Positively correlated with carcass weight and animal growth, the ribeye area (REA) and the backfat thickness (BFT) are economic important carcass traits, which impact directly on producer's payment. ...The selection of these traits has not been satisfactory since they are expressed later in the animal's life and multigene regulated. So, next-generation technologies have been applied in this area to improve animal's selection and better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of these traits. Correlation network analysis, performed by tools like WGCNA (Weighted Correlation Network Analysis), has been used to explore gene-gene interactions and gene-phenotype correlations. Thus, this study aimed to identify putative candidate genes and metabolic pathways that regulate REA and BFT by constructing a gene co-expression network using WGCNA and RNA sequencing data, to better understand genetic and molecular variations behind these complex traits in Nelore cattle.
The gene co-expression network analysis, using WGCNA, were built using RNA-sequencing data normalized by transcript per million (TPM) from 43 Nelore steers. Forty-six gene clusters were constructed, between them, three were positively correlated (p-value< 0.1) to the BFT (Green Yellow, Ivory, and Light Yellow modules) and, one cluster was negatively correlated (p-value< 0.1) with REA (Salmon module). The enrichment analysis performed by DAVID and WebGestalt (FDR 5%) identified eight Gene Ontology (GO) terms and three KEGG pathways in the Green Yellow module, mostly associated with immune response and inflammatory mechanisms. The enrichment of the Salmon module demonstrated 19 GO terms and 21 KEGG pathways, related to muscle energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, muscle degradation, and oxidative stress diseases. The Ivory and Light yellow modules have not shown significant results in the enrichment analysis.
With this study, we verified that inflammation and immune response pathways modulate the BFT trait. Energy and lipid metabolism pathways, highlighting fatty acid metabolism, were the central pathways associated with REA. Some genes, as RSAD2, EIF2AK2, ACAT1, and ACSL1 were considered as putative candidate related to these traits. Altogether these results allow us to a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that lead to muscle and fat deposition in bovine.
Commercial cuts yield is an important trait for beef production, which affects the final value of the products, but its direct determination is a challenging procedure to be implemented in practice. ...The measurement of ribeye area (REA) and backfat thickness (BFT) can be used as indirect measures of meat yield. REA and BFT are important traits studied in beef cattle due to their strong implication in technological (carcass yield) and nutritional characteristics of meat products, like the degree of muscularity and total body fat. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the Longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptome of Nellore cattle, associated with REA and BFT, to find differentially expressed (DE) genes, metabolic pathways, and biological processes that may regulate these traits.
By comparing the gene expression level between groups with extreme genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV), 101 DE genes for REA and 18 for BFT (false discovery rate, FDR 10%) were identified. Functional enrichment analysis for REA identified two KEGG pathways, MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway and endocytosis pathway, and three biological processes, response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, cellular protein modification process, and macromolecule modification. The MAPK pathway is responsible for fundamental cellular processes, such as growth, differentiation, and hypertrophy. For BFT, 18 biological processes were found to be altered and grouped into 8 clusters of semantically similar terms. The DE genes identified in the biological processes for BFT were ACHE, SRD5A1, RSAD2 and RSPO3. RSAD2 has been previously shown to be associated with lipid droplet content and lipid biosynthesis.
In this study, we identified genes, metabolic pathways, and biological processes, involved in differentiation, proliferation, protein turnover, hypertrophy, as well as adipogenesis and lipid biosynthesis related to REA and BFT. These results enlighten some of the molecular processes involved in muscle and fat deposition, which are economically important carcass traits for beef production.
The detection of signatures of selection in genomic regions provides insights into the evolutionary process, enabling discoveries regarding complex phenotypic traits. In this research, we focused on ...identifying genomic regions affected by different selection pressures, mainly highlighting the recent positive selection, as well as understanding the candidate genes and functional pathways associated with the signatures of selection in the Mangalarga Marchador genome. Besides, we seek to direct the discussion about genes and traits of importance in this breed, especially traits related to the type and quality of gait, temperament, conformation, and locomotor system. Three different methods were used to search for signals of selection: Tajima's D (TD), the integrated haplotype score (iHS), and runs of homozygosity (ROH). The samples were composed of males (n = 62) and females (n = 130) that were initially chosen considering well-defined phenotypes for gait: picada (n = 86) and batida (n = 106). All horses were genotyped using a 670 k AxiomR Equine Genotyping Array (Axiom MNEC670). In total, 27, 104 (chosen), and 38 candidate genes were observed within the signatures of selection identified in TD, iHS, and ROH analyses, respectively. The genes are acting in essential biological processes. The enrichment analysis highlighted the following functions: anterior/posterior pattern for the set of genes (GLI3, HOXC9, HOXC6, HOXC5, HOXC4, HOXC13, HOXC11, and HOXC10); limb morphogenesis, skeletal system, proximal/distal pattern formation, JUN kinase activity (CCL19 and MAP3K6); and muscle stretch response (MAPK14). Other candidate genes were associated with energy metabolism, bronchodilator response, NADH regeneration, reproduction, keratinization, and the immunological system. Our findings revealed evidence of signatures of selection in the MM breed that encompass genes acting on athletic performance, limb development, and energy to muscle activity, with the particular involvement of the HOX family genes. The genome of MM is marked by recent positive selection. However, Tajima's D and iHS results point also to the presence of balancing selection in specific regions of the genome.
