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One in ten turkeys may be affected by yellow semen syndrome that causes reduced fertilising ability. The molecular mechanisms of how this condition arises are not yet understood. The key might be a certain protein. Researchers at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn are investigating it as part of a project funded by the National Science Centre.

The protein in question is a soluble cysteine-rich scavenger receptor protein found in the semen of turkey.
– In mammals, this protein is a very interesting player in the immune system, among other things, it plays an important role in the recognition of microorganisms. Our hypothesis is that the scavenger receptor present in turkey semen is involved in the protection of semen against bacteria – emphasises the project leader Dr. Mariola Słowińska from the Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology of the IAR&FR PAS.

The researchers are also investigating whether this protein could be linked to the mechanism of yellow semen syndrome. – If the results are positive, knowledge of this could be used by breeders in the future to increase the efficiency of chick production by increasing the fertilisation efficiency of turkeys – the researcher adds.

LEARNING ABOUT A NEW PLAYER…

Little is known about the occurrence and role of the protein in focus (soluble cysteine-rich scavenger receptor) in birds.

– A few years ago, our research group was the first in the world to identify this protein in turkey semen. So far, all we know is that it is very similar to proteins of the scavenger receptor family found in mammals, which have the ability to bind to microorganisms and remove microorganisms or their own cells that have been damaged. They are found on the surface of cells of the immune system, e.g. on the surface of macrophages, which, after recognising bacteria or other microorganisms, absorb them (the process of phagocytosis) – explains the scientist, who studies bird reproduction, particularly in turkeys.

Based on this knowledge, scientists want to now study the aforementioned functions in birds. – First of all, we want to know the structure and biological functions of this protein. We have already succeeded in isolating the protein, i.e. obtaining its pure form. We will use this to analyse the physico-chemical properties and modifications of the protein. On this basis, we will create the first structural model of this protein for birds – explains Mariola Słowińska.

The next step will be to produce specific antibodies against the protein, which will allow the researchers, among other things, to localise the protein under study on cells of the immune system, sperm and in organs of the reproductive system. The researchers will examine whether the protein can be a potential marker, i.e. a factor confirming the presence of a particular disease, in this case, yellow semen syndrome. They also plan to learn more about the microbiome of turkey semen to see if the substrate for the development of yellow semen syndrome is a bacterial condition.

As the researcher points out, the project focuses, therefore, not only on learning more about the protein itself, but also provides a broader view on the reproductive and immune systems in birds.

… IN ORDER TO RAPIDLY DIAGNOSE THE DISEASE

Yellow semen syndrome in turkeys leads to disorders in the fertilising capacity of the semen. – Yellow semen contains more abnormal and immature spermatozoa and, in addition, their motility is impaired. On top of this, there is an increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, which indicates imbalance in the oxidative stress (the process in which free radicals attack body cells and cause damage to them) – explains Mariola Słowińska.

The only symptom of yellow semen syndrome in turkeys that is visible at a first glance is the slightly yellowish colour of the semen. However, as the scientist explains, in poultry production semen is collected from many males simultaneously, mixed, and only then is the artificial insemination (an assisted reproduction technique) carried out. – If there is some yellow semen in this pool, the sample will have a reduced fertilisation efficiency – clarifies Mariola Słowińska.

According to the scientific literature, approximately 10 percent of turkeys are affected by yellow semen syndrome.

– With our basic research, we want to deepen our knowledge of the immunology of bird semen, especially in the context of understanding the structure of the soluble cysteine-rich scavenger receptor and its role in the mechanism of yellow semen syndrome. We would also like to detect potential markers of this condition, which would allow rapid diagnosis of sick birds – concludes Mariola Słowińska.

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The project entitled “Soluble scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain-containing protein – SSc5D, a new player of innate immunity in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) semen involved in yellow semen syndrome” is financed by the National Science Centre (NCN). The research is being conducted within a consortium formed by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn and the University of Agriculture in Kraków.

The research team includes: the staff of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn: Dr. Mariola Słowińska (Principal Investigator), Dr. Ewa Drzewiecka, Ewa Liszewska, MSc, Dr. Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska, Halina Karol, Eng., Prof. Andrzej Ciereszko, and the staff of the University of Agriculture in Kraków: Dr. Laura Pardyak (coordinator on behalf of the URK), Dr. Zbigniew Arent, Dr. Artur Gurgul, Dr. Ewa Ocłoń, Dr. Tomasz Szmatoła, Dr. Igor Jasielczuk.

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Onion peels, carrot leaves, beet pulp – these are examples of vegetable processing side streams that can be successfully reused, not only in the food industry. However, as food or as a food additive, they can be a source of valuable substances that support our bodies, and this in turn has the potential to respond to the needs of consumers, who are increasingly paying attention to the health-promoting effects of the food they choose.

– Some side streams of vegetable processing can be used in the chemical, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries. They can also become food or food additives – rich in health-promoting ingredients affecting, among other things, our intestinal microbiome, i.e. the bacteria living in our intestines, which, in turn, can have a positive impact on our immune system, explains Dr Joanna Fotschki of the Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

There is a wealth of scientific evidence to suggest that side streams of vegetable processing can be a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cytoprotective properties (protecting the body’s healthy cells from damage), and that they have bioactive compounds that can modulate our gut bacteria.

– For example, tomato pomace extract may exhibit anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, and beetroot pomace may exhibit antioxidant properties. Bioactive compounds, called polyphenols, from red onion husk may have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Pumpkin seed oil, on the other hand, may prevent obesity caused by a high-fat diet by altering parameters important for lipid metabolism, according to the scientist, who is researching the suitability of plant processing side streams as a source of bioactive substances.

