RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Several countries' most incorrectly discarded medicines are acetaminophen (ACM), metamizole (MTZ), and nimesulide (NMS). These xenobiotics easily reach the aquatic environment; such contamination is very important for the health of humans and other species, yet little explored. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cocktail effect of ACM, MTZ, and NMS during zebrafish's initial development. METHODS: Zebrafish embryos 6-8 h post-fertilization (hpf) were exposed to different concentrations of ACM, MTZ, and NMS, separately, to obtain the 50% lethal concentrations (LC50). Next, the embryos were exposed to distinct concentrations of the cocktail (LC50/2, LC50/5, LC50/10, and LC50/20) in a semi-static system. Samples were analyzed 0, 24, 48, and 96 h after exposure, and the drugs' concentrations in E3 medium were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. For embryotoxicity evaluation, the mortality, hatching, and heart rates; total length; and pericardial and yolk sac areas were determined. In addition, body malformations, edemas, presence of pigmentation, and histopathological assessments were also recorded. RESULTS: The LC50 values obtained for MTZ, ACM, and NMS were 4.69 mgmL-1, 799.98 µgmL-1, and 0.92 µgmL-1, respectively. No difference was observed between the drugs' nominal and observed concentrations at each time point. The cocktail significantly induced mortality and decreased hatching in the LC50/10, LC50/5, and LC50/2 groups. Additionally, body malformations, pigmentation loss, and yolk sac and pericardial edemas were observed in the cocktail groups. The cocktail groups' larvae had decreased total length and slower heart rates compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The histopathological assessment showed that yolk sac edema promoted severe histological changes in the esophageal-intestine junction and intestine in larvae treated with cocktails. Moreover, PAS-positive structures decreased in the esophageal-intestine junction, intestine, and liver in larvae exposed to pharmaceutical cocktails. CONCLUSION: This study's findings suggest the cocktail of ACM, MTZ, and NMS may be hazardous to aquatic organisms in case of environmental contamination.

RESUMO

Worldwide meat consumption and production have nearly quintupled in the last 60 years. In this context, research and the application of new technologies related to animal reproduction have evolved in an accelerated way. The objective of the present study was to apply nanoemulsions (NEs) as carriers of lipids to feed bovine embryos in culture media and verify their impact on the development of embryos produced in vitro. The NEs were characterized by particle size, polydispersity, size distribution, physical stability, morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface tension, density, pH, and rheological behavior. The NEs were prepared by the emulsification/evaporation technique. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the NE fabrication parameters. The three optimized formulations used in the embryo application showed an emulsion stability index (ESI) between 0.046 and 0.086, which reflects high stability. The mean droplet diameter analyzed by laser diffraction was approximately 70-80 nm, suggesting a possible transit across the embryonic zona pellucida with pores of an average 90 nm in diameter. AFM images clearly confirm the morphology of spherical droplets with a mean droplet diameter of less than 100 nm. The optimized formulations added during the higher embryonic genome activation phase in bovine embryos enhanced early embryonic development.

RESUMO

We used ultrasonography and radiography to assess the sexual organs and characterize the reproductive cycle of captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) and Alcatrazes lancehead (B. alcatraz), two endangered island snake species in Brazil. We assessed 46- individuals of golden lancehead and 12 of Alcatrazes lancehead kept in captivity between 2014 and 2020. Follicular development was similar between species, but follicles in Alcatrazes lancehead were smaller than in the golden lanceheads. Female golden lanceheads produced 24 live young, seven stillborn and 73 undeveloped eggs. Parturition of live young occurred between midsummer (February) and early autumn and gestation averaged 8 months. Female Alcatrazes lanceheads produced four live young in midsummer, and one undeveloped egg in early autumn. Males and females of both species have seasonal and biennial reproductive cycles. Sperm storage in both sexes is essential to coordinate male and female cycles. The data obtained with golden lancehead and Alcatrazes lancehead in captivity, demonstrate a degree of conservatism, following data from other Bothrops.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen El síndrome de Turner (ST) es causado por la ausencia del segundo cromosoma sexual, dando lugar a individuos con fenotipo femenino. Se presenta en 1/2,500 recién nacidas vivas y se estima que solo el 1% de los embriones con ST logran llegar al término de su gestación. Estas pacientes presentan baja estatura, infertilidad, enfermedades cardiacas, renales y autoinmunes. Estudios han revelado alteraciones celulares y moleculares que explican la alta mortalidad en la etapa prenatal, complicaciones obstétricas y comorbilidades en estas pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar el conocimiento actual sobre el desarrollo de embriones con ST y su impacto en la salud de las pacientes. Se consideró la literatura científica actualizada. Se han reportado diversas alteraciones celulares y moleculares en etapas prenatales en embriones con ST que impactan en la salud de estas pacientes. La comprensión de estos mecanismos nos permitirá brindar una mejor atención obstétrica que se verá reflejada hasta la vida adulta de estas.

