Monitoring sexual steroids and cortisol at different stages of the ovarian cycle from two capuchin monkey species: use of non- or less invasive methods than blood sampling.

Endocrine monitoring of non-human primates (NHP) via faecal metabolites of steroid hormones appears as a useful non-invasive alternative to evaluate the reproductive status of free living NHP, as well as of those kept in captivity but of difficult handling. However, validation is needed with plasma values before its application in the field. The aim of the present study was to monitor the different phases of the menstrual cycle from the new world NHP Sapajus apella and S. libidinosus. For this, hormonal and faecal plasma levels of E2, P4 and cortisol were assessed during different days of the menstrual cycle, together with colpocitology. The mean duration of the menstrual cycle according colpocitology was of 21.7 and 21.0 days for S. apella and S. libidinosus, respectively. These values were similar to those observed via plasma analysis, i.e. 22.7 and 20.3 days for S. apella and S. libidinosus, respectively. The day of plasmatic E2 peak was set as Day -1 and the estimated day of ovulation was set as Day 0 and occurred two days earlier in S. libidinosus than in S. apella females. In both species, it was observed a delay in faecal E2 peak of six days for S. apella and of 11 days for S. libidinosus when compared with the plasma peak. A maximum P4 plasma concentration was observed in the middle of luteal phase in S. apella and in S. libidinosus, both at around day 5. However, faecal P4 peaks were detected at days 9 and 8 in S. apella and S. libidinosus, respectively. Mean plasma and faecal cortisol levels were variable during all ovulatory cycle of S. apella and S. libidinosus females. Although no exact correlation was observed between plasmatic and faecal profile of steroid hormone, faecal samples were able to indicate ovarian cycle phase, being important to assess the reproductive status of the females applying a non-invasive method.

The effects of Trolox on the quality of sperm from captive squirrel monkey during liquefaction in the extender ACP-118™.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of incubating semen for different periods (90, 270 or 450 min) with or without Trolox® (100 or 150 µM) on the quality of sperm from Saimiri collinsi. Sperm motility, vigour, and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were evaluated in both fresh semen and semen incubated for different time periods, i.e. 90, 270 or 450 min of incubation. Supplementation of semen extender with Trolox® 100 µM improved sperm motility, vigour and PMI for up to 270 min of incubation.

Gestational ultrasonography and Dopplerfluxometry in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) zoometric.

The objectives of the current study were as follows: 1) to evaluate blood flow in the uterine (UA) and umbilical (Uma) arteries in pregnant capuchin monkeys by measuring the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI); 2) to determine the presence or absence of the early diastolic notch and diastolic flow in the UA and Uma flow waveforms, respectively; 3) to perform conceptus echobiometry for fetal growth assessment during pregnancy; 4) to describe the moment that the fetal organs were initially observed; and 5) to determine when the diagnosis of fetal gender is possible. Seven healthy, sexually mature female Sapajus apella were examined in Weeks -20 to -1 before whelping (whelping Week 0). Triplex Doppler was used to assess the blood flow and fetal heart rate, and B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess the fetal organs and conceptus measurements, including the gestational sac latero-lateral longitudinal (LLL) and latero-lateral transversal (LLT), the crown rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), occipito-frontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and fetal organ. All the pregnancies ended with a normal whelping and the birth of a live newborn. Prior to whelping, all conceptus dimensions increased significantly, whereas the RI and PI of both the UA and Uma decreased significantly. For the UA, the RI and PI were (mean ± SEM) 0.835 ± 0.017 and 2.157 ± 0.129, 0.808 ± 0.008 and 1.920 ± 0.041, and 0.761 ± 0.006 and 1.759 ± 0.036 on periods -3, -2 and -1, respectively. For the Uma, the RI and PI were 0.97 ± 0.01 and 2.50 ± 0.02 at Week -17 and were 0.64 ± 0.02 and 0.98 ± 0.04 at Week -1, respectively. The complete disappearance of the early diastolic notch in the UA, and the complete appearance of diastolic flow in the Uma occurred on Week -1 and Week -11, respectively. Linear regression analyses regarding the relationship of the weeks before whelping (WBW) with the conceptus parameters were as follows: CRL = 16.93 + 0.93 WBW and FL = 3.62 + 0.22 WBW (R2 = 0.98, P < 0.0001); AC = 13.46 + 0.67 WBW (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.0001); BPD = 4.46 + 0.20 WBW (R2 = 0.95, P < 0.0001); LLL = 11.46 + 0.45 WBW, LLT = 9.52 + 0.38 WBW and HC = 16.68 + 0.80 WBW (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.0001); Uma RI = 0.64-0.02 WBW and PI = 0.79-0.11 WBW (R2 = 0.90, P < 0.0001); and OFD = 5.84 + 0.27 WBW (R2 = 0.86, P < 0.0001). The authors concluded that for fetal echobiometry UA and Uma perfusion were important endpoints to assess fetal vitality in the capuchin monkey. Moreover, it was possible to describe the moment when the organs were visualized and perform sexing.

Testicular biometry and semen characteristics in captive and wild squirrel monkey species (Saimiri sp.).

