88 Plasma anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker for ovarian follicular population and oocyte quality in alpacas

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
N. Z. Arana ◽  
H. C. Ygnacio ◽  
F. T. Zárate ◽  
E. A. Malca ◽  
A. Gallegos-Cárdenas

The limited success of embryonic transfer technique in alpacas is related to the high variability of superovulation protocols, the response to which depends on, among other factors, the number of antral follicles growing along a follicular wave. The concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is correlated with antral follicle count, making it a reliable biomarker for identifying the number of available follicles and allowing us to ensure the reproductive potential of females. Studies in different production animals exist, but, thus far, no published studies exist on the use of AMH as a biomarker in alpacas. Thus, its study is necessary in order to be able to choose the best donors for embryonic transfer, reducing response variability and unnecessary expenses in superovulation protocols. The objective of this study was to determine whether AMH is a reliable marker for the number of follicles and quality of oocytes in an induced follicular wave in alpacas. We used 52 female, nonpregnant Suri alpacas of reproductive age (3–7 years), with a body condition score between 2.5 and 3.5 (where 1 is extremely thin and 5 is obese), and with the presence of a preovulatory follicle (diameter ≥7mm) determined through transrectal ultrasound. Blood samples were collected from nonpregnant Suri alpacas 5 days post-induction of ovulation and divided into groups according to AMH concentration. AMH concentrations were then correlated with the number of follicles and percentage by sizes of follicles using the least significant difference test with adjusted means. To relate the quality of oocytes with the AMH concentration groups, a Chi-square test was used. The high-AMH group had a greater number of follicles than the low-AMH group (20.51±2.76 vs. 11.58±2.55; P=0.036). There were no significant differences between AMH groups and percentage of follicle sizes. However, the high-AMH group had a greater percentage of follicles 3- to 7-mm long (67.49%). Furthermore, the high-AMH group showed dependence on the quality of oocytes (P=0.02). These results indicate that the plasma concentration of AMH can be a reliable marker for follicle and oocyte quality in Suri alpacas. Future investigations are needed to ensure the optimal timing to collect blood samples, a kit individualized to the species, and improvement of the future donors for current superovulation protocols in alpacas.

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
L. Proctor ◽  
D. Tutt ◽  
D. Olliver ◽  
S. Galloway ◽  
J. L. Juengel ◽  
...  

A study was designed to compare the effect of a prostaglandin-based synchronization protocol on ovarian follicular dynamics in sheep with the FecB (Booroola) mutation. Forty dry Romney sheep (57.6 ± 7.3 kg; 6.1 ± 1.1 years) were randomly selected from both Invermay Booroola (BB; n = 20) and commercial (non-FecB carriers, ++; n = 20) flocks. All ewes had their estrous cycles synchronized with 2 i.m. injections of PGF (150 μg of cloprostenol, Estrumate, Schering-Plough Coopers Animal Health Ltd., New Zealand) administered 7 days apart. Ewes were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography (Aloka 900-SSD and a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer, Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) daily from Day -2 to the day of ovulation. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Variances were compared with Barlett’s test. Paired t-test compared the number of preovulatory follicles in each genotype after PGF treatments and intervals from PGF to ovulation after PGF. Data are presented as mean (± SEM). The number of corpora lutea (CL) and total CL area at the time of the first and second PGF treatment were 4.4 ± 0.6; 5.7 ± 1.4 and 672.1 ± 133.5 mm2; 999.0 ± 145.9 mm2 in the BB and 2.1 ± 0.2; 2.1 ± 0.5 and 342.3 ± 60.7 mm2; 401.3 ± 68.6 mm2 in ++ ewes, respectively. These 2 variables were higher (P < 0.01) at both PGF injections in the BB than in the ++ ewes, except the CL area at the time of first PGF treatment (P = 0.15). The largest follicle diameter at the time of the first and second PGF treatments was smaller (P < 0.003) in BB (4.1 ± 0.3 mm; 3.5 ± 0.2 mm) than in ++ (5.3 ± 0.3 mm; 5.8 ± 0.1 mm) ewes. The median and mean number of follicles that ovulated after the first and second PGF treatment were higher (P < 0.0001) in BB (6 & 7; 5.7 ± 0.3; 6.9 ± 0.3; difference = 1.2 ± 0.4; P < 0.003) than in the ++ (2 & 2; 2.1 ± 0.1; 2.1 ± 0.1) sheep. The luteal area at the time of first and second PGF in both BB and ++ did not differ (P = 0.3). The intervals from the first and second PGF to the respective ovulations did not differ (P > 0.61) between BB (3.4 ± 0.2; 3.0 ± 0.3d) and ++ (3.5 ± 0.2d; 3.0 ± 0.1d) ewes. However, interval from the second PGF to ovulation was more variable (P = 0.002) in the BB than in the ++ ewes. Data of both groups were combined and a mean significant difference of 0.6 ± 0.2d (P < 0.003) was found between the first and second PGF-to-ovulation intervals. The interval from the first PGF to emergence of the next follicular wave was shorter (P < 0.02) and more variable (P < 0.03) in the BB (2.7 ± 0.4d) than in the ++ (3.5 ± 0.2 d) group. Preovulatory follicles were smaller in Booroola, but higher in number, than in ++ ewes, whereas the luteal area was similar. Within the BB ewes, the higher number of follicles that ovulated after the second PGF than after the first injection may be due to a higher follicular response to an elevated rebound in circulating FSH after the first PGF. A high number of growing follicles of the first follicular wave may also have contributed to this event. These findings warrant further research aimed at the study of the interaction between FSH and follicle dynamics in estrus synchronized sheep carrying the FecB mutation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 296 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Imai ◽  
T. Somfai ◽  
M. Ohtake ◽  
Y. Inaba ◽  
Y. Aikawa ◽  
...  

