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Feijo LS, Wolfsdorf KE, Canisso IF, Parry S, Felippe MJB. Application of blood parameters for the early diagnosis of natural ascending placentitis in pregnant mares. Theriogenology 2024; 228:37-53. [PMID: 39089073 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Placental infection is an important cause of late-term pregnancy loss and neonatal diseases in horses. Detection of changes in blood parameters especially during early placentitis could improve the diagnostic accuracy, treatment decision, and potential outcomes. The objectives of this 2-part study were to identify differences in circulating immunological, inflammatory, and hormonal parameters between mares with natural ascending placentitis and control mares; evaluate each and combination of parameters as predictors of placentitis; and determine how these parameters indicate severity of placentitis. Reproductive examination and blood sampling were prospectively performed on pregnant mares in a natural setting. Study 1 enrolled mares diagnosed with early stage of ascending placentitis based on ultrasonographic findings (n = 12), and gestationally age-matched mares with healthy pregnancies as controls (n = 12). Blood samples were classified as pre-onset (before) and early onset (at the time of ultrasonographic changes) of placentitis. There were no detected statistically significant differences between groups and timepoints in immunological and inflammatory parameters, including peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine, and serum amyloid A concentrations. The placentitis group showed a reduced (P = 0.01) DHP/20α-DHP ratio when compared to the control group at the early onset timepoint. Plasma estradiol-17β concentration <359 pg/mL predicted ascending placentitis with acceptable accuracy (area under the curve, AUC = 0.71). Combined albumin <3.7 g/dL, estradiol-17β < 499 ng/mL, and DHP <33 ng/mL predicted 100 % of cases of ascending placentitis. In study 2, samples were classified according to the presence and severity of the abnormal ultrasonographic findings as mild (n = 11) and moderate-severe (n = 23), and gestationally age-matched with samples from control mares (n = 34). Mares with moderate-severe ascending placentitis had increased (P = 0.03) plasma 20α-DHP concentration and reduced (P = 0.03) DHP/20α-DHP ratio when compared to control mares. Our results suggest that the early events of ascending placentitis detected by ultrasonographic findings include hormonal alterations of feto-placental metabolism measurable in the mare's circulation, yet without obvious systemic immunological and inflammatory changes. Additional studies are warranted to further assess how hormonal markers and cutoff values could guide decisions for timely therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena S Feijo
- Equine Immunology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Igor F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Stephen Parry
- Cornell Statistical Consulting Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - M Julia B Felippe
- Equine Immunology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Fedorka CE, Scoggin KE, El-Sheikh Ali H, Troedsson MHT. Evaluating the IL-6 Family of Cytokines Throughout Equine Gestation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13910. [PMID: 39072818 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines is grouped by a common receptor subunit (gp130), but functions in distinct but overlapping physiological activities, including regulation of acute phase reaction and the balance between effector and regulatory T cell populations-both of which play a role in successful pregnancy maturation. METHODS Here, we aim to assess the expression profiles of members of the IL-6 cytokine family throughout equine gestation. To do so, RNA Sequencing was performed on chorioallantois and endometrium of mares at 120, 180, 300, and 330 days of gestation (n = 4/stage), as well as 45-day chorioallantois (n = 4) and diestrus endometrium (n = 3). Expression levels of members of the IL-6 cytokine family including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), galectin-10, oncostatin M (OSM), and IL-6, -11, and -27 were evaluated in addition to the receptors for IL-6 (IL-6R) and the common receptor subunit gp130. Additionally, peripheral concentration of IL-6 was assessed. RESULTS In the chorioallantois, differential expression of IL-6, IL-11, CNTF, CLCF1, OSM, and CT-1 was noted. In the endometrium, the gestational age of pregnancy impacted the expression of IL-11, CNTF, and CT-1. Circulatory IL-6 concentrations reached their highest concentrations at 120 days, with lesser concentrations noted at 45, 180, 300, and 330 days. Both IL-6R and gp130 altered in expression throughout equine gestation. CONCLUSION In conclusion, members of the IL-6 cytokine family appear to fluctuate constantly throughout equine pregnancy, with varying expression profiles noted when comparing individual members. Additionally, different expression profiles were noted when comparing chorioallantois, endometrium, and circulation, indicating that the function of the cytokine is tissue-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Buchanan CQ, Lawlor ML, Okafor C, Kurian SR, Philip AE, Finkle