A high-protein hypercaloric diet enriched with glutamine and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was called an onco-diet. The goal was to verify the modulation of the inflammatory response and body ...composition of female dogs with mammary tumor after mastectomy, during onco-diet consumption, using a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. Six bitches (average age of 8.6 years) were allocated into Control Group-diet without glutamine, EPA and DHA supplementation; and six bitches (10.0 years) were allocated into Test-diet enriched with glutamine and omega-3. Serum measurements of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IGF-1, C-reactive protein and determination of body composition were performed at pre- and post-surgical times. Statistical tests were used to compare the nutrient intake and dietary effects on inflammatory variables between the diets. No differences in concentrations of different cytokines (p>0.05) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.51) were observed between the groups. The test group had a higher concentration of IGF-1 (p<0.05), higher percentage of muscle mass (p<0.01) and lower body fat (p<0.01), but the difference was present from initial and throughout the study. Onco-diet, enriched with glutamine and omega-3, in the amounts evaluated in this study, was not sufficient to modulate the inflammation and body composition of female dogs with mammary tumors submitted to unilateral mastectomy.
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an efficient antioxidant that exhibits vitamin function but is naturally unstable. To overcome this problem, the objective of the present study was to improve AA ...microencapsulation by complex coacervation using both gelatin and gum arabic as encapsulating agents. To make the coacervation of a hydrophilic core material viable, a water-in-oil emulsion was first prepared using corn oil, a 30% solution of AA and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR 90), as the surfactant. Nine microcapsule formulations were prepared containing gelatin, gum arabic and AA at ratios of 1:1:0.5, 1:1:0.75 and 1:1:1, with 0.025, 0.05 and 0.075g/mL of the polymer, respectively. The morphology of the freeze-dried microcapsules was analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. The water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and stability of the encapsulated material were also examined. All of the microcapsule formulations were spherical, multinucleate and only slightly soluble and hygroscopic. The encapsulation efficiency was high (approximately 98%); therefore, it was possible to efficiently encapsulate AA using the double emulsion method followed by complex coacervation. The ascorbic acid was protected and more stable in the microcapsule than in solution, which suggests the possibility of controlled release under specific conditions and masking the acidic taste of AA.
•Ascorbic acid (AA) can be encapsulated by complex coacervation.•AA microcapsules are more stable than pure AA in solution.•AA microcapsules showed the possibility of masking its acid taste.•Conditioning at room temperature (20°C) conferred the greatest stability on the AA.•The powder could be easily stored and handled due to its hygroscopicity values.
The aims of this study were to produce and evaluate solid lipid microparticles (SLM) in which Lactobacillus acidophilus (La), a probiotic, was co-encapsulated with a prebiotics, either inulin (Inu) ...or polydextrose (Poly) using spray chilling technology. Morphological, chemical, and thermal characterisation of SLMs were conducted, along with survival assays to evaluate the resistance of the probiotic to the microencapsulation process, its resistance to exposure to simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluids (SIF), and its stability throughout storage for 120days at −18, 7 and 22°C in a vacuum or with controlled relative humidity. Cell viability was not affected by the spray-chilling process. All of the microcapsules produced in the present study increased the survival rate of La exposed to SGF and SIF compared to that of free probiotic cells. Promising results were obtained when these microcapsules were stored refrigerated and frozen with a controlled relative humidity. This study indicated that combined spray chilling process, combined with the addition of a prebiotic component, specifically polydextrose is an interesting technology for the protection, delivery and improve stability of probiotics, which increases the potential of symbiotic SLMs. Scaling up the spray chilling technique will allow efficient encapsulation of probiotics in a lipid matrix.
•Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) are potential vectors for probiotic and prebiotics.•SLM may release probiotic during digestion of fat in the intestine.•SLM with polydextrose kept the microorganisms viable for 120days of storage.•Encapsulation by spray chilling enhanced survival to simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Melatonin may have beneficial effects when used in oocyte maturation and embryo development culture. The effect of melatonin during IVM on meiosis resumption and progression in bovine oocytes and on ...expression of antioxidant enzymes, nuclear fragmentation and free radicals, as well as on embryo development were assessed. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in vitro with melatonin (10−9 and 10−6 M), FSH (positive control), or without hormones (negative control) in defined medium. Maturation rates were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Transcripts for antioxidant enzymes (CuZnSOD, MnSOD, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)) in oocytes and cumulus cells, nuclear fragmentation in cumulus cells (TUNEL) and reactive oxygen species levels in oocytes (carboxy-H2 difluorofluorescein diacetate) were determined at 24 hours IVM. Effect of treatments on embryo development was determined after in vitro fertilization and culture. At 12 hours, meiosis resumption rates in FSH and melatonin-treated groups were similar (69.6%–81.8%, P > 0.05). At 24 hours, most oocytes were in metaphase II, with FSH showing highest rates (90.0%, P < 0.05) compared with the other groups (51.6%–69.1%, P > 0.05). In cumulus cells, MnSOD expression was higher in FSH group (P < 0.05) whereas Cu,ZnSOD transcripts were more abundant in melatonin group (10−6M; P < 0.05). Nuclear fragmentation in cumulus cells was highest in controls (37.4%/10,000 cells; P < 0.05) and lower in FSH and 10−6M melatonin (29.4% and 25.6%/10,000 cells, respectively). Reactive oxygen species levels were lower in oocytes matured with 10−6M melatonin than in control and FSH groups (P < 0.05). Embryo development from oocytes matured only with melatonin was similar to those matured in complete medium (P > 0.05). In conclusion, although melatonin during IVM in a defined medium does not stimulate nuclear maturation progression it does stimulate meiosis resumption and such treated oocytes support subsequent embryo development. Melatonin also shows cytoprotective effects on cumulus-oocyte complexes.
