scholarly journals Raspberry Consumption Decreases the Expression of Interleukin-6 in the Liver of Angiotensin II-Infused Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 334-334
Author(s):  
Justina Kim ◽  
Maureen Meister ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Jessica Dahn ◽  
Lena MT Lear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Hepatic Expression ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Freeze Dried

Abstract Objectives Angiotensin (Ang) II induces inflammation in a number of tissues. Inflammation contribute to the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of raspberry consumption on markers of inflammation in the liver of rats-infused with Ang II. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8-week-old) were fed either an AIN-93M diet alone or supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried raspberry powder for seven weeks. At week 4, the animals were subcutaneously implanted with osmotic minipumps, delivering 0.9% saline (control) or Ang II (270 ng/kg body weight/day). Diet and treatment were continued for three additional weeks. Hepatic expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were evaluated by western blot. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Data were normalized to control and are expressed as means ± standard deviation. Results Ang II increased liver expression of IL-6 (1.73 ± 0.12, n = 5, vs 1.00 ± 0.17-fold, n = 5, P = 0.009) while supplementation with raspberry attenuated this effect (1.10 ± 0.14-fold, n = 5, P = 0.021). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the expression of IL-1 β among groups. Conclusions Raspberry supplementation attenuated Ang II-induced increases in IL-6 expression in the liver. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the effects of raspberry supplementation on Ang II-induced inflammation in the liver. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (grant no. 2019–67,017-29,257/project accession no. 1,018,642) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

scholarly journals Raspberry Consumption Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Subfornical Organ in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 298-298
Author(s):  
Jasmynne Blacks ◽  
Ferdinand Althammer ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Maureen Meister ◽  
Jessica Dahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Subfornical Organ ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Freeze Dried

Abstract Objectives To examine whether raspberry (RB) attenuates oxidative stress induced by angiotensin (Ang) II in the subfornical organ (SFO) of the brain in rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an AIN-93M diet with or without 10% w/w freeze-dried RB powder for seven weeks. At week 4, rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (Control) or Ang II (270 ng/kg body weight/day) for another three weeks. Brain region-specific tissue punches were collected from flash-frozen sections containing the SFO. NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2 and 4 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2 were measured in SFO using western blot. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Data were normalized to control and are expressed as means ± standard deviation. Results Ang II significantly increased NOX2 expression compared to control (1.24 ± 0.1, n = 5, vs 1.00 ± 0.07-fold, n = 3, P = 0.009) while RB supplementation significantly attenuated Ang II-induced increases in NOX2 (0.91 ± 0.05-fold, n = 4; P = 0.0006). Ang II also increased NOX4 expression compared to control (2.11 ± 1.2, n = 9, vs 0.98 ± 0.4-fold, n = 6, P = 0.04), but RB supplementation did not significantly attenuate this effect (1.30 ± 0.36-fold, n = 10, P = 0.11). RB increased expression of SOD1 (1.52 ± 0.20-fold, n = 4) compared to control (1.00 ± 0.15-fold, n = 3, P = 0.009) and Ang II alone (1.08 ± 0.16-fold, n = 5, P = 0.01). On the other hand, Ang II treatment decreased SOD2 expression compared to control (0.62 ± 0.05, n = 5, vs 1.00 ± 0.09-fold, n = 3, P = 0.0001), but the RB supplementation did not prevent this effect (0.72 ± 0.07-fold, n = 4, P = 0.16). Conclusions Our findings suggest that RB supplementation decreases Ang II-induced oxidative stress in the SFO by decreasing NOX2 and increasing SOD1 expression. Future investigations are warranted to elucidate the effects of RB on oxidative stress pathways in the SFO. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (grant no. 2019–67,017-29,257/project accession no. 1,018,642) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

scholarly journals Raspberry Increases Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes in the Kidney of Angiotensin II-Treated Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 341-341
Author(s):  
Lena MT Lear ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Maureen Meister ◽  
Jessica Danh ◽  
Desiree Wanders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Enzymes ◽  
Antioxidant Enzyme ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Freeze Dried

