using residuals as a response variable in GWAS. The most promising candidate genes for CWT included SLIT2, PACRGL, KCNIP4, RP1, XKR4, LYN, RPS20, MOS, FAM110B, UBXN2B, CYP7A1, SDCBP, NSMAF, TOX, CA8, LAP3, FAM184B, and NCAPG. For EMA, the genes IBSP, LAP3, FAM184B, LCORL, NCAPG, SLC30A9, and BEND4 demonstrated significance. Similarly, CYP7B1, ARMC1, PDE7A, and CRH were associated with BF, while CTSZ, GNAS, VAPB, and RAB22A were associated with MS. This finding offers valuable insights into genomic regions and molecular mechanisms influencing Hanwoo carcass traits, aiding efficient breeding strategies.

Generation of double knockout cattle via CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) electroporation.

BACKGROUND: Genome editing has been considered as powerful tool in agricultural fields. However, genome editing progress in cattle has not been fast as in other mammal species, for some disadvantages including long gestational periods, single pregnancy, and high raising cost. Furthermore, technically demanding methods such as microinjection and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are needed for gene editing in cattle. In this point of view, electroporation in embryos has been risen as an alternative. RESULTS: First, editing efficiency of our electroporation methods were tested for embryos. Presence of mutation on embryo was confirmed by T7E1 assay. With first combination, mutation rates for MSTN and PRNP were 57.6% ± 13.7% and 54.6% ± 13.5%, respectively. In case of MSTN/BLG, mutation rates were 83.9% ± 23.6% for MSTN, 84.5% ± 18.0% for BLG. Afterwards, the double-KO embryos were transferred to surrogates and mutation rate was identified in resultant calves by targeted deep sequencing. Thirteen recipients were transferred for MSTN/PRNP, 4 calves were delivered, and one calf underwent an induction for double KO. Ten surrogates were given double-KO embryos for MSTN/BLG, and four of the six calves that were born had mutations in both genes. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrated that production of genome edited cattle via electroporation of RNP could be effectively applied. Finally, MSTN and PRNP from beef cattle and MSTN and BLG from dairy cattle have been born and they will be valuable resources for future precision breeding.

Differences in hormone levels around parturition in Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) following artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: With unique genetic traits, Hanwoo cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) are well-adapted to the Korean environment. However, their perinatal mortality rate is 2%-3%, which imposes an economic burden. OBJECTIVE: Due to insufficient data on hormonal changes around parturition, the timing of parturition is often predicted subjectively; few studies have examined hormones in Hanwoo cattle. We measured the changes in various hormones around parturition, to seek an objective predictor of parturition time. METHODS: In 14 female Hanwoo cattle, we measured progesterone, prolactin and cortisol concentrations daily in jugular vein blood samples, beginning 6 days before parturition until 7 days after parturition. Conception was induced in five animals using artificial insemination. Nine animals received embryo transfer. RESULTS: During parturition, the concentration of progesterone decreased significantly in the embryo transfer group (n = 9) and in the total population (n = 14); it did not change significantly in the artificial insemination group (n = 5). Prolactin concentration increased on the day of parturition but did not differ significantly among the groups. Cortisol remained constant throughout the study course. CONCLUSION: We concluded that parturition time can be predicted in Hanwoo cattle using progesterone concentration. This knowledge can reduce perinatal mortality, which would help to improve farm income and animal welfare.

Production of MSTN-mutated cattle without exogenous gene integration using CRISPR-Cas9.

Many genome-edited animals have been produced using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology to edit specific genes. However, there are few guidelines for the application of this technique to cattle. The goal of this study was to produce trait-improved cattle using the genome-editing technology CRISPR-Cas9. Myostatin (MSTN) was selected as a target locus, and synthetic mRNA of sgRNA and Cas9 were microinjected into fertilized bovine embryos in vitro. As a result, 17 healthy calves were born, and three of them showed MSTN mutation rates of 10.5%, 45.4%, and 99.9%, respectively. Importantly, the offspring with the 99.9% MSTN mutation rate had a biallelic mutation (-12 bps) and a double-muscling phenotype. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the genome-editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 can produce genetically modified calves with improved traits.

Germline transmission of MSTN knockout cattle via CRISPR-Cas9.

Although the production of several founder animals (F0) for gene editing in livestock has been reported in cattle, very few studies have assessed germline transmission to the next generation due to the long sexual maturation and gestation periods. The present study aimed to assess the germline transmission of MSTN mutations (-12bps deletion) in MSTN mutant F0 male and female cattle. For this purpose, oocytes and semen were collected after the sexual maturation of MSTN cattle, and embryos produced by in vitro fertilization were analyzed. In addition, the embryos were subjected to additional gene (PRNP) editing using electroporation. Embryos produced by in vitro fertilization with MSTN male and female cattle were transferred to a surrogate, and one calf was successfully born. MSTN heterozygous mutation was shown by sequencing of the F1 calf, which had no health issues. As a further experiment, using electroporation, additional gene-edited embryos fertilized with the MSTN male sperm showed a high mutation rate of PRNP (86.2 ± 3.4%). These data demonstrate that the cattle produced through gene editing matured without health issues and had transmitted MSTN mutation from the germ cells. Also, additional mutation of embryos fertilized with the MSTN male sperm could enable further mutagenesis using electroporation.

Effect of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination on Acute Phase Immune Response and Anovulation in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae).

