Differential expression of ten candidate genes regulating prostaglandin action in reproductive tissues of buffalo during estrous cycle and pregnancy

Doppler indices of uterine arteries and mRNA transcripts of hormone receptors in cervix vis-à-vis dilatation therapy in buffaloes affected with incomplete cervical dilatation associated with uterine torsion

The present study aimed to investigate the Doppler indices and mRNA transcripts of hormone receptors in relation to the response of dilatation therapy in incomplete cervical dilatation (ICD) associated with uterine torsion in buffaloes. Out of 36 successfully detorted uterine torsion cases, eight buffaloes revealed a fully dilated cervix, while the remaining 28 had ICD, and subjected to dilatation therapy (500 μg cloprostenol + 2 mg estradiol benzoate + 80 mg valethamate bromide + 50 IU oxytocin + 250 mL calcium borogluconate). The responses of dilatation therapy were assessed in 26 buffaloes as one died, and one could not follow up. Doppler indices of middle uterine arteries on trans-rectal ultrasound were evaluated pre- and 30-60 min post-detorsion. Cervical tissue biopsies were collected from 16 buffaloes to study mRNA transcripts of hormone receptors. The duration, degree, location of uterine torsion, fetal viability, consistency of the cervix, relaxation of pelvic ligaments, udder engorgement, and gestation length were also recorded to evaluate the response of dilatation therapy. The 73.08% (19/26) buffaloes responded to the therapy with a duration ranging from 2 to 56 hrs (18.41 ± 4.11). The significantly increased blood flow volume (BFV) and time-average peak velocity (TAP) while the significantly reduced resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in an ipsilateral middle uterine artery (MUA) at post-detorsion were observed in dilation therapy responded than the not-responded group. The mRNA transcripts of estradiol receptors-α (ESR1), prostaglandin receptors (PTGFR), and oxytocin receptors (OXTR) were upregulated by 7.47, 6.63, and 8.72-fold in the ICD group, respectively. The Doppler indices along with duration of illness, location of uterine torsion, consistency of the cervix, and udder engorgement can be used to predict the response of dilatation therapy in ICD associated with uterine torsion. The upregulated mRNA expression of ESR1, PTGFR and OXTR is mandatory for success of dilatation therapy.

Analgesia during Parturition in Domestic Animals: Perspectives and Controversies on Its Use

This article analyzes the physiological role of pain during parturition in domestic animals, discusses the controversies surrounding the use of opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local analgesics as treatments during labor, and presents the advantages and disadvantages for mother and offspring. Labor is a potentially stressful and painful event, due to the contractions that promote expulsion of the fetus. During labor, neurotransmitters such as the prostaglandins contribute to the sensitization of oxytocin receptors in the myometrium and the activation of nociceptive fibers, thus supporting the physiological role of pain. Endogenously, the body secretes opioid peptides that modulate harmful stimuli and, at the same time, can inhibit oxytocin's action in the myometrium. Treating pain during the different stages of parturition is an option that can help prevent such consequences as tachycardia, changes in breathing patterns, and respiratory acidosis, all of which can harm the wellbeing of offspring. However, studies have found that some analgesics can promote myometrial contractility, increase expulsion time, affect fetal circulation, and alter mother-offspring recognition due to hypnotic effects. Other data, however, indicate that reducing the number of uterine contractions with analgesics increases their potency, thus improving maternal performance. Managing pain during labor requires understanding the tocolytic properties of analgesics and their advantages in preventing the consequences of pain.

Induced prostaglandin release alters steroid concentrations but not pregnancy survival in cows

Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, and despite negative connotations related to reproductive performance, prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) is capable of being released by the uterus by Day 30 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF_2α release after an oxytocin challenge between cows with high circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) vs low PAG because of the association of increased PAG concentrations with pregnancy success. At Day 30 of gestation, pregnant cows were divided into oxytocin treatment (OT; n = 13) and control (CON; n = 12) groups. Treatment cows were further subdivided by circulating PAG concentration (high PAG, n = 7; and low PAG, n = 6). Blood samples were collected every 30 min beginning 1 h before oxytocin administration and continuing for 4 h. Prostaglandin F_2α metabolite (PGFM), progesterone, estradiol-17β (E2), and PAG concentrations were quantified. The peak concentration of PGFM occurred 2 h after oxytocin injection in treatment animals and returned to baseline levels by 4 h. No correlations were observed between PAG and PGFM, progesterone, or E2 concentrations (P > 0.05). There was no difference in initial or final PGFM concentrations between groups (P > 0.05). Progesterone and E2 concentrations decreased in cows after treatment of oxytocin (P < 0.05); however, only progesterone returned to basal concentrations by the end of the sampling period. In summary, cows with high vs low PAG concentrations at Day 30 of gestation have a similar PGFM response to oxytocin challenge.

