Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

56-62

Authors: Khaidatul Akmar, Mahanem Mat Noor

Objective: To study the effects of co-administration of Gynura procumbens (GP) and kelulut honey (KH) on male fertility and libido in diabetes-induced rats. Methods: A total 42 males Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly and equally divided into six different groups. All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intravenously to induce diabetes. A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug, metformin (500 mg/kg) whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, another three treatments on diabetic rat groups were performed and categorised as Group 1 (450 mg/kg GP + 300 mg/kg KH), Group 2 (450 mg/kg GP + 600 mg/kg KH) and Group 3 (450 mg/kg GP + 1 200 mg/kg KH). Treatments were given for seven consecutive days through oral gavage and all rats were euthanized on day 8th for fasting blood glucose analysis, sperm quality, spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and implantation sites analysis. Results: Fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced after treatment of GP and KH, compared to negative and positive controls. The treated groups showed significant increment in sperm quality compared to all control groups. Testes histology illustrated significant damages on leydig and sertoli cells for both negative and positive controls. On the contrary, co-administration of GP and KH displayed regeneration of leydig and sertoli cells in the testes. Additionally, the number of implantation sites significantly increased in females copulated with treated groups, compared to controls. Besides, the libido analysis displayed improvement of libido in treated groups, compared to all controls. Throughout the study, insignificant variances were recorded between the treated groups, indicating that treatment in Group 1 was sufficient to trigger significant improvement on fasting blood glucose level, fertility, and libido in diabetic male rats. Conclusions: Co-administration of GP and KH has great potential to serve as a pro-fertility agent amongst diabetic patients.

70-74

Authors: Shiva Roshankhah, Cyrus Jalili, Mohammad Reza Salahshoor

Objective: To evaluate effect of Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) on the breastfeeding in female rats. Methods: This experimental study was done from May 2018 to December 2018 in the Anatomical Department of Medical School in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran. In this study, after one-week adaptation and fertilization by male, 40 female rats within 20 days of pregnancy (on average, every mother had 10 newborns) were equally separated into four groups (animals were administrated after delivery of offspring). Group 1 was control group receiving normal saline interaperitoneally, and groups 2, 3, 4 were treatment groups receiving the dose of 20, 50, 100 mg/kg of P. vulgaris interaperitoneally respectively once a day for 60 days. The prolactin hormone was measured by radio immune assay, number and diameter of alveoli via histological and morphometrical examinations, and receptor prolactin gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results: P. vulgaris significantly improved alveoli’s number and diameter, prolactin hormone and receptor prolactin expression when compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusions: P. vulgaris is helpful to improve the breastfeeding parameters of rats’ mammary glands.

83-87

Authors: Efendi Lukas, Maisuri T Chalid, Upik A Miskad, Syakib Bakri

Objective: To compare the levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 in the serum of patients with severe preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and normal pregnancies. Methods: This study was an observational analytic cross-sectional study performed at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, in the period of 5th February 2016 to 20th January 2017. P38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels of patients with normal pregnancies, severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were measured by enzyme- linked immunoabsorbentassay technique, using kits of human soluble endoglin, endothelin-1 and p38 MAPK, Quantikine immunoassay: R&D System Inc. Results: Level of serum p38 MAPK in HELLP syndrome group was higher than in severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups. Soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels in pregnancies with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were higher than normal pregnancy but there was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). Levels of p38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 also had a positive linear correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P<0.05). Conclusions: P38 MAPK in serum may be a marker for evidence of the severe hypoxia and its application may be considered for the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.