Abstract Objectives To examine whether dietary supplementation with raspberries attenuates angiotensin (Ang) II-induced oxidative stress in the kidneys of rats. Methods Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an AIN-93M diet (control and Ang II groups) or AIN-93M diet supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried raspberry (RB + Ang II) for seven weeks. At week 4, rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (control) or Ang II (270 ng/kg body weight/day) for an additional three weeks. Protein expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 1 (GP × 1) and NADPH quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), as well as ERK1/2 phosphorylation were assessed by western blot in the kidneys. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. Data were normalized to control and are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results The expression of the antioxidant enzyme GP × 1 was significantly increased with raspberry supplementation (1.33 ± 0.24-fold, n = 9) in comparison to control (1.00 ± 0.18-fold, n = 9, P = 0.009) and Ang II alone (0.93 ± 0.24-fold, n = 9, P = 0.002). The expression of the antioxidant enzyme NQO1 was significantly increased with raspberry supplementation (2.10 ± 0.74-fold, n = 9) in comparison to control (1.00 ± 0.44-fold, n = 9, P = 0.0002) and Ang II alone (0.74 ± 0.16-fold, n = 9, P < 0.0001). Although not significantly, Ang II induced an increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in comparison to control (1.66 ± 0.45 vs 1.00 ± 0.88-fold, n = 5, P = 0.22). Nonetheless, raspberry supplementation (0.62 ± 0.22-fold, n = 5, P = 0.02) was able to attenuate ERK1/2 phosphorylation in comparison to Ang II alone. Conclusions Our findings indicate that supplementation with raspberry has the potential to significantly increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes in a model of Ang II-induced oxidative stress. Future work will focus on elucidating the mechanism through which raspberries elicit their action in the kidneys. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (grant no. 2019–67,017-29,257/project accession no. 1,018,642) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

scholarly journals Raspberry Consumption Increases Cardiac NRF2 Transcriptional Products in Angiotensin II-Infused Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 351-351
Author(s):  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Maureen Meister ◽  
Jessica Danh ◽  
Lena MT Lear ◽  
Justina Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Abstract Objectives To determine whether raspberry consumption mitigates cardiac oxidative stress induced by angiotensin (Ang) II in rats. Methods Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93M (4% corn oil) diets with or without a 10% w/w raspberry freeze-dried powder for seven weeks. At week 4, rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (control) or Ang II (270 ng/kg body weight/day). At week 7, hearts were excised for protein analysis via western blot. Protein expression of NRF2 and its transcriptional products, HO-1 and NQO1, were quantified in the left ventricle. Data are normalized to control and presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test if data were normally distributed. Otherwise, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted. Results The expression of the antioxidant transcription factor NRF2 was significantly increased by raspberry consumption compared with Ang II alone (2.41 ± 0.62, n = 5 vs 1.31 ± 0.20-fold, n = 5, P = 0.002) and compared to control (1.00 ± 0.19-fold, n = 5, P = 0.0003). Additionally, the expression of NRF2 transcriptional product NQO1 was significantly increased by raspberry consumption compared to control (1.70 ± 0.52, n = 5 vs 1.00 ± 0.41-fold, n = 5, P = 0.05) but not compared to Ang II (1.30 ± 0.25-fold, n = 5, P = 0.3). Lastly, HO-1 was significantly increased in rats consuming raspberries compared to control (3.04 ± 1.80, n = 5 vs 1.00 ± 0.23-fold, n = 5, P = 0.02), but not compared to Ang II alone (1.92 ± 1.06-fold, n = 5, P = 0.8). Conclusions Raspberries directly increase NRF2 and its transcriptional products in the hearts of rats infused with Ang II. These findings may translate to cardio-protection from neurohumoral insult due to reduced oxidative stress and increased endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (grant no. 2019–67,017-29,257/project accession no. 1,018,642) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

scholarly journals Raspberry Consumption Decreases NOX4 Expression and Increases Antioxidant Enzymes in Lungs of Angiotensin II-Infused Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 347-347
Author(s):  
Maureen Meister ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Jessica Danh ◽  
Lena MT Lear ◽  
Justina Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Enzymes ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Sd Rats ◽  
Freeze Dried

