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Huggins L, Norris J, Conley A, Dini P. Abnormal mare behaviour is rarely associated with changes in hormonal markers of granulosa cell tumours: A retrospective study. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:759-767. [PMID: 37344926 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13967] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal or undesired mare behaviours are often assumed to be associated with ovarian abnormalities. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the incidence of abnormal behaviours and their association with concentrations of one or more ovarian hormones associated with a granulosa cell tumour (GCT). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective descriptive. METHODS A total of 2914 hormonal profile samples submitted with the words behave, behaviour, or behaving in the submission history were analysed. The association between reported abnormal behaviours and concentrations of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibins and inhibin-B were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-squared test of association. RESULTS Of the 2914 cases that were submitted due to behaviour issues, 2506 (86%) did not have any of the measured hormones reach GCT-like concentrations. The remaining 408 cases had either one (63%), two (25.5%), or three (11.5%) hormones with concentrations consistent with those from confirmed GCT cases. Testosterone had the lowest percent of GCT-like values among the cases (7.7%), compared with AMH (9.4%), inhibins (9.6%) and inhibin B (8.7%). Stallion-like behaviour was significantly associated with increased concentrations of all four hormones. In contrast, aggression, oestrous and other abnormal behaviours were significantly less likely to be associated with increased concentrations of the hormones. MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study, using sample submission history. CONCLUSION Overall, the abnormal behaviours among mares, except the stallion-like behaviour, were not associated with increased ovarian hormones. These results highlight the common misassumption about the involvement of the ovaries in 'abnormal behaviours' or 'undesirable behaviours' of mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Huggins
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jamie Norris
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alan Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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2
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de la Fuente A, Scoggin C, Bradecamp E, Martin-Pelaez S, van Heule M, Troedsson M, Daels P, Meyers S, Dini P. Transcriptome Signature of Immature and In Vitro-Matured Equine Cumulus-Oocytes Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13718. [PMID: 37762020 PMCID: PMC10531358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maturation is a critical step in the development of an oocyte, and it is during this time that the oocyte advances to metaphase II (MII) of the meiotic cycle and acquires developmental competence to be fertilized and become an embryo. However, in vitro maturation (IVM) remains one of the limiting steps in the in vitro production of embryos (IVP), with a variable percentage of oocytes reaching the MII stage and unpredictable levels of developmental competence. Understanding the dynamics of oocyte maturation is essential for the optimization of IVM culture conditions and subsequent IVP outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the transcriptome dynamics of oocyte maturation by comparing transcriptomic changes during in vitro maturation in both oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from antral follicles and divided into two groups: immature and in vitro-matured (MII). RNA was extracted separately from oocytes (OC) and cumulus cells (CC), followed by library preparation and RNA sequencing. A total of 13,918 gene transcripts were identified in OC, with 538 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between immature OC and in vitro-matured OC. In CC, 13,104 genes were expressed with 871 DEG. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed an association between the DEGs and pathways relating to nuclear maturation in OC and GTPase activity, extracellular matrix organization, and collagen trimers in CC. Additionally, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene (LHCGR) showed differential expressions between CC-MII and immature CC samples. Overall, these results serve as a foundation to further investigate the biological pathways relevant to oocyte maturation in horses and pave the road to improve the IVP outcomes and the overall clinical management of equine assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro de la Fuente
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles Scoggin
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Etta Bradecamp
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Soledad Martin-Pelaez
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mats Troedsson
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Drozdzewska K, Gehlen H. Markers for internal neoplasia in the horse. Vet Med Sci 2022; 9:132-143. [PMID: 36495211 PMCID: PMC9857019 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1042] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of internal neoplasia in horses is challenging. Increased production of hormones physiologic for adult animals (e.g., adrenocorticotropin, norepinephrine, and erythropoietin) or typical for the foetal phase (alpha-fetoprotein, anti-Müllerian hormone, and parathyroid-hormone-related protein) might aid in tumour diagnostics. Thymidine kinase-1 and alkaline phosphatase are examples of intracellular enzymes, whose activity in the blood may increase in some neoplasia cases. Furthermore, inappropriate production of abnormal monoclonal or autologous antibodies can accompany lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Many of those tumour markers lead to clinical or laboratory changes, called paraneoplastic syndromes, such as hypercalcaemia and erythrocytosis. The interpretation of the results of the tumour marker measurements in horses is complicated due to many factors affecting the markers' concentration or activity (e.g., young age, pregnancy, and inflammation) and other diseases triggering the same changes. Moreover, the presence of paraneoplastic syndromes is inconsistent, which leads to low sensitivity of those substances as tumour markers. In conclusion, screening for neoplasia in horses is not recommended. The measurement of tumour markers should be performed only in risk groups with suspicious clinical or laboratory findings, and the results should be interpreted with caution. It is advisable to add inflammatory markers to the tumour profile or repeat the measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and RadiologyFreie Universitaet BerlinBerlinGermany