Abstract Turner syndrome (TS) is caused by the absence of the second sex chromosome, giving rise to individuals with a female phenotype. It occurs in 1/2,500 live newborns, and it is estimated that only 1% of embryos with TS manage to reach the end of their gestation. These patients have short stature, infertility, cardiac, renal, and autoimmune diseases. Studies have revealed cellular and molecular alterations that explain the high mortality in the prenatal stage, obstetric complications, and comorbidities. The objective of this study was to review the current knowledge about the development of embryos with TS and its impact on the health of patients. The updated scientific literature was reviewed. Various cellular and molecular alterations have been reported in prenatal stages in embryos with TS, which have an impact on the health of these patients. The understanding of these mechanisms will allow us to provide better obstetric care that will be reflected until their adult life.

RESUMO

El cobayo es un modelo animal ampliamente utilizado en la investigación biomédica debido a sus similitudes biológicas con los seres humanos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es proporcionar sustento morfológico para utilizar preparados histológicos de embriones de cobayo como modelo de estudio para comprender los procesos del desarrollo embrionario humano. Nuestros resultados muestran que los embriones de cobayo presentan características morfológicas similares a las observadas en los embriones humanos, lo que sugiere que pueden utilizarse como un modelo efectivo para estudiar el desarrollo embrionario humano. Este hallazgo tiene importantes implicancias para la investigación y la docencia utilizando este modelo animal. Se analizaron preparados histológicos de embriones de cobayo teñidos con hematoxilina eosina, adquiridos por la Universidad Autónoma de Chile. Se tomaron microfotografías de preparados histológicos de cobayo en diferentes estadios del desarrollo y se seleccionaron las mejores imágenes para la descripción de estructuras y establecer estimados de la embriogénesis. Del análisis de los preparados se desprende que órganos como esófago, médula espinal y corazón presentan similitudes anatómicas e histológicas que hacen posible compararlas con el desarrollo embrionario humano y la edad de gestación en etapas tempranas. El uso de preparados de embriones de cobayo y su análisis desde un aspecto histológico resulta ser una estrategia metodológica factible debido a las similitudes en la embriogénesis de los mamíferos y las concordancias morfológicas con el desarrollo de los órganos entre humanos y roedores. Esto permite implementar este modelo animal como una herramienta para comprender el desarrollo embrionario humano.

