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Tobolski D, Zwierzchowski G, Lukasik K, Skarżyński DJ, Pascottini OB, Opsomer G, Barański W. Progesterone-independent endometrial mRNA expression in dairy cows with clinical or subclinical endometritis. Theriogenology 2024; 216:146-154. [PMID: 38183931 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.031] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Up to 50 % of dairy cows fail to resolve uterine involution and develop chronic clinical (CE) or subclinical endometritis (SE) 21 days after calving. Clinical endometritis is associated with purulent discharge, while SE is not associated with overt clinical signs. Along with numerous knowledge gaps related to its pathogenesis, SE does not allow for a straightforward and effective therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to unravel differences in the expression of genes among healthy, CE, and SE cows. This might contribute to the discovery of new drug candidates and, in consequence, a potentially effective treatment. In the present study, cows between 21 and 28 days postpartum (PP) were examined using vaginoscopy for the presence of vaginal discharge and endometrial cytology for the determination of the endometrial polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) percentage. Next, an endometrial biopsy sample was taken to investigate the expression of 13 selected candidate genes by qPCR. Uterine health status was assigned to healthy (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and ≤5 % PMN, n = 13), SE (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 30), and CE (mucopurulent or purulent vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 9). At the same time, a blood sample was collected to assess serum progesterone concentration and to categorize cows as low (≤1 ng/mL) or high (>1 ng/mL) in progesterone. High expression of IL1B, IL6, IL17A, CXCL8, PTGES, PTGS1, PTGS2, and INHBA genes and low expression of FST was noted in the endometrium of CE compared to healthy cows. Increased endometrial INHBA expression was observed in both SE and CE compared to healthy cows. Interestingly, greater expression of PTGES and PRXL2B genes and lower expression of PTGS2 were characteristic of SE versus CE or healthy. Among cows with no overt clinical symptoms of uterine disease (healthy and SE), the endometrial expression of IL1 B, CXCL8, and PTGES was greater in cows with high versus low serum progesterone. Several genes were differentially expressed among healthy, SE, and CE cows indicating different pathways for the development of different uterine diseases. In conclusion, we found progesterone-independent SE markers, which suggests that low endometrial PTGS2 expression may be indicative of an inadequate immune response and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Tobolski
- Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Oczapowskiego 14, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Zwierzchowski
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, 1a Oczapowskiego Str., Olsztyn, 10-719, Poland
| | - Karolina Lukasik
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10 -748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jan Skarżyński
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10 -748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Barański
- Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Oczapowskiego 14, Olsztyn, Poland
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Neubrand L, Pothmann H, Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Gabler C, Dolezal M, Aurich C, Drillich M, Wagener K. In vivo dynamics of pro-inflammatory factors, mucins, and polymorph nuclear neutrophils in the bovine oviduct during the follicular and luteal phase. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22353. [PMID: 38102308 PMCID: PMC10724147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49151-9] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic functional changes in the oviductal microenvironment are the prerequisite for the establishment of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to gain the first insights into oestrous cycle-dependent dynamics of polymorph nuclear neutrophils (PMN) and the mRNA abundance of selected genes and their correlations in the oviduct of living cows. Mini-cytobrush samples were taken from the oviducts of healthy heifers (n = 6) and cows (n = 7) during the follicular (FOL) and luteal phase (LUT) by transvaginal endoscopy. Total RNA was isolated from the samples and subjected to reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for selected pro-inflammatory factors, glycoproteins, and a metabolic marker. The percentage of PMN was determined by cytological examination. The mean PMN percentage was 2.8-fold greater during LUT than FOL. During LUT, significantly greater mRNA abundance of the pro-inflammatory factors IL1B, CXCL1, CXCL3, and CXCL8 was observed. The OVGP1 mRNA abundance was twice as high during FOL than in LUT. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and heatmap analyses indicated characteristic functional patterns with strong correlations among investigated factors. Using this novel approach, we illustrate complex physiological dynamics and interactions of the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors, mucins, OVGP1, and PMN in the oviduct during the oestrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Neubrand
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - H Pothmann
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - V Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - C Gabler
- Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Dolezal
- Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Unit for Reproduction Medicine and Udder Health, Clinic for Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Wagener
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Pérez-Marín CC, Quintela LA. Current Insights in the Repeat Breeder Cow Syndrome. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2187. [PMID: 37443985 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cows can have difficulties becoming pregnant, and in certain cases, these reproductive failures do not have an evident cause. Furthermore, when these failures are repeated three or more times with estrous cycles of normal duration and in the absence of evident clinical signs, it is considered repeat breeder cow (RBC) syndrome. A substantive incidence of RBC syndrome has been reported all over the world, which severely affects the farm economy. This paper reviews those studies particularly focused on RBC syndrome from 2000 to 2023 but also includes consolidated information until this date. Hormonal imbalances, undetectable oviductal or uterine defects, or poor oocyte or embryo quality have been reported as causes of RBC syndrome, while subclinical endometritis has been considered a relevant causal agent. However, it is unresolved why this condition is recurrent in certain animals, despite the implementation of corrective management actions or treatments. Recent studies evaluate the putative role of certain genes, factors, hormones, or proteins in the pathogenesis of RBC syndrome. Numerous risk factors contribute to the appearance of this syndrome, and some of them could be mitigated to partially prevent this infertility, while others cannot be changed. Due to the complexity of this syndrome, it is important to increase knowledge about the mechanisms involved, develop new diagnostic tools to differentiate causal agents, and implement new treatments to restore fertility. There is consensus about the huge repercussions of this syndrome on farm profitability, but further studies are now needed to describe its economic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Carmelo Pérez-Marín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Luis Angel Quintela
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
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Kneidl AM, Marth CD, Kirsch S, Weber F, Zablotski Y, Helfrich AL, Schabmeyer ST, Schneider JK, Petzl W, Zerbe H, Meyerholz-Wohllebe MM. Is the IL1RA/IL1B Ratio a Suitable Biomarker for Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cows? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233363. [PMID: 36496884 PMCID: PMC9737067 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The adequate expression of cytokines is essential for the prevention and healing of bovine endometrial inflammation. This study investigated the intra-uterine concentration of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)1B and its antagonist IL1RA in cows with and without subclinical endometritis (SE). Samples were taken from 37 uteri at the abattoir and 26 uteri in vivo. Uterine secretion samples were classified as showing no signs of SE (SEneg; polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocyte (PMN) < 5%) or showing signs of SE (SEpos; PMN ≥ 5%). Concentrations and ratios for IL1B and IL1RA were measured using a commercial and a newly established AlphaLISA kit, respectively. In both groups, a higher concentration of IL1B was detected in the SEpos group compared with the SEneg group (abattoir: p = 0.027; in vivo p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the concentration of IL1RA (p > 0.05). In uterine secretion samples retrieved in vivo, a lower IL1RA/IL1B ratio was detected in the SEpos group compared with the SEneg group (p = 0.002). The results of this study highlight the important role of IL1B and IL1RA during endometritis and the potential of the IL1RA/IL1B ratio as a possible biomarker for SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Kneidl
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Christina Deborah Marth
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8001-2641
| | - Sandra Kirsch
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Frank Weber
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Anika Luzia Helfrich
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Simone Tamara Schabmeyer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Julia Katharina Schneider
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Wolfram Petzl
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Holm Zerbe
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Marie Margarete Meyerholz-Wohllebe