We previously reported that follicular wave synchronization by dominant follicle removal on Day 5 and the start of a superstimulatory treatment on Day 7 after ovum pick-up (OPU) was effective to increase oocyte quality (Imai et al. 2008 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 182). The present study was designed to examine the effect of superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization on quality of embryos obtained by OPU and in vitro production. Japanese Black cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions and 2 OPU sessions were conducted in each cow. The first OPU session was performed in 7 cows at arbitrary days of estrous cycle using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle connected to an ultrasound scanner. Then, follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were aspirated and CIDR was inserted on Day 5 (the day of first OPU session = Day 0). The cows then received 30 mg of FSH twice a day from Days 7 to 10 in decreasing doses (4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 mg per shot) by i.m. injections. Cloprostenol (PGF; 0.75 mg) was administered in the morning of Day 9. The second OPU session was performed 48 h after PGF administration (Day 11) and only follicles larger than 5 mm in diameter were aspirated. The CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. Grade 1 and 2 cumulus oocyte complexes were in vitro matured, fertilized (IVF), and cultured as described by Imai et al. (2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52, Suppl. S19-29). Some zygotes were fixed and stained to check their sperm penetration. Embryo development was monitored by time-lapse cinematography for 168 h after IVF. Cleavage pattern of embryos was classified morphologically into normal and abnormal (including those with multiple fragments, protrusions, 3 to 4 blastomeres, and uneven cell division) groups at their first cleavage. Normal penetration rate of second OPU session was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the first OPU session. There were no differences in the mean percentage of total blastocyst and grade 1 blastocyst rates between the first (45.2 and 46.9%, respectively) and second (47.5 and 41.8%, respectively) OPU sessions. However, the rates of blastocysts developing from embryos that were beyond the 4-cell stage at 48 h after IVF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher after the second OPU session (81.2%) than after the first OPU session (67.4%). Furthermore, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the rates of normal cleavage at the first cell division in embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage between the first and second OPU sessions (53.3% and 73.9%, respectively). These results indicate that superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization improved the normality of fertilization and development of cattle oocytes obtained by OPU. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-400
Author(s):  
Subhadra Pradhan Shrestha ◽  
Sushila Devi Bhandari ◽  
Sushaili Pradhan

Background: The problem of infertility is an increasing issue worldwide, among married reproductive age couples, particularly women. Infertility can affect every aspect of quality of life among infertile women. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of infertile women attending an infertility treatment center. Methods: A crossectional  study of 385 infertile women age 25-50 years attending an infertility treatment center was carried out from 8th July 2018 to 4th January 2019. Data were collected using the Short Form Health Survey (Rand SF-36), containing 36 questions by interview technique and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The higher proportion (63.38%) of primary infertility was involved in this study compared to secondary infertility without baby (24.93%) and with the baby (11.69%). More than half (54.5%) of infertile women had low-level quality of life whereas 45.5% of them had a high level of quality of life. The mean scores of quality of life subscales were not significantly different between primary and secondary infertility (p-value >0.05). There was no statistically significant association between socio-demographic variables and quality of life of primary and secondary infertility (p-value >0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the duration of infertility and quality of life of primary and secondary infertility with baby (p-value 0.020), and between the reason of infertility and quality of life of secondary infertility without a baby (p-value 0.010). Conclusions: A high proportion of infertile women had low-level quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide them information, education, and counseling regarding infertility. Keywords: Infertility treatment center; infertile women; quality of life


