Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud

National Research Center (CO, USA) | NRC · Animal reproduction and artificial insemination

Background There are no studies belong NOTCH2 gene polymorphism in relation to reproductive and productive traits in Holstein cattle. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of NOTCH2 gene polymorphisms on productive and reproductive performance of fertile and anestrum cattle. Methods The cattle were classified into anestr...

Coordinated embryo-maternal crosstalk is the main player to achieve a successful pregnancy. The expression patterns of genes are the main forces that induce biochemical and functional changes in the oviduct, uterine environment, and embryo. Therefore, studying the molecular signals associated with corpus luteum (CL), oviductal, endometrial receptiv...

Camels, known for their remarkable adaptability to harsh environments, are increasingly vital under climate change conditions. However, there is a significant shortage of studies focusing on their reproductive biology, which is essential for optimizing their management and conservation. Investigating the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in came...

It is well documented that nanotechnology is an important tool that can offer new strategies for drug delivery. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of nano prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on the mechanisms of corpus luteum (CL) sensitivity and the acquisition of luteolytic capacity in buffaloes compared to bulk PGF2α. A total of two experim...

The scenario of the fertile spermatozoa with high fertilizing capability is basically dependent on gene expression‐based epididymal function. The current investigation aimed to declare the varied expression of different candidate genes ( PLA2G4D , LCN15 , CLUAP1 , SPP1 , AQP12B , DEFB110 and ESR1 ) relevant to spermatozoa features between the diffe...

Inherited disorders are one of the reasons of infertility and economic losses for the equine industry. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities is rising due to the use of sex chromosome linked molecular markers. Here, a rare sterile five-year-old Arabian mare with XY male chromosomes is presented. The phenotype was corresponded to female wi...

Background Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, is known to induce the up-regulation of the internal antioxidant system. Therefore, it holds promise as a method to mitigate cryopreservation-induced injuries in bovine oocytes and embryos. This study aimed to (i) assess the enhancement in the quality of in vitro produced bovine embryos following resver...

Studying testicular genes´ expression may give key insights into precise regulation of its functions that influence epididymal sperm quality. The current study aimed to investigate the abundance of candidate genes involved in the regulation of testicular functions specially those regulate sperm function (PLA2G4D, SPP1 and CLUAP1), testicular steroi...

The study aimed to declare the influence of the epididymal region on spermatozoa characteristics and oviduct reservoir potential in dromedary camel. Testicles with epididymis of mature dromedary camels aged 5-10 years old (n= 27) were collected during the rutting season (December – April). Spermatozoa collected from the three main anatomical epidid...

The negative impact of zearalenone (ZEN; potent estrogenic mycotoxin) exposure on buffalo embryo production has not yet been determined. In the current study, buffalo sperm and oocytes were exposed to ZEN at different concentrations during maturation. Sperms (with and without ZEN exposure) were incubated for 2 h and evaluated for motility, viabilit...

So far, few signals involved in embryo-maternal dialogue have been identified in pregnant she-camel. Our objective was to investigate expression profiles of genes relevant to uterine extracellular matrix remodeling (ITGB4, SLCO2A1, FOS, and JUN), uterine tissue vascularization, and placental formation (VEGFA, PGF, and PDGFA), embryonic growth and d...

Background No doubt that the corpus luteum (CL) plays a vital role in the regulation of female cyclicity in mammals. The scenarios among microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes and steroid hormones {estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4)} are required for better understanding the molecular regulation of CL during its formation, maturation, and regr...

This work aimed to determine the effect of cysteamine (25, 50, 100 and 200 μM) incorporated during dilution on frozen thawed buffalo semen quality. Semen was collected twice weekly for 7 consecutive weeks from three Egyptian buffalo bulls using an artificial vagina. Semen samples were pooled and extended with a Tris-based extender, cooled, equilibr...

After the copulation process, some sperm start the long journey with an ultimate goal of fertilizing the oocyte. Inside the oviduct, sperm are stored, waiting for the ovulated oocyte where they bind to the apical surface of the oviduct cells, which in turn hold sperm to form a sperm nest. The essential functions of the sperm reservoir include attac...

Expression pattern of apoptotic genes in corpus luteum during thermal stress in Egyptian buffaloes

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell-cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin...

Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins...

This work aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of Aquaporin 7 (AQP7) gene and its association with the in-vivo fertility of Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 188 fresh semen ejaculates were collected from 47 buffalo bulls and subjected to semen evaluation. The bulls were grouped according to in-vivo fertility relying on sire conception ra...

Background and Aim: Despite many trials, buffalo embryos have poor cryosurvivability because of their high lipid content. L-carnitine was found to be a lipid-reducing agent when added to oocyte and embryo culture media. The study aimed to determine the most effective concentration of L-carnitine to improve the oocyte developmental competence and cr...

