Browsing by Author "Hitit M."

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A cardioprotective role of Nerium oleander with the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 2A mRNA by increasing antioxidant enzymes in rat heart tissue
(2018-01-01) Hitit M.; Corum O.; Corum D.D.; Donmez H.; Cetin G.; Dik B.; Er A.
Background: Nerium oleander (NO) distillate is used to either protect heart cells against oxidative stress or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by regulating the production of reactive oxygen species. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) regulate cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms under hypoxic conditions in which heart cells survive; however, the key responsible mechanism of NO distillate for cardioprotection remains elusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on heart tissue at different time intervals after administering NO distillate intraperitoneally (IP) while considering the transcriptional regulation of HIFs and representative antioxidant enzymes. Materials, Methods & Results: The NO plant was chopped, and distillated water was added. The mixture was distilled, and the distillate separated and collected into tubes, after which it was lyophilized to obtain dry material. Twenty male Wistar albino rats (2-3 month-old, 250-300 g each) were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group (n = 5) received IP injections of saline; the remaining 15 rats received IP injections of a single dose of 7.5 mL NO distillate. The NO distillate injected rats were divided into three groups according to the time from injection to harvest the heart tissue samples. The tissues were collected at 0 h (control; n = 5), 2 h (group 2; n = 5), 4 h (group 3; n = 5), and 8 h (group 4; n = 5) after injection and under general anesthesia (60 mg/kg ketamine, IP + 10 mg/kg xylazine, IP). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess the expression profiles of the genes of interest in the heart tissues. Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase was used as the reference gene. The expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mRNA was in a steady state level between the control group and group 2 (P > 0.05); however, it significantly increased in group 3 and 4 compared with that in the control (P < 0.05). Expression of catalase (CAT) mRNA was significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group (P < 0.05) although it was lower in group 3 and 4 than in group 2 (P < 0.05); however, it appeared to be similar among the control group, group 3, and group 4 (P > 0.05). Copper (Cu) SOD mRNA was equally expressed in both the control group and group 2 (P > 0.05) but was lower in group 3 and 4 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). Expressions of HIF1A, HIF2A, and HIF3A mRNA were detected in the rat heart tissues in the control and 2, 4, and 8 h after administration of NO distillate. Expression of HIF1A mRNA was in a steady state and did not differ among groups 2, 3, and 4 (P > 0.05). Similarly, the expression of HIF2A mRNA did not change between the control group and group 2 (P > 0.05); however, it was higher in group 3 than in the control (P < 0.05) and tended to be higher in group 3 than in group 2 (P = 0.063). HIF3A mRNA expression did not change significantly in the heart tissue of any of the groups (P > 0.05). Discussion: The present study using rats determined that MnSOD, CAT, CuSOD, HIF1A, HIF2A, and HIF3A mRNA are expressed in the heart tissues after administration of NO distillate. The increased expression of HIF2A mRNA after 4 h in accordance with a rise in CAT mRNA after 2 h, and MnSOD mRNA after 4 and 8 h might confirm the role of HIF2A mRNA in oxidative stress defense by regulating antioxidant enzymes; consequently, this study may expand our understanding of uses of NO distillate with respect to molecular pathways.
Advances in Cryopreservation of Bull Sperm
(2019-08-27) Ugur M.R.; Saber Abdelrahman A.; Evans H.C.; Gilmore A.A.; Hitit M.; Arifiantini R.I.; Purwantara B.; Kaya A.; Memili E.
Cryopreservation of semen and artificial insemination have an important, positive impact on cattle production, and product quality. Through the use of cryopreserved semen and artificial insemination, sperm from the best breeding bulls can be used to inseminate thousands of cows around the world. Although cryopreservation of bull sperm has advanced beyond that of other species, there are still major gaps in the knowledge and technology bases. Post-thaw viability of sperm is still low and differs significantly among the breeding bulls. These weaknesses are important because they are preventing advances both in fundamental science of mammalian gametes and reproductive biotechnology. Various extenders have been developed and supplemented with chemicals to reduce cryodamage or oxidative stress with varying levels of success. More detailed insights on sperm morphology and function have been uncovered through application of advanced tools in modern molecular and cell biology. This article provides a concise review of progress in the cryopreservation of bull sperm, advances in extender development, and frontiers using diverse techniques of the study of sperm viability. This scientific resource is important in animal biotechnology because with the advances in discovery of sperm fertility markers, there is an urgent need to improve post-thaw viability and fertility of sperm through enhanced cryopreservation for precision agriculture to produce food animals to ensure food security on the global scale.
