Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

1-6

Authors: Shanna Logan, Royce Gu, Wen Li, Shuo Xiao, Antoinette Anazodo

With a high rate of infertility, it is important to understand the context of fertility and family planning in China, to inform the necessity of supportive care. A literature review was undertaken to explore the societal constructs informing perspectives of childbearing, family planning and infertility, alongside Chinese considerations of fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies and fertility counselling. In China, childbearing attitudes and behaviours are shaped by tensions between traditional cultural values of the filial piety originating from Confucianism, the history of strict family planning policy, the recent termination of one-child policy and the socioeconomic circumstance. For infertile Chinese individuals, the inability to meet these childbearing expectations gives rise to significant pressure and consequent psychological distress, particularly depressive symptoms. Demographic factors such as gender, education, income and geographical location have been found to influence prevalence and degree of depression in infertile Chinese men and women. These difficulties are compounded by barriers of cultural acceptance, legislative restrictions and availability of resources for alternative options such as adoption and surrogacy. It is important that these fertility sociocultural factors are taken into consideration when assisting Chinese patients to access and utilise fertility treatment services.

13-19

Authors: Sri Agus Sudjarwo, Chairul Anwar, Giftania Wardani, Koerniasari Eraiko, Koerniasari

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and anti-caspase 3 effect of chitosan-Pinus merkusii extract nanoparticle on lead acetate-induced toxicity in rat testis. Methods: Chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticles were identified by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscope. The male rats were divided into control group (rats were given with distilled water); lead acetate group [rats were injected with lead acetate 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) i.p.], and the treatment group (rats were given the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle 150 mg; 300 mg; 600 mg/kg BW orally and were injected with lead acetate 20 mg/kg BW). The testis tissues were collected to evaluate the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), histological evaluations of testis damage, and the caspase 3 mRNA expression was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The dynamic light scattering showed that the size of chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle was (530.2±38.2) nm. The scanning electron microscope images of the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticles showed an irregular shape, and the morphology surface showed the rough surface. The treatment with lead acetate resulted in significantly increasing MDA level and caspase 3 mRNA expression, and significantly decreasing level of SOD and GPx when compared with control group. The treatment with the chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle 600 mg/kg BW but not 150 and 300 mg/kg BW significantly decreased the MDA levels, caspase 3 mRNA expression, and also increased level of SOD and GPx when compared with lead acetate group. The lead acetate induced loss of the normal structure of testicular cells and necrosis, whereas treatment with chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle inhibited testicular cell necrosis. Conclusions: It can be concluded that chitosan-Pinus merkusii nanoparticle protects rat testis from oxidative damage and apoptosis caused by lead acetate, through increasing antioxidant and inhibiting caspase 3 expression.

25-29

Authors: Murat H. Baimishev, Sergey P. Eremin, Khamidulla B. Baimishev, Svetlana A. Baimisheva

Objective: To determine the effect of a drug STEMB, which is a biostimulating tissue preparation based on chicken embryos, on the morpho-biochemical blood values of dry cows. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 Holstein cows, which were divided into three groups (group 1, group 2, and group 3), with 20 cows in each group. During the experiment, all animals in each group were subjected to the same condition of feeding and maintenance. The experimental animals were administered with the STEMB drug three times subcutaneously at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before calving. Group 1 were given 0.050 mL/kg body weight; group 2 were given 0.075 mL/kg body weight; group 3 were given 0.100 mL/kg body weight. Results: STEMB at 0.075 mL/kg body weight improved the blood cell composition, increasing the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes, hemoglobin content, the total protein, albumins, alpha globulins, and gamma globulins. It reduced the beta-globulin index and provided a threshold level for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and A, M, G immunoglobulins. Conclusions: Use of the STEMB drug with a dose of 0.075 mL/kg body weight given subcutaneously three times at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before delivery is optimal for the prevention of complications during calving and postpartum periods, thereby providing an improvement in the blood cell composition.

