Effects of beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin A on in vitro polymorphonuclear leukocytic activity in peripartal buffalo (Bubalus bubalus)

The relationship between serum selenium concentration and neutrophil function in peripheral blood

We evaluated the relationships between neutrophil-related functions and serum selenium (Se) concentration in the general population. We examined 800 subjects who had participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2005 to determine the relationships between serum Se concentration and neutrophil-related functions such as the production capability of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phagocytic activity, and serum opsonic activity (SOA). In nonstimulated neutrophils, i.e., in neutrophils at their baseline condition before the application of the phagocytic stimulus, the serum Se concentration tends to be high and the ROS production tends to be low. With regard to SOA, there was a significant negative correlation between lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and serum Se concentration in both men and women. Moreover, in women, a significant negative correlation was observed between luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and serum Se concentration. These results suggest that subjects with a lower serum Se concentration may be exposed to a greater chronic oxidative stress due to neutrophil ROS production. In addition, the findings of our study suggest that women rather than men benefit more from Se against oxidative stress.

Postpartum ovarian follicular dynamics in primiparous and pluriparous Mediterranean Italian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to monitor ovarian function in postpartum primiparous and pluriparous Mediterranean Italian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during months of increasing daylength. Ovarian ultrasound monitoring was carried out for a total of 60 days from calving in 10 primiparous and 10 pluriparous buffaloes. Progesterone was determined from calving until a week after first postpartum ovulation. The study was undertaken during months of increasing day length. Time required for complete postpartum uterine involution was 31 +/- 1.0 and 33 +/- 1.3 days in primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes respectively (P = 0.1). The first postpartum ovulation was recorded on 4 primiparous and 8 pluriparous buffaloes (P = 0.16). Time for first postpartum ovulation to occur was 25.5 +/- 6.9 and 15.5 +/- 1.3 days in primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes, respectively (P = 0.07). Overall, 8 of the 12 first postpartum ovulations (66.6%) occurred in the ovary contra-lateral to the one bearing the gravidic CL, one out of 4 in primiparous and 3 out of 8 in pluriparous buffaloes (P = 1.0). Following a first postpartum ovulation, 3 primiparous and 4 pluriparous buffaloes displayed a complete wave of follicular development leading to a new ovulation. Ovulation following parturition was not recorded in 6 primiparous and two pluriparous buffaloes for the 60 days of ultrasound monitoring. Growth rate (mm/d) and largest size (mm) of first postpartum ovulating follicle was 0.95 +/- 0.18 and 1.07 +/- 0.07 (P = 0.4), and 13.5 +/- 0.8 and 14.1 +/- 0.4 (P = 0.4) in primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes, respectively. Following calving, the total number of available antral follicles (> or =2 mm) declined gradually towards the end of the study period. Follicles greater or equal to 3 mm in diameter on the contrary showed a prominent increase in the first 2 weeks from calving. The number of follicles greater or equal to 3 mm in diameter was significantly higher in the ovary contra-lateral to the one bearing the gravidic CL. A balance in the number of such follicles was reached toward the end of the first month. In conclusion, although some follicular activity was recorded in the ovaries of all buffaloes, true postpartum resumption of cyclicity in the months of increasing daylight hours was delayed in the majority of animals.