Advancing Semen Evaluation Using Lipidomics
(2021-04-16) Evans H.C.; Dinh T.T.N.; Hardcastle M.L.; Gilmore A.A.; Ugur M.R.; Hitit M.; Jousan F.D.; Nicodemus M.C.; Memili E.
Developing a deeper understanding of biological components of sperm is essential to improving cryopreservation techniques and reproductive technologies. To fully ascertain the functional determinants of fertility, lipidomic methods have come to the forefront. Lipidomics is the study of the lipid profile (lipidome) within a cell, tissue, or organism and provides a quantitative analysis of the lipid content in that sample. Sperm cells are composed of various lipids, each with their unique contribution to the overall function of the cell. Lipidomics has already been used to find new and exciting information regarding the fatty acid content of sperm cells from different species. While the applications of lipidomics are rapidly evolving, gaps in the knowledge base remain unresolved. Current limitations of lipidomics studies include the number of available samples to analyze and the total amount of cells within those samples needed to detect changes in the lipid profiles across different subjects. The information obtained through lipidomics research is essential to systems and cellular biology. This review provides a concise analysis of the most recent developments in lipidomic research. This scientific resource is important because these developments can be used to not only combat the reproductive challenges faced when using cryopreserved semen and artificial reproductive technologies in livestock such as cattle, but also other mammals, such as humans or endangered species.
Alcoholic extract of tarantula cubensis induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cell line
(2017-01-01) Ayse E.R.; Corum O.; Corum D.; Hitit M.; Donmez H.; Guzeloglu A.
Tarantula cubensis Alcoholic Extract (TCAE) is a homeopathic agent used for treating many disorders. This study aimed to define the effects of TCAE on the breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). After various concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 µl/ml) of TCAE were applied to MCF-7 cells and the human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293), the cells were incubated for 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 h, followed by analysis by MTT assays. According to the results of the MTT assays, cells treated with 20 or 40 µl/ml TCAE for 6 h were applied to apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry. Secreted levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, Interferon-γ (IFNγ), Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ), and Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were measured using ELISAs. TNFα and TGFβ levels increased while IL-6 and IL-10 levels fluctuated in MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, our study suggests that TCAE may change the normal cancer physiology and lead to cell death by activating apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
Amino Acids of Seminal Plasma Associated With Freezability of Bull Sperm
(2020-01-14) Ugur M.; Dinh T.; Hitit M.; Kaya A.; Topper E.; Didion B.; Memili E.
Sperm cryopreservation is an important technique for fertility management, but post-thaw viability of sperm differs among breeding bulls. With metabolites being the end products of various metabolic pathways, the contributions of seminal plasma metabolites to sperm cryopreservation are still unknown. These gaps in the knowledge base are concerning because they prevent advances in the fundamental science of cryobiology and improvement of bull fertility. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that seminal plasma amino acids are associated with freezability of bull sperm. To accomplish this objective, amino acid concentrations in seminal plasma from seven bulls of good freezability (GF) and six bulls of poor freezability (PF) were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Multivariate and univariate analyses were performed to identify potential freezability biomarkers. Pathways and networks analyses of identified amino acids were performed using bioinformatic tools. By analyzing and interpreting the results we demonstrated that glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid in bull seminal plasma with average concentration of 3,366 ± 547.3 nM, which accounts for about 53% of total amino acids. The other most predominant amino acids were alanine, glycine, and aspartic acid with the mean concentrations of 1,053 ± 187.9, 429.8 ± 57.94, and 427 ± 101.3 nM. Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that phenylalanine concentration was significantly associated with post-thaw viability (r = 0.57, P-value = 0.043). Significant correlations were also found among other amino acids. In addition, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) bi-plot indicated a distinct separation between GF and PF groups. Phenylalanine had the highest VIP score and was more abundant in the GF groups than in the PF groups. Moreover, pathway and network analysis indicated that phenylalanine contributes to oxidoreductase and antioxidant reactions. Although univariate analysis did not yield significant differences in amino acid concentration between the two groups, these findings are significant that they indicate the potentially important roles of amino acids in seminal plasma, thereby building a foundation for the fundamental science of cryobiology and reproductive biotechnology.
