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Relatively, little is known about the corpus luteum (CL) function in early pregnancy after the successful treatment of luteal phase deficiency in repeat-breeder dairy cows when exposed to extreme environments under tropical climate. To investigate the influence of increased tissues of corpora lutea (CLs) by inducing secondary CL based on progesterone (P4) concentration and fertility in repeat-breeder dairy cows undergoing the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol, 32 cows were treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on day 5 post-induction (experiment 1). In experiment 2, 213 cows were bred using the short-term FTAI protocol. On day 5 post-FTAI, cows were divided into two groups: treatment with (GnRH5-treated group) or without (GnRH5-untreated group) GnRH. The temperature-humidity index ranged from 77.3 to 82.8. Cows bearing two CLs had greater P4 concentrations than cows bearing only one CL on their ovaries (P 0.05). Pregnancy rates were greater in GnRH5-treated group than the GnRH5-untreated group (P 0.01). Moreover, repeat-breeder cows bearing two CLs had a greater likelihood of pregnancy (odds ratio = 20.86) than cows bearing only one CL on their ovaries (P 0.01). Under heat stress condition, the results highlighted that increasing luteal tissues by creating secondary CL leads to enhanced peripheral P4 concentrations and improved pregnancy outcomes in repeat-breeder dairy cows.

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Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) has been called the “miracle tree” due to its attributes for therapy in various diseases. However, M. oleifera studies on the male reproductive system have been limited. The aim of this study was a phytochemical screening and investigation of the effects of M. oleifera leaf tea on sexual behavior, reproductive function and antioxidant activities. Male rats were fed with M. oleifera leaf tea extract at doses of 0.55, 1.10 and 2.20 mg/kg or distilled water for 30 days. The result showed that M. oleifera leaf tea contained rich total phenols and flavonoids. The courtship behavior, seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelium height, epithelium area, type A spermatogonia, and spermatogonia efficiency were significantly increased in all treatment groups. The groups treated with 1.10 and 2.20 mg/kg increased the number of Sertoli cells. The total of spermatogenic cells increased in the group treated with 0.55 mg/kg. M. oleifera leaf tea scavenged DPPH radical, ABTS radical and H2O2, and inhibited LPO and AGEs formation. Due to M. oleifera leaf tea containing rich total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, it could enhance sexual function and the male reproductive system.

Background: Lower concentrations of endogenous progesterone (P) after fertilization, due to corpus luteum (CL) dysfunction, leads to an increased embryonic loss and reduced pregnancy outcomes not only in female cattle but also in women. Therefore, an increase in the number of corpora lutea (CLs) may improve fertility in infertile bovine females. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of increased number of CLs by creating accessory CL on plasma P concentration and fertility in bovine repeat-breeder females undergoing the short-term fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol.Methods: In experiment 1, 32 female cattle had induced ovulation with the short-term (5-day) P-based protocol. To induce additional CL, cows were treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on day 5 post-induction. On day 14, only female cattle with at least one CL on their ovaries were classified into two groups: 1CL (original CL; n = 14) and 2CLs groups (original CL + accessory CL; n = 8). In experiment 2, 213 bovine repeat-breeder females were bred using the short-term FTAI protocol. On day 5 post-FTAI, cows were divided into two groups: treatment with (GnRH5-treated group; n = 113) or without (GnRH5-untreated group; n = 100) GnRH. On day 14 post-FTAI, cows were sub-divided into two groups: 1CL (n = 115) and 2CLs (n = 39) groups.Results: In experiment 1, the ovarian luteal diameter, area, and volume per total CLs were greater in 2CLs group compared with 1CL group (P < 0.001). On days 12 and 14 post-induction, female cattle bearing two CLs had greater P concentrations than female cattle bearing only one CL on their ovaries (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CL number and pregnancy rates were greater in GnRH5-treated group compared with GnRH5-untreated group (P < 0.01). Pregnancy rates were greater in 2CLs cows compared with 1CL cows (P < 0.01). Moreover, female cattle bearing two CLs had a greater likelihood of pregnancy (odds ratio = 20.86) than female cattle bearing only one CL on their ovaries (P = 0.001). Conclusions: In bovine model, our findings confirmed a beneficial effect of an additional CL on ovarian hormone and fertility in infertile female cattle. The results highlighted that increased number of CLs by creating additional CL leads to enhanced peripheral P concentrations and improved pregnancy outcomes in bovine repeat-breeder females undergoing the short-term FTAI protocol.