260-266

Authors: Minh Tam Le, Van Trung Nguyen, Thanh Tung Nguyen, M. Blake EVans, Thai Thanh Thi Nguyen, Tam An Thi Nguyen, Dinh Duong Le, Vu Quoc Huy Nguyen, Ngoc Thanh Cao, Micah J.Hill

Objective: To evaluate the impact of prolonged post-thaw embryos culture on pregnancy outcome during frozen embryo transfer cycles. Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated 324 thaw transfer cycles with 819 embryos from 269 patients at the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility of Hue University Hospital in Vietnam. These frozen embryo transfer cycles were divided into two groups at the time of thawing: the short culture group (2-hour post-thaw culture) and the overnight culture group (overnight culture for 18 h) before the embryo was transferred into the uterus. The rates of embryo intact, grade A embryo at frozen and transfer time and continuing cleavage were recorded. The clinical outcomes including serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were evaluated after 14 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, respectively, after embryo transfer. Results: Human chorionic gonadotropin positive occurred in 39.5% of patients in the short culture group compared to 25.9% in the overnight culture group with risk difference (RD)=13.6%, relative risk (RR)=1.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.085-1.663, P<0.01. Clinical pregnancy rate of the short culture group and overnight culture group was 33.3% and 24.1%, respectively (RD=9.2%, RR=1.242, 95% CI 0.996-1.549, P=0.06) and the implantation rate in the short culture group and overnight culture group was 16.5% and 11.0%, respectively (RD=5.5%, RR=1.244, 95% CI 1.046-1.479, P=0.01). In women of advanced age (≥35 years) and women who received 3 embryos, pregnancy outcomes were found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in the short culture than in the overnight culture group. Conclusions: The prolonged post-thaw culture period does not increase pregnancy outcome in comparison with the short culture.

276-282

Authors: Ferdinand Ngoula, Margaret Mary Momo Chongsi, Omer Bébé Kenfack Ngouateu, Alexane Marquise Ndekeng Makona, Augustave Kenfack , Bertin Narcisse Vemo, Joseph Tchoumboue

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Crassocephalum (C.) bauchiense (Hutch) leaf aqueous extract on the biochemical markers of toxicity, oxidative stress indicators and reproductive parameters in rabbit does (Oryctolagus cuniculus) exposed to potassium dichromate. Methods: A total of 36 nulliparous and sexually mature female rabbit does, aged 8 months and weighing 2.8-3.0 kg, were divided into 6 groups of 6 animals. After mating, group T0 received distilled water (1 mL/kg body weight), while groups T0-, VC100, AE100, AE200 and AE400 were treated with 40 mg/mL/kg body weight of potassium dichromate. In addition, group VC100 received 100 mg/mL/kg body weight of vitamin C, while groups AE100, AE200 and AE400 received aqueous extract of C. bauchiense leaves at 100, 200 and 400 mg/mL/kg body weight, by oral gavage for 27 days, respectively. On the 28th day post-coï tum, animals were sacrificed. Biochemical indicators such as creatinine, urea, alanine amino tranferase, aspartate amino transferase, total protein and total cholesterol were measured by using a spectrophotometer. Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone were measured by enzyme- linked immuno sorbent assay. Oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase and total peroxidase in ovary homogenates were measured by spectrophotometer. Results: Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol were significantly higher (P<0.05), and total protein level was significantly lower in T0- group (receiving potassium dichromate only) compared to other groups. Administration of ethanolic extract of C. bauchiense significantly decreased serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total cholesterol, and significantly increased total protein level. However, ethanolic extract of C. bauchiense had no significant effect on the foetotoxic characteristics. The serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T0- group as compared to the control group while progesterone were comparable (P>0.05) among all groups; C. bauchiense leaf extracts significantly (P<0.05) increased the level of follicle stimulating hormone, but the increase in luteinizing hormone was not significant (P>0.05). Catalase and total peroxidase activities significantly decreased (P<0.05), and malondialdehyde significantly increased in T0- group compared to other groups. The administration of C. bauchiense leaf extracts significantly (P<0.05) increased the activities of catalase and peroxidase. Conclusions: Potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress involves in hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and reprotoxicity. The aqueous extract of C. bauchiense leaves could mitigate these adverse effects via antioxidant properties.

