Utilização de dietas úmidas e de rações e água de bebida com edulcorante para leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade e efeitos sobre o desenvolvimento histológico e enzimático intestinal

Um experimento foi realizado com leitões desmamados visando avaliar os efeitos de oito tratamentos, correspondentes à combinação dos fatores, apresentações de ração (seca e úmida), tipos de ração (sem e com edulcorante) e tipos de água de consumo (sem e com edulcorante) sobre o desenvolvimento morfológico e enzimático intestinal. Foram avaliadas a altura das vilosidades (V), a profundidade das criptas (C) e a relação altura das vilosidades e profundidade das criptas (V:C) do duodeno e do jejuno, o conteúdo de proteína na mucosa do jejuno, e as atividades enzimáticas (UA) da maltase, sacarase e dipeptidase. Utilizaram-se 32 leitões machos castrados, Large White x Landrace, desmamados aos 21 dias, submetidos aos tratamentos durante oito dias. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com oito tratamentos, fatorial 2 x 2 x 2, com quatro repetições. Foram observadas diferenças para a altura das vilosidades do duodeno para os grupos tratados com dieta úmida e ração com edulcorante e para a relação V:C do duodeno para os animais que receberam ração com edulcorante. Houve diferença para a UA da sacarase e da maltase para os grupos que receberam água sem edulcorante. As características histológicas foram favorecidas pelas dietas úmidas, o que pode sugerir que esta apresentação foi menos agressiva ao trato digestivo. Para os demais fatores os resultados contrariaram as expectativas de que o tratamento água com edulcorante melhoraria a qualidade do epitélio intestinal. A fase crítica pela qual os leitões foram submetidos, possivelmente, comprometeu os resultados.

Edulcorante na água de consumo e efeitos sobre o desempenho e o desenvolvimento da mucosa intestinal de leitões submetidos ao desmame precoce segregado

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de verificar os efeitos da indução do consumo de água com edulcorante, na fase de berçário (10 aos 30 dias de idade), sobre o desempenho de 270 leitões (machos e fêmeas) submetidos ao desmame precoce segregado e os efeitos residuais nas fases de pré-creche (30 aos 45 dias) e de creche (45 aos 62 dias de idade). Três tratamentos com dois sexos e três repetições (fatorial 3 x 2) foram utilizados dos 10 aos 30 dias de idade dos leitões, sendo: T1- água sem edulcorante, T2 - água com edulcorante e T3 - água com e sem edulcorante oferecidos simultaneamente em bebedouros distintos. Foram avaliados o ganho diário de peso, o consumo diário de ração e a conversão alimentar. O consumo diário de água somente foi medido na fase de berçário. A incidência de diarréia foi observada até o 10º dia após o desmame. Aos 22 dias de idade, seis leitões por tratamento foram sacrificados para avaliação da altura das vilosidades e profundidade das criptas da mucosa do duodeno e jejuno. Não foram observadas diferenças para as variáveis estudadas, exceto para o ganho diário de peso e consumo diário de ração nas fases compreendidas entre 30 e 45 dias e 45 e 62 dias e para o ganho diário de peso entre 10 e 62 dias, a favor das fêmeas. O uso de edulcorante na água não influenciou o consumo de água, o desempenho dos leitões e a qualidade da mucosa intestinal.

Performance and morphology of intestinal mucosa of broilers fed mannan-oligosaccharides and enzymes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A curva de regressão da gonadotrofina coriônica humana é útil no diagnóstico precoce da neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional pós-molar?

OBJETIVO: avaliar a utilidade da curva de regressão normal da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) no diagnóstico precoce de neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional pós-molar (NTG). MÉTODOS: estudo longitudinal, incluindo 105 pacientes com mola hidatiforme completa (MHC) acompanhadas no Centro de Doenças Trofoblásticas de Botucatu, entre 1998 e 2005. Os títulos da hCG sérica foram mensurados quinzenalmente em todas as pacientes. Curvas individuais de regressão da hCG das 105 pacientes foram estabelecidas. A comparação entre a curva de regressão normal estabelecida em nosso serviço com as curvas individuais da hCG foi usada no rastreamento e diagnóstico (platô/ascensão) de NTG. O número de semanas pós-esvaziamento quando a hCG excedeu o limite normal foi comparado com o número semanas em que a hCG apresentou platô/ascensão. RESULTADOS: das 105 pacientes com MHC, 80 apresentaram remissão espontânea (RE) e 25 desenvolveram NTG. Das 80 pacientes com RE, 7 (8,7%) apresentaram, inicialmente, dosagem da hCG acima do normal, mas, no devido tempo, alcançaram a remissão. Todas as 25 pacientes com NTG apresentaram desvio da curva normal da hCG em 3,8±2,5 semanas e mostraram platô ou ascensão em 8,4±2,9 semanas (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: a curva de regressão normal da hCG pós-molar pode ser útil para diagnóstico de NTG.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF-receptor expression in placenta of hyperglycemic pregnant women

