Effect of galectin-1 administration on pregnancy rate and its economic viability in TAI procedures in beef cattle

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the reproductive efficacy and the economic impact of a complementary tool to the TAI (timed artificial insemination) protocols - the administration of a single dose of recombinant human galectin-1 (rHGAL1) during the insemination procedure. GAL-1 can be considered as a modulator of the pregnancy development process. Reproductive efficacy was verified through the pregnancy rate in the first service, by ultrasonography (at 28-35 days) in contemporary groups (YG) of cows subdivided into 02 experimental groups (Control Group, composed of cows inseminated in a conventional and Treated group, composed of cows inseminated with rHGAL-1 administration following the deposition of the semen dose). Ninety YG were formed, grouping cows under identical conditions (inseminator, farm/lot, breed, animal category, semen/bull variables). The experiment was conducted in 15 farms, with 3,125 cows (Nellore and crossbred), all multiparous and with calf at foot (from 60 to 100 days old) and who maintained a body score (BSC) between 3.5 and 2.5 in the act of the TAI protocol and in the pregnancy diagnosis. It was demonstrated, by the proposed statistical method, that the “rHGAl-1 dose” effect was significant, increasing the probability of obtaining pregnancy by 8.38 percentage points (p < 0.0001). Based on the construction of a hypothetical model, the economic profitability that can be obtained were compared. Using the average increase obtained by 8.38 percentage points more in the pregnancy rate, it was possible to increase productivity, adding, almost U$ 2 thousand to profitability for each 100 cows worked.

In Vitro Bovine Embryo Production Using Medium’s Supplemented with Recombinant Human Galectin-1 Buffered

“…There are so many particularities between placentation and embryo elongation of different mammals' species but, based on [20,21,22], that described that GAL-1 has a high degree of structural conservation, dimerization, and binding properties with carbohydrates and integrins (adhesion proteins), suggesting that these properties are conserved among vertebrates and that they maintain a pattern of gene expression among the different types of the placenta (deciduous or not), supported the decision to use a human gene to produce the recombinant protein for other species. Previous studies have demonstrated the biological functionality of rHGAL-1 to improve the pregnancy rate in cows, suggesting the potential use in other species [1,2].…”

“…The method for obtaining rHGAL -1 is determined by the manufacturing process of Inprenha Biotecnologia® and is previously wholly described [1,2]. Aliquots of E. coli strains transformed with the vector insertion containing the GAL-1 gene (pET-29a(+)+lgals-1 gene 1 ) were grown in systems with LB Broth Base medium containing kanamycin sulfate until obtaining optimal bacterial growth rate, demonstrated by optical density.…”

“…Our research group recently evaluated the effect of a single intrauterine dose of human GAL-1 buffered on pregnancy rate in inseminated cows. The findings suggested that one dose of eGAL-1 was reasonable in the beef cattle artificial insemination routine and considerably improved the pregnancy rate [1,2]. Thinking about a future possibility of using the exogenous rHGAL-1 administration in human reproduction procedures (artificial insemination, embryo transfer, ex.…”

Effect of a Single Intrauterine Dose of Human Recombinant Galectin-1 Buffered on Pregnancy Rate in Inseminated Cows

“…The interaction between GAL-1 and integrins suggested participation at extracellular matrix and placentation events, like in the oxygen and/or nutrients exchanges or angiogenesis events (vessels formation). It can be elucidated that GAL-1 plays a vital role in maternal-fetal interface signaling since it has multiple biological functions [9,29]. Blois et al (2007) [25] demonstrated high pregnancy loss rates in mice in which the Lgals1 gene was deficient (knockout mice).…”

“…Thus, when used correctly, the results are promising. In cattle, a single eGAL-1 intrauterine dose is indicated as a health catalyst of animal fertility, it being, therefore, a tool to increase the reproductive/productive efficacy and the economic profitability using the eGAL-1 was discussed by Roncoletta et al (2021) [29]. The approach can be different in humans and endangered mammals, not for economic appeal, but as an alternative method to aid in the exhausting process of helping some couples achieve pregnancy.…”