34-38

Authors: El Mekkawi SF, Hanafi S, Khalaf-Allah AE, Ibrahim A. Abdelazim, Mohammed EK

Objective: To compare the transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) to the modified Bishop’s score for prediction of successful labor induction in nulliparous women. Methods: A total of 210 nulliparous women who were diagnosed as premature rupture of membranes were recruited in this comparative prospective study, which was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Ain Shams University, Egypt over two years for labor induction. The studied women were examined by trans-vaginal ultrasound for measurement of the cervical length (CL) and vaginally to calculate the modified Bishop’s score, followed by induction of labor. Collected data were analyzed to compare the TVCL to the modified Bishop’s score for prediction of successful labor induction in nulliparous women. The success of induction process was defined as vaginal birth after the induction of labor. Results: One hundred and forty-three women of studied women had CL <28 mm; 122 of them delivered vaginally (P=0.030). One hundred and forty-six women of studied women had modified Bishop’s score >4; 128 of them delivered vaginally (P=0.006). The CL <28 mm was significantly more specific with more positive predictive value as predictor of successful labor induction compared to modified Bishop’s score. Induction to delivery time was significantly shorter in women with CL <28 mm than women with CL ≥28 mm (P=0.02; 95% confidence interval: 4.9-8.4). In addition, induction to delivery time was significantly shorter in women with Bishop’s score >4 than women with Bishop’s score of ≤4(P=0.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-4.5). Conclusions: Both TVCL and the modified Bishop’s score are complementary tools in pre-induction cervical assessment before induction of labor, while the TVCL at <28 mm is significantly more specific with more positive predictive value as predictor of successful induction than the modified Bishop’s score

43-44

Authors: Leonardo Martins Leal, Fábio Rodrigo Castro Bastos, Tais Harumi de Castro Sasahara, Paola Castro Moraes, Márcia Rita Fernandes Machado

Congenital anomalies of the female tubular genital tract are rare and known as segmental aplasia, resulting from incomplete development of paramesonephric ducts during embryonic stage, which originate from the cranial portion of vagina, cervix, uterus and oviducts. In the literature consulted, several reports of uterine horn aplasia are described in bitches, however there is only one report described in the world literature on total aplasia of the body of the uterus. This study aimed to describe the case of a two years old bitch, no breed defined, with 12 kg of weight, with segmental aplasia of uterus body diagnosed during ovariohysterectomy. During surgery it was noted that the bitch had the ovaries and uterine horns in their anatomical position, however an aplasia was noted in the body of the uterus. It was also found that the uterine horns had liquid inside, suggesting hydrometra. It was concluded in this case that although segmental aplasia of the body of the uterus is rare and difficult to diagnose by maintaining normal cyclicity of the female, it should be considered in dogs that do not have bloody vaginal discharge in proestrus and can not become pregnant after natural coverage or artificial insemination.

241-247

Authors: GN Purohit, Atul Shanker Arora, Tilok Gocher, Mitesh Gaur, Chandra Shekher Saraswat, Pankaj Mishra

Uterine prolapse is an emergency postpartum problem occurring within 24 h of parturition and resulting in death or serious complications in unattended cases. Poor myometrial contractions during the post-partum period and traction during difficult births are two postulated etiologies and low serum calcium appear to be a significant risk factor for uterine prolapse in buffaloes. Shortly after eversion the uterus gets inflamed and edematous and shock may ensue in cases with excessive bleeding. Prompt replacement of prolapsed uterus with sufficient care assures good prognosis. The etiology, risk factors, clinical findings and approaches for therapy of uterine prolapse in buffaloes are mentioned in this review.