Background Identification of sex from skeletal remains is an essential step in forensic anthropology. The skull is the second choice, after the pelvis, to estimate sex by osteometric methods. Objective To evaluate the process of identification of sex in Northern Thai from crania by using computer-aided design (AutoCAD) software and conventional caliper methods. Methods Dry skulls of 86 men and 74 women were examined. AutoCAD software and digital calipers were used to measure dimensions. Eleven of the 15 parameters were created for this study. Results Men are significantly larger than women in all parameters, except in the nasospinale–prosthion measurement. There were no significant differences in the intraobserver error test and between the AutoCAD and digital caliper measurements. The logistic regression analysis yielded a sex classification accuracy rate of 92.9% in men, 93.4% in women, and 93.1% of overall accuracy for AutoCAD software. When using digital calipers, there was an accuracy rate of 89.3% in men, 94.7% in women, and 91.9% for overall accuracy. Conclusions AutoCAD software is a reliable method to predict the sex and provide high accuracy in sex determination from crania.

The objectives were to evaluate effects of tropical seasons on thermal biology, preovulatory follicle (POF) diameter, POF and luteal vascularities, and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations; and to determine the associations among the values for these variables during preovulatory and postovulatory periods in Thai native cows in tropical climates: cold, hot, and rainy seasons. Development and vascularity of the POF and corpora lutea (CL) were evaluated using color Doppler ultrasonography. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was greater when the preovulatory period occurred during the rainy season when compared with the occurrence during the hot and cold seasons of the year. Furthermore, POF diameter was less when the THI was greater. The THI was greater when the postovulatory period occurred during the rainy season when compared to the occurrence of the postovulatory period during the hot and cold seasons of the year. Furthermore, the CL vascularity and P4 concentration were less when the THI was greater. The THI was inversely correlated with CL vascularity and P4 concentrations. When the THI was greatest during the hot and rainy seasons of the year, there were the greatest negative effects on POF size, POF and CL blood flow, and concentrations of E2 and P4 during the preovulatory and postovulatory periods. While native Bos indicus are capable of adapting to tropical conditions, there are still negative effects, such as impaired POF and CL functions, when the THI induces heat stress.

Aim: To study the effects of Boesenbergia rotunda (Krachai) on sexual behaviour in male albino rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups: experimental groups were gavaged with the ethanolic extract of the rhizome of B. rotunda at doses of 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg and a control group received distilled water, for 60 days. Sexual behaviour, reproductive organs, diameter of seminiferous tubule, epididymal sperm density, and androgenic hormones were evaluated. Results: Within 30-min observation, there was no significant difference of courtship behaviour, mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), copulatory efficiency or intercopulatory interval in male rats. In three 10-min intervals over a 30-min period, courtship behaviour and MF during the first 10-min were significantly higher than those in the second and third 10-min observation in all groups, whereas IF had no significant difference. All doses of B. rotunda extract significantly increased the relative testicular weight and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. The dose of 60 mg/kg also significantly increased the relative weight of the seminal vesicle. Nevertheless, the sperm density, serum testosterone and androstenedione levels were not affected by the B. rotunda extract. Conclusion: B. rotunda does not affect sexual behaviour nor serum androgenic levels. (Asian J Androl 2007 Nov; 9: 849–855)

The multidrug resistance-associated protein transporter ABCC1 (MRP1) is an integral plasma membrane protein involved in the multidrug resistance phenotype. It actively expels a number of cytotoxic molecules from cells. To gain insight into the modulation of the functional properties of this integral membrane protein by cholesterol, a main component of the lipid bilayer, we used multidrug-resistant GLC4/ADR cells, which overexpress MRP1. Upon altering the plasma membrane cholesterol content of these cells, membrane localization and the activity of MRP1 were analyzed. A detergent-free methodology was used to separate ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ plasma membrane fractions. Our data show that MRP1 was exclusively found in ‘light’ fractions known as L0 phase membrane microdomains, together with ∼ 23% of gangliosides GM1 and 40% of caveolin-1. Depletion of the membrane cholesterol level to 40% by treatment with the cholesterol-chelating agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin did not modify MRP1 activity, as evidenced either by the rate of efflux of pirarubicin or that of glutathione. Further cholesterol depletion below 40% yielded both a partial shift of MRP1 to the high-density fraction and a decrease of its functionality. Taken together, these data suggest that MRP1 funtionality depends on its localization in cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains.