In this study, we chose 17 worldwide sheep populations of eight breeds, which were intensively selected for different purposes (meat, milk, or wool), or locally-adapted breeds, in order to identify ...and characterize factors impacting the detection of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity-rich regions (HRRs) in sheep. We also applied a business intelligence (BI) tool to integrate and visualize outputs from complementary analyses. We observed a prevalence of short ROH, and a clear distinction between the ROH profiles across populations. The visualizations showed a fragmentation of medium and long ROH segments. Furthermore, we tested different scenarios for the detection of HRR and evaluated the impact of the detection parameters used. Our findings suggest that HRRs are small and frequent in the sheep genome; however, further studies with higher density SNP chips and different detection methods are suggested for future research. We also defined ROH and HRR islands and identified common regions across the populations, where genes related to a variety of traits were reported, such as body size, muscle development, and brain functions. These results indicate that such regions are associated with many traits, and thus were under selective pressure in sheep breeds raised for different purposes. Interestingly, many candidate genes detected within the HRR islands were associated with brain integrity. We also observed a strong association of high linkage disequilibrium pattern with ROH compared with HRR, despite the fact that many regions in linkage disequilibrium were not located in ROH regions.
Climate change is seen as a significant threat to the sustainability of livestock production systems in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical regions. Extreme meteorological events can ...result in catastrophic production and death of livestock. Heat waves in particular can push vulnerable animals beyond their survival threshold limits. However, there is little information about buffalo responses to sudden changes in the thermal environment, specifically the heat waves. This study aimed to quantify the thermoregulatory and blood biochemical responses of heat-acclimatized buffaloes to a simulated heat wave. The experiment was designed in a climatic chamber with two periods of 4 days each. Twelve heat acclimated buffalo heifers aged 18 months were used. The climatic chamber environment was set as follows: 4-day period (P1) simulating the same weather conditions of a summer in humid tropical climate used as a baseline, with daily cycle with Ta and RH at 27 ± 1 °C and 76% from 0600 h to 1900 h and 24 ± 1 °C and 80% from 1900 h to 0600 h, and 4-day period (P2), simulating a daily heat wave cycle, from 0600 h to 1900 h with Ta and RH kept at 36 °C and 78% and from 1900 h to 0600 h, 27 °C and 74%. All animals were subject to both treatments and data were analyzed by a repeated measure analysis of variance, with post-hoc pooling comparison performed by Tukey's test. In P2, there was observed a significant increase in respiratory frequency (
0.01), found four times in P1. The sweating rates were quite high in both periods; still, there were significant increases in P2 compared to P1 (
0.01) (4931 and 3201 g/m
/h, respectively). A slight but significant increase in rectal temperature was observed during the day (
0.01), with a rising until 1900 h. The simulated heat wave in P2 did not affect the values of the erythrogram or leukogram, excluding the significant reduction in K
(
0.05). The low heat storage and the subsequent fast and full recovery of the thermal balance late afternoon appear to be related to the high sweating rate values. The massive sweating rate emphasizes its relevance in the maintenance of buffalo homeothermy. The absence of changes in hematological parameters has revealed the considerable physiological resilience of buffaloes toward simulated heat waves.
The aim was to evaluate the effect of feeding a low-phosphorus and maintenance protein diet in healthy cats and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with IRIS stages 1 (CKD-1) and 2 (CKD-2). Cats ...were initially fed a senior diet (30 days) followed by the renal diet (60 days). Body composition, body weight (BW), muscle mass score (MMS), and body condition score (BCS) were assessed before (T30) and after renal diet intake (T60). General mixed linear models were used to assess the effects of fixed groups and moments (T30 × T60), as well as their interaction, in addition to the random effects of animals within each group. Unlike healthy cats and cats with CKD-1, cats with CKD-2 had a loss of BW, lower BCS (
< 0.005), and lower MMS (
= 0.0008) after 60 days of consuming the renal diet. The fat mass and lean body mass (LBM), determined by the deuterium isotopes method, did not change in all cats between T0 and T60. In healthy cats and cats with CKD-1, the renal diet resulted in maintenance of BW, BCS and MMS; but cats with CKD-2 presented lower BCS and did not reduce phosphatemia after consumption.
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