Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation enhances testicular volume and hemodynamics, reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and seminal antioxidant capacity in goat bucks under summer hot humid conditions

Use of coenzyme Q-10 to improve the pregnancy rate in sheep

One of the factors responsible for less pregnancy rates is the use of frozen semen in sheep due to the oxidative stress created by the process. The aim of this experiment was to test the effects of adding coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) to the seminal extender on sperm quality and the pregnancy rate of sheep. In this study, ejaculates from eight Dorper rams of reproductive age were used and tested in four treatments: Control (pure BotuBov®), C1 (175 µM of CoQ10), C3 (350 µM of CoQ10), and C7 (700 µM of CoQ10). Samples were collected in triplicate from each animal, and sperm analysis was performed by CASA after thawing at 0 h and 2 h. The samples were also analyzed by flow cytometry for plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, stability, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial potential, and superoxide anion production. In total, 198 ewes were inseminated by laparoscopy and divided into two groups: control (n=98) and C7 (n=100). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days. Coenzyme Q10 proved to be safe for semen cryopreservation, not altering sperm kinetic values between the groups post-thawing. In flow cytometry, the C1 and C7 groups achieved a better index of plasma membrane integrity and membrane stability (P<0.05). A increased pregnancy rate was observed in C7 (52 %) compared to the control (38 %). In conclusion, coenzyme Q10 assists in the cryopreservation process, protecting the sperm cell and improving pregnancy rates in ewes.

Discovering the Potential Value of Coenzyme Q10 as an Adjuvant Treatment in Patients With Depression

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

Depressive disorder or mental cold is the most common mental disorder, and depression exists all over the world and in all countries and cultures. The results of several studies have shown that using compounds with antioxidant properties has been fruitful in patients with depression. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble antioxidant and exerts its antioxidant effect by directly neutralizing free radicals or reducing tocopherol and preventing the inhibition of mitochondrial activity because of oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral CoQ10 in patients with depression as an adjunctive treatment.

METHODS/PROCEDURES

Sixty-nine patients with moderate and severe depression were randomly divided into 2 CoQ10 groups (36) and placebo (33). The first group of patients received CoQ10 supplements at a dose of 200 mg daily for 8 weeks along with standard interventions and treatments for depression, and the second group received standard treatments for depression along with a placebo. The change in the score of Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale depression scale was evaluated 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Also, at baseline and 8 weeks later at the end of the study, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity, total thiol groups, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and interleukin 6 were assessed.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

The changes in the depression score at the end of the study showed that, in the group receiving the CoQ10 supplement after 8 weeks, there was a reduction in depression symptoms, which was statistically significant compared with before the start of the study Meanwhile, no significant changes were observed in the patients of the placebo group in terms of symptom reduction. Compared with baseline and the placebo condition, serum levels of nitric oxide and total thiol groups significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Also, no statistically significant changes were observed for interleukin 6, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

A dose of 200 mg of CoQ10 supplement daily for 8 weeks can reduce depression and fatigue, as well as improve the quality of life of patients with depression. In addition, CoQ10 can significantly improve inflammation and oxidative stress status in patients with depression.

Maternal supplementation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3-day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17β), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11-32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14-32). On D20-32 (MUA) and D14-32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20-32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17-32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.

Anatomical, histological, and histochemical alterations in portio vaginalis uteri with an evaluation of the vaginal artery vascularity during the luteal and early pregnant stages in domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The portio-vaginalis uteri (PVU) and its mucus secretion have shown an essential role in conception. A significant endeavour to improve buffaloes' reproductive efficiency is the investigation of their basic reproductive pattern, which provides a reference for applications in breeding and pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and histological alterations in PVU regarding to the vaginal artery (VA) hemodynamic at luteal and early pregnant stages in buffalos. Egyptian live buffaloes (n = 16) and fresh genitals (n = 25) of mature buffalo were used. Different luteal and early pregnant stages were macroscopically identified with the shape and mucosal colouration with discharges of the PVU. Histological examination showed a significant difference in area % of alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff positive granules which considered an indication for presence of acidic and neutral mucins respectively in the epithelial cells of PVU mucosa which increased in pregnant stage than in other luteal stages. VA assessment demonstrated an increase in luminal diameter and thickness of tunica muscularis in pregnant stage than other stages (P < 0.05). Middle uterine (MUA) and VA arteries peak velocity point (PSV mm/sec) were elevated (P < 0.05) in pregnant stage, with a marked reduction in both resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), and ratio of systolic /diastolic (S/D). Positive correlation was detected between VA. PSV and, MUA. PSV (r = 0.87), but a negative relation was detected with VA. S/D (r = -0.77), VA.PI (r = -0.89), VA. RI (r = -0.97), MUA. S/D (r = -0.94), MUA. PI (r = -0.85), and MUA. RI (r = -0.88). Doppler indices were negatively corrected with the VA. PSV (r = -0.68). It was concluded that there was a significant alterations in histological features of the cervical PVU at different physiological stages (luteal and early pregnant) in buffalos in relation to the MUA and VA hemodynamic pattern and that hypotheses can be established regarding the female cyclicity that affected by both arteries hemodynamics change.

