38 research outputs found
Ovulation inducing factors in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): The role of interleukin-1.
No full textTHE CASE STUDY OF RESISTIN IN SHEEP: CAN DIET INFLUENCE THE MOLECULE’S LOCALIZATION IN THE ENDOCRINE PANCREAS?
No full textResistin (RETN), a recently discovered adipokine, is a cysteine-rich and secretory protein produced by adipocytes [1]. The RETN has been detected in several tissues, including human and lab animals' pancreas, wherein impairs glucose tolerance and insulin action and causes insulin resistance [2]. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and expression of RETN in the pancreas of 15 adult female sheep reared on Apennine pastures, which show a decrease in their nutritional value due to the increasing stress from summer drought [3]. The sheep were divided into 3 groups according to the diet they were subjected to maximum pasture flowering (MxF) group, maximum pasture dryness (MxD) group, and experimental (Exp) group which received a feed supplementation in addition to the MxD group feeding. As a preliminary analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques were performed on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of the pancreas to detect the RETN presence and to evaluate the co-expression of RETN with both glucagon (GCG)- and insulin (INS)-producing cells. Mouse monoclonal anti-RETN, rabbit polyclonal anti-GCG, and anti-INS, as primary antibodies, were used to carry out both IHC and IF. The RETN was observed in the endocrine cells and colocalized with both GCG-secreting alpha cells and INS-secreting beta cells, showing a wide distribution throughout the pancreatic islets. No differences in distribution and signal intensity of RETN, GCG, and INS were observed among the three groups of animals fed on different diets.
These data show that RETN protein is produced by the cells of pancreatic islets, including the alpha and beta cells. Nevertheless, further investigations are needed to determine the overall role of pancreatic RETN. The IHC investigation did not reveal any differences related to diet.
The RT-qPCR evaluation of RETN, GCG, and INS expression will further characterize the influence of different diets on pancreatic islet functionality
Gene and protein expression of the nerve growth factor and its cognate receptors in different testicle morphotypes of a grey squirrel population (Sciurus carolinensis) living in central Italy.
No full textReproductive physiology of а population of gray squirrels living in central Italy: reproductive characteristics and role of the Nеrvе Growth Factor.
No full textCarotenoids in female and male reproduction
No full textCarotenoids are among the best-known pigments in nature, confer color to plants and animals, and are mainly derived from photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, algae, plants. Mammals cannot synthesize carotenoids. Carotenoids' source is only alimentary and after their assumption, they are mainly converted in retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, collectively known also as pro-vitamins and vitamin A, which play an essential role in tissue growth and regulate different aspects of the reproductive functions. However, their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of carotenoids in the male and female reproductive functions in species of veterinary interest. In female, carotenoids and their derivatives regulate not only folliculogenesis and oogenesis but also steroidogenesis. Moreover, they improve fertility by decreasing the risk of embryonic mortality. In male, retinol and retinoic acids activate molecular pathways related to sper-matogenesis. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been correlated with degeneration of testis parenchyma with consequent absence of the mature sperm. Carotenoids have also been considered anti-antioxidants as they ameliorate the effect of free radicals. The mechanisms of action seem to be exerted by activating Kit and Stra8 pathways in both female and male. In conclusion, carotenoids have potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function
Carotenoids in female and male reproduction
No full textCarotenoids are among the best-known pigments in nature, confer color to plants and animals, and are mainly derived from photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, algae, plants. Mammals cannot synthesize carotenoids. Carotenoids’ source is only alimentary and after their assumption, they are mainly converted in retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, collectively known also as pro-vitamins and vitamin A, which play an essential role in tissue growth and regulate different aspects of the reproductive functions. However, their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of carotenoids in the male and female reproductive functions in species of veterinary interest. In female, carotenoids and their derivatives regulate not only folliculogenesis and oogenesis but also steroidogenesis. Moreover, they improve fertility by decreasing the risk of embryonic mortality. In male, retinol and retinoic acids activate molecular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been correlated with degeneration of testis parenchyma with consequent absence of the mature sperm. Carotenoids have also been considered anti-antioxidants as they ameliorate the effect of free radicals. The mechanisms of action seem to be exerted by activating Kit and Stra8 pathways in both female and male. In conclusion, carotenoids have potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function
The Role of Genistein in Mammalian Reproduction
No full textGenistein is a natural compound belonging to flavonoids, having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neoplastic properties. Genistein is considered a phytoestrogen. As such, genistein can bind estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), although with a lower affinity than that of estradiol. Despite considerable work, the effects of genistein are not well established yet. This review aims to clarify the role of genistein on female and male reproductive functions in mammals. In females, at a high dose, genistein diminishes the ovarian activity regulating several pathway molecules, such as topoisomerase isoform I and II, protein tyrosine kinases (v-src, Mek-4, ABL, PKC, Syk, EGFR, FGFR), ABC, CFTR, Glut1, Glut4, 5α-reductase, PPAR-γ, mitogen-activated protein kinase A, protein histidine kinase, and recently circulating RNA-miRNA. The effect of genistein on pregnancy is still controversial. In males, genistein exerts an estrogenic effect by inducing testosterone biosynthesis. The interaction of genistein with both natural and synthetic endocrine disruptors has a negative effect on testis function. The positive effect of genistein on sperm quality is still in debate. In conclusion, genistein has a potentially beneficial effect on the mechanisms regulating the reproduction of females and males. However, this is dependent on the dose, the species, the route, and the time of administration