Cell-Specific Expression Pattern of Toll-Like Receptors and Their Roles in Animal Reproduction
(2022-01-01) Atli M.O.; Hitit M.; Özbek M.; Köse M.; Bozkaya F.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a part of the innate immune system, have critical roles in protection against infections and involve in basic pathology and physiology. Secreted molecules from the body or pathogens could be a ligand for induction of the TLR system. There are many immune and non-immune types of cells that express at a least single TLR on their surface or cytoplasm. Those cells may be a player in a defense system or in the physiological regulation mechanisms. Reproductive tract and organs contain different types of cells that have essential functions such as hormone production, providing an environment for embryo/fetus, germ cell production, etc. Although lower parts of reproductive organs are in a relationship with outsider contaminants (bacteria, viruses, etc.), upper parts should be sterile to provide a healthy pregnancy and germ cell production. In those areas, TLRs bear controller or regulator roles. In this chapter, we will provide current information about physiological functions of TLR in the cells of the reproductive organs and tract, and especially about their roles in follicle selection, maturation, follicular atresia, ovulation, corpus luteum (CL) formation and regression, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, sperm production, maturation, capacitation as well as the relationship between TLR polymorphism and reproduction in domestic animals. We will also discuss pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)-induced TLRs that involve in reproductive inflammation/pathology.
Cellular and Functional Physiopathology of Bull Sperm With Altered Sperm Freezability
(2020-10-23) Hitit M.; Ugur M.R.; Dinh T.T.N.; Sajeev D.; Kaya A.; Topper E.; Tan W.; Memili E.
The objective of this study was to ascertain the cellular and functional parameters as well as ROS related changes in sperm from bulls with varied sperm freezability phenotypes. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the variables were reduced to two principal components, of which PC1 explained 48% of the variance, and PC2 explained 24% of the variance, and clustered animals into two distinct groups of good freezability (GF) and poor freezability (PF). In ROS associated pathophysiology, there were more dead superoxide anion positive (Dead SO+) sperm in GF bulls than those in PF (15.72 and 12.00%; P = 0.024), and that Dead SO+ and live hydrogen positive cells (live H2O2+) were positively correlated with freezability, respectively (R2 = 0.55, P < 0.0130) and (rs = 0.63, P = 0.0498). Related to sperm functional integrity, sperm from PF bulls had greater dead intact acrosome (DIAC) than those from GF bulls (26.29 and 16.10%; P = 0.028) whereas sperm from GF bulls tended to have greater live intact acrosome (LIAC) than those from PF bulls (64.47 and 50.05%; P = 0.084). Sperm with dead reacted acrosome (DRAC) in PF bulls were greater compared to those in GF (19.27 and 11.48%; P = 0.007). While DIAC (R2 = 0.56, P = 0.0124) and DRAC (R2 = 0.57, P < 0.0111) were negatively correlated with freezability phenotype, LIAC (R2 = 0.36, P = 0.0628) was positively correlated. Protamine deficiency (PRM) was similar between sperm from GF and PF bulls (7.20 and 0.64%; P = 0.206) and (rs = 0.70, P = 0.0251) was correlated with freezability. Sperm characteristics associated with cryotolerance are important for advancing both fundamental andrology and assisted reproductive technologies across mammals.
Circulating miRNAs in maternal plasma as potential biomarkers of early pregnancy in sheep
(2022-08-17) Hitit M.; Kose M.; Kaya M.S.; Kırbas M.; Dursun S.; Alak I.; Atli M.O.
