Additional intracervical prostaglandin reduces induction to calving time in buffaloes affected with incomplete cervical dilatation post-uterine detorsion

Conventional induction protocol (CIP) of calving in buffaloes employs the intramuscular (IM) administration of dexamethasone (40 mg) and cloprostenol sodium (500 μg). If there is no progression in terms of cervical dilatation, then a second dose of cloprostenol sodium (500 μg) is administered intramuscularly. This protocol possesses certain demerits: (1) a wide range of response time intervals, and (2) increased risk of fetal membrane retention. Considering the cervix as a caudal continuation of the myometrium with its own contractile potential, and the limitations of CIP, we developed intracervical (IC) drug administration route in buffaloes. The proposed technique was evaluated for its use in a total of 22 cases of incomplete cervical dilatation in uterine torsion-affected buffaloes (IC-14 and IM-8). In addition to CIP, the IC group received an intracervical injection of cloprostenol sodium (500 μg) at the start of the experiment whereas the IM group received an extra intramuscular dose of cloprostenol sodium (500 μg) either after 24 h or when no progression in cervical dilatation is noticed. Surprisingly, the average response time during the experiment in the IC group was 5.8 h shorter (p < 0.000) than in the IM group (IC-5.7 ± 0.17 h vs. IM-11.9 ± 0.74 h). The duration from calving to fetal membrane expulsion (IC-12.8 ± 0.60 h vs. IM-17.5 ± 1.40 h; p < 0.002) and incidence of retention of fetal membrane were also less in the IC group (57.1% vs. 87.5%). The proposed intracervical drug administration potentiates cervical dilatation and can be regarded as a safe, effective, and feasible technique for attaining reliable results.

Thoracic and abdominal aortic alterations in dogs affected with systemic hypertension

Aortic remodeling is the consequence of untreated systemic hypertension along with aortic dilatation as a marker for target organ damage in human literature. Therefore, the present study was planned to detect the changes in aorta at the level of aortic root via echocardiography, thoracic descending aorta via radiography and abdominal aorta via ultrasonography in healthy (n = 46), diseased normotensive (n = 20) and systemically hypertensive dogs (n = 60). The aortic root dimensions were measured at the level of aortic annulus, sinus of valsalva, sino-tubular junction and proximal ascending aorta via left ventricular outflow tract view of echocardiography. The thoracic descending aorta was subjectively assessed for any disparity in size and shape of aorta via lateral and dorso-ventral view of chest radiography. The abdominal aorta was assessed via left and right paralumbar window for calculating the aortic elasticity along with aortic and caudal venacaval dimensions to calculate the aortic-caval ratio. The aortic root measurements were dilated (p < 0.001) in systemically hypertensive dogs with a positive correlation (p < 0.001) with systolic blood pressure (BP). Thoracic descending aorta was also (p < 0.05) altered in the size and shape (undulation) of systemically hypertensive dogs. Abdominal aorta was markedly stiffened with reduced elasticity (p < 0.05) along with dilatation (p < 0.01) in hypertensive dogs. Also, there was a positive correlation (p < 0.001) of aortic diameters and aortic-caval ratio and negative correlation (p < 0.001) of aortic elasticity with systolic BP. Therefore, it was concluded that aorta could be considered as an important target organ damage of systemic hypertension in dogs.

Nano-depletion of morbid spermatozoa up-regulate Ca2+ channel, depolarization of membrane potential and fertility in buffalo