289-296

Authors: Diego F. Carrillo-González, Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio, Charles R. Long, Neil A. Vásquez-Araque, Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada

Objective: To assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro culture process of bovine oocytes. Methods: L-carnitine (3.8 mM) was added to maturation medium and the effect was assessed in the quality (Experiment 1) and in the cleavage and 4-cells stage (Experiment 2). Besides, the effect of L-carnitine addition on maturation medium (3.8 mM) and culture medium (1.5 mM) on embryo rate production was assessed. In Experiment 1, bovine oocytes from abattoir were randomly separated into two groups (the control group and L-carnitine group) for in vitro maturation. Matured oocytes were examined for cumulus cells expansion as an indicator of maturation, and the content of the mitochondrial activity, the presence of lipid droplets, the reduced glutathione, and the reactive oxygen species were measured by using specific fluorochromes. In Experiment 2, oocytes were matured as performed in Experiment 1, afterward fertilized and cultured until day 3, and cleavage rate and 4-cells stage rate were determinated. In Experiment 3, in vitro maturation and fertilization were done as performed in Experiment 2, but at day 3 of culture, each group of embryos was separated into two new groups, and L-carnitine (1.5 mM) was added in culture media until day 8. The cleavage and embryo development rate were determined on the basis with the oocytes put on maturation. Hatching rate was calculated from cleaved embryos. Results: The cumulus expansion rate at grade 栿 and mitochondrial activity were significantly higher in the L-carnitine group in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). However, the content from the other variables tested did not significantly differ from the control group. Furthermore, the cleavage rate and 4-cells stage rate were similar in both groups (P>0.05). In addition, cleavage and the proportion of embryo development and hatching rate were similar for all groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: L-carnitine as a supplement in culture media improves the cumulus expansion and increases the mitochondrial activity during in vitro maturation process but has no apparent effect on the cleavage and development of bovine embryos. Further investigations of L-carnitine addition on in vitro culture are needed to test their effect on embryo quality.

189-194

Authors: Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta, Suriyani Muhamad

Male reproductive functions are mediated by different hormones whose orchestrations remain a major research interest. The ‘master’ regulator hormonal axis is the hypothalamo- pituitary-gonadal/testicular axis which is led by the pulsatile release of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This, in turn, stimulates the anterior pituitary trophic hormones, the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone act upon the testicular cells, the Leydig cells for steroidogenesis and Sertoli cells to aid spermatogenesis, respectively. This primary axis is influenced by an array of other testicular hormones, metabolic hormones, and different regulatory factors. These hormonal crosstalks influence the intricate testicular functions, sexual behavior and semen quality in men. Given the growing concern in the last few decades over the increasing prevalence of male subfertility and/or infertility mostly in terms of deteriorating semen quality, it is required to find its underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the endocrine regulation of testicular functions is of prime importance in the determination of semen quality and sperm functions. This review article aims to present a concise updated overview on the mechanism by which the key hormones integrate the male reproductive functions and maintain the semen quality.

203-210

Authors: Ahmed Alahmar, Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta

Thyroid hormones have been well studied for its relevance to male reproduction in the last few decades. They are considered as essential regulators of male reproductive functions and play vital roles in male gonadal developments. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both affect testicular functions and influence neuroendocrine regulations over reproductive functions via the crosstalk between the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The alterations in the male reproductive hormonal milieu by thyroid hormones may lead to reduced testosterone levels and deterioration of semen quality. However, there are very few reports on the direct effects of thyroid disorders upon testicular functions and semen quality. This article aims to review the available literature to present a concise updated concept on the regulation of male reproductive functions by the thyroid hormones, and the possible mechanism by which thyroid dysfunctions affects testicular functions.

