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Monteiro de Barros MR, Davies-Morel MCG, Mur LAJ, Creevey CJ, Alison RH, Nash DM. Characterization of an Ex Vivo Equine Endometrial Tissue Culture Model Using Next-Generation RNA-Sequencing Technology. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071995. [PMID: 34359123 PMCID: PMC8300099 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Notwithstanding extensive research into fertility problems in mares, pregnancy rates have remained low mainly because of endometrial inflammation (endometritis). In the field of equine research, endometrial explants have been used to carry out in vitro studies of the mare’s endometrium. However, there has been no wide-ranging assessment of relative stability of this model over time. The aim of this study was to perform an in-depth transcriptomic assessment of endometrial explants over a culture period of 72 h and assess if they are representative of the whole mare. Explants at 24 h demonstrated significant changes when compared to biopsies at 0 h as expected. Even though gene expression changes were seen between 24 and 48 h of culture, prior to this window changes were dominated by the effects of explanting and culture and subsequently, transcription was generally compromised. Our results, therefore have defined the optimal period when explants can be used to study equine endometritis and how the endometrium is modulated during inflammation. It highlights the use of abattoir derived samples to understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the equine endometrium, negating the need to collect repeated uterine biopsies from living mares. Abstract Persistent mating-induced endometritis is a major cause of poor fertility rates in the mare. Endometritis can be investigated using an ex vivo equine endometrial explant system which measures uterine inflammation using prostaglandin F2α as a biomarker. However, this model has yet to undergo a wide-ranging assessment through transcriptomics. In this study, we assessed the transcriptomes of cultured endometrial explants and the optimal temporal window for their use. Endometrium harvested immediately post-mortem from native pony mares (n = 8) were sampled (0 h) and tissue explants were cultured for 24, 48 and 72 h. Tissues were stored in RNALater, total RNA was extracted and sequenced. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined using DESeq2 (R/Bioconductor). Principal component analysis indicated that the greatest changes in expression occurred in the first 24 h of culture when compared to autologous biopsies at 0 h. Fewer DEGs were seen between 24 and 48 h of culture suggesting the system was more stable than during the first 24 h. No genes were differentially expressed between 48 and 72 h but the low number of background gene expression suggested that explant viability was compromised after 48 h. ESR1, MMP9, PTGS2, PMAIP1, TNF, GADD45B and SELE genes were used as biomarkers of endometrial function, cell death and inflammation across tissue culture timepoints. STRING assessments of gene ontology suggested that DEGs between 24 and 48 h were linked to inflammation, immune system, cellular processes, environmental information processing and signal transduction, with an upregulation of most biomarker genes at 24 h. Taken together our observations indicated that 24–48 h is the optimal temporal window when the explant model can be used, as explants restore microcirculation, perform wound healing and tackle inflammation during this period. This key observation will facilitate the appropriate use of this as a model for further research into the equine endometrium and potentially the progression of mating-induced endometritis to persistent inflammation between 24 and 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maithê R. Monteiro de Barros
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FG, UK; (M.C.G.D.-M.); (L.A.J.M.); (D.M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mina C. G. Davies-Morel
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FG, UK; (M.C.G.D.-M.); (L.A.J.M.); (D.M.N.)
| | - Luis A. J. Mur
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FG, UK; (M.C.G.D.-M.); (L.A.J.M.); (D.M.N.)
| | - Christopher J. Creevey
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK;
| | - Roger H. Alison
- Pathology Consultancy Services, Caerfyrddin Fach, Cilcennin, Lampeter SA48 8RN, UK;
| | - Deborah M. Nash
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FG, UK; (M.C.G.D.-M.); (L.A.J.M.); (D.M.N.)