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Elshalofy A, Wagener K, Weber K, Blanco M, Bauersachs S, Bollwein H. Identification of genes associated with susceptibility to persistent breeding-induced endometritis by RNA-sequencing of uterine cytobrush samples. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100577. [PMID: 34883452 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100577] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE). Cytobrush samples were collected from 81 broodmares 1-3 days before artificial insemination (AI). Susceptibility to PBIE was evaluated by the presence of ≥ 2 cm of intrauterine fluid 24 h after AI, besides the fertility was determined by a sonographic pregnancy diagnosis 2 weeks after ovulation. RNA expressions were compared between susceptible non-pregnant (SNP) mares (n=9) and resistant pregnant (RP) mares (n=9) as well as between susceptible pregnant (SP) mares (n=9) and susceptible non-pregnant (SNP) mares. 66 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between SNP and RP mares and 60 DEGs between SP and SNP mares. In SNP compared to RP mares, transcript levels of genes regulating steroid hormone metabolism and neutrophil chemotaxis were lower, while higher for genes participating in uterine inflammation.Transcripts of genes related to extracellular matrix degradation, tissue adhesions, and fibrosis were lower in SP mares than in SNP mares, while higher for genes related to uterine cell proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis in SP mares than SNP mares. In conclusion, increased transcript levels of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and roundabout 2 (ROBO2), cluster domain 44 (CD44), integrin beta 3 (ITGB3), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are possible biomarkers for susceptibility to PBIE. While higher expression of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), kinase domain receptor (KDR), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 16, collagen type V alpha 2 (COL5A2) and fibronectin (FN1) are suggested indicators of fertility in susceptible mares if they receive proper breeding management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Elshalofy
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Karen Wagener
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Weber
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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Akthar I, Marey MA, Kim Y, Shimada M, Suarez SS, Miyamoto A. Sperm interaction with the uterine innate immune system: toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a main sensor in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:139-148. [PMID: 35231265 DOI: 10.1071/rd21265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During the passage through the female reproductive tract, sperm interact with various compartments and their immune systems. The immune system that protects the female against pathogens also could destroy sperm or prevent them from reaching the site of fertilisation. In particular, the uterine innate immune response is crucial from the perspectives of both the sperm and the uterus. Following insemination, sperm immediately start to trigger inflammation in the uterus by entering uterine glands and activating an innate immune response. In cattle, the activation occurs mainly via TLR2 signalling, if not the only one, between sperm and the uterine epithelium lining the glands. This acute immune response is manifested as the upregulation of mRNA expression of IL8, TNFA, IL1B , and PGES . As a consequence, many sperm are trapped by polymorphonuclear neutrophils, the first and major component of innate immunity. The sperm-induced uterine innate immune responses apparently serve to clear the uterus of excess sperm and, importantly, prepare the endometrium for implantation. Pathophysiological conditions in the uterus seriously disrupt this phenomenon, and thus could directly decrease fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihshan Akthar
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mohamed A Marey
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; and Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Behera, Egypt
| | - Yejin Kim
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Susan S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
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Pan HX, Zhang CS, Lin CH, Chen MM, Zhang XZ, Yu N. Mucin 1 and interleukin-11 protein expression and inflammatory reactions in the intestinal mucosa of necrotizing enterocolitis children after surgery. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:7372-7380. [PMID: 34616804 PMCID: PMC8464442 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i25.7372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) of the newborn is a frequently occurring clinical disease in infants. The mortality rate of NEC in premature infants is as high as 50%, and the morbidity rate is on the rise. NEC has already caused serious impacts on newborn survival and poses serious threats to both children and families.
AIM To investigate the expression and significance of mucin 1 (MUC1) and interleukin-11 (IL-11) in the intestinal mucosa of infants with neonatal NEC after surgery.
METHODS Forty-eight postoperative intestinal mucosal specimens from children with NEC (NEC group) and twenty-two intestinal mucosal specimens from children with congenital intestinal atresia (control group) were collected in our hospital. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were used to examine the protein expression of MUC-1 and IL-11 in the two groups. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in the two groups were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the relationship between MUC-1 and IL-11 protein expression and serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels was analyzed by the linear correlation method.
RESULTS The protein expression of MUC-1 and IL-11 in the NEC group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β in the NEC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The protein expression of MUC-1 and IL-11 in the NEC group negatively correlated with serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the protein expression of MUC-1 and IL-11 and the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β in the NEC group.