The role of interleukin-1 as ovulation inducing factor in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
No full textТрансформація сімейно-рольових відносин у сім’ях трудових мігрантів України
No full textThe article analyzes the problems of the labor migration of the ukrainian population, in particular it is paid attention to the families of migrant workers; the key changes of the familyrole relations, which are the results of the longterm migration, are outlines here. Special attention is focused on the negative effects of such changes for the social institution of the family. Also the author gives and analyzes the statistics of the number of migrant workers, the indicators of migration processes for the last decade and the results of empirical researches conducted by scientists from different branches of social knowledge on this issue. The main directions of a more detailed study of the transformation of familyrole relations in the families of migrant workers in Ukraine are defined in the article. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the familyrole relations between the spouses, between grandparents (grandmothers and / or grandfathers) and parents, and between grandparents (grandmothers and / or grandfathers) and grandchildren. It is noted, that in the case of the longterm absence of parents, who are involved in migration, their role in the family is realized by other members, usually grandparents (grandmother and / or grandfather) play their role. The author examines the significance of the role of grandparents as one of the main subjects of the grandchildren’ socialization while their parents are absent. The author considers the significance of the role of grandparents as one of the important subject of the grandchildren’ socialization while their parents are absent. The author highlights the particular features of the transformation of the familyrole relations, which are the results of the longterm migration, and the problems connected with the saving of the family integrity.У статті аналізуються проблеми трудової міграції українського населення, зокрема сімей трудових мігрантів; окреслюються ключові зміни сімейнорольових відносин, до яких може призвести довгострокова міграція. Особлива увага акцентується на негативних наслідках таких змін для соціального інституту сім’ї. Автором надаються та аналізуються статистичні дані щодо кількості трудових мігрантів в Україні, показники міграційного руху за останнє десятиріччя, результати емпіричних досліджень, що були проведені науковцями різних галузей соціального знання стосовно цієї проблематики. Визначаються основні напрямки більш детального дослідження трансформації сімейнорольових відносин у сім’ях трудових мігрантів України. Особлива увага приділяється аналізу сімейнорольових відносин між подружжям, між прабатьками (бабусями і/або дідусями) і батьками та між прабатьками (бабусями і/або дідусями) і онуками. Відмічається, що за умов довготривалої відсутності батьків, які залучені до трудової міграції, їхню роль у сім’ї починають відігравати інші члени, зазвичай прабатьки (бабусі і/або дідусі). Автор розглядає значущість ролі прабатьків як одних з головних суб’єктів соціалізації онуків у період відсутності їхніх батьків. Підкреслюються особливості трансформації сімейнорольових відносин, до яких можуть призвести довгострокова міграція та проблеми, пов’язані із збереженням цілісності сімей.У статті аналізуються проблеми трудової міграції українського населення, зокрема сімей трудових мігрантів; окреслюються ключові зміни сімейнорольових відносин, до яких може призвести довгострокова міграція. Особлива увага акцентується на негативних наслідках таких змін для соціального інституту сім’ї. Автором надаються та аналізуються статистичні дані щодо кількості трудових мігрантів в Україні, показники міграційного руху за останнє десятиріччя, результати емпіричних досліджень, що були проведені науковцями різних галузей соціального знання стосовно цієї проблематики. Визначаються основні напрямки більш детального дослідження трансформації сімейнорольових відносин у сім’ях трудових мігрантів України. Особлива увага приділяється аналізу сімейнорольових відносин між подружжям, між прабатьками (бабусями і/або дідусями) і батьками та між прабатьками (бабусями і/або дідусями) і онуками. Відмічається, що за умов довготривалої відсутності батьків, які залучені до трудової міграції, їхню роль у сім’ї починають відігравати інші члени, зазвичай прабатьки (бабусі і/або дідусі). Автор розглядає значущість ролі прабатьків як одних з головних суб’єктів соціалізації онуків у період відсутності їхніх батьків. Підкреслюються особливості трансформації сімейнорольових відносин, до яких можуть призвести довгострокова міграція та проблеми, пов’язані із збереженням цілісності сімей
Interleukin-1 Beta (IL1B) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): Key Players in Rabbit Reproductive Regulation
No full textSeveral seminal plasma components, besides NGF, are implicated as ovulation-inducing factors in mammals. This study investigated the IL1B and its receptor IL1R1 in the testis (T), male accessory glands, prostate (P) and seminal vesicles (SV), and uterus (U) of adult rabbits using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We also assessed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma through Western blotting (WB) and examined the interaction between IL1B and NGF in vitro by measuring their production with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the presence of NGF and IL1B alone or with their respective receptor antagonists. IHC revealed IL1B system expression in all reproductive organs studied, with IL1B and IL1R1 localized to the germinative epithelium of the T and the epithelial cells of the accessory glands and U. IL1B gene transcript levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the P and SV compared to the T, while IL1R1 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the P compared to the other tissues, while IL1R1 levels were three times higher (p < 0.001) in the P. WB confirmed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma with a 30–35 kDa band. The in vitro study demonstrated that IL1B increased (p < 0.05) basal NGF production in the U, whereas NGF had no effect on IL1B production. These findings provide evidence of the expression of the IL1B/IL1R1 system in both male and female rabbit reproductive tracts and suggest that IL1B in seminal plasma may influence uterine endocrine activity. The results propose a potential role for IL1B in ovulation, in conjunction with NGF, supporting that ovulation may involve inflammatory-like processes