254-260

Authors: Asmaa A. Mostafa, Mohamed. S. El-Belely, Sayed. T. Ismail , Reda. I. El-Sheshtawy, Mohamed I. Shahba

Objective: To estimate the result of egg yolk replacement with alternative cryopreservatives such as plant-derived lecithin from soybean on sperm quality parameters pre and post freezing in buffalo bulls. Methods: The control cryopreservation extender was tris-citric acid-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol (TCFYG) diluent. Semen samples were extended gradually 1:10 with TCFYG control extender and tris-citric acid-fructose-glycerol (TCFG) extender plus variable concentrations of soybean lecithin (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0%) to ensure 60 million active spermatozoa/mL of the extended semen. The diluted semen samples were refrigerated slowly (roughly for 2 h) up to 5 ℃ and equilibrated for 2 h. Semen was filled into 0.25 mL polyvinyl French straws (IMV, France). After equilibration period, the straws were placed horizontally on a rack and frozen in a vapor 4 cm above liquid nitrogen for 10 min and were then dipped stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 ℃ . Results: The respective overall percentages of forward motile spermatozoa, live spermatozoa, morphologically normal spermatozoa, acrosome integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling reactivity observed primarily in fresh semen, after equilibration (pre-freeze stage) and post freezing (post-thaw stage) in TCFYG (control) extended semen declined progressively and statically (P<0.01) during these periods of study. Pre-freezing stage: replacement of egg yolk into TCFG with soybean lecithin at concentrations of 1.0% and 1.5% significantly (P<0.01) ameliorated the maintenance of (motility, viability, acrosome and membrane integrity %), meanwhile it had significantly (P<0.01) reduced the abnormality % of spermatozoa to the lowest value compared to control TCFYG and to some other concentrations in use. Post-thaw stage: the replacement of egg yolk with 1.0% soybean lecithin (SL) showed significantly (P<0.01) higher percentage of sperm progressive motility compared to 1.5% SL and TCFYG control. These values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than 0.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The post thawing live sperm percentage mean values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in 1.0% SL and 1.5% SL compared to control. These values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than in 0.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The mean values of post-thaw morphological normal sperm percentage did not differ between 1.0% SL and control groups but significantly (P<0.01) higher than 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The respective percentage mean values of post-thaw sperm with head, mid-piece and tail abnormalities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in 1.0% SL than all other SL concentrations. Concerning the post-thaw percentages of acrosome and sperm membrane integrity, the respective mean values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in 1.0% SL and 1.5% SL as compared to control. Mean values of both parameters in the 0.5% SL were intermediate between 1.0% and 1.5% SL versus control groups. The previously mentioned mean values in acrosome/membrane integrity were significantly (P<0.01) higher than 2.0% SL, 2.5% SL and 3.0% SL. Conclusions: Lecithin-based diluent can be a potent proper alternative extender for preservation of spermatozoa during pre- and post-freezing process. SL 1.5% extenders have supplied an optimal environment and condition for ameliorating the quality of pre-freezing and post- thaw buffalo spermatozoa by means of improved motility, viability,

266-269

Authors: Caner Öztürk, Mehmet Bozkurt Ataman

Objective: To examine the effects of paclitaxel and resveratrol on rabbit semen. Methods: This study consisted of four groups: control group (40 mL saline), paclitaxel group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel), resveratrol group (4 mg/kg resveratrol) and paclitaxel+resveratrol group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel+4 mg/kg resveratrol). Administrations were i.v. (in 40 mL saline) and continued 8 weeks. Sperm motility was evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy. Mitochondrial activity, membrane and acrosome integrity were performed by fluorescence staining. Lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and antioxidant potential levels were determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Paclitaxel decreased the sperm motility and fluorescence staining results compared to the control (P<0.05). The paclitaxel and resveratrol group showed better results of the same parameters compared to the paclitaxel group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, antioxidant potential and fertility results (P>0.05). Results of this study showed that paclitaxel decreased semen parameters and resveratrol had a protective effect on these parameters. Conclusions: Paclitaxel has negative effects on spermatological indicators and biochemical assays, while resveratrol prevents these negative effects of paclitaxel.