CONCLUSION The protein expression of MUC1 and IL-11 in the intestinal mucosa of children with NEC is significantly downregulated after surgery. This downregulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and has a certain correlation with inflammatory response factors in children with NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xia Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Suzhou BenQ Medical Center, Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chang-Song Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215153, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chia-Hui Lin
- General Manager's Office, Suzhou Gallant Biotech Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Suzhou 215163, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min-Min Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Suzhou BenQ Medical Center, Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215011, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, National High Tech Development Zone Hospital, Suzhou 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nong Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National High Tech Development Zone Hospital, Suzhou 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
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Endometrial Inflammation at the Time of Insemination and Its Effect on Subsequent Fertility of Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071858. [PMID: 34206536 PMCID: PMC8300153 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A detailed understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms in the bovine uterus is crucial to explain and avoid subfertility in dairy cows. Therefore, we examined the effect of inflammation in the bovine uterus in cows with no clinical signs of disease at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on subsequent pregnancy outcome. In a total of 71 healthy dairy cows, uterine cytology samples were collected by cytobrush technique within 10 min after insemination. Endometrial inflammation was investigated at the cellular and mRNA expression levels. All factors with a significant effect on fertility in our study were related to uterine polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration, i.e., the first line of uterine defense. Cows with a proportion of ≥1% PMN had a 1.8-fold increased chance of pregnancy within 150 days postpartum compared to cows with fewer PMNs. From our results, we conclude that a certain level of inflammation at the molecular and cellular levels before the stimulus of AI might be favorable for cows’ fertility. Abstract Our objective was to investigate the level of endometrial immune response at artificial insemination (AI) and to relate it to subsequent fertility. From 71 healthy cows, endometrial cytobrush samples were taken at the first AI for cytological and mRNA analyses. Total RNA isolated from the cytobrushes was used for reverse transcription qPCR for selected transcripts. Animals were grouped into pregnant (PREG; n = 32) and non-pregnant (non-PREG; n = 39) cows following their first AI. The mRNA abundance of the neutrophil-related factor CEACAM1 and the chemokine CXCL5 was 1.2- (p = 0.03) and 2.0-fold (p = 0.04) greater in PREG than in non-PREG cows, respectively. Animals were further subdivided according to the number of inseminations until pregnancy (PREG1, n = 32; PREG2-3, n = 19) and in repeat breeder cows (RBC, n = 13). CEACAM1 and CXCL8 mRNA expression was 1.7- (p = 0.01) and 2.3-fold (p = 0.03) greater in PREG1 than in RBC, respectively. Cox regression showed that cows with PMN ≥ 1% had a 1.8-fold increased chance of pregnancy within 150 days postpartum compared with cows with fewer PMNs. We conclude that a certain level of inflammation before the stimulus of AI might be beneficial for subsequent fertility.
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A comparative analysis of the intrauterine transcriptome in fertile and subfertile mares using cytobrush sampling. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:377. [PMID: 34022808 PMCID: PMC8141133 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07701-3] [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: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subfertility is a major problem in modern horse breeding. Especially, mares without clinical signs of reproductive diseases, without known uterine pathogens and no evidence of inflammation but not becoming pregnant after several breeding attempts are challenging for veterinarians. To obtain new insights into the cause of these fertility problems and aiming at improving diagnosis of subfertile mares, a comparative analysis of the intrauterine transcriptome in subfertile and fertile mares was performed. Uterine cytobrush samples were collected during estrus from 57 mares without clinical signs of uterine diseases. RNA was extracted from the cytobrush samples and samples from 11 selected subfertile and 11 fertile mares were used for Illumina RNA-sequencing. Results The cytobrush sampling was a suitable technique to isolate enough RNA of high quality for transcriptome analysis. Comparing subfertile and fertile mares, 114 differentially expressed genes (FDR = 10%) were identified. Metascape enrichment analysis revealed that genes with lower mRNA levels in subfertile mares were related to ‘extracellular matrix (ECM)’, ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, ‘focal adhesion’, ‘immune response’ and ‘cytosolic calcium ion concentration’, while DEGs with higher levels in subfertile mares were enriched for ‘monocarboxyl acid transmembrane transport activity’ and ‘protein targeting’. Conclusion Our study revealed significant differences in the uterine transcriptome between fertile and subfertile mares and provides leads for potential uterine molecular biomarkers of subfertility in the mare. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07701-3.