AE, McQuillan JJ, Haridas S, Koenig JM. Linked Th17 and Calgranulin Responses in Maternal-cord Blood Dyads of Preterm Gestations with Histologic Chorioamnionitis. NEWBORN (CLARKSVILLE, MD.) 2023; 2:133-141. [PMID: 37790838 PMCID: PMC10547109 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Maternal-fetal immune crosstalk mechanisms are increasingly identified in the pathogenesis of gestational disorders, including histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA). Although an inflammatory Th17 immune phenotype has been described in preterm neonates with HCA, the associated maternal Th17 response is relatively unknown. To refine our understanding of Th17 biology in this context, we examined Th17 responses in maternal-cord blood dyads of preterm gestations. Materials and methods Paired maternal and cord blood (CB) samples were prospectively collected from preterm gestations (23-34 weeks) with HCA or controls. Th17-linked cell frequencies and plasma calgranulin (S100A8, S100A12) levels were determined by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Results Analyses of 47 maternal-cord blood pairs showed striking parallel increases in Th17 cell frequencies as well as plasma calgranulin levels in the presence of fetal inflammation. Cord blood S100A12 levels were directly correlated with Th17 cell frequencies. In CB cultures, rh-S100A12 promoted in vitro propagation of Th17-type CD4+ cells. Conclusions Maternal and CB Th17-linked responses are dually amplified in gestations with HCA, supporting a biological role for maternal-fetal interactions in this disorder. In addition to advancing current knowledge of neonatal Th17 mechanisms, these data shed new light on their association with maternal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Q Buchanan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Megan L Lawlor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Chukwuebuka Okafor
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shannon R Kurian
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Andrea E Philip
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Abigael E Finkle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Jay J McQuillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Seema Haridas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joyce M Koenig
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Fedorka CE, Troedsson MH. The immune response to equine ascending placentitis: A narrative review. Theriogenology 2023; 203:11-20. [PMID: 36966581 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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Zha Y, Liu H, Lin X, Yu L, Gao P, Li Y, Wu M, Gong X, Bian X, Kang Q, Zhi P, Dang X, Wang J, Feng L, Qiao F, Huang Y, Zeng W. Immune Deviation in the Decidua During Term and Preterm Labor. Front Immunol 2022; 13:877314. [PMID: 35757768 PMCID: PMC9226582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.877314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal-fetal immune disorder is considered to be an important factor of preterm birth (PTB); however, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. This study was designed to explore the innate and adaptive immune features in the decidua during term and preterm labor. Women delivered at term or preterm were classified into four groups: term not in labor (TNL, N=19), term in labor (TL, N=17), preterm not in labor (PNL, N=10), and preterm in labor (PIL, N=10). Decidua basalis and parietalis were collected and analyzed for macrophage subtypes (M1 and M2) as well as T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated significantly decreased frequencies of M2 cells and elevated M1/M2 ratio in the PIL group compared to that in the PNL group in both decidua basalis and parietalis, whereas no significant differences were found between the above two groups in both sites in terms of the polarization status of Th cells. On the contrary, macrophage subsets were comparable in the TL and TNL groups, whereas elevated Th1 percentages and Th1/Th2 ratio were observed in TL women compared to that in TNL women in the decidua. Interestingly, although the frequencies and ratios of Th17 and Treg were comparable among the four groups, the Th17/Treg ratios of these groups were significantly increased in decidua basalis than that in decidua parietalis. Collectively, the M1/M2 imbalance is associated with the breakdown of maternal-fetal immune tolerance during PTB, whereas the aberrant Th1/Th2 profile plays an important role in immune disorder during term labor. Moreover, Th17/Treg deviation is more remarkable in decidua basalis than in decidua parietalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingguang Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xun Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Bian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Zhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohe Dang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuyuan Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafei Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanjiang Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Fedorka CE, El-Sheikh Ali H, Scoggin KE, Loux SC, Ball BA, Troedsson MHT. Tumor necrosis factor signaling during equine placental infection leads