274-279

Authors: Grace A. Essiet, Godwin C. Akuodor, Daniel OJ Aja, Mathew O. Nwokike, Desmond O. Eke, Anuli N. Chukwumobi

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Salacia lehmbachii (S. lehmbachii) ethanol root bark extract on estrous cycle and sex hormones in female rats. Methods: Forty-eight virgin rats with regular 4-day cycle were grouped into four and each group was further subdivided into ‘a’ and ‘b’ (n=6). Each group was orally treated for 28 days with 2 mL of distilled water (control), ethanol root bark extract of S. lehmbachii in doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/body weight (groups 2, 3, 4, respectively). Estrous cycle was determined daily using the vaginal smear method. Rats in ‘a’ subgroups were weighed and sacrificed on the 29th day, and blood was collected for serum generation which was used for hormonal assay and sex organs were removed and weighed. Rats in ‘b’ subgroups were discontinued from treatment for 2 weeks and the parameters above were reassessed. Results: The mean length of estrous cycle and duration of diestrous of treated rats were prolonged dose dependently compared to control. The increase was significant (P<0.05) at 500 and 750 mg/kg. The other estrous phases were shortened in the same pattern. Relative weights of sex organs were reduced significantly (P<0.05) at the highest dose. Sex hormones levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to control. The above changes reverted towards the control values two weeks post treatments. Conclusions: Ethanol root bark extract of S. lehmbachii (high doses) has antifertility effect in female rats as it prolongs the estrous and diestrous cycle, and reduces serum sex hormones levels. The observed alterations were reversible.

193-205

Authors: Kamel M.E. Mohammed

Many countries in the world consider the buffalo as a priority animal for the future, since it plays a pivotal role in human food sustainability. Even though Food and Agriculture Organization has termed the buffalo as an important undervalued asset, this species has yet to drive the same attention as cattle. Egypt has a wealth of buffaloes dispersed in small herds all over the country, so the efforts that have been made to improve their genetic background show little return. Contrarily, other countries concerned with buffalo improvement have already used a data recording system in buffalo herds, allowing to achieve a much faster improvement progress. This review intends to survey the existing information on the application of assisted reproduction techniques to improve buffalo productivity. The strength points that may help to improve buffalo production are identified, and the obstacles hindering the genetic improvement of Egyptian buffalo are characterized. Therefore, this work will gather information related to buffalo and compile it for an audience of researchers and specialists to enforce international collaboration for the development of buffalo production. Also, it will open the way for people interested in developing a future vision for buffalo potential, which will be helpful to close or minimize the biological gaps of buffaloes’ researches.

214-219

Authors: Farzaneh Mahmoudi-Lafout, Fahimeh Mohammadghasemi

Objective: To evaluate the effect of graded doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on sperm chromatin integrity and sex hormones in the adult male mouse. Methods: Forty-nine male adult mice were divided into seven groups. Control group received no drug, sham group received ASA solvent (dimethylsulfoxide 0.1%), groups 3 to 7 received different doses of 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg ASA, daily for 14 d, respectively. On day 15, evaluations were made by sperm chromatin dispersion test for the study of DNA sperm integrity, radioimmunoassay for the study of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level and histopathology of testis for Jhonson’s scoring. Results: ASA in groups 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg reduced big halo sperms. DNA fragmentation significantly increased just in 5 mg group. Serum level of testosterone in doses of 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg groups reduced significantly (P<0.01) while LH level was not affected. Johnson’s score reduced in all ASA treated groups. Conclusions: Administration of ASA over the 14 days in dose of 5.00 mg increases sperm DNA fragmentation index and therefore reduces DNA integrity and in doses of 0.50, 1.00, 5.00 mg reduces serum testosterone level with no effect on LH. Generally, ASA has deleterious effects on the male reproductive indices even in low doses.

225-228

Authors: Seyed Mansour Moosavi, Hossein Barzegar Ganji, Hajar Ramezanikhah, Mitra Arianmanesh

Objective: To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the motility of rat sperm and the fertilization rate following in vitro fertilization. Methods: hCG concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ng/mL with incubation time of 1 h and 2 h were used in medium to study sperm motility. Then, 25 and 100 ng/mL of hCG with incubation time of 2 h were applied for in vitro fertilization. After 6 h, the number of two pronuclei was counted. Obtained data was subjected to one way ANOVA and Bonferroni-Dun hoc-post test. Results: Total motility and progressive motility of sperms were increased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with concentration of 25 ng/L and incubation time of 2 h compared to control group, however, total motility and progressive motility of sperms were decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dose of hCG. Fertilization rate was decreased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with dose of 100 ng/mL compared to 25 ng/mL and control group. Conclusions: The effect of hCG on the rat sperm motility and the rate of their fertility is dose-dependent so that hCG with dose of 25 ng/mL leads to an increase in rat sperm motility and to some extent fertilization rate.