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is the most common method for preventing the spread of the disease; the negative effects include miscarriage, early embryo death, lower milk production, and decreased growth of fattening cattle. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the side effects of vaccination by determining the acute immune response and ovulation rate after vaccinating cows for foot-and-mouth disease. The test axis was synchronized with ovulation using 100 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Livestock Research Institute; only individuals with estrus confirmed by ovarian ultrasound were used for the test. All test axes were artificially inseminated 21 days after the previous estrus date. The control group was administered 0.9% normal saline, the negative control was injected intramuscularly with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 µg/kg), and the test group was administered a foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine (FMDV vaccine; bioaftogen, O and A serotypes, inactivated vaccine) 2, 9, and 16 days before artificial insemination. White blood cells and neutrophils increased significantly 1 day after vaccination, and body temperature in the rumen increased for 16 h after vaccination. Ovulation was detected 1 day after artificial fertilization by ovarian ultrasound. The ovulation rates were as follows: control 89%, LPS 60%, FMDV vaccine (-2 d) 50%, FMDV vaccine (-9 d) 75%, and FMDV vaccine (-16 d) 75%. In particular, the FMDV vaccine (-2 d) test group confirmed that ovulation was delayed for 4 days after artificial insemination. In addition, it was confirmed that it took 9 days after inoculation for the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A to recover to the normal range as the main acute immune response factors. The conception rate of the FMDV vaccine (-2 d) group was 20%, which was significantly lower than that of the other test groups.

Increased Ruminoreticular Temperature and Body Activity after Foot-and-Mouth Vaccination in Pregnant Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Cows.

How does vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affect pregnant cows? Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the spread of FMD, but it is linked to sporadic side effects, such as abortion and premature birth, which result in economic loss. In this study, ruminoreticular temperature and body activity were measured before and after FMD vaccination using a ruminoreticular biocapsule sensor in Hanwoo cows at different stages of pregnancy. Compared to the unvaccinated groups, the ruminoreticular temperature increased 12 h after vaccination in the vaccinated groups. This increase in temperature is significantly correlated to vaccination. Compared to the nonpregnant and early pregnancy groups, the ruminoreticular temperature of the late pregnancy group increased sharply by more than 40 °C. Moreover, in nonpregnant and early pregnancy groups, a rapid increase in body activity was observed after FMD vaccinations. Of the 73 pregnant vaccinated cows in the study, a total of five cases had side effects (four abortions and one premature birth). Therefore, changes in the ruminoreticular temperature and activity in pregnant cows can be used as raw data to further clarify the association of FMD vaccination with the loss of a fetus and possibly predict abortion, miscarriage, and premature birth following FMD vaccination.

Effects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on the Pluripotency and Differentiation Capacity of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) go through self-renewal in the existence of the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF is added to the mouse stem cells culture medium, and its removal results in fast differentiation. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most used solvents in drug test. We exposed 4-day mESC cultures to different concentrations of DMSO (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) to identify the safest dose exhibiting efficacy as a solvent. mESCs grown under general pluripotency conditions in the absence of LIF were treated with DMSO. In addition, as a control for differentiation, mESCs were grown in the absence of LIF. DMSO upregulated the mRNA expression level of pluripotency markers. Moreover, DMSO reduced the mRNA expression levels of ectodermal marker (ß-tubulin3), mesodermal marker (Hand1), and endodermal markers (Foxa2 and Sox17) in mESCs. These results indicate that DMSO treatment enhances the pluripotency and disrupts the differentiation of mESCs. We also show that members of the Tet oncogene family are critical to inhibiting the differentiation and methylation of mESCs. DMSO is appropriate to sustain the pluripotency of mESCs in the absence of LIF, and that mESCs can be sustained in an undifferentiated state using DMSO. Therefore, DMSO may, in part, function as a substitute for LIF.

Beneficial effects of 6-shogaol on hyperglycemia, islet morphology and apoptosis in some tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and aberrant glucagon secretion resulting from changes in pancreatic islet cell function and/or mass. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ginger on various tissues (i.e., pancreas, kidney, and liver) and insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The pleasant aroma of ginger comes from the constituents present in its volatile oil, while its non-volatile pungent phytochemicals consist of gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. METHODS: This research was conducted to determine the effects of 6-shogaol administration on blood glucose and insulin production in type 1 diabetic mice. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with shogaol at 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight. Untreated mice were injected with an equivalent volume of buffer, three times a week for 2 weeks. The animals were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control group mice (n = 3) were given an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) vehicle (1 mL citrate buffer/100 g body weight) at day 1 and received an IP injection of 6-shogaol vehicle [1 mL buffer (0.5% DMSO, 10% Tween 20, and 89.5% PBS)/100 g body weight] every other day for 4 consecutive days. RESULTS: 6-Shogaol exhibited an antidiabetic effect by significantly decreased the level of blood glucose, body weight and attenuated the above pathological changes to the normal levels in the diabetic mice, and has effect against pancreas, kidney, liver damage in the diabetic mice. Since, 6-shogaol prevented the damage for STZ induced stress. CONCLUSION: 6-Shogaol can be used as a therapeutic agent for preventing complications in diabetic patients. Diabetic treatment consider the 6-shogaol as a pharmatheuticals or combination drug with herbal plant or others 6-shogaol may be a good therapeutic drug because it covers not only pancreatic ß-cell but also liver and kidney. Ginger may be ideal because they contain a variety of pharmacological compounds with different known pharmacological actions.