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 34-36
Author(s):  
NATALIA SERGEEVA ◽  
Elena Selivanova ◽  
galina myandina ◽  
Julia Vychristuck ◽  
Mariya Alekseeva ◽  
...  

Background: Current statistics show that the highest incidence of genital herpes is observed among women of reproductive age. Since these patients have an active lifestyle, frequent outbreaks of genital herpes can cause physical and psychological discomfort. Aim. To assess the quality of life of women of reproductive age with recurrent genital herpes. Methods: The quality of life in women suffering from recurrent genital herpes for more than 5 years (n=86) was evaluated. The control group included healthy women (n=91) according to the data of external genitalia examination and PCR diagnostics. The Health Status Survey (SF-36) in points was employed to measure the health status of women in both groups. Results: We established a significant difference between two groups of patients in terms of the influence of the following indicators on functional limitations: general health condition — 12.1±0.8 points; pain — 8.3±0.4 points; physical problems — 18,3±3,7; physical activity — 8.2±0.6 points (p<0.01). Conclusion: Symptoms of herpetic infection and longterm persistence have an impact on the performance of daily tasks and the quality of life of the patient.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
R. H. Alvarez ◽  
B. M. Bayeux ◽  
Y. F. Watanabe ◽  
D. A. Joaquim ◽  
K. M. R. Duarte ◽  
...  

Fertility associated with age has been poorly documented in cattle. There is evidence that more than 50% of cows became infertile (failure to bear a calf for two successive years) at the age of 15. The causes of infertility in cows have been attributed to poor oocyte quality and/or follicle depletion. The present study aimed to compare the rates of oocyte and invitro embryo production of fertile cows older than 15 years. Sixteen Nellore cows (Bos taurus indicus) 200.3±4.9 months old were submitted to two ovum pickup series (OPU1 and OPU2) at a 2-year (2017 and 2019) interval. Before the OPU1 of each series, the cows were prepared with an IM injection of 2mg estradiol benzoate and 0.15mg prostaglandin F2α analogue and a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (1g). After five days, the progesterone-releasing intravaginal device was withdrawn and the OPU1 was performed. The second OPU (OPU2) was performed 5 days later to aspirate only the growing follicles. The number and morphologic quality of recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes were registered. After IVM (tissue culture medium 199) and fertilization (Tyrode's solution) of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the presumptive zygotes were cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid with amino acids to assess developmental rates to blastocyst. Data were analysed by chi-squared and Wilcoxon test. The number of oocytes recovered at OPU1 was higher in 2107 than in 2019 (27.8±6.6 vs. 10.8±4.2; P&lt;0.01), whereas in OPU2 the production of oocytes was not different (14.7±3.3 vs. 10.9±3.1). In OPU1, eight cows in 2017 and four in 2019 produced more than 20 oocytes, compared with only one cow in OPU2 of both years (P=0.02). Although there was no significant difference in the proportion of viable oocytes in OPU1 (83.6% and 87.2%) and OPU2 (85.5 and 68.0%), more viable oocytes were produced at OPU1 of 2017 (23.2±5.8) compared with OPU1 of 2019 (9.4±4.1), OPU2 of 2017 (12.6±2.7) and OPU2 of 2019 (7.4±2.4), respectively (P&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of cleaved oocytes in OPU1 (74.2 and 75.1%) and OPU2 (68.9 and 79.8%). Two cows in 2017 (12.5%) and five in 2019 (31.2%) did not produce embryos in both OPUs. Cows produced more embryos (blastocysts) in OPU1 at 2017 (7.3±1.6) than 2019 (2.8±0.6; P&lt;0.05), whereas in OPU2 there was no difference (4.1±0.8 and 3.1±0.8). In conclusion, senescent fertile cows decreases the number of oocytes and embryos as they approach 20 years of age; however, the quality of oocytes does not appear to be compromised. Financial support was provided by FAPESP (proc. 2018/07450-5).