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the control of gene expression and is implied in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The aim was to assess plasma miRNA profiles during the peri-implantation and ascertain potential candidate miRNA markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in ovine plasma. The plasma samples were obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days 12 (pre-implantation; P12, n = 4), 16 (implantation; P16, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation; P22, n = 4) after mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (Pre-C; C12, n = 4), 16 (Imp-C; C16, n = 4) and 22 (Post-C; C22, n = 4) of the estrous cycle. The miRNA profiles in plasma were assessed by microarray technology. We detected the presence of 60 ovine-specific miRNAs in plasma samples. Of these miRNAs, 22 demonstrated a differential expression pattern, especially between the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and targeted 521 genes. Two miRNAs (oar-miR-218a and oar-miR-1185-3p) were confirmed using RT-qPCR in the ovine plasma samples. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of target genes established six functional modules, of which modules 1 and 3 were enriched in the common GO terms, such as inflammatory response, defense response, and regulation of immune response. In contrast, module 2 was enriched in the developmental process involved in reproduction, embryo development, embryonic morphogenesis, and regulation of the developmental process. The results indicate that miRNAs profiles of plasma seemed to be modulated during the peri-implantation stage of pregnancy in ewes. Circulating miRNAs could be promising candidates for diagnosis in early ovine pregnancy.
Expression of ADAMTS-7 in myocardial dystrophy associated with white muscle disease in lambs
(2018-01-01) Yumusak N.; Yigin A.; Polat P.; Hitit M.; Yilmaz R.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ADAMTS-7 gene in the pathogenesis of myocardial dystrophy associated with white muscle disease (WMD) in lambs. A total of 217 cardiac tissue samples from lambs with WMD were used in the study. Histopathological sections of the samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and examined using Western-blot, real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry for ADAMTS-7 gene expression, and the findings were statistically evaluated. Histopathological examinations revealed fibrosis associated with hyalinization, necrosis and granular calcifications in cardiomyocytes. Western blot and RT-PCR showed a statistically significant upregulation of ADAMTS-7 (p?0.05) (p?0.05). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that immunopositive cell numbers significantly high for ADAMTS-7 (p?0.05). The study has revealed that ADAMTS-7 gene is significantly expressed in myocardial dystrophy associated with WMD in addition to its role in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Expression pattern and cellular localization of two critical non-nuclear progesterone receptors in the ovine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy
(2022-08-01) Atli M.O.; Akbalık M.E.; Kose M.; Alak I.; Atli Z.; Hitit M.
The study aimed to investigate the expression and cellular localization of two critical non-nuclear progesterone receptors, including membrane-associated-progesterone-receptor-component-1 (PGRMC1) and progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 7 (PAQR7) throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in ovine corpus luteum (CL). Ewes were randomly grouped into cyclic (C, n = 4 per group) or pregnant (P, n = 4 per group) groups. Following slaughtering, the CL was obtained from both cyclic and pregnant ewes on days 12 (C12 and P12), 16 (C16 and P16), and 22 (C22 and P22). Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized to assess the expression levels of PGRMC1 and PAQR7, whereas immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the localization of PGRMC1 and PAQR7 in CL. Data were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, and the P < 0.05 was considered a significant difference. PGRMC1 was shown to be expressed in both small and large luteal cells and endothelial cells in CL, while PAQR7 expression was only found in small and large luteal cells. Compared to cycle days, pregnancy increased the expression of PGRMC1. PAQR7 did not differ during early pregnancy but reduced during the functional luteolysis stage (C16). mRNA and protein expression patterns for PGRMC1 and PAQR7 were similar on the studied days. This is the first study that demonstrates the expression and cellular localization of PGRMC1 and PAQR7 in ovine CL. We suggest that these receptors could execute a significant role in the ovine CL life span in both cyclic changes and the establishment of pregnancy.
Expression pattern of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in rat testes and epididymis during postnatal development
(2018-11-01) Özbek M.; Hitit M.; Yıldırım N.; Özgenç Ö.; Ergün E.; Ergün L.; Beyaz F.; Kurtdede N.; Altunay H.