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Molar Pregnancy in Adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation of hydatidiform molar pregnancy in women under the age of 20 years. In addition, we sought to understand if this adolescent population manifests differences in clinical factors compared to an adult population that may affect outcome.STUDY DESIGN: We used a database from the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center to analyze clinical data from all women followed for molar pregnancy between 1970 and 2009 with complete follow-up information. This population was stratified by age and clinical parameters including presenting signs, molar histology and development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to discern clinical factors that associated with adolescent age. The Partners Human Research Committee approved this study.RESULTS: We identified 1,494 women diagnosed with hydatidiform mole (HM), of which 220 (14.7%) were adolescents defined as age <20 years. The most common presenting clinical signs were vaginal bleeding and an enlarged uterus compared to dates. Median gestational age at diagnosis was 13.4 weeks, not different from that in the adult population. Similarly, no difference in presenting human chorionic gonadotropin was observed between the adult and adolescent populations. Adolescents presented with a significant overrepresentation of complete mole (86% vs. 75%, p < 0.001) compared to adults. Complete mole was associated with a heightened risk of developing GTN (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.5), and despite the association of complete mole with young maternal age, univariable analysis showed no difference in the rate of GTN observed between adolescents and adults (24% vs. 30%, p = 0.08). Multivariable analysis controlling for molar histology demonstrated that adolescent age was associated with a decreased risk of GTN (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.48 0.93).CONCLUSION: Adolescents account for a substantial proportion of the population with HM. They commonly present with vaginal bleeding. Though this population develops a complete mole with a higher frequency than adults, adolescents appear to have a significantly decreased risk of developing GTN. (J Reprod Med 2012; 57:225-230)

Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Following Molar Ectopic Pregnancy A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Ectopic molar pregnancy is a gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) of rare occurrence and therefore not always remembered as a diagnostic possibility.CASE: We describe a case of molar ectopic pregnancy in a primiparous woman who developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and required chemotherapy to achieve remission.CONCLUSION This case stresses the important role of histopathologic examination in establishing a diagnosis of ectopic molar pregnancy. Moreover, close follow-up of human chorionic gonadotropin levels is required when a GTD is suspected. (J Reprod Med 2008;53:579-582)

Características das Curvas de Regressão da Gonadotrofina Coriônica Pós-mola Hidatiforme Completa

Objetivos: construir a curva de regressão do b-hCG pós-mola hidatiforme completa (MHC) com remissão espontânea e comparar com a curva de regressão pós-MHC com tumor trofoblástico gestacional (TTG). Análise comparativa da curva de regressão do b-hCG das portadoras de MHC, acompanhadas no Serviço, com a curva de regressão observada por outros autores1-3. Métodos: foi realizada avaliação clínica e laboratorial (dosagem sérica de b-hCG), na admissão e no segmento pós-molar, de todas as pacientes com MHC, atendidas entre 1990 e 1998 no Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu - Unesp. O resultado da determinação seriada do b-hCG foi analisado em curvas log de regressão. A evolução da curva de regressão do b-hCG foi analisada e comparada em MHC com remissão espontânea e MHC com TTG numa curva log de regressão, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A curva log de regressão do grupo de remissão espontânea foi comparada com curvas consideradas padrão1,2. Foram construídas curvas log individuais de todas as pacientes e classificadas de acordo com os quatro tipos de curva (I, II, III e IV), propostos para o seguimento pós-molar³. Resultados: 61 pacientes com MHC tiveram seguimento pós-molar completo, 50 (82%) apresentaram remissão espontânea e 11 (18%) desenvolveram TTG. No grupo de pacientes com MHC e remissão espontânea, o tempo para alcançar a normalização dos níveis do b-hCG, após o esvaziamento molar, foi até 20 semanas. As pacientes que desenvolveram TTG apresentaram desvio precoce da curva de regressão normal do b-hCG, 4 a 6 semanas após o esvaziamento molar. Nestas pacientes, a quimioterapia foi introduzida em média na 9ª semana pós-esvaziamento molar. Conclusões: a curva de regressão do b-hCG pós-MHC com remissão espontânea apresentou declínio log exponencial, semelhante ao observado por outros autores1,2, e diferente das MHC com TTG. Foram identificados três tipos de curvas de regressão do b-hCG, semelhantes aos de Goldstein³, I, II e IV, e outros dois tipos diferentes de regressão do b-hCG: V (regressão normal) e VI (regressão anormal).