Despite recent advances in technique of spermatozoa cryopreservation, there are still ejaculates present that fail to meet strict quality standard; mainly due to detrimental effect of imbalance of free radicals. The omnipresence of dead/defective spermatozoa in ejaculates of eutherian species is a major source of excessive free radicals. Though sperm-selection techniques, as well as addition of antioxidants addressed the problem to a certain extent, the major source of free radicals in the semen remained, causing much damage. This study attempts to remove dead/damaged spermatozoa using negative fertility-marker. The effect is unraveled by Hypo-osmotic (HOS), and fluorescein-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) assay, further confirmed by Ca²⁺-regulating mechanisms and depolarization of sperm membrane potential, reduction in concentration of free radicals and finally by in vitro fertility assay. The study involved functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with silane followed by bio-conjugation with anti-ubiquitin antibodies. The nano-purification of semen using anti-ubiquitin conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) (antibody concentrations 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/ml) was attempted. The efficiency of nano-purification was 18.1%-43.8% in the study. The results revealed greater (P ≤ 0.05) spermatozoa population with intact plasma membrane, acrosome integrity, high mitochondrial membrane potential and pattern-F (least intracellular Ca²⁺), evidence of low lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity in nano-purified groups. More number of spermatozoa were bound to zona pellucida of matured oocytes from nano-depleted than non-depleted group. The findings demonstrate antibody concentration of 1.0 μg/ml bio-conjugated with IONPs as most efficient in enriching the ejaculate with functional spermatozoa with the highest percentage of zona binding.

Supplementation of Mito TEMPO and acetovanillone in semen extender improves freezability of buffalo spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is one of the leading factors responsible for poor post-thaw semen quality because of overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over neutralizing antioxidants present in semen. Mainly two ROS generation sites are present in spermatozoa, that is, mitochondria and plasma membrane. Therefore, the idea of targeting these specific sites for minimization of ROS production with the compounds having known mechanism of actions was built up as a core for this research.

OBJECTIVE

Present study was done to investigate the effects of Mito TEMPO and acetovanillone individually and in combination on freezability of buffalo spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the experiment, semen extender was supplemented with Mito TEMPO (50 μM), acetovanillone (50 μM), and a combination of Mito TEMPO + acetovanillone (50 μM+ 50 μM), designated as Group II, Group III, and Group IV, respectively. Control group without any supplementation was designated as Group I. A total of 24 ejaculates with individual progressive motility (IPM) of ≥70% were selected for the study. After final dilution, filling-sealing of straws, equilibration, and freezing were done as per the standard procedure. Semen samples were evaluated for IPM, plasma membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and cholesterol to phospholipids (C/P) ratio at both fresh and post-thaw stages. Evaluation of ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation status (CTC assay), and in vitro fertility potential were conducted only on frozen-thawed samples.

RESULTS

The addition of Mito TEMPO (50 μM) and acetovanillone (50 μM) individually and in combination significantly (p < 0.05) improved post-thaw semen quality in terms of IPM, plasma membrane integrity, TAC, cholesterol content, C/P ratio, MMP, Chlortetracycline (CTC)-Full (F) pattern, and zona binding ability of buffalo spermatozoa, while significantly (p < 0.05) reduced ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and capacitation like changes as compared to the control group.

DISCUSSION

As Mito TEMPO acts as an SOD mimetic and also detoxifies ferrous iron at the mitochondria level, it aids in neutralization of excessive ROS production and minimizes oxidative stress-related damages that enhances the antioxidant potential of sperm mitochondria. Earlier studies also indicated improved post-thaw semen quality in 50 μM supplemented group. The improvement observed in acetovanillone (50 μM) group might be because of inhibition of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase as this enzyme activation by various physical/chemical inducers during cryopreservation process leads to activation of CatSper channel resulting in calcium influx, premature capacitation, and acrosomal reaction like changes through activation of adenylate cyclase and cAMP/PKA-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins. Acetovanillone also prevents NADPH oxidase-mediated inhibition of glutathione reductase activity, which has a vital role in protecting the structural and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated beneficial effects of supplementation of Mito TEMPO and acetovanillone on sperm freezability and individual supplementation was as efficient as the combination group for sustaining post-thaw semen quality.

Intrauterine proteolytic enzymes therapy hastens expulsion of fetal membranes in dystocia affected buffaloes

Background

Difficult calving (dystocia) in buffalo cows is a major obstetrical problem which further leads to metritis complex, encompassing the retention of fetal membranes (RFM), puerperal metritis, endometritis and pyometra with impaired future fertility.

Aims

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the administration of intrauterine proteolytic enzymes on the expulsion of fetal membranes and postpartum fertility in dystociac buffaloes.