Galectins are a family of lectins-binding beta-galactosides involved in a variety of extracellular and intracellular processes, thereby contributing to homeostasis, cell adhesion, cellular turnover, and immunity. This study aimed to determine the localization and expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the testis and epididymis of rats at postnatal [(prepubertal (day 5), pubertal (day 20), postpubertal (day 50) and mature (day 70)] periods by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Gal-1 and Gal-3 were differentially expressed in different types of cells in the testis and epididymis during postnatal development. While we detected Gal-1 expression in some spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells in the testis, not in the epididymal epithelium, Gal-3 was expressed in Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells, smooth muscles and interstitial CD68-positive macrophages. Epithelial cells of the corpus and cauda epididymis showed an intense Gal-3 expression. Gal-1 expression was higher in the testis than in the epididymis on days 50 and 70. The expression of Gal-3 in the testis increased from the prepubertal to mature period. While the expression difference of Gal-3 was not statistically significant in the testis and epididymis until puberty, Gal-3 expression in the postpubertal and mature periods was higher in the epididymis. The expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis was higher than that in the caput epididymis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that puberty has potential regulatory effect on the expression of galectins in testis and epididymis of rats. Gal-1 and 3 may play a role in the development of the reproductive system and the preservation of the immune-privileged environment in the testis, due to their pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic functions. The presence of intense expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis may contribute to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa.
Expression pattern of microRNAs in ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation
(2022-10-01) Kose M.; Hitit M.; Kaya M.S.; Kırbas M.; Dursun S.; Alak I.; Atli M.O.
MicroRNA (miRNA), acting as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, has been widely demonstrated to be involved in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The objective of the current study was to illuminate the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the endometrium during the peri-implantation in ewes. Intercaruncular endometrial samples was obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days of 12 (pre-implantation, n = 4), 16 (implantation, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation, n = 4) of pregnancy following mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (n = 4), 16 (n = 4) and 22 (n = 4) of the estrous cycle. The miRNA profiles were examined in the endometrium by microarray technology. We detected 116 ovine specifics miRNAs in the endometrium. Of these, nineteen were differentially expressed in early pregnancy. Four miRNAs (oar-miR-370-3p, oar-miR-411b-5p, oar-miR-379-3p and oar-miR-411a-3p) that had the most differential fold change were confirmed by RT-qPCR in ovine endometrium. The differentially expressed miRNAs targeted a total of 315 genes, resulting in 39 GO terms in molecular function, 353 in biological process, and 17 in the cellular component. The construction of the PPI network of target genes established two functional modules mostly enriched in the innate immune system, toll receptor cascades in module 1, whereas genes in module 2 were associated with GMCSF-mediated signaling events, insulin pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. Based on the results, we may imply that miRNAs modulate ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation.
Expression patterns of genes in steroidogenic, cholesterol uptake, and liver x receptor-mediated cholesterol efflux pathway regulating cholesterol homeostasis in natural and PGF2α induced luteolysis as well as early pregnancy in ovine corpus luteum
(2022-05-01) Hitit M.; Kose M.; Kocak N.; Atli M.O.
The aim was to evaluate the expression of genes of steroidogenic, cholesterol uptake, and liver X receptor (LXR) mediated cholesterol efflux pathway in ovine corpus luteum (CL) during natural and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induced luteolysis and early pregnancy. For this study, two experiments were carried out 1); ewes were grouped into two sub-groups as cyclic 12 (C12, n = 4) and 16 (C16, n = 4) and pregnant 12 (P12, n = 4), 16 (P16, n = 4), and 22 (P22, n = 4). Additionally, 2) ewes were grouped into four groups following treatment of PGF2α, the duration of PGF2α challenge at 1 (PG1, n = 4), 4 (PG4, n = 4), and 16 (PG16, n = 4) hours on day 12 of the cycle was compared with 0 h. The corpus luteum tissue samples were collected on the corresponding estrus cycle and pregnancy days, and RNA was extracted using Trizol. mRNA expression levels of the steroidogenic (StAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1) and cholesterol uptake receptors (SCARB1 and LDLR) and LXR pathway (NR1H3, NR1H2, ABCA1, and ABCG1) were assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and protein of LXR pathway was investigated using western blot. In-situ hybridization was used to detect mRNA localization. Steroidogenic and cholesterol uptake mRNAs were decreased in C16, while NR1H2 and ABCG1 were increased in C16, compared to C12. Steroidogenic and cholesterol uptake mRNA was greater in P16 than in C16. NR1H2 and ABCA1 protein expression were higher in P16 than in C16. LDLR mRNA was higher in P22 than in P12, while SCARB1 was higher in P16 than in P12. NR1H2 mRNA was greater in P22 than in P12. Steroidogenic and cholesterol uptake mRNA were decreased in PGF2α-induced luteolysis groups against C12. ABCG1 mRNA was higher in PG16 than in PG4 and PG1. The reduction of lipoprotein receptors rather than LXR-mediated reverse transport may contribute to the decline in progesterone (P4) in natural and functional luteolysis.