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Pothmann H, Flick P, Tichy A, Gabler C, Drillich M. Messenger RNA Expression of Selected Factors at Different Sites of the Bovine Endometrium Associated With Uterine Health. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:649758. [PMID: 33748222 PMCID: PMC7973100 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.649758] [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: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have elucidated the role of several pro-inflammatory factors as mediators of inflammatory processes in the bovine endometrium. Only few studies, however, have analyzed samples collected from different regions of the uterus of the same animal. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that on a molecular level, clinical endometritis is characterized by inflammatory responses spread over the entire endometrium. Furthermore, we assume that subclinical endometritis is described by an inflammation of local regions of the uterus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the mRNA expression of uterus-associated pro-inflammatory factors at five pre-defined endometrial sites, i.e., corpus uteri, left horn base, left horn tip, right horn base, and right horn tip, in cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis and in healthy controls. We analyzed the mRNA expression of interleukin 1 alpha, interleukin 1 beta, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C, carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1, and mucin 4 and 16. Based on vaginoscopy and endometrial cytology (≥ 5% polymorphonuclear neutrophils) between 28 to 34 days in milk, 18 Simmental cows were categorized in clinical endometritis group (n = 7), subclinical endometritis group (n = 4), and healthy group (n = 7). In general, the analyses revealed a great variation of mRNA expression between sites and animals. Differences were found between different uterine health statuses, but the variation between the sampling sites within the groups was not significant (P > 0.05). This indicates that inflammatory processes at the end of the postpartum period can be regarded as multi-focal or spread throughout the uterus independent from the uterine health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Pothmann
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paula Flick
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Scientific Biomedicine, Platform of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Gabler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Drillich
- Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management in Ruminants, University Clinic for Ruminants, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Prediction of Calving to Conception Interval Length Using Algorithmic Analysis of Endometrial mRNA Expression in Bovine. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010236. [PMID: 33478124 PMCID: PMC7835770 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Our study aimed to develop the unsupervised clustering model based solely on selected markers to investigate the association between calving conception interval length, subclinical endometritis, and endometrial gene expression. An algorithmic analysis of endometrial gene expression showed a higher predictive ability to identify cows exhibiting excellent fertility than previously used methods, highlighting the correlation between INHBA/INHA and calving–conception interval length. Abstract After parturition, the uterus undergoes significant reconstruction, allows the endometrium to create an environment for subsequent embryo development. Here, we used an unsupervised algorithmic approach to select characteristic endometrial mRNA expression patterns of proposed markers and investigate each marker’s role as an individual indicator of reproductive success. Clinically healthy cows at a sixth week postpartum were examined, the percentage of neutrophils (PMNs%) in the cytological smear was calculated, and an endometrial biopsy was taken for qPCR. Based on pregnancy examination, cows were divided into three groups: Pregnant before 100 days postpartum (P100, n = 11), pregnant between 100–200-day (P200, n = 14), and culled (C, n = 10). Animals were also classified based on two PMNs% thresholds > 5% PMNs and > 10% PMNs. The expression of IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, and IL17A was higher in >10%PMNs. The expression of PTGS1 was higher in the P200 compared to P100. Upregulation of inhibin A subunit (INHA) and downregulation of inhibin β A subunit (INHBA) were observed in the P100. INHBA/INHA ratio was the most accurate linear predictor of the calving-to-conception interval. The application of the k-means algorithm allowed the identification of five unique expression patterns. The sensitivity and specificity of predicting allocation to P100 were 81% and 79%. We also documented the low efficiency of genes associated with subclinical endometritis and PMNs% in determining reproductive capability. These results suggested the presence of distinctive expression patterns in 6 weeks postpartum, correlated with cows’ reproductive capacity. Furthermore, we proposed the INHBA/INHA ratio as an indicator of calving-to-conception interval length.