Effect of dietary onion (Allium cepa L.) powder as an antioxidant on semen quality, blood biochemicals, and reproductive parameters, as well as immunological variables of rabbit bucks under severe heat stress

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) powder on the immunological variables, redox state, and semen quality of rabbit bucks exposed to severe heat stress. Thirty-six mature bucks (7 months old) were divided into three groups consisting of 12 bucks each, namely group I, control; group II, 400 mg onion powder/kg diet; and group III, 800 mg onion powder/kg diet. The quality of semen was evaluated for volume, pH, motility, concentration, total sperm output, viability, and packed sperm volume. Blood samples were collected in the 12th week for estimation of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and erythrocytic indices. Serum proteins, glutamate oxaloacetate (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), urea, creatinine, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), immunoglobulins, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. The temperature-humidity index (THI) obtained was within the range of 28.85-33.08 indicating severe heat stress. The results show that mass and individual motility, concentration, total sperm output, sperm viability, and packed sperm volume were higher (P < 0.05) in groups II and group III, with group III having the highest (P < 0.05) levels compared to group I. Compared to group I, groups II and III had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of RBC, MCV, MCH, FSH, LH, SOD, and catalase. The highest concentration (P < 0.05) of GPT was obtained in group III compared to other groups. The highest concentration of IgG (P < 0.05) was obtained in group II while the lowest was in group I. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with onion powder at 400 or 800 mg/kg diet improves semen quality, RBC, FSH, LH, SOD, catalase, and IgG while ameliorating the adverse effects of heat stress and improve the health and reproduction of rabbits.

Coat color affects the resilience against heat stress impacts on testicular hemodynamics, reproductive hormones, and semen quality in Baladi goats

Drastic climatic changes threaten animal productivity and prolificacy, whose adaptability is governed by its pheno- and genotypic traits. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of coat color on the adaptability of goat bucks under heat stress conditions from the perspectives of testicular blood flow (TBF) and biometry, reproductive hormones, and semen quality. Twenty bucks (Capra hircus) bearing different coat colors were selected from a large flock and divided into four equal groups (n = 5 each) as follows: black coat (BC; 100% black), brown coat (BrC; 100% dark brown), white coat (WC; 100% white), white-black coat (WBC; 50-60% white). Bucks were examined for TBF [Doppler ultrasonography and serum nitric oxide (NO)], testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), seminal plasma oxidative biomarkers [catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)], and sperm traits percentages [progressive motility (PM), viability (SV), normal morphology (NM), and sperm concentration (SC) once a week for seven consecutive weeks (W1-W7) in the summer season (temperature humidity index = 88.4-92.2). Specifically, at W3-W7, darker bucks (BC and BrC) testicular volume, testicular colored area, T, NO, CAT, TAC, PM, SV, NM, and SC (W7 only) differed significantly (P < 0.05) by decrease than the lighter ones (WC and WBC). Both Doppler indices and serum MDA concentrations were elevated (P < 0.05) at W3-W7 in the BC and BrC bucks compared to WC and WBC groups. In conclusion, bucks with lighter coats were more resistant to the negative effects of HS on TBF, seminal oxidative biomarkers, and semen quality.