Expression patterns of Toll-like receptors in the ovine corpus luteum during the early pregnancy and prostaglandin F2α-induced luteolysis
(2018-04-15) Atli M.; Kose M.; Hitit M.; Kaya M.; Bozkaya F.
The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression profiles of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the ovine corpus luteum (CL) during early pregnancy and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced luteolysis. For this purpose, multiparous Anatolian Merino ewes were selected and randomly allotted into cyclic (including those in the induced luteolysis group, n = 20) and pregnant (n = 12) groups. All of the ewes were scheduled to be slaughtered for predetermined days/hour during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy, and PGF2α induced luteolysis. The CLs were collected from both cyclic and pregnant ewes on days 12 (C12 and P12; n = 8) and 16 (C16 and P16; n = 8) and pregnant ewes on day 22 (P22; n = 4). For the induced luteolysis model, ewes were injected with PGF2α on day 12 of the estrous cycle and CLs were collected at 1 h (PG1h; n = 4), 4 h (PG4h; n = 4), and 16 h (PG16h, n = 4) after injection. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to evaluate the expression profiles of TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR8, and TLR10, while free-floating in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to define the spatial localization of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR7 in the CL. Data were then analyzed by one-way ANOVA and were considered statistically significant when P values were lower than 0.05. Expression of TLR2 was upregulated in both early and late stages of luteolysis (P <.05). An upregulation of TLR4 was detected at PG16h, while TLR6 was decreased at PG4h (P <.05). Expression of TLR7 and TLR8 was significantly increased during early pregnancy, at both PG16h and regressed groups (C16, P <.05). In contrast, TLR10 was downregulated during PGF2α-induced luteolysis and on P16 (P <.05). TLR4 and TLR7 proteins were particularly localized in endothelial cells on C12/PG0h, but prominent signals corresponding to TLR4 and TLR7 were detected in luteal cells at PG16h. The results suggest an involvement of TLRs in the luteolytic mechanism in ovine CL, as indicated by differential expression levels of TLRs during PGF2α-induced luteolysis. Moreover, the present study indicates that early pregnancy-mediated changes in TLR expression in the CL may contribute to the establishment and maintenance of ovine pregnancy.
Expression profile of Toll-like receptor 4 in rat testis and epididymis throughout postnatal development
(2020-04-01) Özbek M.; Hitit M.; Ergün E.; Ergün L.; Beyaz F.; Erhan F.; Yıldırım N.; Kandil B.; Özgenç Ö.; Memili E.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belonging to pattern recognition receptors are involved in maintaining testicular and epididymal immune homeostasis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate TLR4 expression in rat testis and epididymis throughout postnatal development. Weak staining was detected in peritubular myoid cells and immature Sertoli cells while no staining was observed in gonocytes during prepubertal period. However, TLR4 expression began to appear in spermatocytes in pubertal period and gradually increased in spermatids. An intense staining was observed in steps 5–19 spermatids in post pubertal and mature periods. Similarly, TLR4 expression in the testes steadily increased from pubertal period to mature period. Puberty also caused a significant increase in TLR4 expression in epididymis. TLR4 expression in cauda epididymis was lower as compared to those of other epididymal segments. The majority of epididymal epithelial cells exhibited apical TLR4 expression, whereas basal cells showed intense intracytoplasmic immunoreaction. We detected an intense staining in epididymal smooth muscle cells. The expression levels of TLR4 showed dynamic changes in both spermatogenic cells, and entire testicular and epididymal tissues during postnatal development. These results suggest that TLR4 expression contributes not only to inflammation but also to the development of spermatogenic cells.
Functional variables of bull sperm associated with cryotolerance
(2021-01-01) Gilmore A.; Hitit M.; Ugur M.R.; Dinh T.T.N.; Tan W.; Jousan D.; Nicodemus M.; Topper E.; Kaya A.; Memili E.