236-238

Authors: Chike F. Oguejiofor

Cases of acquired infertility in dogs often have poor prognosis and can be frustrating to clinicians in canine practice. In this case, a 3.5-year-old male Caucasian dog was presented for infertility evaluation. He had no record of successful breeding despite being mated with multiple bitches over a two-year period. Breeding soundness examination was performed including history evaluation, general physical and reproductive system examination, hematology, libido determination, and semen collection, evaluation and screening for infectious organisms. The presence of copious growth of bacteria (Escherichia coli) in conjunction with significant sperm abnormalities and leucospermia was applied to diagnose infertility due to a sub-chronic or chronic bacterial infection of the reproductive tract. Bacterial infection caused significant sperm abnormalities including low sperm motility, increased number of dead sperm and sperm with structural abnormalities such as detached heads, fractured necks, looped tails and coiled tails. Treatment was effected by administering ciprofloxacin orally for 4 weeks.

49-55

Authors: Hossein Yazdekhasti, Jalil Hosseini, Zahra Rajabi, Maryam Hosseinzadeh Shirzeyli, Fereshte Aliakbari

Previous attempts have indicated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a valuable source and candidate and new approach for tissue engineering and reproductive medicine. MSCs have this potential to be induced and differentiated in an appropriate in vivo and in vitro condition toward various cell lineages and then they can be applied in cell therapies and clinical applications. During recent two decades, various sources have demonstrated they are a great source for MSCs, including bone marrow, the human umbilical cord as well as Wharton’s jelly. Due to discarding after birth, easily accessible cells and less ethical concerns, these cells have attracted more and more scientists’ attention. Infertility and reproduction diseases have provided special opportunity to examine the efficiency of MSCs in this kind of application. Based on recent investigations, MSCs embedded in Wharton’s jelly tissue are more appealing for cell therapies, especially in infertility treatment purposes. So, differentiation of MSCs embedded in Wharton’s jelly tissue into germ layer cells for cell-based therapy purposes is now under intensive study.

62-71

Authors: Hammad Ahmad Gakhar, Ishrat Waheed, Taseer Ahmad, Naeem-ur-rahman

Objective: To test the effect of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) blockers on the motility and viability of human sperm in-vitro and to evaluate the tested compounds as potential contact spermicidal. Methods: Sperm samples were obtained from healthy nonsmoking volunteers of age 25-30 years who had not taken any drug 3 months before and during the course of the study. The effect of VGSCs blockers evaluated from two pharmacological classes including antiarrhythmic (amiodarone, procainamide and disopyramide) and antiepileptic (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine) drugs. They were tested on the in-vitro motility and viability of human sperm using Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer. Results: All tested drugs except oxcarbazepine showed dose dependent inhibition of total motility with significant reduction (P<0.05) at the maximum concentration of 200 μM when compared with the control. The concentrations of drugs that reduced total sperm motility to 50% of control (half maximal inhibitory concentration) were 2.76, 14.16 and 20.29 μM for phenytoin, lamotrigine and carbamazepine, respectively; and 2.53, 5.32 and 0.37 μM for amiodarone, procainamide and disopyramide, respectively. The anti-motility effects were reversible to various degrees. There was statistically insignificant difference in the inhibition of sperm viability among amiodarone, procainamide and disopyramide. Phenytoin demonstrated the most potent spermicidal action. Conclusions: VGSCs blockers have significant adverse effects on in-vitro motility of human spermatozoa. So in-vivo studies are required to determine their potential toxicological effects on human semen quality, which is an important factor regarding fertility. Moreover, these drugs have the potential to be developed into contact spermicidal.

