Density gradient centrifugation of sperm from a subfertile stallion and effect of seminal plasma addition on fertility

Stallions are not selected for fertility but for other criteria (pedigree, conformation, performances, progeny), therefore valuable but subfertile stallions with poor semen quality are frequently used in commercial breeding programs. The object of this study was to evaluate whether sperm selection through a silane-coated silica colloid gradient centrifugation, with or without the addition of seminal plasma of a high fertile stallion, could improve the pregnancy rates of an oligospermic valuable stallion in a commercial breeding program. In 2008 breeding season (experiment 1, n=104 mares), simple centrifugation and density gradient centrifugation of the sperm were compared. In 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons (experiment 2, n=125 mares), the effect of the addition of 5% seminal plasma to the extender after sperm selection was evaluated. In all mares deep horn uterine insemination was performed with 1 ml containing 50×10(6) morphologically normal progressive motile spermatozoa, 24-30 h after induction of ovulation with hCG. Pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasonography was performed 14 days following ovulation. Results showed a higher per cycle pregnancy rate (P>0.05) when sperm selection through a density gradient was used (62% vs. 42.3%, exp 1), while the addition of 5% seminal plasma did not influence the outcome (45.9% vs. 47.6%, exp 2) (P>0.05). An age-related decrease in the fertility of the stallion was observed when comparing the results from the different breeding seasons (P<0.05). In conclusion, sperm selection through a discontinuous density gradient enabled a normal per cycle pregnancy rate to be achieved from an oligospermic-subfertile stallion in a commercial breeding program, and no differences were observed regarding the addition of seminal plasma.     

Whey proteins as source of dipeptidyl dipeptidase IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that whey proteins can reduce postprandial glucose levels and stimulate insulin release in healthy subjects and in subjects with type 2 diabetes by reducing dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activity in the proximal bowel and hence increasing intact incretin levels. Our aim was to identify DPP-4 inhibitors among short peptides occurring in hydrolysates of β-lactoglobulin, the major whey protein found in the milk of ruminants. We proved that the bioactive peptide Ile-Pro-Ala can be regarded as a moderate DPP-4 inhibitor.     

The Golgi apparatus: an organelle with multiple complex functions

Remarkable advances have been made during the last few decades in defining the organizational principles of the secretory pathway. The Golgi complex in particular has attracted special attention due to its central position in the pathway, as well as for its fascinating and complex structure. Analytical studies of this organelle have produced significant advances in our understanding of its function, although some aspects still seem to elude our comprehension. In more recent years a level of complexity surrounding this organelle has emerged with the discovery that the Golgi complex is involved in cellular processes other than the 'classical' trafficking and biosynthetic pathways. The resulting picture is that the Golgi complex can be considered as a cellular headquarters where cargo sorting/processing, basic metabolism, signalling and cell-fate decisional processes converge.     

Elevated insulin sensitivity and β-cell function during pregnancy in mothers of growth-restricted newborns

The "Barker hypothesis" suggests that low birth weight might predict future risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Identification of the causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is critical for preventive and management strategies. Some studies indicate that maternal carbohydrate metabolism might be involved in FGR development. We aimed to evaluate, in a large number of normotensive pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance, the effect of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function on unexplained fetal growth. A total of 1,814 Caucasian pregnant women with normal prepregnancy body mass index were tested with a 75-g, 2-h glucose load (24-28 gestation wk). Insulin sensitivity was evaluated with fasting (QUICKI) and dynamic index (OGIS) and β-cell function with a modified insulinogenic index as ΔAUC(insulin)/ΔAUC(glucose) and disposition index. FGR was a birth weight below the 5th percentile for gestational age. FGR developed in 99 (5.5%) pregnant women that showed significantly higher QUICKI, OGIS, insulinogenic, and disposition index with respect to women with normal-weight babies (P < 0.0001). By using multiple regression analysis in the FRG group, QUICKI and OGIS appeared as significant independent variables (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0366, respectively). We conclude that elevated insulin sensitivity seems to be one of the factors involved in determining unexplained fetal growth retardation; its assessment, even only in the fasting state, could be useful to guide any possible monitoring and therapeutic strategies to reduce fetal complications.