Preditores Clínicos e Histopatológicos de Tumor Trofoblástico Gestacional pós-Mola Hidatiforme Completa

Objetivo: definir os preditores clínicos e histopatológicos mais eficientes da evolução da mola hidatiforme completa (MHC) para tumor trofoblástico gestacional (TTG). Métodos: estudo prospectivo clínico e histopatológico de todas as portadoras de MHC, atendidas entre 1990 e 1998 no Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu -- UNESP. A avaliação clínica pré-esvaziamento molar classificou a gravidez molar em: MHC de alto risco e MHC de baixo risco. Foram analisados os preditores clínicos para TTG, estabelecidos por Goldstein et al.¹ e por outros autores2--10. A avaliação histopatológica incluiu a determinação do diagnóstico de MHC, segundo os critérios de Szulman e Surti11, e o reconhecimento dos fatores de risco para TTG, de Ayhan et al.8. Os preditores clínicos e histopatológicos foram correlacionados com o desenvolvimento de TTG pós-molar. Resultados: em 65 portadoras de MHC, cistos do ovário maiores que 6 cm e tamanho uterino maior que 16 cm foram os preditores clínicos mais eficientes de TTG. A proliferação trofoblástica, a atipia nuclear, a necrose/hemorragia, a maturação trofoblástica e a relação cito/sinciciotrofoblasto não foram preditores significativos para TTG. A correlação entre preditor clínico e histopatológico para o desenvolvimento de TTG não foi possível porque nenhum parâmetro histopatológico foi significativo. Conclusões: mais estudos são necessários para avaliar possíveis preditores de persistência (TTG) e sua aplicação no contexto clínico das MHC. Enquanto isso, a determinação seriada de hCG sérico permanece o único indicador prognóstico seguro para TTG pós-MHC.

Strategies to improve fertility in Bos indicus postpubertal heifers and nonlactating cows submitted to fixed-time artificial insemination

Two experiments were designed to evaluate strategies to increase fertility of Bos indicus postpubertal heifers and nonlactating cows submitted to a fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocol consisting of an intravaginal device containing 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR) insertion + estradiol benzoate on Day 0, CIDR withdrawal + estradiol cypionate on Day 9, and TAI on Day 11. In Experiment 1, heifers (n = 1153) received a new or an 18-d previously used CIDR and, on Day 9, prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) + 0, 200, or 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Heifers treated with a new CIDR had greater (least squares means +/- SEM) serum concentration of progesterone on Day 9 (3.06 +/- 0.09 ng/mL vs. 2.53 +/- 0.09 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and a smaller follicle at TAI (11.61 +/- 0.11 nim vs. 12.05 +/- 0.12 mm; P < 0.05). Heifers with smaller follicles at TAI had lesser serum progesterone, concentrations on Day 18 and reduced rates of ovulation, conception, and pregnancy (P < 0.05). Treatment with eCG improved (P < 0.05) follicle diameter at TAI (11.50 +/- 0.10 mm, 11.90 +/- 0.11 mm, and 12.00 +/- 0.10 mm, for 0, 100, and 200 IU, respectively), serum progesterone concentration on Day 18 (2.77 +/- 0.11 ng/mL, 3.81 +/- 0.11 ng/mL, and 4.87 +/- 0.11 ng/mL), and rates of ovulation (83.8%, 88.5%, and 94.3%) and pregnancy (41.3%, 47.0%, and 46.7%). In Experiment 2, nonlactating Nelore cows (n = 702) received PGF(2 alpha) treatment on Days 7 or 9 and, on Day 9, 0 or 300 IU cCG. Cows receiving PGF(2 alpha) on Day 7 had lesser serum progesterone concentrations on Day 9 (3.05 +/- 0.21 ng/mL vs. 4.58 +/- 0.21 ng/mL; P < 0.05), a larger follicle at TAI (11.54 +/- 0.21 mm vs. 10.84 +/- 0.21 mm; P < 0.05), and improved (P < 0.05) rates of ovulation (85.4% vs. 77.0%), conception (60.9% vs. 47.2%), and pregnancy (52.0% vs. 36.4%). Treatment with eCG improved (P < 0.05) serum progesterone concentration on Day 18 (3.24 +/- 0.14 ng/mL vs. 4.55 +/- 0.14 ng/mL) and the rates of ovulation (72.4% vs. 90.0%) and pregnancy (37.5% vs. 50.8%). In conclusion, giving PGF(2 alpha) earlier in the protocol in nonlactating cows and eCG treatment in postpubertal heifers and nonlactating cows improved fertility in response to a TAI (progesterone + estradiol) protocol. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progesterone-based estrous synchronization protocols in non-suckled and suckled primiparous Bos indicus beef cows