SUMMARY: The guinea pig is an animal model widely used in biomedical research due to its biological similarities with humans. The objective of our study is to provide morphological support to use histological preparations of guinea pig embryos as a study model to understand the processes of human embryonic development. Our results show that guinea pig embryos present morphological characteristics similar to those observed in human embryos, suggesting that they can be used as an effective model to study human embryonic development. This finding has important implications for research and teaching using this animal model. Histological preparations of guinea pig embryos stained with hematoxylin eosin, acquired by the Autonomous University of Chile, were analyzed. Photomicrographs of histological preparations of guinea pigs at different stages of development were taken and the best images were selected to describe structures and establish estimates of embryogenesis. From the analysis of the preparations it is clear that organs such as the esophagus, spinal cord and heart present anatomical and histological similarities that make it possible to compare them with human embryonic development and gestation age in early stages. The use of guinea pig embryo preparations and their analysis from a histological aspect turns out to be a feasible methodological strategy due to the similarities in mammalian embryogenesis and the morphological concordances with the development of organs between humans and rodents. This allows this animal model to be implemented as a tool to understand human embryonic development.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Exposure to heat stress (HS) in utero was postulated to trigger an adaptive molecular response that can be transmitted to the next generation. Hence, this study assessed the impact of HS exposure at different stages of the gestational period of mice on the female F1 population and their offspring. Heat stress exposure (41°C and 65% relative humidity-RH) occurred during the first half (FP), the second half (SP), or the entire pregnancy (TP). A control group (C) was maintained in normothermic conditions (25°C, 45% RH) throughout the experiment. Heat stress had a significant negative effect on intrauterine development, mainly when HS exposure occurred in the first half of pregnancy (FP and TP groups). Postnatal growth of FP and TP mice was hindered until 4 weeks of age. The total number of follicles per ovary did not vary (P > 0.05) between the control and HS-exposed groups. Mean numbers of primordial follicles were lower (P < 0.05) in the sexually mature FP than those in SP and TP F1 females. However, the mean number of viable embryos after superovulation was lower (P < 0.05) in TP compared with C group. The expression of genes associated with physiological and cellular response to HS, autophagy, and apoptosis was significantly affected in the ovarian tissue of F1 females and F2 in vivo-derived blastocysts in all HS-exposed groups. In conclusion, exposure to HS during pregnancy compromised somatic development and reproductive parameters as well as altered gene expression profile that was then transmitted to the next generation of mice.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Os cupins são conhecidos como insetos sociais em todo o mundo. Atualmente na China foram relatadas 473 espécies, 44 gêneros e 4 famílias de cupins. Destas, 111 espécies de Reticulitermes estão amplamente distribuídas em diferentes zonas da China. A temporada de voo de dispersão dessas espécies chinesas de Reticulitermes geralmente começa de fevereiro a junho, mas em algumas regiões diferentes espécies são distribuídas, compartilhando seus limites e tendo temporadas de voo sobrepostas. Essas razões tornam-se importantes fontes de hibridização entre duas populações heteroespecíficas de cupins. Foi confirmado que os ovos fertilizados e não fertilizados de alguns cupins Reticulitermes possuem capacidade de clivagem. Já os ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis, R. chinensis e R. labralis clivaram normalmente, e os únicos ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis se desenvolvem em embriões. R. flaviceps e R. chinensis foram observados com desenvolvimento embrionário anormal, e não eclosão de ovos por partenogênese. Eles foram relatados como mais ameaçadores para os recursos chineses à medida que se propagam com partenogênese, hibridização e reprodução sexual. Casca de ovo e macrófilos de ovos desempenham papéis importantes na identificação e controle de espécies, embora sejam pragas graves e causem uma ampla gama de danos a estruturas e produtos de madeira em residências, edifícios, materiais de construção, árvores, plantações e florestas na China continental.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract The objective of the current study was to investigate the synergistic impact of -Tocopherol and -Linolenic acid (100 µM) on IVM and IVC of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes. Oocytes were obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes within two hours after slaughter and brought to laboratory. Buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes were placed randomly in the five experimental groups included; GROUP 1: Maturation media (MM) + 100 µM ALA (control), GROUP 2: MM + 100 µM ALA + 50M -Tocopherol, GROUP 3: MM + 100 µM ALA + 100M -Tocopherol, GROUP 4: MM + 100 µM ALA + 200 M -Tocopherol and GROUP 5: MM + 100 µM ALA + 300 M -Tocopherol under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5 °C for 22-24 h. Cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation status was determined (Experiment 1). In experiment 