Life & Health Sciences Research Expo

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https://hdl.handle.net/10388/16959

USask students, researchers, faculty, staff, senior leaders, and community members are invited to celebrate outstanding research, collaboration, and mentorship within the health sciences at the Life & Health Sciences Research Expo. https://healthsciences.usask.ca/research-expo/index.php

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Seminal bacterial isolates and their associations with semen quality in rams
(2025-05-01) Wickramasingha, Devinda; Taillon, Matthieu; Schumann, Fritz; Toews, Abby; Hunt, Brooklyn; Gabadage, Kamal; Parker, Sarah Elizabeth; Dadarwal, Dinesh
Bacterial infections of the reproductive tract have been reported to be associated with infertility and subfertility in rams. Our objective was to identify common bacterial isolates in ram semen and evaluate their associations with semen quality parameters. Methods: A total of 150 rams of various breeds, aged 1–5 years, from nine different flocks in Saskatchewan, underwent breeding soundness evaluation during the summers of 2022 or 2023. Semen ejaculates were collected via electroejaculation and assessed for semen quality parameters, including gross and individual motility, sperm morphology (Eosin-Nigrosin stain) and the presence of leukocytes (Feulgen stain). A portion of each semen ejaculate was submitted to Prairie Diagnostic Services, Saskatoon, for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriological culture, including Brucella ovis. Binomial and percentage outcomes were analyzed using logistic regressions and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, respectively, in Stata/BE17, with P<0.05 considered significant. Results: Bacteria were present in all but two samples. The most common isolate was Staphylococcus equorum (43%). Among 95 rams, nine potential reproductive pathogens were identified: Corynebacterium spp. (14.7%), Pasteurella multocida (12%), Streptococcus spp. (11.3%), Brucella ovis (10%), Acinetobacter spp. (10%), Staphylococcus spp. (8%), Trueperella pyogenes (4%), Pseudomonas spp. (2.6%), and Actinobacillus seminis (2.6%). Only B. ovis and Acinetobacter spp. were significantly associated with poor semen quality. Rams infected with B. ovis and Acinetobacter spp. exhibited lower percentages of normal sperm (40.5% ± 26 and 48.5% ± 27, respectively), reduced live sperm counts (46.7% ± 29 and 64.3% ± 13 respectively), and decreased motility (35.7% ± 28 and 40.7% ± 29, respectively). Leukospermia was found in all 15 rams positive for B. ovis, with 2.5 times higher odds (P<0.001) of having ≥5 leukocytes per high-power field. Conclusion: The significant impact of B. ovis and Acinetobacter spp. on semen quality highlights the need for routine bacteriological screening in rams with poor semen quality and fertility.
GLP-1R/GIPR Dual Agonism on Gut Lipid Handling
(2025) Tabatabaeian, Farnoosh; Wang, Rita; Mukherjee, Kundanika; Minier, Ethan; Xiao, Changting
GLP-1R/GIPR Dual Agonism on Gut Lipid Handling Metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity and type 2 diabetes) are associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, a condition with high levels of harmful blood lipids causing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and death. The gut mismanages lipids in metabolic diseases by generating excess harmful lipid particles known as chylomicrons. Tirzepatide is a peptide that simultaneously activates the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). It is an effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It has also shown benefits in lipid metabolism and ASCVD risk reduction; however, whether these effects result from weight loss, systemic metabolic changes, or direct modulation of gut lipid handling remains unclear. This study investigates the direct effects of tirzepatide on gut lipid metabolism. We assessed tirzepatide’s effects on gut lipid secretion and metabolic regulation using a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet or a control diet for 8 weeks and received tirzepatide or placebo injections in the final week. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) were performed at week 6. Rats were surgically implanted with catheters for lipid infusion and mesenteric lymph collection. We measured body weight, energy intake, lymph flow rate, and triglycerides. Preliminary results suggest that high-fat feeding increases gut lipid output, which is attenuated by tirzepatide. Underlying mechanisms are being investigated via gut morphology and gene expression (qPCR, spatial transcriptomics). These findings provide insights into gut lipid metabolism regulation and potential therapeutic targets for dyslipidemia and ASCVD.
BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS ALTER SCAPULAR KINEMATICS DURING A PROGRESSIVE LIFTING TASK
(2025) Friesen, Kenzie B.; Lang, Angelica
Following breast cancer surgery, upper limb strength is affected and fatigue can ensue which can hinder quality of life. One in three BCS consider their post-surgery arm morbidity to interfere substantially with activities of daily living. Elucidating movement deficiencies post-surgery can inform intervention strategies to improve shoulder function and health longevity.

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