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in granulosa cells (GC) is warranted, during different follicular and luteal developmental stages in buffalo cows. We aimed to (I) study the expression of selected genes in GC during follicular and luteal phases, (II) evaluate correlations between GC gene expression and steroid concentrations {17-b...

T HIS study investigated the genetic polymorphism of osteopontin (OPN) gene in Egyptian buffalo bulls in a trial for association with the quality of fresh semen. A total of 228 fresh semen ejaculates were collected from 57 buffalo bulls. Checking the fertility potential, the ejaculates were evaluated for volume, individual motility, live sperm, spe...

However, the role of EVs in uterine lavage and serum during endometritis in mares is not investigated yet. Hence, our aim was (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares suffering from endometritis, compared to healthy (control) ones. This study was conducted on 50 Arabian mares (4-8 years old), and...

This study aimed at evaluating the litter size influence on fetal growth (marked by biparietal diameter), steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone), oxidative stress markers [Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA)], total proteins, and serum-free RNA....

A total of 138 pairs of slaughterhouse ovaries were collected from pregnant (n = 46) and non-pregnant (n = 92) she-camels. Oocytes (n = 150) and related granulosa cells (GCs) were retrieved from the growing follicles (3– 8 mm) to study the effect of pregnancy status on the expression pattern of genes regulating follicles population and follicular f...

T HE present study aimed to clarify the alternations in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), phosphorus (Ph), calcium (Ca), and metabolic hormones (Growth hormones (GH), insulin, and thyroid gland hormones) in singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancy in goats. Animals were examined for pregnancy ultrasonographically during mid-pregnancy (6-14 weeks of gestation)...

T HIS study aimed to (1) identify the status of reproductive tract of repeat-breeder heifers (RBH) ultrasonography, as well as (2) determinethe variations in steroid hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and cell-free RNA in serum.These culled animals from400 heifers at the breeding stationwere examined ultrasonography, and whole blood samples wer...

So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2) in serum of mares with healthy and...

Apparently healthy mares with conception failure or embryonic loss may have subclinical endometritis (SE). Our objective was to document evidence of systemic immune responses against SE in mares. In apparently healthy (control) mares as well as those with chronic endometritis (ChE) or subacute suppurative endometritis (SSE), both considered classes...

This study aimed to compare the expression of genes regulating follicles development, survival and steroid hormones secretion in oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) and study the correlation between their expression and follicular fluid (FF) levels of progesterone (P4) in pregnant and non-pregnant camels. In total, 138 ovarian pairs from slaughtered...

Background: So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate the expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure the concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α& PGE2) in serum of Arabi...

We aimed (I) to simulate an in vivo milieu, through establishing an in vitro paradigm to study sperm-oviductal interactions using different segments of oviduct, as well as different incubation media, and (II) to investigate spatial changes of oviductal gene expression. Two experiments were designed; one was to investigate the yield of oviduct aggre...

Fresh semen from fifty bulls was evaluated for ejaculate volume, individual motility, concentration, lives sperm and abnormalities as well as acrosome integrity. Bulls were classified according to semen motility into two groups; good and poor. DNA was extracted from semen of both groups, then the PCR followed by single-strand conformation polymorph...

Supplementation of maturation media with antioxidant (bulk form) improves oocyte maturation. However, the influence of adding antioxidant (nano-particles) on oocyte maturation is not well known. We aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium nano-particles (SeNP) and bulk selenium (Se) on buffalo oocytes maturation, in terms nuclear maturation and mol...

This study aimed to: (i) characterize cultured granulosa cells (GCs) from different follicle sizes morphologically and molecularly; and (ii) select a suitable model according to follicular size that maintained GC function during culture. Buffalo ovaries were collected from a slaughterhouse and follicles were classified morphologically into: first g...

AB S T RA C T Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-chelating 80-kDa glycoprotein closely related in structure to iron transport protein transferrin, known as red protein. LF gene is highly conserved among various species and considered as one of the candidate genes for endometritis and mastitis resistance. This study aimed to detect single-nucleotide polymorp...

To date, there is no an established protocol for total RNA isolation in Egyptian buffalo spermatozoa. The present study aimed (I) to establish a defined protocol for total RNA isolation from fresh and frozen spermatozoa, (II) to evaluate RNA quality and quantity from different extraction methods and studying gene expression. Warm and standard room...

LEPTIN gene is one of the potential genes involves intricately in metabolism and growth of animals. Leptin has myriad effect on tissues and endocrine system that ultimately lead to the whole body energy metabolism and has major impact on performance and wellbeing of livestock species. Owing to have key biological features, leptin is one of themost...

AB S T RA C T Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-chelating 80-kDa glycoprotein closely related in structure to iron transport protein transferrin, known as red protein. LF gene is highly conserved among various species and considered as one of the candidate genes for endometritis and mastitis resistance. This study aimed to detect single-nucleotide polymorp...