79-86

Authors: Madhusmita Panda, Asmita, Sandeep Kumar, Purusottam Mishra, Mahesh Chandra Sahu, Sachinandan De, Tirtha Kumar Datta, Rakesh Kumar

Objective: To understand the level of progesterone (P4) in different quality of buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and further to evaluate the effect of exogenous P4 supplementation on maturation and subsequent developmental ability of poor quality brilliant cresyl blue (BCB- ) COCs. Methods: Progesterone secreted by different quality of buffalo oocytes was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the concentration differences were translated into P4 doses to be incorporated in the maturation medium of BCB-ve COCs followed by expression analysis of genes involved in the cumulus expansion, extracellular matrix disintegration and progesterone receptor signalling. In addition, the study also evaluated the effect of exogenous P4 on sperm-cumulus interaction. Results: More than 10-fold upregulated expression of progesterone receptor in P4 supplemented oocytes signified that P4 might be acting predominantly through this receptor. Also, exogenous P4 supplementation had significant effect on transcatheter arterial chemoembolization protease regulated by P4- progesterone receptor pathway which in turn had an important role in extracellular matrix disintegration. On the contrary, cumulus expansion genes HAS2, TNFAIP6, AREG were not altered upon P4 supplementation. Also, it was observed that P4 addition did facilitate passage of significantly more number of spermatozoa through P4 treated cumulus cells. Further, incorporation of different doses of P4 did not improve significantly the cleavage and blastocyst rates of BCB-ve COCs. Conclusions: Different qualities of buffalo COCs secrete substantially diverse levels of P4, and its supplementation has a role in oocyte maturation via modulation of cumulus characteristics but perhaps not fertilization.

93-96

Authors: El-Sheshtawy RI, El-Nattat WS

Objective: To evaluate effect of tris-extender supplemented with various concentrations of strawberry (Fragaria spp.) on bull semen preservability. Methods: Pooled bull semen were extended with tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk diluent (control, 0% strawberry) and various concentrations of tris strawberry (TSB) (1%-6%) to achieve 60 million motile spermatozoa per milliliter. Extended semen were subjected to semen freezing protocol. Semen assessment including motility, alive%, abnormality%, intact sperm membrane (hypo-osmotic swelling test) and conception rate were carried out for both chilled and frozen semen. Results: Results showed that sperm motility after chilling was enhanced in groups treated with various concentrations of TSB from 1% to 5% and exhibited higher significance (P<0.000 1) at 6-day post-chilling. In frozen semen, 3%, 4%, 5% and 6% concentrations gave the best significance (P<0.000 1) on sperm motility in comparison with the control. Concentration 1% revealed the highest significance (P<0.000 1) on alive% as compared to the control. Hypoosmotic swelling test was maintained as the control. Concentration 3% gave the lowest significance (P<0.000 1) considering abnormality%. The conception rate upon using frozen semen in insemination showed higher conception rate in concentrations of 5% and 6% in cattle. Conclusions: It is concluded that 1%-5% concentrations of TSB ameliorate bull semen characteristics after chilling, and 3%-6% concentrations of TSB improve bull semen characteristics after freezing. Higher conception rate exists in 5% and 6% concentration of TSB.

145-150

Authors: S. Bhargavi, Subhalaxmi Swain, Abhisek Mishra, Arun Kumar Pradhan

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the assisted reproductive technologies in the field of medical sciences. Fusion of collected egg from female and sperm from male done in a culture media under aseptic condition in laboratory is called as IVF. This technique is one of the gifts of science towards the human society and mainly those who are facing problem in reproduction due to having either male or female defective reproductive systems. In this present study, factors to consider during IVF, steps followed in this technology, need of IVF are discussed. Risk of multiple birth and phenotypic changes to the newborn due to IVF are also well reviewed. And different types of instruments used during this process are focused. Few ethical and legal issues arising during this IVF process are shown as well. We also emphasize that part of IVF.