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12
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Jaureguiberry M, Madoz LV, Quintana S, Marín M, Burucúa M, Tizzano M, Rabaglino B, Rearte R, Pecoraro MÍ, de la Sota RL. Endometrial expression of key genes related to fertility in repeat breeder and non-repeat breeder cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1660-1664. [PMID: 33047395 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the endometrial gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), nodal growth differentiation factor (NODAL), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) in repeat breeder cows (RBC) and non-RBC during diestrus. Endometrial samples were collected by cytobrush technique and stored in RNA stabilizing solution at -20°C until RT-qPCR analysis. Differences in endometrial mRNA expression of selected genes were assessed by ANOVA and simple (r) and the partial correlations (rp) among selected genes were performed. Results demonstrated that mRNA expression of EGFR and NODAL were higher in RBC than in non-RBC (3 and 25-fold change, p < .01 and p < .01, respectively), while the mRNA expression of PTGS2 was lower (1.56-fold change, p < .01). Although there were no differences detected in the mRNA expression of ESR1 and PGR, there was a positive correlation between the expression of ESR1 and EGFR (0.84, p < .05) and a negative correlation between PGR and PTGS2 (-0.49, p < .05). In conclusion, the difference on the endometrial mRNA expression of the genes included in the study between RBC and non-RBC indicates a deregulation of important mechanisms that are vital to establish a successful pregnancy. Thus, the present study provides useful insight as a base for future studies to elucidate the causes of RBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jaureguiberry
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Vanina Madoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Quintana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Maia Marín
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Burucúa
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina.,Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marco Tizzano
- Laboratorio de Virología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Belén Rabaglino
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Rearte
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Rodolfo Luzbel de la Sota
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigaciones en Reproducción Animal (INIRA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Neubrand L, Wagener K, Drillich M. [Bovine uterine diseases: Aspects of microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2020; 48:253-261. [PMID: 32823330 DOI: 10.1055/a-1197-5720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum uterine diseases, such as puerperal metritis and clinical endometritis may affect over 40 % of cows in dairy farms. Regardless of their severity, these diseases are one of the main reasons for impaired fertility, causing declines in dairy cow productivity and hence, resulting in economic losses. Although uterine diseases have been the topic of scientific discussion for many years, until now it was not possible to agree on uniform definitions for the different kinds of manifestation. By including technical innovations and testing procedures, enormous scientific progress and a deeper knowledge of the physiology as well as the pathologic mechanisms have been achieved. Bovine metritis and endometritis may be regarded as multifactorial diseases caused by a combination of microbial infection, the dysregulation of the immune system, and additional risk factors. These interactions have been analyzed on microbial and molecular biological levels as well as by the use of bioinformatics and molecular genetics. As a result, new species of bacteria and inflammatory mediators possibly contributing to the development of uterine diseases have recently been described. Additionally, metabolic and genetic risk factors and their roles in leading to fertility impairment have been evaluated. In conclusion, it was possible to identify new approaches for possible therapeutic and preventive methods, a subset of which may already be implemented into daily practical routine. This article provides an overview of recent scientific results concerning bovine metritis and endometritis with a focus on microbial, microbiological and immunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Neubrand
- Universitätsklinik für Wiederkäuer, Abteilung Bestandsbetreuung, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
| | - Karen Wagener
- Universitätsklinik für Wiederkäuer, Abteilung Bestandsbetreuung, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
| | - Marc Drillich
- Universitätsklinik für Wiederkäuer, Abteilung Bestandsbetreuung, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
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14
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Singh H, Brar PS, Singh N, Jan MH, Honparkhe M, Dhindsa SS. Effects of intra-uterine infusion of proteolytic enzymes on selected cytokine concentrations, uterine inflammation, and fertility in postpartum water buffalo cows with subclinical endometritis. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 215:106335. [PMID: 32216935 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate effects of intrauterine administration of proteolytic enzymes on endometrial inflammation and reproductive performance in postpartum water buffalo cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE). Cows (n = 38) with SCE (≥ 18 % PMN i.e.; polymorphonuclear cells) on day 21 postpartum (21 dpp), were allocated into treatment (TR; n = 19; intrauterine infusion of trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain in 20 ml normal saline on 21 dpp) and control (PC; n = 19; intrauterine administration 20 ml saline) groups. Cows without SCE (< 18 % PMN) were not treated and served as the negative control (NC; n = 30). Ultrasonography and sampling (endometrial cytology, uterine flushing, blood) were conducted on day 21 (before treatment) and 28 postpartum (28 dpp). The PMN % and uterine horn diameter were less on 28 dpp (compared with 21 dpp) in NC and TR group only. Cows with SCE had greater uterine concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; but lesser IL-10 than NC group on 21 and 28 dpp. There were greater serum IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations on 28 dpp in cows with SCE than NC group. Uterine concentrations of IL-1β were less, whereas IL-6 was greater following enzymatic treatment. Proteolytic enzyme treatment did not result in improvement in pregnancy rate compared with the PC group; however, days to conception were less in TR compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, results indicated a reduction in endometrial inflammation and days nonpregnant after proteolytic enzyme treatment in buffalo cows with SCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harpreet Singh
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.