to pro-apoptotic and necroptotic outcomes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103655. [PMID: 35716439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ascending placentitis is the leading cause of abortion in the horse. The pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an upstream regulator of this disease, but little is understood regarding its function in pregnancy maintenance or placental infection. To assess this, RNA sequencing was performed on chorioallantois and endometrium of healthy pregnant mares at various gestational lengths (n = 4/gestational age), in addition to postpartum chorioallantois, and diestrus endometrium to assess expression of TNF, TNFR-1, and TNFR-2. Additionally, ascending placentitis was induced via trans-cervical inoculation of S. equi spp. zooepidemicus in pregnant mares (n = 6 infected / n = 6 control) and tissues and serum were collected to evaluate TNF-related transcripts. IHC was performed to confirm protein localization of TNFR-1 and TNFR-2. In healthy pregnancy, TNFR-1 appears to be the predominant TNF-related receptor. Following induction of disease, TNF concentrations increased in maternal serum, but expression did not alter at the tissue level. While both TNFR-1 and TNFR-2 increased following induction of disease, alterations in downstream pathways indicate that TNFR-1 is the dominant receptor in ascending placentitis, and is primarily activated within the chorioallantois, with minimal signaling occurring within the endometrium. In conclusion, TNF appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of ascending placentitis. An increase in this cytokine during disease progression is believed to activate TNFR-1 within the chorioallantois, leading to various pro-apoptotic and necroptotic outcomes, all of which may signal for fetal demise and impending abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Theriogenology, Mansoura University, Dakahlia, Eqypt
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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El-Sheikh Ali H, Loux SC, Kennedy L, Scoggin KE, Dini P, Fedorka CE, Kalbfleisch TS, Esteller-Vico A, Horohov DW, Erol E, Carter CN, Smith JL, Ball BA. Transcriptomic analysis of equine chorioallantois reveals immune networks and molecular mechanisms involved in nocardioform placentitis. Vet Res 2021; 52:103. [PMID: 34238364 PMCID: PMC8268225 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nocardioform placentitis (NP) continues to result in episodic outbreaks of abortion and preterm birth in mares and remains a poorly understood disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the transcriptome of the chorioallantois (CA) of mares with NP. The CA were collected from mares with confirmed NP based upon histopathology, microbiological culture and PCR for Amycolatopsis spp. Samples were collected from the margin of the NP lesion (NPL, n = 4) and grossly normal region (NPN, n = 4). Additionally, CA samples were collected from normal postpartum mares (Control; CRL, n = 4). Transcriptome analysis identified 2892 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NPL vs. CRL and 2450 DEGs in NPL vs. NPN. Functional genomics analysis elucidated that inflammatory signaling, toll-like receptor signaling, inflammasome activation, chemotaxis, and apoptosis pathways are involved in NP. The increased leukocytic infiltration in NPL was associated with the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1, MMP3, and MMP8) and apoptosis-related genes, such as caspases (CASP3 and CASP7), which could explain placental separation associated with NP. Also, NP was associated with downregulation of several placenta-regulatory genes (ABCG2, GCM1, EPAS1, and NR3C1), angiogenesis-related genes (VEGFA, FLT1, KDR, and ANGPT2), and glucose transporter coding genes (GLUT1, GLUT10, and GLUT12), as well as upregulation of hypoxia-related genes (HIF1A and EGLN3), which could elucidate placental insufficiency accompanying NP. In conclusion, our findings revealed for the first time, the key regulators and mechanisms underlying placental inflammation, separation, and insufficiency during NP, which might lead to the development of efficacious therapies or diagnostic aids by targeting the key molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Laura Kennedy
- UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Carleigh E Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Theodore S Kalbfleisch
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | | | - David W Horohov
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Erdal Erol
- UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Craig N Carter
- UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Jackie L Smith
- UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Barry A Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
