F. Safhi

Identification of reproductive and molecular biomarkers associated with clinical metritis in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Background Metritis is a major cause of infertility, contributing to repeat breeding, early embryonic loss, fetal mortality, and abortion. Methods This study investigated alterations in metabolic, hormonal, oxidative, immunological, and molecular markers associated with metritis susceptibility in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). A total of 100 non-lactating multiparous females (87 healthy and 13 metritic) were examined. Blood samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate hematobiochemical parameters, inflammatory and antioxidant markers, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected immune- and antioxidant-related genes. Results Metritic animals exhibited fever and abnormal uterine discharge. Gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of CARD9, SIGLEC1, VSIG4, BTRC, SLC2A3, ACOD1, and PFKFB3, alongside downregulation of CPT1A, ATF4, GADD45B, SLC7A11, and PRDX3. Sequencing identified 19 SNPs, with significant differences in genotype distribution between groups, and discriminant analysis achieved complete classification accuracy. Hematological findings included normocytic normochromic anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and monocytosis. Biochemically, metritic camels showed hypoglycemia and decreased levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, T4, calcium, and antioxidant markers (GSH, CAT, and TAC), while NEFA, BHBA, cortisol, MDA, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1α, IL1β, IL6, IL10, and TNFα) were significantly elevated. Conclusion Overall, clinical metritis in dromedary camels was associated with significant hematological, metabolic, hormonal, oxidative, immunological, and genetic alterations. These findings identify a panel of reproductive and molecular biomarkers that may serve as promising candidate biomarkers associated with clinical metritis. However, given the observational nature of the study and the relatively small number of metritic she-camels, these findings should be interpreted with caution and require validation in larger, independent camel populations before their diagnostic, prognostic, or breeding applications can be established.

Amelioration of cadmium toxicity in Vicia faba via modulation of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase gene expression by biochar and nanobiochar

Cadmium (Cd) is considered one of the most mobile and toxic environmental contaminant on all organisms. This study aimed to remove the toxicity effect of Cd with important natural materials without harmful side effect on the living organisms. Two concentrations (1% and 2%) of biochar and nano-biochar (with an average particle size of 15.13 nm) were applied to Vicia faba L. under Cd stress (200 µM) by adding them to Hoagland’s nutrition solution. Results indicated that Cd significantly decreased plant growth parameters (root and shoot length, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root and leaf area) and chlorophyll levels under Cd stress. Cd elevated the antioxidant enzymes and proline levels. The genes that are engaged in the melatonin pathway (N-acetylserotonin, methyltransferase, Serotonin N-acetyltransferase slightly interacted (if any) with Cd stress. Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) only showed a significant response to Cd, with a 3.74-fold increase in expression at the first time-point. At the same time, biochar and nano-biochar effectively reduced the harmful effects of Cd on plant growth, improved physiological responses, and modulated the expression of the COMT gene. Nano-biochar exhibited particularly strong improvements across various growth parameters. This is the first time studying these genes in Vicia faba plants under any stress. COMT is involved in other pathways such as lignin pathway and might be expressed in response to Cd stress as a part of this pathway.

Phylogenomics and expression profiling of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) magnesium transporters under dual drought and salinity stress conditions