In Experiment 1, effects of an intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR) for synchronization of estrus in non-suckled cycling primiparous Bos indicus beef cows were evaluated. Cows received either no treatment (Control), prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF), or CIDR (6 d)+prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (CIDR+PGF). There were greater (P<0.05) percentages of cows inseminated and pregnant in 4 d of breeding season in CIDR+PGF (81.6%; 48.7%) than in PGF (53.8%; 32.5%) and Control cows (14.6%; 8.5%). In Experiment 2, efficacy of a treatment with CIDR (6 d)+prostaglandin F(2 alpha)+48 h temporary weaning (CIDR+PGF+TW) associated or not with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) for synchronization of estrus in suckled primiparous B. indicus beef cows was evaluated. Cows were assigned to receive either no treatment (Control), CIDR+PGF+TW, CIDR+PGF+TW+200 IU of eCG, or CIDR+PGF+IW+400 IU of eCG. There were greater (P<0.05) percentages of insemination and pregnancy in 4 d of breeding season in treatment groups (47.0%; 27.5%) than in Control cows(4.5%; 3.0%) and in cows treated with eCG (50.9%; 29.4%) than in cows treated only with CIDR+PGF+TW (39.4%: 23.7%). No effects of eCG dosage were detected. The percentage of cows inseminated and pregnant in a 30 d breeding season were greater (P<0.05) in cows assigned to synchronization treatments (53.3%; 37.2%) than in Control cows (35.3%; 21.4%). In the beginning of the BS, non-suckled primiparous cows treated with CIDR+PGF with estrous cycles having been initiated following calving had greater estrous detection and pregnancy rates than PGF and Control cows, and suckled primiparous cows had improved estrous detection and pregnancy rates when eCG was associated with CIDR+PGF+TW. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fixed-time artificial insemination with estradiol and progesterone for Bos indicus cows II: Strategies and factors affecting fertility

In Experiments 1, 2, and 3, we evaluated the effects of temporary weaning (TW), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatments on results of it fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) protocol in postpartum Bos indicus cows. In Experiment 1, treatment with 400 IU eCG or with TW for 48 h consistently improved pregnancy rates (PRs) at TAI, but, in Experiment 2, FSH treatment was less effective than eCG or TW. In Experiment 3, the inclusion of eCG treatment in cows subjected to TW did not improve PRs. We concluded that TW or 400 IU eCG should be included in the TAI protocol in postpartum Bos indicus cows to enhance fertility. In Experiment 4, we used records front heifers and cows treated with the proposed protocol during the 2006-2007 (n = 27,195) and 2007-2008 (n = 36,838) breeding seasons from multiple locations in Brazil to evaluate factors potentially affecting PRs. Overall PR at TAI was 49.6% (31,786 of 64,033). Pregnancy rate differed (P < 0.01) among farm within location (results ranging between 26.8% and 68.0%; P < 0.01), cow group within farm, by breed (Bos indicus, 48.3% [26,123 of 54,145]; Bos taurus, 61.7% [3652 of 5922]; and crossbred Bos indicus x Bos taurus, 50.7% [2011 of 3966]), category (nulliparous, 39.6% [2095 of 52901] suckled primiparous, 45.2% [3924 of 8677]; suckled multiparous, 51.8% [24,245 of 46,767]; and nonsuckled multiparous, 46.1% [1522 of 3299]), body condition score at TAI (<= 2.5 43.0% [3409 of 7923]; 3.0, 49.6% [18,958 of 38,229]; and >3.5, 52.7% [9419 of 17,881]). Days postpartum at beginning, of protocol did not affect PR (30 to 60 d, 47.6% [4228 of 8881]; 61 to 90 d, 51.7% 116,325 to 31,5721; and 91 to 150 d, 50.8% [7616 to 14,991]; P > 0.1). Pregnancy rate was also consistently affected (P < 0.01) by sire (results ranging from 7.2% to 77.3%) and artificial insemination technician (results ranging from 15.1% to 81.8%). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of postbreeding gonadotropin treatments on conception rates of lactating dairy cows subjected to timed artificial insemination or embryo transfer in a tropical environment