Transcriptome profiling of buffalo endometrium reveals molecular signature distinct to early pregnancy

Buffalo reproduction struggles with a high incidence of early embryonic mortality. Effective treatment and prevention strategies for this condition are not available due to lack of understanding of molecular pathways in early pregnancy of this species. In the present study, we have attempted to understand these molecular pathways by characterizing the endometrial transcriptomic profiles of pregnant buffalos during early pregnancy. For the transcriptome profiling, buffalo endometrial tissues of 29-36 days of pregnancy and of nonpregnant luteal phase were collected from the local slaughterhouse. We confirmed the status of pregnancy based on the crown vertebral length of the foetus. Total RNA was isolated and sequencing was performed using the Illumina nextseq platform. The raw reads were filtered and mapped to the Bos taurus UMD 3.1 reference genome assembly. An average of 24,597 genes was investigated for differential expression between the two groups. Transcriptome data identified a total of 450 differentially expressed genes (using a cut off value of log₂ fold changes >2 and <-2) in early pregnancy in comparison to the nonpregnant group (P_adj < 0.05). Among these, 270 genes were significantly upregulated and 180 genes were downregulated. The most impacted pathways were related to secretion, transport, ionic homeostasis, mitosis and negative regulation of viral processes. In conclusion, our study characterized a unique set of DEGs, during the early pregnancy of buffalo, which potentially modulate the endometrial environment to establish and maintain a successful pregnancy.

Lysophosphatidic acid enhances PGE2 to PGF2α ratio and nitric oxide level in nonpregnant buffalo uterus

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small ubiquitous lipid exerting diverse biological functions. Its role in reproduction in different species has created great interest in recent times. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate LPA signaling in nonpregnant buffalo uterus by in vitro studies. Standard techniques like real-time PCR (for mRNA expression of LPARs and COX-2 and iNOS), Western blot (for PPARγ protein expression), sandwich ELISA (for PGE2 and PGF2α assay) and histopathology (for assessment of endometrial architecture in culture) were used in this study. The buffalo uterine tissues were collected from the local slaughterhouse and were selected for the study on the basis of the presence of corpus luteum on the ovary (n = 5). The LPAR3 receptor was the highest expressed receptor as compared to LPAR1 and LPAR6 in non-pregnant uterine tissues after 6 h incubation in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). 50 μM LPA increased the mRNA expressions of COX-2 and iNOS enzymes which were attenuated by the treatment of LPAR1/3 antagonist Ki16425. PPARγ antagonist GW9662 prevented the LPA-induced increase in iNOS mRNA expression but did not alter the COX-2 expression. LPA also enhanced the PGE₂ to PGF_2α ratio in uterine tissue homogenates which was inhibited by all the receptor antagonists as well as by the inhibitors of COX-2 and iNOS. LPA also increased the total nitrite level in tissue homogenates in LPAR1/3- and iNOS-dependent manner. Additionally, we demonstrate PPARγ mRNA and protein expressions in nonpregnant buffalo endometrium. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that LPA acts as a luteotropic factor during the estrus cycle in nonpregnant buffalo uterus by enhancing PGE2 to PGF2α ratio and NO level through multiple receptors.

Novel SLCO2A1 mutations cause gender differentiated pachydermoperiostosis

Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) is a rare familial disorder with reduced penetrance for females. The genetic mutations associated with PHO have been identified in HPGD and SLCO2A1 which involved in prostaglandin E2 metabolism. Here we report 5 PHO patients from 4 non-consanguineous families. Two heterozygous mutations in solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) were identified in two brothers by whole-exome sequencing. Three heterozygous mutations and 1 homozygous mutation were identified in other 3 PHO families by Sanger sequencing. However, there was no mutation in HPGD. These findings confirmed that homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of SLCO2A1 were the pathogenic cause of PHO. A female individual shared the same mutations in SLCO2A1 with her PHO brother but did not have any typical PHO symptoms. The influence of sex hormones on the pathogenesis of PHO and its implication were discussed.