Effect of Acute Melatonin Injection on Metabolomic and Testicular Artery Hemodynamic Changes and Circulating Hormones in Shiba Goats under Sub-Tropical Environmental Conditions

The beneficial effects of melatonin were investigated to mitigate various detrimental effects and toxicity on reproductive performance. The present study aimed, for the first time, to explore the effect of intravenous melatonin injection on testicular artery hemodynamics (TH) and metabolomic changes, reproductive hormones in heat-stressed bucks. Ten bucks were randomly split into two groups (five each): (1) the melatonin group, treated with a single intravenous dose of melatonin solution containing 10 mg melatonin each, and (2) the control group, which was treated with 10 mL of the vehicle without melatonin. Changes in the TH at the level of the supra testicular artery (STA) were assessed by triplex ultrasonography just before (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, 24, and 168 h after melatonin or vehicle administration. Doppler velocity parameters of peak systolic velocity (PSV; cm/s), end-diastolic velocity (EDV; cm/s), and time average maximum velocity (TAMAX; cm/s) were measured. Doppler indices (resistive index; RI and pulsatility index; PI), systole/diastole (S/D) ratio and total arterial blood flow volume (TABFV; ml/minute) were measured. Peripheral concentrations of FSH, LH, inhibin, melatonin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and cortisol were measured just before injection (0 h) and at 0.5, 2, 7, and 24 h and daily up to day 7 post administration in both groups. Results revealed reductions in the RI values and increases in the TABFV in the melatonin group compared to the control one, especially 2 h after administration. Significant increases in concentrations of FSH, T, E2, and melatonin and decreases in cortisol and inhibin in the melatonin group compared to the control one. Plasma metabolomic analysis at 2 h indicated the up-regulation of L-glutamine, L-arginine, sorbitol, D-glucose, ascorbic acid, and ornithine and the down-regulation of D-xylose, D-arabitol, ribitol, and oleic acid in the melatonin versus the control group. In conclusion, acute administration of melatonin (10 mg IV) enhanced testicular artery blood flow and plasma reproductive hormones in the Shiba goat under heat-stress circumstances.

An updated insight on testicular hemodynamics: Environmental, physiological, and technical perspectives in farm and companion animals

In all organs, control of blood flow is important but might be particularly critical for testicular functions. This is because of the very low oxygen concentration and high metabolic rate of the seminiferous tubules, the physiological temperature of the testis, and its location outside the abdominal cavity. Many factors affect the characteristics of TBF in farm and companion animals, such as environment (thermal and seasonal effects) and physiological (species, breeds, age, body weight, and sexual maturity). Thermal environment stress has detrimental effects on spermatogenesis and consequently has more serious impacts on both human and animal fertility. Numerous studies have been performed to assess TBF in different animal species including bulls, rams, bucks, alpacas, stallions, and dogs with varied results. Hence, assessment of TBF by Doppler ultrasonography is of great importance to estimate the effect of high environment temperature on testicular functions. Also, differences observed in the TBF may result from different technical aspects such as the identification of the segment of the testicular artery to be examined. In the current review, we focused on the imperative roles of TBF in various animal species. Besides, we discussed in detail various factors that could affect TBF. These factors can significantly modify the TBF and thus should be considered when establishing reference values in farm animals for better clinical diagnosis. The information provided in this review is valuable for researchers and veterinarians to help them a better understanding of testicular hemodynamics for the proper evaluation of breeding soundness examination in males.

The effects of aging and gestational month on uteroplacental vascular perfusion, and umbilical artery hemodynamics in pregnant jennies

This study aimed to correlate the pulsed wave spectral indices of the middle uterine artery at both sides with placental development in jenny within mid-late pregnancies, and establish umbilical Doppler values for different ages and different gestational months. Twenty Equus Asinus pregnant jennies 260-450 kg (average, 320 ± 10 kg) were examined from 5 to 9 months of pregnancy with different ages (4-14 years). Monthly B-mode ultrasound examination was performed on both the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP; mm) and umbilical artery cross-sectional diameter, and Doppler mode examination was performed on both the middle uterine (MUA at right [R] and left [L] sides) and umbilical arteries to measure both Doppler indices that expressed by resistance (RI) and pulsatility indices (PI), and blood flow rate. CTUP was elevated within pregnancy time at different ages (P < 0.05). L. PI was significantly declined throughout different ages (P < 0.05), but this declining trend was not observed in L. RI. The L. blood flow rate (R; bpm) was elevated among different ages and different months (P < 0.05). Both RI and PI were significantly decreased from 5 to 9 month of gestation period in jennies (P < 0.05).. The umbilical arteries cross-sectional diameter (Umb A; mm), was elevated among different ages and different months, while both Doppler indices were declined. A positive correlation was found (between both Doppler indices of both umbilical and uterine arteries P < 0.001). There was elevated vascular perfusion in uterine and umbilical arteries associated with reduced both Doppler indices along the course of pregnancy at different ages.

