RESUMEN
This study aimed to assess the cortisol, body and reproductive development of prepubertal Holstein and Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers at 27 months of age maintained in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system for 60 summer days compared to the monoculture system in full sun (FS). The ILF system promoted changes (P=0.02) in the cortisol levels of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers and did not affect weight gain in any of the breed groups studied. Animals in ILF system presented a lower (P=0.006) vulvar development for the rima height parameter and similar for the vulva width parameter. The ovarian follicular population of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers in the ILF system was lower (P=0.004); however, for the Holstein heifers, no statistical difference was found, and numbers were higher (P=0.08) in the ILF system. None of the other ovarian parameters studied had any changes, and we also found important racial differences. Weight gain (P=0.003), vulvar development (P<0.001), and mean follicular size (P=0.008) were higher in the Holstein-Gir ¾ animals. Based on such results, the effect of the ILF system at 27 months of age on stress and reproductive parameters in the Holstein breed is considered positive, although negative effects have been detected on reproductive parameters in the Holstein-Gir ¾ breed.
RESUMEN
Cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver disease, compromising liver function with systemic health implications and poor quality of life. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and alcoholic liver disease are the main causes of this pathology. However, since genetic factors may play a large role in the progression and severity of liver disease, and as apolipoprotein E (apoE) has been recognised to be mainly synthesised in the liver, apoE polymorphism studies are important to better understand the causal mechanisms in liver diseases. In this review, we summarise up-to-date studies addressing how apoE polymorphisms influence liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation outcomes and potential protective mechanisms. Although more clinical studies are needed to support these findings, the apoE É4 allele seems to be protective against the progression of liver cirrhosis in the majority of aetiologies and the postoperative serum apoE phenotype of the transplanted subject receptors was converted to that of the donor, indicating that >90% of apoE in plasma is synthesised in the hepatic system.