| | - Parkash Singh Brar
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Narinder Singh
- Directorate of Livestock Farms, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Mustafa Hassan Jan
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Sub-campus Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, India
| | - Mrigank Honparkhe
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Shahbaz Singh Dhindsa
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
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15
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Salzano A, Pesce A, D'Andrea L, Paciello O, Della Ragione F, Ciaramella P, Salzano C, Costagliola A, Licitra F, Neglia G. Inflammatory response in repeat breeder buffaloes. Theriogenology 2020; 145:31-38. [PMID: 31982692 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the repeat breeding condition in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes that failed to conceive after at least 300 days in milk. The trial was carried out on 40 pluriparous Italian Mediterranean buffaloes with more than 300 days in milk. All the animals underwent ultrasound examination to assess endometrial thickness and oestrus synchronization by the Ovsynch-TAI Program. On the day of oestrus, blood samples were collected for the haemocytometric cell count and biochemical assay, and the animals were slaughtered in a local abattoir. A post-mortem uterine flushing was performed using sterile saline for microbiological analyses. Furthermore, uterine biopsies were carried out for histopathological assessment. Finally, endometrial samples were used for real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis to evaluate the expression of genes involved in innate immune recognition of pathogens and the inflammatory response, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR)1, TLR8, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, COL4A2, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61). Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. Based on the infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells or endometrial gland, lymphatic, and blood vessel ectasia recorded in the histopathological examination, the animals were classified into three groups: healthy (H Group; n = 5), moderate endometritis (M Group; n = 25), and severe endometritis (S Group; n = 10). A significantly greater (P < 0.01) endometrial thickness was recorded in the S Group compared to that in the H and M Group (1.07 ± 0.03 vs. 0.70 ± 0.07 and 0.81 ± 0.04 cm in the S, H, and M Group, respectively). The white blood cell count was lower in the H Group compared to that in the M and S Group (6.3 ± 0.6 vs. 9.3 ± 0.4 and 10.5 ± 0.5 in the H, M, and S Group, respectively). To perform RT-PCR analysis, five animals from groups M and S were randomly selected in order to have balanced results. A higher (P < 0.01) expression of TLR1, together with a lower expression of COL4A2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and CYR61, was recorded in the H Group, compared to both the M and S Groups. In conclusion, about 90% of repeat breeder buffaloes show moderate or severe endometritis, associated with an altered histopathological endometrial profile and altered mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and fibrotic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Salzano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Pesce
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM), Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi D'Andrea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Della Ragione
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics ABT, National Research Council, Via Castellino 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciaramella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Salzano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM), Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Costagliola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Licitra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 97100, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli "Federico II", Via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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16
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Kasimanickam R, Kasimanickam V, Grende K. Endometrial expression of various genes (ISGs, PPARs, RXRs and MUC1) on day 16 post-ovulation in repeat breeder cows, with or without subclinical endometritis. Theriogenology 2019; 142:251-259. [PMID: 31711690 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to elucidate differences in endometrial mRNA expressions of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARA, PPARD, and PPARG), retinoic acid receptors (RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG), and mucin 1 (MUC1) in repeat breeder cows, with or without subclinical endometritis (RB + SE and RB, respectively) and normal cows on day 16 post-ovulation (n = 4 cows per group). The CXCL10 and SLC27A6 mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB and RB + SE cows (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) whereas ISG15 and SLC2A1 mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB + SE (P < 0.05). The SLC27A6 mRNA abundances were greater for RB versus RB + SE (P < 0.01). Similarly, PPARD, PPARG, RXRA and RXRG mRNA abundances were greater for normal cows compared to RB and RB + SE (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Abundances of PPARD, PPARG, RXRA and RXRG mRNA were greater for RB versus RB + SE (P < 0.05) and MUC1 was lower in abundance in normal cows compared to RB or RB + SE (P < 0.05). Key predicted molecular functions were binding, signal transducer and