The objective of this study was to ascertain sperm population and cellular characteristics as well as total antioxidant capacity in spermatozoa from Holstein bulls with Good (11 bulls) and Poor (5 bulls) cryotolerance. Post-thaw sperm kinetics were evaluated using CASA, membrane integrity was assessed via HOS test, and DNA fragmentation was measured using the HaloSperm kit. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis. The spermatozoa from Good bulls had a higher number of cells with intact membranes (P=0.029), non-fragmented DNA (P=0.018), and post-thaw viability (P<0.001) compared to sperm cells from Poor cryotolerance bulls. Sperm cells from Good bulls also had a faster average path velocity (P=0.017) and straight-line velocity (P=0.036), along with a greater distance average path (P=0.006) and distance straight line (P=0.011). However, total antioxidant capacity, number of live cells, and other kinetic parameters between spermatozoa from Good and Poor groups were not different. There is no one specific sperm function variable alone that can accurately predict cryotolerance of bull spermatozoa, and thus, a combination of sperm cell attributes and kinematics needs to be utilized by the AI industry in differentiating between freezability of spermatozoa between bulls.
Lipidomic markers of sperm cryotolerance in cattle
(2020-12-01) Evans H.C.; Dinh T.T.N.; Ugur M.R.; Hitit M.; Sajeev D.; Kaya A.; Topper E.; Nicodemus M.C.; Smith G.D.; Memili E.
The objective of the current study was to determine the fatty acid composition of sperm from Holstein bulls with different freezability (Good and Poor; n = 12). Fatty acids were extracted from frozen sperm in 1:2 (v/v) chloroform–methanol solvent, fractionated into neutral and polar fractions, and composition determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Thirty-four fatty acids were quantified and their concentrations and percentages within each lipid fraction were calculated. Overall, saturated fatty acids (SFA) were predominant, accounting for 71 to 80% of fatty acids in neutral and polar lipid factions. There were marked differences in fatty acid composition between the lipid fractions (P < 0.001). The branched chain fatty acid (BCFA) concentration (15 to 18 µg) was almost twice as much as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentration found in the polar lipid fraction (8 to 9 µg; P < 0.001). Sperm with different freezability phenotypes only had a few differences in 22:0, 18:1 cis 9, and 14:0 13-methyl fatty acids (P ≤ 0.011). These results are significant because they reveal key understandings of fatty acid composition of sperm membrane and lay a foundation for the manipulation of membrane integrity, fluidity, and stability to advance the assisted reproductive technologies.
Metabolomics characteristics associated with milk yield and milk quality in sheep
(2022-01-01) Kahraman M.; Das A.; Gungoren G.; Das B.D.; Yalcin H.; Hitit M.; Koyuncu I.; Akmese S.
Standard milk tests include monitoring traits such as milk yield and quality. In addition to performing standard milk tests, it is now possible to evaluate metabolites that could act as potential biomarkers to determine milk properties. This study was conducted to identify the metabolomic parameters related to milk yield and quality in Awassi sheep. In our study, a total of 26 Awassi ewes, 13 with high milk yield and 13 with low milk yield, were examined. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for metabolomic analysis. There was a statistically significant difference at different levels between the two groups in terms of aspartic acid, ornithine, anserine, and cystathionine levels (P<0.05 and P<0.01). A moderate negative correlation was determined between milk yield and aspartic acid (r=−0.63) and anserine (r=−0.52) levels (P<0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between lactose levels and lysine (r=−0.50), alpha-aminoadipic acid (r=−0.52), and hydroxylysine (r=−0.51) levels (P<0.01). The somatic cell count and alanine (r=0.49), aspartic acid (r=0.42), proline (r=0.42), alpha-aminoadipic acid (r=0.41), beta-alanine (r=0.43), and thiaproline (r=0.43) levels (P<0.05) showed positive correlation. Our results provide important insights into the metabolic events involved in sheep milk yield and milk quality which may guide further research to improve milk production and enhance the constituents of sheep milk.
Mucus from different fish species alleviates carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema in rats
(2020-10-01) Hitit M.; Corum O.; Ozbek M.; Uney K.; Terzi E.; Arslan G.; Sonmez A.