220-226

Authors: Pallav Sengupta, Koushik Bhattacharya, Sulagna Dutta

The global scenario reveals that the recent trend of deterioration of male fertility parameters parallels the growing prevalence of obesity. Over the last few decades, substantial research evidence has surfaced that aid understanding of the mechanisms by which body energy homeostasis is associated with reproductive functions. In this regard, leptin, an adipocyte- derived hormone, finds utmost relevance for its versatile physiological functions especially in metabolism as well as in the regulation of reproductive functions. Since leptin receptors are found to be highly expressed in several structures, both centrally and peripherally, it has been hypothesized that leptin may affect reproductive functions either via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or may also directly act upon gonadal tissues. Its roles, particularly during puberty and reproduction, are well documented. However, the exact mechanisms of leptin actions upon the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons to induce physiological changes of puberty and reproduction need further research. Leptin is proven as an essential hormone required for normal reproductive functions, but when leptin levels exceed the physiological limit, it may adversely affect the testicular processes. Leptin can serve as a potential link between obesity and male infertility, as it has been shown that poor male reproductive parameters such as low sperm count, testicular oxidative stress, high rate of morphological abnormalities in sperm, positively correlate with increased levels of leptin in obese men. Therefore, the present review article aims to provide a better understanding of the updated views on the functions of leptin and mechanisms of leptin actions on male reproduction.

233-238

Authors: Pallav Sengupta, Sulagna Dutta, Maiza Tusimin, Ivan Rolland Karkada

Orexins (or hypocretins) are hypothalamic neuropeptides with a multitude of physiological functions. They occur in two known forms, namely, orexin A and orexin B with a common precursor, preproorexin. The orexin receptors (orexin 1R and orexin 2R) belong to the Family of G-protein coupled receptors. The primary function of the orexin system, i.e. the orexins, their receptors and associated neuronal circuitries, perhaps is to increase spontaneous physical activity and food intake, thereby promoting an increase in energy expenditure. Reports suggest that orexins may be the key brain components to mediate the mechanism of obesity resistance. Recent research also has thrown lights upon a significant role of orexins, especially orexin A, in regulation of male reproductive functions owing to their receptor expressions in vital testicular cells, such as Leydig cells, Sertoli cells as well as spermatozoa at different developmental stages, even in the epididymis and penis. Moreover, orexins have been reported to greatly influence gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and their secretions to regulate reproductive functions via modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Evidence thus implicates participation of orexins in steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, transportation and maturation of sperm as well as in the control of penile function. However, further research is required in this direction to elucidate the mechanisms by which orexins play a role in different testicular functions and effect of orexins on semen quality.

244-250

Authors: Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta, Anupam Biswas

Adiponectin is an adipokine that has the highest plasma concentration among all other adipokines. It is a white adipose tissue secretion essential for the regulation of energy metabolism owing to its antiatherogenic insulin-resistance, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have put forth that adiponectin is a potent endocrine regulator with mechanisms relating energy balance with reproductive function in different species, including humans. The two adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 have been found to be expressed in the prime regulatory axis of reproduction, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The activation of adiponectin receptors has been shown to regulate the secretion and gene expressions of kisspeptin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins. Adiponectin finds relevance in the regulations of most of the vital testicular functions, such as steroidogenesis, germ cell proliferation and their coordinated apoptosis, as well as in modulation of testicular redox status and oxidative stress. Since metabolic syndrome and their associations with male infertility have been gaining immense research interest, adiponectin seems to be one of the important mediators of metabolic syndrome-induced male reproductive dysfunctions. This article aims to review the patterns of adiponectin expression in the male reproductive tissues and the mechanism by which adiponectin modulates male reproductive functions.

148-156

Authors: Majid Shokoohi, Malihe Soltani, Seyed-Hosein Abtahi-Eivary, Vahid Niazi, Mohammad Javad Rafeei Poor, Hooman Ravaei, Ramin Salimnejad, Maryam Moghimian, Hamed Shoorei