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 2637
Author(s):  
Christopher Junior Tavares Cardoso ◽  
Ana Caroline Bini de Lima ◽  
Wilian Aparecido Leite da Silva ◽  
Mirela Brochado Souza-Cáceres ◽  
Daniela Moraes Pereira ◽  
...  

Linseed is distinguished by its composition of fatty acids, which are rich in unsaturated acids, and by the slow release of oil in the rumen, consequently providing a greater amount of lipids of interest for intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of linseed supplementation on the antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte quality of Girolando cows, as well as their digestive parameters and plasma metabolite. Twelve Girolando cows were used in the study and were randomly distributed in two experimental groups: control (CTL, n = 6) and linseed (LINS, n = 6). During the 126 days of supplementation, seven transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions were performed at intervals of 21 days. AFC was performed in each OPU session. The cows fed with linseed showed no significant difference in the dry matter coefficient of digestibility (63.11 and 62.88), crude protein (62.7 and 55.26), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 75.36 and 77.15), or acid detergent fiber (ADF; 72.45 and 74.77) for LINS and CTL, respectively. On the contrary, a higher level of ethereal extract was observed for LINS (69.31 vs. 40.7). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of lipid supplementation on plasma metabolite between groups and OPU sessions. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the mean number of antral follicles (CTL: 31.14 ± 1.97; LINS: 25.52 ± 2.68), cumulus oocyte complexes recovered (CTL: 6.45 ± 1.66; LINS: 5.28 ± 1.18), or oocyte quality (CTL: 60.48% ± 8.46; LINS: 64.54% ± 7.77). The supplementation of 800g of linseed in the diet of Girolando cows did not alter the apparent digestibility of nutrients, AFC, or quality of oocytes obtained by OPU.


Author(s):  
Dasari Gayathry ◽  
B. V. Ramana ◽  
Vishweshwar Rao

Background: Population explosion is a major problem in developing country like India. Contraception is important for the health of the nation. Hence the present study aimed at elucidating knowledge of the couples towards contraception. Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted during February 2013-January 2014 among the couples residing in the field practice study areas. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge towards various methods of family planning was administered to 406 couples of the study area. Results: It has been observed that female scored higher than males, however there was no statistically significant difference between the overall knowledge scores (18.67±7.798 vs. 18.41±7.177). In general, the highest knowledge was obtained in the domain of permanent contraception followed by temporary methods like condom and IUDs. The least knowledge scores were obtained in the domain of emergency contraceptives and natural methods of contraception. Urban population’s over all mean knowledge scores was 22.60±6.673 compared with rural population 14.48±5.898 and was statistically significant (p=0.036). However, the marked difference in knowledge scores was obtained in the context of gender and place of residence. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the average knowledge among males and females and in urban and rural area, but some knowledge gaps on certain specific aspects still remained which needs to be addressed to improve the quality of life of people. 


F1000Research ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan Altaee ◽  
Zaid Abdul Majeed Al-Madfai ◽  
Zainab Hassan Alkhafaji

Background: The initiation and maintenance of reproductive functions are related to an optimal body weight in women. Body weight affects the ovarian reserve, which is basically an estimate of how many oocytes (eggs) are left in the ovaries.Objective: To study the relationship between obesity and serum and ultrasound markers of ovarian reserve in mid-reproductive age women (21–35 years old).Patients and methods: Twenty participants (“obese”) had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 35 kg/m2 and another 20 participants (“non-obese”) had a BMI 20–29 kg/m2. The obese women had a mean age of 27.9 years and the non-obese women had a mean age of 29.5 years. Blood samples were collected from all participants, anthropometric measurements were calculated, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to measure the antral follicle count (AFC) during the early follicular phase. The blood samples were assayed for antimüllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2).Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding ovarian reserve markers and there is no significant correlation between these markers and BMI, except for serum E2 in the obese group.Conclusion: Obesity has no effect on the levels of serum FSH, AMH, or AFC indicating that obesity is unlikely to affect ovarian reserve in the mid-reproductive age group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
B. A. Foster ◽  
F. A. Diaz ◽  
E. J. Gutierrez ◽  
K. R. Bondioli