Abstract Objectives To determine whether a diet supplemented with red raspberry (RB) is effective at reducing angiotensin (Ang) II-induced oxidative stress in the lungs of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Eight-week-old male SD rats were fed an AIN-93M diet alone (control and Ang II) or supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried RB powder for a total of seven weeks. At week 4, SD rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for delivery of 0.9% saline (control) or Ang II (270 ng/kg body weight/day). Following 3 weeks of infusion, rats were sacrificed, and lungs were collected for analysis. Protein expression of the pro-oxidant enzyme, NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4, and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADPH quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were assessed by western blot. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc test. Results were normalized to control and presented as means ± standard deviation. Results RB supplementation significantly increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including, SOD1 (1.34 ± 0.16, n = 5, vs 1.11 ± 0.13-fold, n = 5, P = 0.04) and catalase (1.50 ± 0.28, n = 5, vs 0.79 ± 0.20-fold, n = 5, P = 0.008), when compared to Ang II alone. Compared to control, however, RB significantly increased SOD1 (1.00 ± 0.05-fold, n = 4, P = 0.004) while catalase did not (1.00 ± 0.40, n = 4, P = 0.07). Similarly, HO-1 (1.66 ± 0.82, n = 5, vs 0.75 ± 0.13-fold, n = 4, P = 0.046) and NQO1 (2.13 ± 0.19, n = 4, vs 1.26 ± 0.14-fold, n = 5, P < 0.0001) were greater in the RB supplemented rats in comparison to Ang II alone. Additionally, RB significantly increased NQO1 (1.00 ± 0.16, n = 4, P < 0.0001) but not HO-1 (1.00 ± 0.43-fold, n = 4, P = 0.22) when compared to control. RB supplementation also decreased the expression of NOX4 (0.77 ± 0.38, n = 5, vs 1.41 ± 0.30-fold, n = 5, P = 0.02) in comparison to Ang II alone. Conclusions Our results suggest the potential for red raspberries to decrease oxidative stress within the lung tissue. As investigations into whole food dietary treatments in lung conditions are essentially non-existent, future work will aim to determine the potential for raspberries to serve as a complementary therapy in these conditions. Funding Sources This work was funded by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (grant no. 2019–67,017-29,257/project accession no. 1,018,642) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

scholarly journals Blackberry and Raspberry Attenuate the Increase in Blood Pressure Elicited by Angiotensin II in Mice (P06-054-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Feresin ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Christy Simecka ◽  
Shengyu Mu
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Nadph Oxidases ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Tail Cuff

Abstract Objectives To examine whether diet supplementation with blackberry or raspberry attenuate angiotensin (Ang) II-induced increase in blood pressure (BP) and decrease oxidative stress in the kidneys of mice. Methods Twelve-week male C57BL/6 J mice were fed AIN-93 M diets alone (control and Ang II groups) or supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried blackberry (BL + Ang II) or raspberry (RB + Ang II) powder for eight weeks. At week 4, mice were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (Control) or Ang II (1 µg/kg body weight/day) for another four weeks. BP was measured weekly by tail-cuff plethysmography and validated by direct measurement at endpoint using a BP catheter. Kidney expression of pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidases (Nox) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutates (SOD) were also measured. Results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Results As expected, Ang II significantly increased systolic BP (SBP; 185 ± 4, n = 6, vs 132 ± 2 mmHg, n = 5, P < 0.001) and diastolic BP (124 ± 4, n = 6, vs 96 ± 2 mmHg, n = 4, P < 0.001) compared to control. Supplementation with BL and RB significantly attenuated this increase in SBP (143 ± 7 mmHg, n = 5, P < 0.0001 and 137 ± 4 mmHg, n = 5, P < 0.0001, respectively) and DBP (100 ± 6 mmHg, n = 5, P < 0.003 and 90 ± 3 mmHg, n = 5, P < 0.0001, respectively). Regarding the expression of NADPH oxidases in the kidney, Nox2 was significantly decreased by supplementation with BL (0.68 ± 0.07-fold, n = 5, P = 0.0005) and RB (0.70 ± 0.03-fold, n = 5, P = 0.0008) compared to Ang II (1.15 ± 0.12-fold, n = 5). Nox1 expression was up-regulated by Ang II compared to control (2.03 ± 0.16 vs 1.00 ± 0.00-fold, n = 5, P = 0.0001), but this was not prevented by supplementation with either berry. Nox4 expression was not affected by any of the treatments. Lastly, Ang II did not change the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 in the kidney, however, supplementation with RB significantly increased SOD1 (P = 0.02) and SOD2 (P = 0.005) expression compared to the other groups. Conclusions Our findings indicate that supplementation with BL and RB decrease BP in mice which may be related to a decrease in oxidative stress in the kidney. Studies are underway to further elucidate the mechanism by which BL and RB exert their antihypertensive effects. Funding Sources Arkansas Biosciences Institute and Lewis Foundation Grant Program.