155-160

Authors: Oluwatosin V. Imade, Wuraola A. Erinfolami, Rasheed A. Ajadi, Monsuru O. Abioja, Samson A. Rahman, Olusiji F. Smith, Oladele S. Gazal

Objective: To test the effects of dietary supplementation of Lepidium sativum (LS) seed powder on growth performance and gonadotropins secretion in ovariectomized, estradiol- implanted rabbits. Methods: Ovariectomized, estradiol-implanted Chinchilla rabbits were assigned into four experimental groups: LS seed powder was included into normal rabbit chow at 0% (control), 5% (low), 7% (mid) and 10% (high) w/w. Experimental feed and water were given ad-libitum for 3 weeks. Weekly body weights and daily feed intake of rabbits were recorded. Twenty-one days post-feeding, blood samples were collected at 15-minute interval for 3 h (Period Ⅰ) after which 2.5 μg gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was injected intravenously and the sampling continued for another hour (Period Ⅱ). Plasma was harvested and analyzed for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by radioimmunoassay. Results: Feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) increased in LS- supplemented rabbits. However, the increase in feed intake did not result in significant body weight gain. LS seed supplementation significantly (P<0.001) increased mean plasma LH dose-dependently from the low- to the mid-LS level and then decreased LH at the high-LS level. LS supplementation increased (P<0.001) plasma FSH secretion. Injection of GnRH had no effect on plasma LH, however significantly (P<0.05) decreased overall plasma FSH secretion. Conclusions: LS seed supplementation stimulates feed intake and gonadotropins secretion in rabbits. Gonadotropins effect may be mediated through LS seeds phytosterols through the activation of estrogen receptors thereby producing agonistic effects resulting in LH and FSH secretion. The differential responses of gonadotropins to GnRH in LS- supplemented rabbits suggest differential regulation of the synthesis and secretion of these gonadotropins.

167-171

Authors: Khamidulla B. Baimishev, Murat H. Baimishev, Vasily S. Grigoryev, Alexander P. Kokhanov, Inna V. Uskova, Ismagil N. Khakimov

Objective: To study the methods of increasing the reproductive qualities and indices of viability in the offspring of Holstein cows under conditions of intensive milk production. Methods: Studies were conducted on 3 groups of Holstein cows with 30 heads in each group. Animals of the experimental groups had a different length physiological period. The study focused on experimental groups of animals: the reproductive indicators, the viability of newborn calves, and their growth rate. All the digital materials of the experimental data were processed by the method of variation statistics for the significance of the difference of the compared parameters using the Student’s criterion, adopted in biology and zootechnics. Results: Studies found that reduction of the duration of the service period, along with a simultaneous increase in the inter-lactation period to 80–90 days, increased the reproductive capacity of the cows, and enhances the viability of the offspring compared with their peers. Conclusions: The study revealed the optimal duration of the physiological periods in high- producing cows under conditions of intensive milk production technology.

178-184

Authors: P. Perumal

Objective: To assess the deleterious effects of foot and mouth disease vaccination on antioxidant profiles as well as oxidative stress in the semen of breeding mithun bulls. Methods: A total of 160 semen samples were collected from 8 adult healthy mithun bulls with good body condition score (5-6), which were maintained at semen collection centre, ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, India, twice a week, 4 weeks before vaccination (pre-vaccination stage) and 12 weeks after vaccination (post-vaccination stage) to understand and know the influence of vaccine stress on seminal antioxidant as well as oxidative stress profiles in mithun. Vaccine was injected at the end of week 4 and semen samples were collected & analysed up to week 16 of the investigation period. Results: Data analysis showed that foot and mouth disease vaccination has significantly (P<0.05) altered the seminal antioxidant, biochemical and oxidative stress profiles up to week 10th of vaccine administration. However, the immunised bulls were recovered in physical health status, semen production and its antioxidant profiles gradually. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the semen sample collection as well as preservation should to be suspended up to week 10th of post immunization to get antioxidant and biochemical profiles in normal level in the semen to preserve normal conception rate in artificial breeding programme by using such semen in mithun species.

191-192

Authors: Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta

No