The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the concentration of selenium in Holstein-Friesian cows at different stages of lactation. Selenium was determined spectrofluorimetrically and GSH-Px activity using a Sigma CGP1 Glutathione Peroxidase Cellular Activity Assay kit. Mean serum selenium concentration was highest in early-lactation multiparous cows (0.18 μg/ml) and the lowest in dry cows (0.111 μg/ml). In early lactation, serum selenium concentration was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in multiparous cows than in cows from the other groups. Mean GSH-Px activity in the serum of dry cows was over twice lower than in late-lactation cows (P ≤ 0.01) and over four times lower than in first-calving heifers and multiparous cows in early lactation (P ≤ 0.01). The coefficients of Spearman's rank correlation between GSH-Px activity and selenium concentration in the cows at different stages of lactation were not significant. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) mean positive correlation (0.46) was found between GSH-Px activity and serum selenium concentration for all the cows analysed together. The highest Se concentration and GSH-Px activity found in the serum of cows during the first stage of lactation may suggest that the generation of reactive oxygen species and their derivatives was higher during this period compared to the other stages, thus placing the cows at a greater risk of oxidative stress. It is therefore essential to give particular attention during this period to meeting the cows' requirement for selenium and other feed components that increase, directly or indirectly, the capacity of the body's antioxidant system.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of rotating magnetic field (RMF) exposition on the fungal laccase catalytic properties. The results obtained in the study revealed that RMF may positively alter the laccase activity. A significant increase in activities of 11%, 11%, and 9% were observed at 10 Hz, 40 Hz and 50 Hz, respectively. Exposure of laccase to the rotating magnetic field resulted in its increased activity at broader pH range and a slight shift in optimum pH from 4.0 to 4.5 at RMF with frequency 20 Hz. The results show that the enzyme activity, stability, and optimum pH can be significantly altered depending on the characteristic of the applied RMF. Application of rotating magnetic field opens a new way for controlling and directions of enzyme-based bioprocessing.

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The aim of this study was to relate polymorphic variants of CYP19, CYP21 and ER1 genes to reproductive traits in 472 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. High frequencies of one of the homozygous genotypes were found. The ER1/SnaBI AA homozygotes were not identified. In the first and third lactation, an average calving-to-conception interval (CLVC) in cows of ER1/SnaBI GG genotype was significantly shorter (P ≤ 0.05) than in heterozygous cows. In the cows of ER1/ BglI GG genotype, significantly shorter CLVC (P ≤ 0.05) was observed compared to heterozygotes in the first lactation, whereas in the third lactation, CLVC in homozygous cows was significantly longer (P ≤ 0.05) than in heterozygous ones. It was also found that homozygous cows were characterized by significantly longer calving interval (CLVI; P ≤ 0.05) compared to heterozygotes in the third lactation. Longer CLVCs in CYP19 AA cows were found, compared to heterozygotes, and this difference was significant in the first and third lactation (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, the average CLVIs were longer in CYP19 AA homozygotes than in heterozygous cows; however, significance was proven only in the third lactation (P ≤ 0.05). Description of the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction, and thus identification of the individuals of genotypes with optimal potential may facilitate the employment of selected reproductive model by a breeder. Gene polymorphism, calving interval, calving-to-conception interval, pregnancy length, inseminationsAbbreviations: CYP19 -cytochrome P450 aromatase gene, CYP21 -steroid 21-hydroxylase gene, ER -oestrogen receptor gene, CLVC -calving-to-conception interval, CLVI -calving interval, INSEM -number of services per successful conception, PREG -pregnancy length.Genetic improvement of the reproductive traits in dairy cattle is crucial not only for ensuring quantitative aspect of production but mainly for the efficient course of lactogenesis and lactopoesis. It is an extremely difficult process, regulated at many stages in a multifactorial manner. Moreover, coefficients characterizing reproductive traits are of low heritability and there is a small number of described genetic markers associated with reproduction that could be used as potential factors supporting the classical selection methods. Therefore, searching for such markers is admittedly important both for the application and research purposes. So, the analysis of the influence of different polymorphic variants of enzymes crucial for oestrogen synthesis on the reproductive traits or of protein factors mediating their actions seems fully justified.The reproductive cycle of all mammalian females is regulated mainly by oestrogen hormones. They are synthesized through the aromatization of androgens, which, in females, are mainly of ovarian origin. In this complex process, a key role is played by the p450 aromatase, which is an enzymatic complex comprising two proteinsnonspecific microsomal flavoprotein reductase and specific haemoglycoprotein, that is, cytochrome P450 aromatase, coded f...

The purpose of this study was to determine glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity in the liver of red deer in relation to selenium concentrations in the liver, as well as to evaluate changes in GSHPx activity according to sex, body weight and season of the year. Total selenium concentration in the liver of red deer averaged 0.095 ± 0.018 μg/g of wet weight. GSHPx activity in the liver of red deer ranged widely from 4.4 to 45.8 U/g of protein. Females were characterized by higher GSHPx activity compared to males (21.2 vs. 17.0 U/g protein). The highest GSHPx activity was recorded in autumn and the lowest in summer. The lowest GSHPx activity in the liver was found in the heaviest animals (>100 kg body weight), averaging 14.0 U/g protein. Animals weighing <66 kg and 66-100 kg were characterized by similar activity of 25.1 and 24.5 U/g, respectively. Despite the differences in GSHPx activity according to sex, body weight and season of the year, these factors had no significant effect on the activity of this enzyme. The main factor regulating GSHPx activity in the liver of examined red deer was selenium concentration.