The vascular corrosion cast technique in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for the study of pituitary microvascularization in the common tree shrew (Tupaia glis). The pituitary vascular casts were obtained by infusion of low viscosity methyl methacrylate plastic (Batson's no.17) mixture. It was found that the blood supplies to the pituitary complex were from branches of the circle of Willis and could be divided into two groups. The first group consisted of two to four superior hypophyseal arteries (SHAs) branching off from the internal carotid artery supplying each half of the median eminence (ME), infundibular stalk (IS), and pars distalis (PD). The SHAs supplying the ME branched into internal and external capillary plexi. The internal plexus had a larger capillary size (approximately 15 microns in diameter), was deeper in position, and had denser and more complex capillary loops than those in the external plexus. The capillaries of the external plexus were approximately 10 microns in diameter. The two plexi drained into 15-20 hypophyseal portal veins (HPVs) which were located mainly along the ventral and ventrolateral surfaces of the IS before breaking up into large capillaries (approximately 18 microns in diameter) with an anteroposterior arrangement within the PD. The second group consisted of one inferior hypophyseal artery (IHA) on each side branching off from the internal carotid artery. These arteries gave off branches to pierce the dorsolateral and ventrolateral aspects of infundibular process (IP) before branching off to form a capillary network. They also gave rise to radiating capillaries to supply the pars intermedia (PI) surrounding the cortical area of the IP. The hypophyseal cleft separating the PI from the PD was clearly seen with very few blood vessels. The capillaries in both PD and IP joined to form confluent hypophyseal veins draining the blood into the cavernous sinus.

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker (Krachaidum) has long been used among Thai men for sexual enhancement. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of K. parviflora ethanolic extract on the sexual behavior of male rats and its toxicity. The experiment was divided into three groups of rats given K. parviflora extract at doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg BW for 60 days, whilst a control group received distilled water at 1 ml/day per oral. The results showed that all groups of male rats had significantly higher courtship behavior during the first 10-minute period of observation than in the 2nd and 3rd 10-minute periods, except those receiving the highest dose of K. parviflora. They revealed the same amount of courtship behavior throughout a whole 30-minute period, which was significantly lower than the control group. There was no significant difference between treated and control groups in other sexual behaviors; mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mount latency (ML), or intromission latency (IL). Toxicological study revealed no significant difference of hemoglobin, WBC or differential cell count. All dosages had no effect on kidney and liver function, according to the normal values of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crea), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Nevertheless, the histopathological study showed a morphological change in the liver. It was concluded that K. parviflora extract at 240 mg/kg BW reduced the time in the first 10 mintues of rat courtship behavior and the use of high and chronic doses of K. parviflora in humans should be considered inadvisable.

The multidrug resistance-associated protein transporter ABCC1 (MRP1) is an integral plasma membrane protein involved in the multidrug resistance phenotype. It actively expels a number of cytotoxic molecules from cells. To gain insight into the modulation of the functional properties of this integral membrane protein by cholesterol, a main component of the lipid bilayer, we used multidrug-resistant GLC4/ADR cells, which overexpress MRP1. Upon altering the plasma membrane cholesterol content of these cells, membrane localization and the activity of MRP1 were analyzed. A detergent-free methodology was used to separate "light" and "heavy" plasma membrane fractions. Our data show that MRP1 was exclusively found in "light" fractions known as L0 phase membrane microdomains, together with 23% of gangliosides GM1 and 40% of caveolin-1. Depletion of the membrane cholesterol level to 40% by treatment with the cholesterol-chelating agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin did not modify MRP1 activity, as evidenced either by the rate of efflux of pirarubicin or that of glutathione. Further cholesterol depletion below 40% yielded both a partial shift of MRP1 to the high-density fraction and a decrease of its functionality. Taken together, these data suggest that MRP1 functionality depends on its localization in cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains.

On the basis of the present knowledge of the substrate recognition site of ABC transporter proteins and inspired by the structures of verapamil and pervilleine A, a new class of Pgp-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) reverters has been designed and synthesized. The new compounds are flexible molecules carrying one or two basic nitrogen atoms flanked, at properly modulated distance, by two aromatic moieties. Most of the molecules studied possess MDR inhibitory activity on anthracycline-resistant erythroleukemia K 562 cells, showing a potency that is higher than that of the reference compound verapamil and, in a few cases (7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 22, 28), is in the high nanomolar range. These compounds may be useful leads to develop new MDR reverting agents. In fact, the chemical structure of the class is fairly simple and can be implemented in a variety of ways that will allow the synthesis of new compounds that might be useful leads for the development of drugs to control Pgp-dependent MDR.