REDUCE WASTE

The vegetable industry generates large amounts of side streams that have the potential to be managed and utilised. – According to estimates, approximately 400,000 tonnes of waste is produced annually in fruit and vegetable processing in Poland. These can include, among others, onion plant husks, pomace, peelings from root vegetables, leafy threads and seeds – says Joanna Fotschki.

These products are most often used to produce compost or biogas. One trend in the use of 'waste’ from seasonal vegetables is also to extract natural food colourings from them for use in the production of beverages, confectionery and bakery products, dairy products and ready meals.

Sometimes, however, improper management of this plant biomass results in it being wasted. Indeed, as the scientist explains, the biggest problem of using post-production waste is the proper protection of this material from microbiological contamination, which consequently prevents its reuse. In addition, the costs of processing such by-products play a big role: drying, technological treatment, storage, transport.

– The side products of processing vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, aubergines and cucumbers, if not processed in a sufficiently short period of time, spoil very quickly, so managing them is a challenge for the food industry, often generating high disposal costs, says the researcher.

On the other hand, she adds, if the tested end product shows health-promoting properties for the consumer, then it will be more profitable for companies to use this 'waste’ than to dispose of it.

LACTIC ACID BACTERIA – GO FOR IT!

In her next research, Dr Joanna Fotschki wants to test whether the lactic fermentation process can be applied to the by-products of carrot processing.

Why such an idea? – Poland is one of the leading producers of carrots in Europe, and lactic fermentation is a well-known way of preserving food and giving it additional health-promoting qualities – the researcher answers.

– Even after technological processes (mainly thermal processes during pomace preservation), pomace is still a valuable raw material and contains biologically active compounds in its composition, which may suggest its potential use as a health-promoting food additive, she points out.

Carrot processing pomace contains many valuable compounds, e.g. fibre, proteins, lipids, essential oils, carbohydrates and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids). Many of these compounds have bioactive properties and are attributed to health-promoting functions, e.g. immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

The use of lactic acid bacteria, on the other hand, can be a method of improving the safety, quality, sensory and nutritional value of fermented food, adds Dr Anna Ogrodowczyk, who works with Dr Joanna Fotschki at the Department of Immunology and Food Microbiology of the IAR&FR PAS in Olsztyn.

– The need for deeper research into plant side products – in order to find a common solution to the problem of waste management, the depletion of natural resources and the growing demand for food, including health-promoting food – seems necessary. At the moment, I am focusing on basic research on a laboratory scale, but in the next stages I would like to see this translated and applied in industry – concludes Joanna Fotschki.

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Fanconi anemia is a very rare genetic disease characterized by i.a. high risk of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Due to the small number of patients, it is difficult to conduct clinical trials on it. Scientists from an international team propose to use advanced mathematics, or more precisely, the method of multi-level dynamic modeling, i.e. collecting large amounts and various types of genetic and health data from a limited number of patients.

– Multi-level dynamic modeling is an advanced mathematical and computational approach used in various fields of science and engineering, which allows for analyzing and explaining complex patterns – says Prof. Carsten Carlberg from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, one of the corresponding authors of the publication on this topic, which has just been published in the journal „Frontiers in Genetics” .

WHAT KIND OF ILLNESS IS THAT

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a very rare disease with a genetic basis (it occurs once in 300,000 people). It is primarily caused by mutations in 22 different genes involved in repairing damaged DNA.

People with Fanconi anemia often have congenital defects and a high risk of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Due to gene mutations and a defect in the DNA repair process, traditional cancer treatment methods such as chemotherapy cannot be used for this disease.

A BROAD LOOK AT THE DATA

The problem in better understanding Fanconi anemia is the small number of patients and, as a result, difficulties in conducting clinical trials with their participation. Advanced mathematics comes to the rescue.

As explained by prof. Carsten Carlberg, mechanistic molecular modeling is a computational approach that is well suited to analyzing longitudinal studies of groups of people with a limited number of participants (longitudinal studies are a way of conducting research that allows you to observe the same people repeatedly and over many years). These limitations may have various reasons: logistical, financial, or because the disease being studied, such as Fanconi anemia, is rare.

In contrast, multi-level dynamic modeling is a special case of mechanistic modeling in which a large amount of data is collected for one person and then used to create models of that person’s cells and tissues. These models are sometimes referred to as „digital twins”.

– To create and „train” the model, we use data from healthy and diseased tissue samples from a unique cohort of 750 patients with FA, which was built over 15 years by Prof. Eunike Velleuer. On this basis, we develop the characteristic features of squamous cell carcinoma in patients with Fanconi anemia, which in turn allows us to develop forecasts regarding the probability of developing this cancer – explains Prof. Carsten Carlberg.

– This approach may revolutionize the way of clinical treatment of people with Fanconi anemia – says the leader of the research team, Prof. Eunike Velleuer from the University of Düsseldorf (Germany), who is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of this disease and the first author of the mentioned publication.

The German-Polish team is completed by international collaborators from Mexico and the US, who are experts in mechanistic modelling and/or Fanconi anemia.. The consortium’s ultimate goal is to create „digital twins” of FA patient which can be used to develop personalized treatment routes.

– Using mechanistic modelling and building medical digital twins is by far not restricted to Fanconi anemia, but can be applied for many investigations such as longitudinal effects of vitamin D supplementation – says Prof. Carlberg.

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Prof. Carsten Carlberg is a world-famous biochemist specializing in vitamin D research. He is the leader of the scientific group dealing with nutrigenomics at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

More about the team’s activities at: https://welcome2.pan.olsztyn.pl/.

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