Single melatonin injection enhances the testicular artery hemodynamic, reproductive hormones, and semen parameters in German shepherd dogs

This study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin administration on testicular vascular perfusion in relation to steroid hormones and semen characteristics in dogs. The study included 12 normospermic German shepherd dogs (weighed 35 ± 0.5 kg and aged 4 ± 0.5 years). Males received a single melatonin administration (melatonin dimethyl sulfoxide + corn oil via subcutaneous route; MEL; n = 6), while the rest of the animals served as controls (dimethyl sulfoxide + corn oil; Control; n = 6). Males were subjected to routine examination on days -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60. All examined dogs were subjected to Doppler screening, semen collection, and blood sampling. The MEL group showed a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in semen volume, concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and total sperm × 106 / ejaculate compared to other control males. Doppler indices as resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices declined (P < 0.05) from D 30 (1.02 ± 0.01) until day 60 (0.87 ± 0.02) of treatment. In MEL males, the peak systolic point of velocity (PSV; cm/sec) of the testicular artery elevated (P < 0.05) on day 60 (20.15 ± 0.99) compared to its value on day 0 (17.39 ± 1.84). On D 60, the levels of testosterone (T), estradiol 17-ß (E2), and nitric oxide (NO) elevated (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was detected between testicular volume, scrotal circumference (SC), T levels, Doppler indices, and velocities. In conclusion, single melatonin administration could improve testicular vascularization via increasing Doppler velocities and intratesticular colored areas. In addition, it could improve semen picture and steroids (T and E2) and nitric oxide.

The impact of varying doses of moringa leaf methanolic extract supplementation in the cryopreservation media on sperm quality, oxidants, and antioxidant capacity of frozen-thawed ram sperm

To increase rams' post-thaw semen quality following cryopreservation, this study used enriched Tris-based diluent with varying amounts of moringa leaf methanolic extract (MLME). The antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content were all assessed in MLME. The sperm of five healthy Awassi rams were collected, divided into 4 equal aliquots, and diluted [1:5; (v/v)] in Tris-citrate-glucose extender supplemented with 0.48, 0.56, and 0.64 mg MLME/ml or without MLME supplementation (control). The percentages of sperm total motility (STM, %), sperm progressive motility (SPM, %) and viability (V, %), abnormal morphology (AM, %), membrane functional integrity (MFI, %), and acrosome integrity (AI %) were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) were measured. The total phenolic gallic acid and flavonoid catechin (equivalent) contents were 19.78 mg/g and 11.94 mg/g, respectively. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (34.37 mM TE/g) and 2,2'-azino-bis/3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (53.47 mM TE/g) were found in MLME. MLME had a 64.59 mM TE/g ferric-reducing power. In comparison to control, the addition of 0.64 mg/ml MLME to Tris-based extender resulted in the highest (P < 0.001) STM (55.22 ± 0.98), SPM (45.41 ± .70), SV (60.01 ± 1.05), MFI (75.23 ± 0.77), and AI (73.13 ± 0.72) and the lowest (P < 0.001) AM (21.34 ± 0.72) values. In comparison to the control, the addition of 0.56 mg/ml semen extender resulted in lower STM, SPM, SV, MFI, and AI with higher AM percentages. MDA (P = 0.03), NO (P = 0.012), CHO (P = 0.0001), and LDL (P = 0.004) were reduced by 0.64 mg/ml MLME, while AA (P = 0.017) and SOD (P = 0.0001) were elevated. In conclusion, the highest copper (P = 0.006) and lowest zinc concentrations in MLME (0.48 mg/ml extender) deteriorated the post-thaw semen quality, prompting us to suggest the addition of 0.64 mg MLME to rams' Tris-based semen extender.