transporter; key biological processes were cellular, localization and metabolic; key cellular components were cell part, membrane and organelle components; and key protein classes were nucleic acid binding, receptor, and transcription factors. Gene networking analysis highlighted interactions and pathways involving PAPRs, RXRs, and MUC1, notably among PPARD, PPARG, and MUC1. In conclusion, endometrial mRNA expressions of ISGs (CXCL10 and SLC27A6), PPAR isomers (PPARD and PPARG), and RXRs (RXRA and RXRG) were in lower abundances, whereas MUC1 expression was more abundant in RB or RB + SE compared to normal cows on day 16. In addition, ISG15 and SLC2A1 genes were less abundant in RB + SE versus RB or normal cows. Altered expression of these uterine genes and associated potential impairment in embryo elongation and implantation may promote embryonic loss in repeat breeder cows. Furthermore, interactions among PPARD, PPARG and MUC1 may be therapeutically exploitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - V Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - K Grende
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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17
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Novel sampling procedure to characterize bovine subclinical endometritis by uterine secretions and tissue. Theriogenology 2019; 141:186-196. [PMID: 31557616 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Subclinical endometritis (SE) in cattle is defined as clinically unapparent inflammation of the endometrium. It is reported to impair fertility in affected cows and causes economic loss within the dairy industry. A gold standard for diagnosis of SE has not been set. Uterine cytology and histopathology are both applied, but low agreement between these methods has been described. The objective of the present study was to assess the capability of uterine secretions (US) as a new medium for diagnosis of SE. A novel sampling tool was applied to retrieve US as well as cytological, histological and bacteriological samples of the endometrium after a singular passage through the cervix in 108 dairy cows (43-62 days post-partum [dpp]). To assess the quality of the US samples, a proteome analysis of samples from five healthy donors was performed, demonstrating that in vivo sampling of US was feasible and generated samples suitable for diagnostic purposes. Diagnosis of SE was realized by the combination of clinical, cytological, and histopathological findings. Quantitative analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)1B, IL6, IL8, IL17A, IL10) in US was conducted using AlphaLISA-technology. RNAlater-fixed endometrial biopsies were used for gene expression analysis of the cytokines IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) as well as the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and the antimicrobial peptide S100A9 by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cows were assigned to groups according to their uterine health status. A large group of animals (n = 83) displayed no signs of endometritis (E.NEG). Cytological and histopathological examination revealed low agreement; hence, animals with SE were differentiated into SE(cyto) and SE(histo) groups (n = 7 and n = 13, respectively). One animal in group SE(cyto + histo) as well as four animals with signs of clinical endometritis (CE) were excluded from further analysis. SE(cyto) showed significantly higher median concentrations of IL1B, IL8 and IL17A in US as well as a significantly higher median expression of IL1B, IL8 and IL10 in endometrial biopsies compared to E.NEG. No significant differences were found for IL6 and IL10 in US and IL6, TNFα, PTGS2 and S100A9 in endometrial tissue between these groups. SE(histo) presented no differences concerning the analyzed parameters compared to E.NEG. In conclusion, a method to sample US was successfully established in dairy cows. The cytokines IL1B, IL8 and IL17A are promising candidates in diagnosing cytological endometritis by US. Further assessment of US might contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms leading to chronic endometrial inflammation and to impaired fertility in affected cows.
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18
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Transcriptomic changes in the pre-implantation uterus highlight histotrophic nutrition of the developing marsupial embryo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2412. [PMID: 29402916 PMCID: PMC5799185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a critical time for successful reproduction; up to half of human pregnancies fail before the development of the definitive chorioallantoic placenta. Unlike the situation in eutherian mammals, marsupial pregnancy is characterised by a long pre-implantation period prior to the development of the short-lived placenta, making them ideal models for study of the uterine environment promoting embryonic survival pre-implantation. Here we present a transcriptomic study of pre-implantation marsupial pregnancy, and identify differentially expressed genes in the Sminthopsis crassicaudata uterus involved in metabolism and biosynthesis, transport, immunity, tissue remodelling, and uterine receptivity. Interestingly, almost one quarter of the top 50 genes that are differentially upregulated in early pregnancy are putatively involved in histotrophy, highlighting the importance of nutrient transport to the conceptus prior to the development of the placenta. This work furthers our understanding of the mechanisms underlying survival of pre-implantation embryos in the earliest live bearing ancestors of mammals.
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