Leptin gene is one of the potential genes involves intricately in metabolism and growth of animals. Leptin has myriad effect on tissues and endocrine system that ultimately lead to the whole body energy metabolism and has major impact on performance and wellbeing of livestock species. Owing to have key biological features, leptin is one of themost...

This study aimed to assess the relation between the morphometric and histological attributes of the epididymis, and epididymal semen features in mature dromedary camels. The testes with the attached epididymis (n=50) were collected from adult camels along the rutting season from December to April. The separated epididymis was evaluated for weight a...

This study aimed to assess the relation between the morphometric and histological attributes of the epididymis, and epididymal semen features in mature dromedary camels. The testes with the attached epididymis (n=50) were collected from adult camels along the rutting season from December to April. The separated epididymis was evaluated for weight a...

Production of high quality embryos in vitro needs an efficient in vitro fertilization (IVF). Seminal origin is one of the important factors that affects the success of in vitro embryo production. So our goal was to determine the effect of using fresh and frozen semen in fertilization on developmental competence and cryo-survival of buffalo embryos....

Production of high quality embryos in vitro needs an efficient in vitro fertilization (IVF). Seminal origin is one of the important factors that affects the success of in vitro embryo production. So our goal was to determine the effect of using fresh and frozen semen in fertilization on developmental competence and cryo-survival of buffalo embryos....

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15/FecX) gene is considered one of the major genes and a candidate marker for the reproduction in farm animals, especially sheep. The present study aimed to detect the genetic polymorphisms of BMP15 gene in sheep using PCR-RFLP technique. In the present study, 115 ewes were assigned into high and low prolificacy ca...

Production of high quality embryos in vitro needs an efficient in vitro fertilization (IVF). Seminal origin is one of the important factors that affects the success of in vitro embryo production. So our goal was to determine the effect of using fresh and frozen semen in fertilization on developmental competence and cryo-survival of buffalo embryos....

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the fetal number and oxidative stress which could be useful indicators in the clinical management of pregnancy in sheep and goats. Blood samples were taken from three groups: Group1, non-pregnant, non-estrous, Group2, single bearing pregnancies, and Group 3, multiple bearing pregnancies. The...

Objective: To study genetic variation in buffalo follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit (FSHB) gene and its association with fertility. Methods: In this experimental study, blood samples were collected by standard methods using EDTA anticoagulant and transrectal ultrasound examination was conducted on fertile (n=74) and infertile buffaloes with...

Objective: To assess the effects of melatonin and/or cysteamineon in vitro maturation, culturing and post-warming of buffalo embryos. Methods: Buffalo oocytes were classified into control, cysteamine (50 μM), melatonin (10 ng/mL) and cysteamine (50 μM) + melatonin (10 ng/mL) treatment groups. In experiment 1, previous treatments were added during i...

Objective: To improve in vitro embryo production in buffalo by supplementation of L-ascorbic acid during maturation and development (experiment 1) and combination with another antioxidant as cysteamine (experiment 2). Methods: Two experiments were performed, the first one aimed to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 µM) of L-ascor...

After mating, sperm move from the site of semen deposition towards the oviduct, where sperm are stored before fertilization. Much of the literature indicates that oviduct glycans bind sperm to retain them in the oviduct reservoir. We have discovered that a specific oviduct glycan on the epithelium (sulfated Lewis A trisaccharide; suLeA) binds bovin...

Objective: To assess the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the Egyptian buffalo bull frozen semen, EGF was incorporated at 0 (control), 50, 100, 200 and 400 ng/mL of extender (Bioxcell®). Methods: Semen features, spermatozoa biometry, total liberated amounts of enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogena...

The present study aimed to compare the in vitro fertilizing capacity of frozen-thawed ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa in order to standardize the semen preparation protocol for camel in vitro fertilization (IVF). Semen samples were collected from 7 Dromedary camels by means of artificial vagina (AV). Ten cauda epididymes were obtained from sl...

Aim: To monitor the effect of nutrition and pregnancy on oxidative status of animals under the arid condition of South Sinai. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from two groups of animals: The first group retained in farm and fed on concentrate (high diet) and another group grazing natural forage (low diet). Each group was subdivided i...

The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of cysteamine as an anti-oxidant on the rate of in vitro maturation (IVM) of buffalo oocytes (experiment 1), and their viability and nuclear status following vitrification (experiment 2). Immature oocytes with compact cumulus cells obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered animals were harvest...

This work aimed to search for single nucleotide polymorphisms of gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) gene in Egyptian buffalo which involved in endocrine control of fertility. An ultrasonographic examinations of anestrum and repeat breeders’ buffaloes were performed prior to blood sampling through a transrectal ultrasonography. DNA was...

OR IMPROVING embryo development in buffalo, two experiments were conducted. The first one was carried out to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50 ng/ml) of epidermal growth factors (EGF) on developmental competence of buffalo oocytes. The selected oocytes were cultured in the four concentrations of EGF. The embryo cleavage rate was s...