Objective: To evaluate the impact of Olea (O.) europaea extract on markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian tissues in a rat model of torsion/detorsion-induced ovarian damage. Methods: A total of 28 Wistar female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, with 7 rats in each group. The sham group received a 2.5 cm longitudinal incision in the midline part of the abdomen which was then sutured with 5-0 nylon thread; the torsion/detorsion group underwent torsion induction for 3 h followed by reperfusion for 10 days; the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea 30 min before detorsion, followed by reperfusion for 10 days; and the O. europaea group only received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea for 10 days. After the treatment period, blood samples were taken; the levels of estrogen, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were assayed. The histological changes, as well as the rate of apoptosis in ovarian tissues, were also carried out by histomorphometric analysis at day 10 post-procedure. Results: Histological comparisons demonstrated a significant detrimental change in the torsion/ detorsion group as compared with other groups. The number of pre-antral and antral follicles and corpus luteum was significantly decreased in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group, while treatment with O. europaea could enhance their numbers (P<0.05). The index of apoptosis and the number of atretic body in the ovarian tissue were significantly higher in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group (P<0.05). The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, estrogen, and superoxide dismutase as well as the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 were considerably diminished in the torsion/detorsion group while they were elevated in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05) compared with the torsion/detorsion group. The serum malondialdehyde level and the mRNA expression of Bax were markedly increased during ischemia, while treatment with O. europaea significantly diminished the increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and Bax level in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05). Conclusions: O. europaea extract can reduce the degree of tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and apoptosis in the ovary following ovarian ischemia/reperfusion.

167-173

Authors: Nur Hidayat Che Musa, Haniza Hanim Mohd Zain, Mohammed Muayad TA, Husni Ibrahim

Objective: To investigate the effects of Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts on the aphrodisiac properties including sexual behaviour, testosterone level, percentage of pregnancy, number of offspring and male to female ratio of offspring in ICR mice. Methods: In this experiment, each male cohabitated with one female in a polysulfone cage. 30 ICR male mice were divided into 6 groups that received normal saline (the control group), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1 000 mg/kg body weight of Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts orally for 21 days consecutively. Sexual behavior, percentage of pregnancy, number of offspring and male to female ratio of offspring in ICR mice were measured according to the established methods. Testosterone level was measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Mice that received Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts at 50 mg/kg body weight (day 0) had significantly higher mount frequency as compared to the control group; groups treated with 100, 500, 1 000 mg/kg body weight extracts produced a greater number of offsprings when compared to the control group. All aphrodisiac parameters were similar between the treatment groups and the control group, indicating that Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extract did not significantly alter the aphrodisiac parameters. Conclusions: Aquilaria subintegra leaf aqueous extracts have no effect on the aphrodisiac properties, but could increase the breeding rate in mice.

181-186

Authors: Abdel-Tawab Abdel-Razek Yassyn Khalil,, Mahmoud Mohamed Hussein

Objective: To determine if insemination at standing heat results in a similar or higher pregnancy rate compared with fixed time artificial insemination, and to study some factors affecting the pregnancy rate. Methods: A total of 8 944 inseminations were included in this study, from which 6 823 inseminations were done in Holstein cows and 2 121 inseminations were performed in Simmental cows. All cows were subjected to a Presynch-Ovsynch protocol. Cows detected in estrus (n=7 424) were artificially inseminated, whereas cows not observed in estrus (n=1 520) were submitted to fixed time artificial insemination. Results: The overall pregnancy rate of cows inseminated on the basis of the detected standing heat was comparable to that recorded for cows receiving fixed time artificial insemination. A higher pregnancy rate was recorded for cows during cold months than that recorded during hot months (P=0.000). A higher pregnancy rate was recorded for Simmental compared with that recorded for Holstein cows (P=0.001). Regarding parity, significant differences in the pregnancy rate were detected between primiparous and multiparous cows (P=0.040). In addition, artificial insemination technicians had no sigificant effect on pregnancy rate (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the used artificial insemination sires significantly (P=0.000) impacted the pregnancy rate. Conclusions: Insemination of cows detected in standing heat prior to predetermined fixed time results in similar pregnancy outcome and decreases days to the first service compared with insemination at the scheduled fixed time at the end of the Presynch-Ovsynch synchronization program. The overall pregnancy outcome is not affected by the breeding program, but it is highly impacted by cow’s breed, parity, artificial insemination sire and breeding season.