scholarly journals Effects of Raspberry on Angiotensin II-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Fibrosis in the Heart of Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 370-370
Author(s):  
Jasmynne Blacks ◽  
Rami Najjar ◽  
Christy Simecka ◽  
Shengyu Mu ◽  
Rafaela Feresin
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Freeze Dried ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Abstract Objectives To investigate whether diet supplementation with raspberry attenuate angiotensin (Ang) II- induced increase in oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the heart of mice. Methods Twelve-week male C57BL/6J mice were fed AIN-93M diets alone (control and Ang II groups) or supplemented with 10% w/w freeze-dried raspberry (n = 5 per group). At week 4, mice were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic minipumps that delivered 0.9% saline (Control) or Ang II (1 µg/kg body weight/day) for another four weeks. Heart was collected at sacrifice and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured. Fibrosis was assessed using Masson's trichrome staining. Results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. Effect size (d) was also calculated to compare standardized changes among groups. Results Protein expression of Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes, was up-regulated by raspberry (1.57 ± 0.34 vs. 0.76 ± 0.15-fold, P = 0.09, d = 1.4) compared to Ang II, albeit not significantly. Ang II did not change the protein expression of the antioxidant enzyme SOD2 in the heart; however, supplementation with raspberry increased SOD2 (1.81 ± 0.33 vs. 1.09 ± 0.09-fold, P = 0.09; d = 1.1) expression compared to Ang II, though not significantly. Supplementation with raspberry significantly attenuated protein expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 compared to Ang II (0.87 ± 0.19 vs. 1.4 ± 0.10-fold, P = 0.04, d = 1.8). Lastly, Ang II increased fibrosis in the heart of mice, which was attenuated by supplementation with raspberry. Conclusions Our findings indicate that raspberry may decrease Ang II-induced fibrosis by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart. Funding Sources Arkansas Biosciences Institute & Lewis Foundation Grant Award.

scholarly journals PSII-33 Differences in prostaglandin release in cows with high vs low circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 244-245
Author(s):  
Sydney T Reese ◽  
Kelsey Schubach ◽  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Sarah M West ◽  
Meaghan M O’Neil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peak Concentration ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Prostaglandin Release ◽  
Baseline Levels ◽  
Agriculture And Food ◽  
And Control

Abstract Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting pregnancy rates in cattle and occurs early (&lt; day 28) or late (≥ day 28) during gestation. However, causes and mechanisms associated with late EM remain unknown. Despite negative connotations related to pregnancy, prostaglandin F2α (PGF) is capable of being released by the bovine uterus between days 28 and 32 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF release between cows with high circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) vs low PAG following an oxytocin (OT) challenge. Increased concentrations of PAG are associated with pregnancy success. At day 29 of gestation, pregnant cows were divided into high (n = 10) and low (n = 10) PAG groups and received either 100 I. U. of oxytocin intramuscularly (OT) or saline (control). Blood samples were collected every 30 minutes beginning 1 hour before and continuing for 4 hours after treatment. Prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and PAG concentrations were determined. Peak concentration of PGFM occurred 2 hours after OT injection (average high PAG group peak: 345.6 ± 73.6 pg/mL; low PAG group peak: 326.4 ± 61.4 pg/mL, P &gt; 0.05) and returned to baseline levels by 4 hours. No correlations were observed between PAG and PGFM concentrations (P &gt; 0.05). There was no difference in initial or final PGFM concentrations between high or low PAG groups and control animals (P &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference in P4 or E2 concentration between treatment and control animals (P &gt; 0.05) despite a luteolytic release of PGF2α. In summary, cows with high vs low PAG concentrations at day 30 of gestation have a similar PGFM response to OT challenge. This project supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2017-67015-26457 from USDA-NIFA.