2, oocytes were matured as in experiment 1. The matured oocytes were then fertilized in Tyrodes Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP) medium for about 20 h and cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium to determine effect of -Linolenic acid (100 µM) and -Tocopherol in IVM medium on IVC of presumptive zygotes. To study the effect of -Linolenic acid (100 µM) in IVM media and increasing concentration of -tocopherol in the culture media on early embryo development (Experiment 3), the presumptive zygotes were randomly distributed into the five experimental groups with increasing concentration of -tocopherol in culture media. Higher percentage of MII stage oocytes in experiment 1(65.2±2.0), embryos at morula stage in experiment 2 (30.4±1.5) and experiment 3 (22.2±2.0) were obtained. However, overall results for cumulus cell expansion, maturation of oocyte to MII stage and subsequent embryo development among treatments remain statistically similar (P > 0.05). Supplementation of -tocopherol in maturation media having -Linolenic acid and/or in embryo culture media did not further enhance in vitro maturation of oocyte or embryo production.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o impacto sinérgico do -tocoferol e do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) na MIV e CIV de oócitos de búfala Nili Ravi. Os oócitos foram obtidos dos ovários de búfalos abatidos duas horas após o abate e levados ao laboratório. Complexos de oócitos cumulus de búfalo foram colocados aleatoriamente nos cinco grupos experimentais incluídos; GRUPO 1: Meio de maturação (MM) + 100 µM ALA (controle), GRUPO 2: MM + 100 µM ALA + 50 µM -tocoferol, GRUPO 3: MM + 100 µM ALA + 100 µM -tocoferol, GRUPO 4: MM + 100 µM ALA + 200 M -tocoferol e GRUPO 5: MM + 100 µM ALA + 300 M -tocoferol sob uma atmosfera de 5% de CO2 em ar a 38,5 °C por 22-24 h. A expansão cumulus e o estado de maturação nuclear foram determinados (Experimento 1). No experimento 2, os oócitos foram maturados como no experimento 1. Os oócitos maturados foram então fertilizados em meio de Tyrode's Albumina Lactato Piruvato (TALP) por cerca de 20 h e cultivados em meio de fluido oviductal sintético (SOF) para determinar o efeito do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) e -tocoferol em meio IVM em IVC de presumíveis zigotos. Para estudar o efeito do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) em meio IVM e aumentar a concentração de -tocoferol no meio de cultura no desenvolvimento inicial do embrião (Experimento 3), os presumíveis zigotos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos cinco grupos experimentais com concentração crescente de -tocoferol em meios de cultura. Maior porcentagem de oócitos em estágio MII no experimento 1 (65,2 ± 2,0), embriões em estágio de mórula no experimento 2 (30,4 ± 1,5) e experimento 3 (22,2 ± 2,0) foram obtidos. No entanto, os resultados gerais para a expansão das células do cumulus, maturação do oócito para o estágio MII e desenvolvimento embrionário subsequente entre os tratamentos permanecem estatisticamente semelhantes (P> 0,05). A suplementação de -tocoferol em meios de maturação com ácido -linolênico e / ou em meios de cultura de embriões não aumentou ainda mais a maturação in vitro de oócitos ou a produção de embriões.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Bothrops atrox is a pit viper with a loreal pit organ, and its embryological development remains undescribed. Here, we provide a comprehensive description of the embryology of B. atrox, focusing on the loreal pit organ and cephalic scales. RESULTS: We characterized 13 developmental stages of B. atrox based on external features consistent with the embryogenesis of previously described snake species. The loreal pit organ originates from the circumorbital region and migrates to its final position. In Crotalinae, the pit organ first becomes visible at stage 28, whereas in Pythonidae labial, pit organs appear at Stage 35. Pit organs evolved independently three times in Serpentes, encompassing Boidae, Pythonidae, and Crotalinae. Boidae lacks embryological information for pit organs. Furthermore, we observed that head scalation onset occurs at Stage 33 in B. atrox, with fusion of scales surrounding the loreal pit organ. CONCLUSIONS: The embryology of pit organs in Pythonidae and Boidae species remains poorly understood. Our detailed embryological descriptions are critical for proposing developmental scenarios for pit organs and guiding future research on these structures.

Assuntos

RESUMO

We used ultrasonography and radiography to assess the sexual organs and char-acterize the reproductive cycle of captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) and Alcatrazes lancehead (B. alcatraz), two endangered island snake species in Brazil. We assessed 46- individuals of golden lancehead and 12 of Alcatrazes lancehead kept in captivity between 2014 and 2020. Follicular development was similar between species, but follicles in Alcatrazes lancehead were smaller than in the golden lance-heads. Female golden lanceheads produced 24 live young, seven stillborn and 73 un-developed eggs. Parturition of live young occurred between midsummer (February) and early autumn and gestation averaged 8 months. Female Alcatrazes lanceheads produced four live young in midsummer, and one undeveloped egg in early autumn. Males and females of both species have seasonal and biennial reproductive cycles. Sperm storage in both sexes is essential to coordinate male and female cycles. The data obtained with golden lancehead and Alcatrazes lancehead in captivity, demon-strate a degree of conservatism, following data from other Bothrops.