Objective: To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of mucus obtained from different fish species on the carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in rats. Methods: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Acute paw edema was induced by 0.1 mL of 1% carrageenan, and a single dose of diclofenac and lyophilized mucus (25 mg/kg) of rainbow trout, brook trout, European sea bass, and gilthead sea bream were administered to rats through gastric gavage 1 h before carrageenan treatment. Rat paws were measured before and 1-4 h after carrageenan treatment. The mRNA expressions of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β), antioxidant markers (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and COX-2 were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: The inhibition percentage of carrageenan-induced paw edema by different fish mucus ranged from 52.46% to 74.86% at 4 h. Histopathological evaluation showed that all fish mucus diminished carrageenan-induced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. The upregulation of IL-1β mRNA induced by carrageenan was decreased by the mucus of rainbow trout and gilthead sea bream while an increase in the expression of IL-6 mRNA was reduced by the mucus of rainbow trout, brook trout, and gilthead sea bream. In addition, the mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase was higher in the rainbow trout mucus group than the carrageenan group. Conclusions: Mucus obtained from different fish species may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Pentoxifylline may restore kanamycin-induced renal damage in rats
(2018-01-01) Corum O.; Ozdemir O.; Hitit M.; Corum D.D.; Coskun D.; Er A.
Background: Kidney damage can be caused by many factors, such as using certain drugs in high doses or over the long term. The use of one such group of drugs, aminoglycosides, which act as Gram-negative antibacterial therapeutic agents, can lead to nephrotoxicity. It has been hypothesized that aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity might be prevented by using pentoxifylline, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and improves microcirculation. The objective of this present research was to determine the protective effects of pentoxifylline on kanamycin-induced kidney damage. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: control, pentoxifylline, kanamycin, and kanamycin + pentoxifylline. The control group received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 0.5 mL normal saline solution once a day (d) (SID) for 20 d; the pentoxifylline group received IP injections of 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline twice a day (BID) for 20 d, the kanamycin group received subcutaneous (SC) injections of 500 mg/kg kanamycin SID for 20 d, and the kanamycin + pentoxifylline group received both SC injections of 500 mg/kg kanamycin SID and IP injections of 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline BID for 20 d. At the end of 20 d, blood samples were taken from the heart by cardiac puncture under general anesthesia. After euthanizing the rats by cervical dislocation under anesthesia, the kidneys were immediately removed, relative kidney weights were calculated, and routine pathologic evaluations were conducted. Hemogram parameters were measured using a blood cell count apparatus and serum biochemical parameters were measured using an autoanalyzer. Kanamycin also caused (P < 0.05) tubular degeneration and tubular dilatation. Although pentoxifylline significantly reduced the level of kanamycin-induced tubular degeneration (P < 0.05), it did not significantly reduce tubular dilatation. Increases in relative kidney weights (P < 0.05) and in interstitial mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltrates were observed in the kanamycin and kanamycin + pentoxifylline groups compared to those in the control and pentoxifylline groups. Statistically significant changes were determined in the levels of some hemogram and biochemical parameters within reference ranges (P < 0.05). Discussion: In this study, both tubular degeneration and dilatation were observed in the kanamycin group. Pentoxifylline inhibited (P < 0.05) kanamycin-induced tubular degeneration and appeared to also reduce tubular dilatation, although this reduction was not significant. Tubular necrosis, epithelial edema of proximal tubules, tubular fibrosis, and perivascular inflammation might also be observed in aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity. In current research, pentoxifylline prevented tubular damage induced by kanamycin, but did not inhibit infiltration by MNCs. Pentoxifylline also ameliorated amikacin- or gentamycin-induced histopathologic changes, especially those associated with tubular structures. The protective effects of pentoxifylline on kanamycin-induced tubular nephrotoxicity in this research might be a result of its stimulating the production of prostaglandin, a vasodilator, and of its improving microcirculation. Although the anti-inflammatory effects of pentoxifylline have been reported, these did not inhibit kanamycin-induced infiltration by interstitial MNCs in the present study. These results could indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of pentoxifylline are not obvious and/or are dose dependent. Statistically significantly changes were determined in the levels of some hemogram and biochemical parameters in reference ranges. However, these changes were within the reference ranges for rats. These results suggested that kanamycin-induced tubular degeneration and dilatation might be prevented by administering pentoxifylline.