Sperm-Guiding Unconventional Prostaglandins in C. elegans: Synthesis and Signaling

Prostaglandins comprise a family of lipid signaling molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and are involved in a wide array of biological processes, including fertilization. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (a.k.a. cyclooxygenase or Cox) initiates prostaglandin synthesis from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Oocytes of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have been shown to secrete sperm-guidance cues prostaglandins, independent of Cox enzymes. Both prostaglandin synthesis and signal transduction in C. elegans are environmentally modulated pathways that regulate sperm guidance to the fertilization site. Environmental factors such as food triggers insulin and TGF-β secretion and their levels regulate tissue-specific prostaglandin synthesis in C. elegans. This novel PG pathway is abundant in mouse and human ovarian follicular fluid, where their functions, mechanism of synthesis and pathways remain to be established. Given the importance of prostaglandins in reproductive processes, a better understanding of how diets and other environmental factors influence their synthesis and function may lead to new strategies towards improving fertility in mammals.

Assisted Reproductive Technology in Neotropical Deer: A Model Approach to Preserving Genetic Diversity

One of the most significant challenges in deer is the ability to maintain genetic diversity, avoiding inbreeding and sustaining population health and reproduction. Although our general knowledge of reproductive physiology is improving, it appears that the application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) will more efficiently advance wildlife conservation efforts and preserve genetic diversity. The purpose of this review is to present the most important results obtained with the use of ART in Neotropical deer. Thus, the state-of-the-art for estrus synchronization, semen technology, artificial insemination, and in vivo embryo production will be presented. In vitro embryo production (IVP) is also a biotechnology that is taking initial steps in deer. In this aspect, the approach with the proteomics of ovarian follicular fluid is being used as a tool for a better understanding of oocyte maturation. Finally, cell banks and the use of interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) as well as the use of stem cells for gametes differentiation are promising techniques.

Suspect and non-target screening of ovarian follicular fluid and serum – identification of anthropogenic chemicals and investigation of their association to fertility

This work shows the applicability of non-target screening for prioritizing environmental contaminants in the ovarian follicular fluid, identifying both substances associated to embryo quality and with high calculated hazard to humans.

Comparative Analysis of Biochemical Constituents between Ovarian Follicular Fluid and Serum in Ganjam Goat (Capra hircus)

Background: Follicular fluid is in part exudates of serum and is also partially composed of locally produced substances, which are related to the metabolic activity of the follicular cells. The knowledge of the biochemical composition of follicular fluid can provide useful information about the requirements, growth and maturation of oocyte and which may be used as a provisional guide for formulating suitable culture media for in vitro cell culture and maturation in a particular species. Methods: Follicular fluid were aspirated from small follicles ( less than 3 mm; SF), medium follicles (3-5 mm; MF) and large follicles ( greater than 5 mm; LF). Blood samples were also collected for extraction of serum. Follicular fluid and serum samples were analyzed for biochemical constituents. Conclusion: It can be concluded that some biochemical constituents of follicular fluid such as glucose, cholesterol, total protein and globulin were higher in large follicles compared to small follicles. Moreover, serum levels of most of biochemical constituents were higher than their levels in different sizes of follicular fluid. This present investigation of comparative analysis of biochemical constituents between serum and ovarian follicles in Ganjam goat of Odisha will provide clues to researchers who work on reproductive physiology in different breeds of goat.