During oocyte collection, follicular wave phase is unknown, although differences in follicle environment may have dramatic effects on oocyte quality. This project was performed to determine whether oocyte collection during different phases of the follicular wave affects oocyte competence. Oocytes were collected via transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte aspiration from 18 cows, at 4, 8, and 12 days following dominant follicle removal, representing follicle wave emergence, peak, and atresia, respectively (160, 314, and 273 oocytes, respectively). Once recovered, oocytes were graded and assigned to either being held as immature or matured in vitro for 24 h. Oocytes were then stained in Mitotracker deep red, fixed and stained with an anti-IP3R1 primary antibody and an Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibody, before being stained with DAPI, to identify mitochondria, inositol triphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1), and chromatin respectively. Mitochondria were analysed based on cytoplasmic distribution and classified as peripheral (immature), diffuse, central (mature), or sparse. Expression of IP3R1 was measured as corrected total cell fluorescence in Image J (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Staining patterns were analysed using ANOVA. A subset of the matured oocytes was stained with Fluo-3 to measure cytoplasmic calcium levels. These oocytes were then parthenogenetically activated before being imaged again to view changes in calcium levels, and presumptive embryos were cultured for 4 days. Fluo staining was measured as intensity levels (none, slight, moderate, high) and differences in development and stain levels were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Although mitochondria location was unaffected by collection day, it was significantly affected by maturation status (P = 0.0036). However, oocytes showed incomplete mitochondrial maturation, with mitochondria residing in the diffuse orientation in the majority of oocytes. Expression of IP3R1 appeared to be more sensitive to treatment. Expression significantly increased as meiosis proceeded (P = 0.0081) and there was a significant difference in expression between oocyte collection days (P = 0.0026). The interaction between collection day and maturation status also had a significant effect (P = 0.048), with mature oocytes showing an increase in IP3R1 expression, most notable in those collected on Day 4. Oocyte quality had a notable effect on the ability of oocytes to progress through meiosis (P = 0.054) and on mitochondrial location (P = 0.053), with AB oocytes showing better maturation parameters in both respects. Although the day of collection did not affect embryo development, Fluo stain intensity was an indicator of embryo developmental potential (P = 0.053), with oocytes having decreased potential to develop if the initial calcium levels were moderate to high. Results suggest that oocyte collection during wave emergence yields a slight advantage in oocyte quality. Although IP3R1, necessary for Ca2+ spikes during fertilization, indicates competence, high levels of cytoplasmic Ca2+ at the time of activation appear to be detrimental to embryo development.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1564-1571
Author(s):  
Rizki Fitrawan Yuneldi ◽  
Pudji Astuti ◽  
Hendry T. S. Saragih ◽  
Claude Mona Airin

Background and Aim: Pelung chickens make unique, pleasant, and rhythmic sounds in addition to having strong muscle mass. Performance is controlled by testosterone. A natural aromatase blocker is an agent capable of blocking the aromatase enzyme, which consequently prevents testosterone from being changed into estradiol. Such a condition results in consistently high testosterone levels. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the administration of the shell powder of Anadara granosa on the testosterone level, frequency and quality of sounds, and metabolism of Pelung chickens within set parameters of thyroid hormone levels, the triiodothyronine (T3)/thyroxine (T4) ratio, and weight gain. Materials and Methods: This study used four Pelung chickens aged 14 months. Control data consisted of data before treatment (day 0). Shell powder of A. granosa was administered for 56 days. Body weight (BW) was measured, and blood samples were drawn. In addition, the sounds from Pelung chickens were recorded once every 2 weeks on days 14, 28, 42, and 56. The blood samples were analyzed using the enzyme immunoassay method to determine testosterone, T3, and T4 levels. The sounds of Pelung chickens were recorded using the Hagemon touch method and analyzed using the Audacity application. Results: The results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the levels of testosterone, BW, and sound frequency after the administration of A. granosa shell powder, but the administration did not have a significant effect on the levels of T4 and T3 hormones (thyroid hormone), T3/T4 ratio, or sound duration. The testosterone content and BW of Pelung chickens increased from day 14 to day 56, whereas T3 was indicative of the same profile as the T4 hormone. However, T3 and T4 levels and the T3/T4 ratio decreased and increased, respectively. The sound frequency of Pelung chickens increased from day 0 to day 14, although sound duration decreased. Conclusion: The administration of A. granosa shell powder at 0.9 mg/kg BW orally could improve the metabolism, testosterone level, BW, and sound frequency of Pelung chickens.


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