The objective of experiment 1 was to evaluate the effects of treatments with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH 7 d after induced ovulation on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI) or timed embryo transfer (TET). A total of 834 potential breedings were used from 661 lactating Holstein cows (37.3 +/- 0.3 kg of milk/d). Cows had ovulation synchronized and were assigned randomly to receive TAI on d 0 or TET on d 7. Within each group, cows were assigned randomly to receive on d 7 no additional treatment (control; n(TAI) = 156; n(TET) = 126), a 100 mu g i.m. injection of GnRH (n(TAI) = 155; n(TET) = 124), or a 2,500 TU i.m. injection of hCG (ITA = 151; n(TET) = 122). Postbreeding treatment affected the percentages of pregnant cows at TET on d 28 (control: 38.1%; GnRH: 52.4%; hCG: 45.1%) and on d 60 (control: 32.5%; GnRH: 41.1%; hCG: 38.5%), but postbreeding treatment did not affect percentages of pregnant cows at TAT on d 28 (control: 30.1%; GnRH: 32.2%; hCG: 32.4%) or on d 60 (control: 25.6%; GnRH: 27.1%; hCG: 29.8%). The objective of experiment 2 was to evaluate the effect of a treatment with GnRH 7 d after TET on reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows that received a previous GnRH treatment at TET. A total of 285 potential breedings were used from 257 lactating Holstein cows (35.1 +/- 0.8 kg of milk/d). Cows had ovulation synchronized and were assigned for TET on d 7. Immediately after TET, all cows were treated with a 100 mu g i.m. injection of GnRH. on d 14, cows were assigned randomly to receive (G7-14; n = 147) or not (G7; n = 138) an additional injection of GnRH. Pregnancy diagnosis were performed on d 28 and 60. The additional treatment with GnRH on d 14 did not affect the percentages of pregnant cows on d 28 (G7: 48.5%; G7-14: 42.9%) or on d 60 (G7: 39.8%; G7-14: 37.4%). In conclusion, treatment with GnRH or hCG 7 d after induced ovulation increased conception rates in lactating dairy cows submitted to TET, but not in cows submitted to TAI. Moreover, treatment with GnRH 7 d after TET did not enhance reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows that received a previous GnRH treatment at TET.

Use of oocyte transfer in a commercial breeding program for mares with reproductive abnormalities

In some mares with lesions of the reproductive tract, embryo collection and survival rates are low or collection of embryos is not feasible. For these mares, oocyte transfer has been proposed as a method to induce pregnancies. In this report, a method for oocyte transfer in mares and results of oocyte transfer performed over 2 breeding seasons, using mares with long histories of subfertility and various reproductive lesions, are described.Human chorionic gonadotropin or an implant containing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog was used to initiate follicular and oocyte maturation. Oocytes were collected by means of transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Following follicular aspiration, cumulus oocyte complexes were evaluated for cumulus expansion and signs of atresia; immature oocytes were cultured in vitro to allow maturation. The recipient's ovary and uterine tube (oviduct) were exposed through a flank laparotomy with the horse standing, and the oocyte was slowly deposited within the oviduct. Oocyte transfer was attempted in 38 mares between 9 and 30 years old during 2 successive breeding seasons. All mares had a history of reproductive failure while in breeding and embryo transfer programs. Twenty pregnancies were induced. Fourteen of the pregnant mares delivered live foals. Results suggest that oocyte transfer can be a successful method for inducing pregnancy in subfertile mares in a commercial setting..

The efficacy of a single chain recombinant equine luteinizing hormone (reLH) in mares: Induction of ovulation, hormone profiles, and inter-ovulatory intervals

The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of recombinant equine luteinizing hormone (reLH) in shortening the time to ovulation in cycling mares and to determine the effects of treatment on endogenous hormones and inter-ovulatory intervals. In study 1, mares of light horse breeds (3-20 years) were treated with either a vehicle, various doses of reLH, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Cycling mares were examined by palpation and ultrasound per rectum daily or every 12 h from the time of treatment to ovulation. In studies 2 and 3, jugular blood samples were collected daily or every 12 h from the time of treatment to ovulation for analysis of LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol-17 beta (E-2), and progesterone (P-4) by radioimmunoassays (RIA). Increasing doses of reLH (0.3, 0.6, 0.75, and 0.9 mg) showed increasing effectiveness at inducing ovulation within 48 h of treatment. Treatments with the 0.75 and 0.9 mg doses of reLH resulted in 90% and 80% ovulation rates, which were similar to hCG treatment (85.7%). Except for the early rise in LH after treatment with 0.5, 0.65, and 1.0 mg of reLH, hormone profiles appeared to be similar between control and treated cycles. Inter-ovulatory intervals were similar between control and treatment cycles. In conclusion, reLH is a reliable and effective ovulatory agent that does not significantly alter endogenous hormone profiles or affect inter-ovulatory intervals.(c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.