102-111

Authors: Atefe Salimi Akin Abadi, Mitra Zandi, Marzieh Shiva, Azita Pourshirvani, Anoshirvan Kazemnejad

Objective: To determine the effect of preparation to play a maternal role in mothers fertilized through in vitro fertilization on maternal anxiety. Methods: A total of 60 mothers undergoing in vitro fertilization were assigned into intervention group and control group. Pregnancy concerns and stress questionnaires were research tools. Questionnaires were completed in both groups before organizing preparation program. Then, the preparation program was held for four sessions for the mothers in the intervention group, and the subjects in both groups were immediately investigated again after completion of preparation program and one month later. Data analyses about pregnancy stress and concerns of mothers and its dimensions were performed by repeated measure (analysis of variance), Mann-Whitney, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. Analysis of demographic variables was performed by using independent t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS 21. Results: The score of pregnancy stress and concerns before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the intervention group in the score of pregnancy stress and concerns before and after the intervention (P<0.001), before and one month after the intervention (P<0.001), immediately after and one month after the intervention (P<0.001) which was not significant in the control group. Conclusions: Maternal preparation program can be effective in reducing maternal stress and concerns.

118-123

Authors: Abdel-Tawab A. Y. Khalil, Ahmed Abdel-Wahab, Rabie L. Abdel Aziz

Objective: To determine effects of variations of heart girth, volume trait on embryo quality grade, and to explore the relationship between heart girth and circulating progesterone and correlations of circulating progesterone with embryo quality grade in superstimulated donor Holstein cows. Methods: Nineteen cows were subjected to a standard superstimulation protocol using follicle stimulating hormone. Blood samples were collected before superovulation, at insemination and at collection of embryos for progesterone analysis. Embryo quality grades were compared between high and low heart girth donors. Moreover, Pearson's correlations were determined between heart girth, progesterone and embryo quality. Results: Variation of heart girth was not associated with significant differences in embryo quality grade between high and low heart girth donor cows (P>0.05). However, we observed a significantly higher percentage of the third-grade embryo (24.09%) in low heart girth donors compared to 9.64% in high heart girth donors. Moreover, the percentage of the transferable embryo was numerically higher and that of the degenerated embryo was numerically lower in low heart girth cows. Donor cows with low response to superovulation (total structures ≤3) expressed numerically higher mean heart girth, compared to donors with high (total structures >15) and medium (total structures = 4-15) superovulation. Heart girth and body weight of donor cows were moderately correlated (r=0.45, P<0.05), but none was correlated with circulating progesterone at different sampling times except for a moderate correlation between body weight and progesterone at embryo collection (r=0.54, P=0.02). Circulating progesterone before superovulation was moderately correlated to the second-grade embryo (r=0.46, P<0.05) and to the third grade (r=0.52, P<0.05) embryo. Conclusions: Volume traits heart girth may influence the response of Holstein cows to superovulation; however, future studies with a higher number of cows are warranted to clarify significant influences.

132-140

Authors: Prashant Tiwari, Sunil Kumar Dubey, Pratap Kumar Sahu

Objective: To evaluate the anti-hyperprolactinemic effect of methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia against antipsychotic/neuroleptic drug induced hyperprolactinemia. Methods: A total of 48 Wistar albino rats were chosen in the study. To induce hyperprolactinemia, haloperidol at 5 mg/kg/day was intraperitoneally administered for 16 continuous days and sulpiride at 20 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally for 28 continuous days. Methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia at 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day were administered orally 30 min before administration of haloperidol and sulpiride for 16 and 28 days, respectively. Then, we had evaluated prolactin, dopamine and antioxidant status in the treatment group as compared to haloperidol and sulpiride. Results: There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum prolactin level and decrease in dopamine level in the haloperidol and sulpiride treated animals. However, methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum prolactin level and increased brain dopamine level. Further, superoxide dismutase and catalase level were also decreased significantly in the haloperidol and sulpiride treated groups as compared to those of the control group and the antioxidant status was restored significantly on treatment with methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia. Furthermore, methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia also reduced total leukocyte count, and increased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration. In addition, the spleen did not show signs of infection or inflammation in the experiments. Conclusions: Methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia has a significant anti- hyperprolactinemic effect which may be attributed to neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of its signature constituents like stepharanine.