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Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Walker OF, McCormick ME, Scoggin KE, Kennedy LA, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT. Alterations of Circulating Biomarkers During Late Term Pregnancy Complications in the Horse Part I: Cytokines. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 99:103425. [PMID: 33781421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Equine abortions are attributed to both infectious and noninfectious causes. Clinical extrapolations are often made from the experimental model for ascending placentitis towards other causes of fetal compromise, including various markers of inflammation, including the cytokines IL-2, 5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF. It is unknown if these cytokine changes are noted under field conditions, or if they increase preceding other pregnancy related complications. To assess this, Thoroughbred mares (n = 702) had weekly blood obtained beginning in December 2013 and continuing until parturition. Fetal membranes were submitted to the UKVDL for complete gross and pathologic assessment and classified as either ascending placentitis (n = 6), focal mucoid placentitis (n = 6), idiopathic abortion (n = 6) or control (n = 20). Weekly serum samples were analyzed via immunoassay for concentrations of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF. For both focal mucoid placentitis and ascending placentitis, an increase (P < .05) in the concentrations of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNF was noted preceding parturition in comparison to controls. Cytokine profiles preceding idiopathic abortion did not differ from controls. In conclusion, serum cytokines may be considered potential biomarkers for the prediction of placental infection, while no changes in cytokine profiles were noted when noninfectious causes of abortion occurred. Additionally, this is the first study to report an increase in cytokines during the disease process of focal mucoid placentitis, the etiology of which includes Nocardioform placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Fedorka
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY
| | - B A Ball
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY.
| | - O F Walker
- Lincoln Memorial University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Harrogate, TN
| | - M E McCormick
- Rhode Island College, College of Nursing. Providence, RI; Rhode Island Department of Health. Providence, RI
| | - K E Scoggin
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY
| | - L A Kennedy
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY
| | - E L Squires
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY
| | - M H T Troedsson
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Lexington, KY
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Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Wynn MAA, McCormick ME, Scoggin KE, Esteller-Vico A, Curry TE, Kennedy LA, Squires EL, Troedsson MHT. Alterations of Circulating Biomarkers During Late Term Pregnancy Complications in the Horse Part II: Steroid Hormones and Alpha-Fetoprotein. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 99:103395. [PMID: 33781417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preterm labor and/or abortion causes considerable economic impact on the equine industry. Unfortunately, few experimental models exist for the induction of various pregnancy-related complications, and therefore extrapolations are made from the experimental model for ascending placentits, although inferences may be minimal. Certain steroid hormones (progestogens, estrogens) and fetal proteins (alpha-fetoprotein; AFP) might improve the diagnostics for abnormal pregnancy, but the utility of these markers in the field is unknown. To assess this, thoroughbred mares (n = 702) were bled weekly beginning in December 2013 until parturition/abortion. Following parturition, fetal membranes were assessed histopathologically and classified as either ascending placentitis (n = 6), focal mucoid placentitis (n = 6), idiopathic abortion (n = 6) or no disease (n = 20). Weekly serum samples were analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17β, and AFP. Samples were analyzed retrospectively from the week of parturition/abortion in addition to the preceding four weeks. For both ascending and focal mucoid placentitis, a significant increase in progesterone and AFP was noted, alongside a significant decrease in estradiol-17β and the ratio of estradiol-17β to progesterone in comparison to controls. In contrast, idiopathic abortions experienced a decrease in progesterone concentrations alongside an increase in AFP, and this was only noted in the week preceding parturition/abortion. In conclusion, spontaneous placental infection in the horse altered both endocrine and feto-secretory markers in maternal circulation, while minimal changes were noted preceding noninfectious idiopathic abortion. Additionally, this is the first study to report an alteration in steroid hormones and AFP during the disease process of focal mucoid placentitis, the etiology of which includes Nocardioform placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
| | - Michelle A A Wynn
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Meghan E McCormick
- Rhode Island College, College of Nursing, Providence, RI; Rhode Island Department of Health, Providence, RI
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Thomas E Curry
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Laura A Kennedy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Edward L Squires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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