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Valenzuela P, Teuber S, Manosalva C, Alarcón P, Figueroa CD, Ratto M, Burgos RA, Hidalgo MA. Functional expression of the free fatty acids receptor-1 and -4 (FFA1/GPR40 and FFA4/GPR120) in bovine endometrial cells. Vet Res Commun 2019; 43:179-186. [PMID: 31187404 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-019-09758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial epithelial cells play a key defensive role as part of the innate immune response of cow uterus. An association between risk of acquiring infectious diseases and increased levels of free fatty acids postpartum has been suggested, and the use of omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been proposed as a beneficial strategy to improve immunity and fertility. The goal of our study was to demonstrate the presence of free fatty acid (FFA)-1 and 4 receptors in endometrial cells and to investigate their role on DHA interference in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory endometrial activation. We demonstrated that the bovine endometrial (BEND) cells line and bovine endometrium express both FFA1 and FFA4 receptors. FFA1 and FFA4 receptors were localized in the epithelium lining the endometrial cavity and in endometrial glands whereas in BEND cells a characteristic cell membrane localization of both receptors was observed. DHA, a FFA4 natural agonist, increased intracellular calcium mobilization in BEND cells, but the FFA1 agonists oleic and linoleic acids did not increase this response. DHA-induced intracellular calcium mobilization was inhibited by the FFA4 and FFA1 antagonists AH7614 and GW1100, respectively. DHA significantly reduced LPS-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, but none of the antagonists reduced the effect produced by DHA. On the contrary, linoleic acid increased LPS-induced PGE2 production. In conclusion, endometrial cells express FFA4 and FFA1 receptors, and DHA induces intracellular calcium release via FFA4 and FFA1 receptors. DHA reduces PGE2, but this response was not mediated by FFA4 or FFA1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Valenzuela
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Stefanie Teuber
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carolina Manosalva
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pablo Alarcón
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos D Figueroa
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marcelo Ratto
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rafael A Burgos
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Maria A Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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Chaudhari RK, Mahla AS, Singh AK, Singh SK, Pawde AM, Gandham RK, Singh G, Sarkar M, Kumar H, Krishnaswamy N. Effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich fish oil on the endometrial prostaglandin production in the doe ( Capra hircus ). Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2018; 135:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Schwinghamer R, Massolo A, Knight C, Klein C. Equine Endometrial Explants Undergo Significant Degenerative Changes in Culture. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 301:148-153. [PMID: 29024547 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated equine endometrial explants following 12, 24, and 48 hr in culture. Measurement of an indicator of cell death in explant supernatant, light microscopy, and gene expression of biomarkers of endometrial function and cellular stress were used to compare the effect of six different media on explant viability and morphology. Viability of explants was assessed indirectly through measuring LDH activity in the culture supernatant. Regardless of culture medium composition, a significant increase in LDH activity was observed within 12 hr of culture, indicating occurrence of cell damage. Morphological analysis through light microscopy revealed degenerative changes occurring within 12 hr and, after 48 hr, there is nearly complete loss of luminal and superficial glandular epithelium and diffuse detachment of deep glandular epithelium. Transcript abundance of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed as biomarkers of endometrial function. A marked increase in PTGS2 and VEGF expression occurred; ESR1 displayed more or less steady expression levels. Above-described changes were seen irrespective of cell culture medium used. The marked increase in expression in PTGS2 expression presents a limitation to using endometrial explants in the current culture system to study aspects of endometrial function such as the inflammatory response to insemination. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:148-153, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schwinghamer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Cameron Knight
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Claudia Klein
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Progesterone levels and days to luteolysis in mares treated with intrauterine fractionated coconut oil. Theriogenology 2016; 86:545-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gajos K, Kozdrowski R, Nowak M, Siemieniuch MJ. Altered secretion of selected arachidonic acid metabolites during subclinical endometritis relative to estrous cycle stage and grade of fibrosis in mares. Theriogenology 2015; 84:457-66. [PMID: 25963128 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mares that fail to become pregnant after repeated breeding, without showing typical signs of clinical endometritis, should be suspected of subclinical endometritis (SE). Contact with infectious agents results in altered synthesis and secretion of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and arachidonic acid metabolites, and disturbs endometrial functional balance. To address the hypothesis that SE affects the immune endocrine status of the equine endometrium, spontaneous secretion of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α)), 6-keto-PGF(1α )(a metabolite of prostacyclin I(2)), leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) was examined. In addition, secretion of these factors was examined relative to the grade of inflammation, fibrosis, and estrous cycle stage. Eighty-two warmblood mares, of known breeding history, were enrolled in this study. On the basis of histopathologic assessment, mares were classified as suffering from first-grade SE, second-grade SE, or being healthy. The grade of fibrosis and the infiltration of endometrial tissue with polymorphonuclear leukocytes were examined by routine hematoxylin-eosin staining. In mares suffering from SE, the secretion profiles of PGE(2), 6-keto-PGF(1α), LTB(4), and LTC(4) were changed compared to mares that did not suffer from endometritis. The secretion of PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF1α was increased, whereas that of LTB(4) and LTC(4) was decreased. Secretion of 6-keto-PGF(1α) was increased in first- and second-grade SE (P < 0.01). The concentration of PGI(2) metabolite was increased only in inflamed endometrium, independently of the inflammation grade, but was not affected by fibrosis. Prostaglandin E(2) secretion was increased in second-grade SE (P < 0.05). The secretion of LTB(4) decreased in both first- and second-grade SE (P < 0.05), whereas secretion of LTC(4) was decreased only in second-grade SE (P < 0.05). Fibrosis did not change the secretion profile of PGE(2), PGF(2α), and 6-keto-PGF(1α) during the course of SE. However, the secretion profile of LTB(4) was affected during the course of fibrosis. Evident divergences between PGE(2) and PGF(2α) profiles and in PGE2:PGF(2α) ratios in the control versus SE mares observed during the course of diestrus contribute to shortened or prolonged interestrous intervals observed clinically in SE mares.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Kozdrowski
- Department and Clinic of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta J Siemieniuch
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Santos V, Castro T, Bettencourt E, Ginther O. Oxytocin induction of pulses of a prostaglandin metabolite and luteolysis in mares. Theriogenology 2015; 83:730-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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