60 PREDICTING FROZEN BOAR SPERM FERTILITY USING NOVEL AND CONVENTIONAL ANALYSES

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
B. W. Daigneault ◽  
K. A. McNamara ◽  
P. H. Purdy ◽  
S. L. Rodriguez-Zas ◽  
R. L. Krisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Assay ◽  
Laboratory Evaluation ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Boar Sperm ◽  
Live Sperm

Cryopreserved boar sperm is seldom used for AI because fertility is reduced. Despite many potential advantages of frozen-thawed sperm for AI, lack of reliable fertility estimation of frozen ejaculates before AI limits the application of frozen sperm. Conventional post-thaw evaluation of sperm does not accurately estimate fertility. Identifying sperm traits that predict fertility would help select ejaculates that produce adequate litter sizes. Our objective was to identify traits of cryopreserved sperm that are related to boar fertility for AI through the use of novel and traditional laboratory analyses. Semen from 14 boars of several breeds was cooled to 15°C for shipping before freezing. Post-thaw motility was evaluated using a microscope and confirmed with computer-automated sperm analysis. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were measured at 0, 30, and 60 min post-thaw. In addition to traditional analyses, each sperm sample was tested by IVF to record fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst development. A sperm-oviduct binding assay was used to compare the number of sperm bound to epithelial aggregates harvested from the isthmus. Additionally, a competitive zona binding assay using 2 distinct fluorophores for boar identification was used to count the number of sperm from each boar bound to the zona. Frozen sperm from the same ejaculates subjected to laboratory analyses were used to determine actual boar fertility. Fertility was measured by AI of mature gilts using 4.0 × 109 total sperm from one boar at 24 h and a second boar at 36 h after the onset of oestrus, and AI order was reversed in consecutive replicates. Fertility was expressed as the percentage of the litter sired by each boar. Reproductive tracts were harvested at 32 days after AI, and fetal paternity was identified using microsatellite markers. The actual boar fertility was regressed against the mean of each laboratory evaluation by boar, and the assays that best predicted fertility were identified using stepwise logistic regression. The model generated was highly predictive of fertility (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.87) and included 5 traits: acrosome compromised sperm (0 and 30 min), percent live sperm (0 min), percent total motility (30 min), and the number of zona bound sperm. An additional model in which fertility was assessed by the number of piglets sired by boar also predicted fertility (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.57) and shared many of the same traits. These models were highly accurate when used to predict actual fertility of cryopreserved boar sperm. This approach may be used to screen ejaculates before AI and advance the use of frozen boar sperm by the swine industry.Research was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2010-85112-20620 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Responsiveness vs. basal activity of plasma ANG II as a determinant of arterial pressure salt sensitivity

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (5) ◽  
pp. H2142-H2149 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Osborn ◽  
Pilar Ariza-Nieto ◽  
John P. Collister ◽  
Sandra Soucheray ◽  
Benjamin Zimmerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Salt Sensitivity ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Salt Sensitive Hypertension

Infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II) causes salt-sensitive hypertension. It is unclear whether this is due to the body's inability to suppress ANG II during increased salt intake or, rather, an elevated basal level of plasma ANG II itself. To distinguish between these mechanisms, Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with arterial and venous catheters for measurement of arterial pressure and infusion of drugs, respectively. The sensitivity of arterial pressure to salt was measured in four groups with the following treatments: 1) saline control (Con, n = 12); 2) administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril to block endogenous ANG II (ANG-Lo, n = 10); 3) administration of enalapril and 5 ng · kg–1 · min–1 ANG II to clamp plasma ANG II at normal levels (ANG-Norm, n = 10); and 4) administration of enalapril and 20 ng · kg–1 · min–1 ANG II to clamp ANG II at high levels (ANG-Hi, n = 10). Rats ingested a 0.4% NaCl diet for 3 days and then a 4.0% NaCl diet for 11 days. Arterial pressure of rats fed the 0.4% NaCl diet was lower in ANG-Lo (84 ± 2 mmHg) compared with Con (101 ± 3 mmHg) and ANG-Norm (98 ± 4 mmHg) groups, whereas ANG-Hi rats were hypertensive (145 ± 4 mmHg). Salt sensitivity was expressed as the change in arterial pressure divided by the change in sodium intake on the last day of the 4.0% NaCl diet. Salt sensitivity (in mmHg/meq Na) was lowest in Con rats (0.0 ± 0.1) and progressed from ANG-Lo (0.8 ± 0.2) to ANG-Norm (1.5 ± 0.5) to ANG-Hi (3.5 ± 0.5) rats. We conclude that the major determinant of salt sensitivity of arterial pressure is the basal level of plasma ANG II rather than the responsiveness of the renin-angiotensin system.

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