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The metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) plays an important role in male reproduction. Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids need to be provided in the diet and they are converted into long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by steps of elongation and desaturation, exerted by elongases 2 (ELOVL2) and 5 (ELOVL5) and Δ5- (FADS1) and Δ6-desaturase (FADS2). This study aims to assess the gene expression and localization of enzymes involved in the synthesis of n-3 and n-6 long-chain PUFAs in control rabbits and those fed diets containing 10% extruded flaxseed. Enzyme and PUFA localization were assessed in the testes and epididymis by immunofluorescence. Testes showed high gene expression of FADS2, ELOVL2 and ELOVL5 and low expression of FADS1. Intermediate metabolites, enzymes and final products were differently found in Leydig, Sertoli and germinal cells. FADS2 was localized in interstitial cells and elongated spermatids; ELOVL5 in meiotic cells; FADS1 was evident in interstitial tissue, Sertoli cells and elongated spermatids; ELOVL2 in interstitial cells. Epididymal vesicles were positive for FADS1, ELOVL2 and ELOVL5 as well as docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, and arachidonic acids. This knowledge of fatty acids (FA) metabolism in spermatogenesis and the influence of diet on FA profile could help identify causes of male infertility, suggesting new personalized therapy., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Simple Summary: Understanding the intimate mechanisms linked to embryo survival in livestock represents an important step in reducing the incidence of early embryonic losses, which cause a significant delay in the calving–conception period and, as a consequence, a delay in production processes and economic income. The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). This is the first report that shows the possibility of detecting the maternal circulating IFNt in buffalo cows during the early period of gestation, showing different concentrations among pregnant and non-pregnant animals and those that experience embryo mortality. Close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 during the sensitive period in which the conceptus must manifest its presence demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal–placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group (p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 (p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 (p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal–placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study focused on rabbits, a species that plays crucial roles in the EU as livestock, pets, and laboratory animals, the challenge of bacterial infections has led to a search for alternatives to antibiotics. Bovine colostrum (BC), known for its content in immunoregulatory compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors, has being explored for disease treatment and prevention. Our research investigates the impact of BC diet supplementation on rabbit intestines, particularly examining gene expression. The study reveals that BC has varying effects on different genes in the jejunum, cecum, and colon, influencing inflammatory and antioxidant responses. The findings suggest a potential role for BC in modulating the rabbit gastrointestinal tract, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its histological and physiological impact. Rabbits, pivotal in the EU as livestock, pets, and experimental animals, face bacterial infection challenges, prompting a quest for alternatives to curb antibiotic resistance. Bovine colostrum (BC), rich in immunoregulatory compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors, is explored for disease treatment and prevention. This study assesses BC diet supplementation effects on rabbit intestines, examining gene expression. Thirty female New Zealand White rabbits at weaning (35 days) were divided into three experimental groups: control (commercial feed), 2.5% BC, and 5% BC. The diets were administered until slaughtering (81 days). BC-upregulated genes in the jejunum included IL-8, TGF-β, and CTNN-β1 at 5% BC, while PLVAP at 2.5% BC. Antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GSR) were downregulated in the cecum and colon with 2.5% BC. BC 5% promoted IL-8 in the jejunum, fostering inflammation and immune cell migration. It also induced genes regulating inflammatory responses (TGF-β) and gastrointestinal permeability (CTNN-β1). BC 5% enhanced antioxidant activity in the cecum and colon, but no significant impact on anti-myxo antibody production was observed. These results suggest that BC has significant effects on the rabbit gastrointestinal tract's inflammatory and antioxidant response, but further research is required to fully understand its histological and physiological impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine colostrum (BC) is the first secretion of mammary glands produced after birth; it represents a natural source of nutrients essential for the growth and development of newborns. Given its various properties, including antioxidants, this study intended to determine the effects of the dietary supplementation of two different concentrations (2.5% and 5%) of BC on the antioxidant status in different tissues (blood, liver and muscle) of rabbits. No differences in dietary treatment were recorded regarding the plasma concentration of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), or regarding the gene expression of the aforementioned enzymes in the liver and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples of rabbits. Further studies are needed to better understand the effect of this potentially promising nutraceutical in rabbit meat. Recent advances in animal nutrition have indicated that bovine colostrum (BC), due to its content of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds, is an excellent health supplement. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on the effect of BC on antioxidant status have been performed in rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two BC concentrations on antioxidant status and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in some tissues of rabbits. Thirty New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into three experimental diets, containing 0% (CON), 2.5%, and 5% of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5, respectively). The activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma (catalase: CAT; glutathione peroxidase: GPx; superoxide dismutase: SOD), and the enzymes' gene expression in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle, were determined. Results showed no significant differences, neither in plasma nor in tissues. A significant tissue-related effect has been observed regarding the mRNA levels of SOD and GPx, which were higher in the LD (p = 0.022) and liver (p = 0.001), respectively. Further studies, considering modifications of the length and dosage of dietary BC supplementation, are required to update the current state of knowledge in rabbits, as well as to fully understand the potential value of BC for possible application in farming use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The peri-implantation period is a particularly delicate moment of pregnancy. To better elucidate the dialogue between the conceptus and uterine endometrium and identify a potential strategy to improve embryo survival, we have analyzed the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs: lymphocytes and monocytes) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs: granulocytes) during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Additionally, we have evaluated the possible relationship between the expression of these genes and peripheral plasma concentration of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). The objective of this study was to analyze interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Relationships were also examined between the expression of ISGs and IFNt and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) peripheral plasma concentration. Buffalo cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 18, 28 and 40 after artificial insemination (AI) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolation and PAGs radioimmunoassay analysis. The study was carried out on 21 buffalo cows divided ex post into Pregnant (n = 12) and Non-pregnant (n = 9) groups. Steady state levels of OAS1, MX2, ISG15 and IFNt mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR and their estimated marginal means (p < 0.01 for all) were higher in pregnant than non-pregnant buffaloes, both in PBMCs and PMNs. In PBMCs, pairwise comparisons showed that OAS1 and MX2 expressions differed between pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes on all the days of observation (p < 0.001), while significant differences in ISG15 and IFNt started from day 28 post-AI (p < 0.05). In PMNs, ISG15 expression differed between groups only at days 18 and 28 (p < 0.001), while comparisons were always significant for IFNt (p < 0.05). The expression of all genes, except ISG15 as determined in PMNs, was positively associated with PAGs plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). This work showed a significant increase in ISGs and IFNt expressions in PBMCs and PMNs in buffalo during the peri-implantation period and early pregnancy, and their correlation with PAGs plasma concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of type IGNRHreceptor (GNRHR-I) and the direct role of GNRH-I on corpora lutea (CL) function were studied in the pseudopregnant rabbit model. Immunohistochemistry evidencedGNRHR-I andGNRH-I in luteal cells at early (day 4 pseudopregnancy)-,mid (day 9)-, and late (day 13)- luteal stages.Real-timeRT-PCRandwestern blotting revealed GNRHR-I mRNA and protein at the three luteal stages. Buserelin in vivo treatment at days 9 and 13 decreased plasma progesterone levels for 48 and 24 h respectively. In in vitro cultured CL, buserelin reduced progesterone secretion, increased prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion and cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities at days 9 and 13, and decreased PGE2 at day 13. Co-incubation with antagonists for GNRH-I (antide), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3, 2-amino-ethoxydiphenylborate), and diacylglycerol (DAG, 1-hexadecyl-2-acetyl glycerol) or inhibitors for phospholipase C (PLC, compound 48/80), and protein kinase C (PKC, staurosporine) counteracted the buserelin effects. Buserelin co-incubated with COX inhibitor (acetylsalicylic acid) increased progesterone and decreased PGF2α and NOS activity at days 9 and 13, whereas co-incubation with NOS inhibitor (N-nitro-L-argininemethyl ester) increased progesterone at the same luteal stages. These results suggest that GNRHR-I is constitutively expressed in rabbit CL independently of luteal stage, whereas GNRH-I down-regulates directlyCLprogesterone productionvia PGF2α at mid- and late-luteal stages of pseudopregnancy, utilizing its cognate type I receptor with a post-receptorial mechanism that involves PLC, IP3, DAG, PKC, COX-2, and NOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the expression patterns of cytokines, p53 gen and nitric oxide synthase isoenzymes in corpora lutea of pseudopregnant rabbits during spontaneous luteolysis. Use of semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; Decline of luteal progesterone content with decrease in blood progesterone; Capability of downstream nitric oxide to inhibit steroroidogenesis and induce expression of p53 gene.