Methods

Proteolytic enzymes consisting of Trypsin (16 mg), Chymotrypsin (16 mg), and Papain (8 mg) were dissolved in 500 ml normal saline were administered after 1 h of assisted delivery in dystociac buffaloes along with the conventional therapy.

Results

The treated animals (n=15) expelled fetal membranes within a shorter period of time (P=0.043) compared to the control group (n=15) with none in the treatment group retaining it for more than 24 hours. Fewer (26.67 vs 73.33%; P=0.027) postpartum uterine infections developed in the treated animals compared to the control group. The interval between first postpartum estrus (P=0.067), service period (P=0.554), and open days (P=0.557) was shorter in the treatment group compared to the control group where postpartum anestrus developed less frequently (26.67 vs 66.67%; P=0.066) in the animals treated with enzymatic therapy. Systemic illness (neutrophillia) was reduced in the treatment group compared to the control on day 20 (64.55 ± 1.14% vs 70.23 ± 0.99%; P=0.001) and 45 (55.05 ± 1.63% vs 64.92 ± 1.45%; P<0.001) postpartum.

Conclusion

It is concluded that proteolytic enzymes therapy after assisted delivery in dystociac buffalo cows could help in the early expulsion of fetal membranes and reduce uterine infections with decreased neutrophils count.

Effect of Mito-TEMPO Incorporated Semen Extender on Physico-morphological Attributes and Functional Membrane Integrity of Frozen Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Sperm mitochondria are the major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and excess production during freezing-thawing process inflicts oxidative damages to spermatozoa. Buffalo spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative damage due to inherently more polyunsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol to phospholipids ratio in the plasma membrane. A mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, Mito-TEMPO was used in this study.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender on the post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 ejaculates from three murrah buffalo bulls with ≥70% individual progressive motility were utilized for the study. Each semen sample was equally divided and extended with five groups: Group I (Control, without Mito-TEMPO addition); Group II (10 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group III (50 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group IV (100 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group V (500 µM Mito-TEMPO) to have 80×10⁶ progressive motile sperm/mL of extender, filled and sealed in French mini straws (0.25 mL) and frozen following equilibration. The effect of Mito-TEMPO was assessed at fresh/post-dilution and post-thaw stages by evaluating physico-morphological attributes and functional membrane integrity such as hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST).

RESULTS

Initial progressive motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and HOS response was significantly (p<0.05) improved and sperm abnormality was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in extended semen with Mito-TEMPO (50 µM) compared to control at post-thaw stage, although improvement was also observed at 10 and 100 µM in post-thaw samples.

CONCLUSION

Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender at 50 µM concentration, could be part of a rationale for improving post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

Effect of Cryopreservation on Semen Quality Parameters in Relation to Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Profile in Indian Buffalo

BACKGROUND

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) due to oxidative stress leads to structural and functional changes in spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate any association of various seminal characteristics at the pre- and post-cryopreservation stages with LPO and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Murrah buffalo semen samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five ejaculates from seven bulls were processed for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.

RESULTS

Only 31 (47.7%) samples were found satisfactory for inclusion in the further artificial insemination. A strong negative correlation was observed between LPO and individual progressive motility, TAC, viability, plasma membrane integrity as well as acrosome integrity of fresh spermatozoa. At the post-thaw stage, post-thaw motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity had strong positive correlation with TAC.

CONCLUSION

The effort to minimize LPO and enhance TAC shall play a pivotal role in improving buffalo semen quality upon cryopreservation.

Synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles-antiubiquitin antibodies conjugates for depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen

The synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)-antiubiquitin antibodies (Abs) complex for depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from buffalo semen was done. The IONPs synthesized were round in shape with size of 12.09 ± 0.91 nm. At the end of the two-step functionalization, that is, silanization and pegylation of bare IONPs and bioconjugation of functionalized IOPNs, particles with the sizes of 19.15 ± 1.46, 20.72 ± 0.95, and 73.01 ± 7.56 nm, respectively, were obtained. Twenty-four semen samples from four bulls with mean individual progressive motility (%) and sperm concentration (million/mL) of 77.1 ± 0.9 and 1,321.2 ± 84.7, respectively, were divided into Group I (control), and treatment groups viz. Groups II, III, and IV; with each group containing 150 ± 25 million dead/damaged spermatozoa. The IONPs-Abs complex was added at the ratio of 1:1 (0.5 μg/mL), 1:2 (1.0 μg/mL), and 1:4 (2.0 μg/mL), respectively, in the Groups II, III, and IV. The mean efficiency (%) of nanopurification was estimated to be greater in nanopurified semen with the increasing doses of the IONPs-Abs complex. A reduction of 29.3 ± 6.4%, 48.4 ± 5.3%, and 55.4 ± 4.4% in dead/damaged spermatozoa following nanopurification in Groups II, III, and IV, respectively, was observed. The study shows that in-house synthesized IONPs-Abs complex can be successfully used to deplete dead/damaged spermatozoa from buffalo semen with improvement in quality.

Exploring the role of E.coli derived enzyme, Oxyrase, as an oxygen scavenger to improve the cryotolerance of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bull

The current study intended to optimize the concentration of Oxyrase in the semen dilutor and to evaluate its effect on freezability of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bulls. Supplementation of Oxyrase at 0.125 IU/mL concentration significantly reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) in the dilutor to 4 ppm in 16-18 min at 35 °C. For supplementation studies, a total of 24 ejaculates were categorized into poor and good ejaculates categories (n = 12 each) based on their initial progressive motility. Each ejaculate was further divided into two aliquotes. The first aliquote was diluted with tris-egg yolk extender without Oxyrase (control group) whereas, in the treatment group, Oxyrase was supplemented at the concentration of 0.125 IU/mL of extender. The parameters evaluated include cholesterol and plasma membrane phospholipids (PMP) at fresh, while IPM, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, cholesterol, PMP and oxidative stress parameters like lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. The IPM and acrosomal intactness were higher (p < 0.05) in treatment group at post-thaw stage in good ejaculates. Oxyrase supplementation resulted in lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol leakage in both categories and lower (p < 0.05) LPO in good ejaculates at post-thaw stage. No statistical difference in ROS was observed between control and treatment groups at all stages whereas, level of TAC was higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared to control group at post-thaw stage of both categories. Therefore, Oxyrase as an oxygen scavenging agent could preserve the post-thaw quality of Sahiwal bull spermatozoa.

Nano-purification of raw semen minimises oxidative stress with improvement in post-thaw quality of buffalo spermatozoa

The study consisted of application of anti-ubiquitin antibodies (Abs)-coated iron oxide-nanoparticles (IONPs) for minimisation of oxidative stress to contemporary live spermatozoa from the raw semen. Round-shaped IONPs (12.09 ± 0.91 nm) after two-stage functionalisation (silanisation and pegylation) were conjugated with Abs. Four aliquots from each of the 24 ejaculates (4 buffalo bulls) formed Control (Group I) and treatment (II, III and IV) groups; each containing 150 ± 25 million dead/damaged spermatozoa. IONPs-Abs complex were added at ratio of 1:1 (0.5 µg/ml), 1:2 (1.0 µg/ml) and 1:4 (2.0 µg/ml), respectively, in Groups II, III and IV. The semen quality parameters showed improvement at lag-stage (post-nano-purification before processing for cryopreservation). The mean post-thaw motility (%) in Group IV was found to be greater (p < .05) than Group I. Moreover, the overall DNA integrity (%) at post-thaw stage was improved in the nano-purified semen samples. The value of malondialdehyde was greater (p < .001) in Group I than Groups II, III and IV. The mean total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (U/mg protein) activity values in Group IV was greater (p < .05) than Group I. The study results show that IONPs conjugated with anti-ubiquitin Abs at 2.0 µg/ml can be an effective dose for depletion of dead/damaged spermatozoa from buffalo ejaculates to minimise oxidative stress.