Differential phenotypic characteristics for taxonomic diagnosis purposes are well determined in the genus Saimiri (squirrel monkey). However, data on its reproductive characteristics are lacking. Our aim was to determine testicular biometry and correlate with seminal analysis in captive (Saimiri collinsi) and free living (Saimiri vanzolinii, Saimiri cassiquiarensis, and Saimiri macrodon) squirrel monkeys. Testicular length, width, height, circumference, and volume were measured. Testicular biometry showed no differences between right and left testicles within the same species, as well as among species. Semen collected by electroejaculation was constituted of a liquid and coagulated fraction, or only one of them. No significant difference was observed between mean volumes of liquid (49.2 ± 68.9 µL: S. collinsi; 28.3 ± 59.8 µL: S. vanzolinii; 5 ± 7.1 µL: S. cassiquiarensis; and 0 µL: S. macrodon) and coagulated (65.4 ± 142.1 µL: S. collinsi; 125.8 ± 142.5 µL: S. vanzolinii; 175 ± 176.8 µL: S. cassiquiarensis; and 500 µL: S. macrodon) fractions within species or when each fraction was compared among the studied species. No correlation between testicular volume and seminal volume was observed when liquid (R = 0.31, S. collinsi; R = -0.69, S. vanzolinii) and coagulated (R = 0.32, S. collinsi; R = -0.37, S. vanzolinii) fractions were evaluated. No sufficient data were obtained for the other two species. Seminal quality was similar among species, and the most common defect was coiled tail. The method of electroejaculation yielded satisfactory results on these species, under field conditions.

Seminal characteristics and cryopreservation of sperm from the squirrel monkey, Saimiri collinsi.

The Neotropical nonhuman primate squirrel monkey (Saimiri sp.) is one of the most commonly used species in research in several areas of knowledge. However, little progress has been reported in respect to techniques for preservation of their gametes. Thus, the main objectives of this study were (1) to describe testicular and seminal aspects of a new species, Saimiri collinsi, (2) to preserve semen of this species by cooling or freezing using ACP-118 (powdered coconut water), and (3) to test two glycerol (GLY) concentrations (1.5% or 3%) for semen freezing in the presence of ACP-118. The experimental group started with 14 captive males, but only 11 were suitable to collect ejaculates containing sperm. After anesthesia, both testes were evaluated: length, width, height, and testicular circumference. Semen was collected by electroejaculation and evaluated, followed by dilution, cooling, and freezing. Seminal parameters and sperm motility, vigor, plasma membrane integrity, and normal morphology were evaluated after each step; functionality was also checked in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and normal sperm in cooled semen (n = 11) were 44.1 ± 34.0, 63.1 ± 15.6, and 73.8 ± 19.8, respectively, with vigor ranging of 2 to 3. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, normal and functional sperm in frozen semen (n = 5) were 0.6 ± 1.3 (1.5% and 3% GLY); 4.4 ± 4.9 (1.5% GLY) and 6.6 ± 7.2 (3% GLY); 86.8 ± 3.0 (1.5% GLY) and 88.8 ± 5.1 (3% GLY); 13.3 ± 11.9 (1.5% GLY) and 14.3 ± 13.5 (3% GLY), respectively, and vigor 0 for both 1.5% and 3% GLY. No significant difference between GLY concentrations was observed. We concluded that electroejaculation was efficient for semen collection of S collinsi and tested the cooling protocol that allowed to recover a satisfactory percentage (63%) of membrane intact sperm. However, the freezing protocol was not appropriate to sperm preservation.

Relationship of inflammatory markers and pain in patients with head and neck cancer prior to anticancer therapy.

Pain is a common symptom in patients with cancer, including those with head and neck cancer (HNC). While studies suggest an association between chronic inflammation and pain, levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), have not been correlated with pain in HNC patients who are not currently undergoing anticancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between these inflammatory markers and perceived pain in HNC patients prior to anticancer therapy. The study group consisted of 127 HNC patients and 9 healthy controls. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and serum levels of CRP and TNF-α were determined using the particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) and ELISA techniques, respectively. Patients experiencing pain had significantly higher levels of CRP (P<0.01) and TNF-α (P<0.05) compared with controls and with patients reporting no pain. There were significantly positive associations between pain, CRP level, and tumor stage. This is the first study to report a positive association between perceived pain and CRP in HNC patients at the time of diagnosis. The current findings suggest important associations between pain and inflammatory processes in HNC patients, with potential implications for future treatment strategies.

Relationship of inflammatory markers and pain in patients with head and neck cancer prior to anticancer therapy

Pain is a common symptom in patients with cancer, including those with head and neck cancer (HNC). While studies suggest an association between chronic inflammation and pain, levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), have not been correlated with pain in HNC patients who are not currently undergoing anticancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between these inflammatory markers and perceived pain in HNC patients prior to anticancer therapy. The study group consisted of 127 HNC patients and 9 healthy controls. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and serum levels of CRP and TNF-α were determined using the particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) and ELISA techniques, respectively. Patients experiencing pain had significantly higher levels of CRP (P<0.01) and TNF-α (P<0.05) compared with controls and with patients reporting no pain. There were significantly positive associations between pain, CRP level, and tumor stage. This is the first study to report a positive association between perceived pain and CRP in HNC patients at the time of diagnosis. The current findings suggest important associations between pain and inflammatory processes in HNC patients, with potential implications for future treatment strategies.