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Renaudin CD, Kelleman AA, Keel K, McCracken JL, Ball BA, Ferris RA, McCue PM, Dujovne G, Conley AJ. Equine granulosa cell tumours among other ovarian conditions: Diagnostic challenges. Equine Vet J 2021; 53:60-70. [PMID: 32391939 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) are the most common ovarian tumours in mares. While the classical presentation may not represent diagnostic challenges, diagnosis is not easy in the early stages. OBJECTIVES Illustrate the variability in the presentation and serum biomarkers associated with ovarian abnormalities in the mare. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Nonclassical cases of GCTs and other ovarian conditions were identified and behaviour, GCT endocrine results, palpation and ultrasonographic findings are described and the diagnostic value of each is discussed. RESULTS Mares in this case series with GCTs had been presenting clinical signs ranging from no behavioural changes to behaviours including aggression, stallion-like and inability to work under saddle. Hormonal profiles of endocrinologically functional GCTs can be erratic and unpredictable. The clinical form and ultrasonographic appearance may also vary with time from an initially enlarged/anovulatory follicular structure that later develops a multicystic 'honeycomb' appearance. Mares with GCTs can also present with persistent anovulatory follicles or apparent luteal tissue that are unresponsive to treatment. If both ovaries are of relatively normal size and symmetry, but hormonal biomarkers are markedly increased (AMH >10 ng/mL, inhibin B and/or testosterone >100 pg/mL; 0.37 nmol/L), it is likely that a functional GCT is present. Still, it can be a challenge to decide which ovary to remove. Post-surgical endocrine testing can be helpful, especially if histopathology is not performed or a GCT is not found. MAIN LIMITATIONS Cases limited to 14. CONCLUSIONS Granulosa cell tumours present with a wide variety of clinical signs that do not fit what is commonly described as 'classic'. Only if AMH, testosterone and inhibin B concentrations are markedly increased, and there is an abnormally enlarged ovary, the diagnosis of a GCT is more confident. In the presence of normal size ovaries, normal hormonal biomarkers and abnormal behaviour, it is more likely that the ovaries are not involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Renaudin
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Audrey A Kelleman
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kevin Keel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Barry A Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ryan A Ferris
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick M McCue
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ghislaine Dujovne
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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5
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Zou G, Ren B, Liu Y, Fu Y, Chen P, Li X, Luo S, He J, Gao G, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Li G, Huang Y, Xu K, Zhang W. Inhibin B suppresses anoikis resistance and migration through the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3416-3427. [PMID: 30151927 PMCID: PMC6215878 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibin B (INHBB), a heterodimer of a common α‐subunit and a βB‐subunit, is a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family. In this study, we observed INHBB expression was reduced in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues compared to non‐tumor nasopharyngeal epithelium tissues, and INHBB was associated with lymph node metastasis, stage of disease, and clinical progress. Positive expression of INHBB in NPC predicted a better prognosis (overall survival, P = 0.038). However, the molecular mechanisms of INHBB have not been addressed in NPC. We induced anoikis‐resistant cells in NPC cell lines under anchorage‐independent conditions, then found epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers changed, cell apoptosis decreased, cell cycle was modified, and invasion strengthened in anoikis‐resistant NPC cells. These anoikis‐resistant NPC cells showed decreased expression of INHBB compared with adhesion cells. Furthermore, INHBB was found to influence the above‐mentioned changes. In the anoikis‐resistant NPC cells with INHBB overexpression, apoptotic cells increased, S phase cells weakened, vimentin, matrix metallopeptidase‐9, and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression were downregulated, and E‐cadherin expression was upregulated, and vice versa in knockdown of INHBB (INHBB shRNA) anoikis‐resistant NPC cells. Diminished INHBB expression could activate the TGF‐β pathway to phosphorylate Smad2/3 and form complexes in the nucleus, which resulted in the above changes. Thus, our results revealed for the first time that INHBB could suppress anoikis resistance and migration of NPC cells by the TGF‐β signaling pathway, decrease p53 overexpression, and could serve as a potential biomarker for NPC metastasis and prognosis as well as a therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Zou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Biqiong Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yin Fu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiayu Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shudi Luo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Junyu He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Keqian Xu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Ball BA, Davolli GM, Esteller-Vico A, Fleming BO, Wynn MAA, Conley AJ. Inhibin-A and Inhibin-B in stallions: Seasonal changes and changes after down-regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Theriogenology 2018; 123:108-115. [PMID: 30296651 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The biological function of inhibin is mediated by two heterodimers, inhibin-A and inhibin-B. The relative importance of inhibin-A and -B in male reproductive function varies considerably across species with inhibin-B predominating in many species, whereas inhibin-A appears relatively more important in rams. Research reported to date in stallions has examined total or immunoreactive (ir) inhibin which does not distinguish the two heterodimers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize changes in inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations in stallions: 1) across season for a period of one year, and 2) after downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In Study one, serum samples were obtained monthly from five stallions for a period of one year. Serum concentrations of inhibin-A, inhibin-B, testosterone and estrone sulfate were determined by ELISA. In Study two, stallions were treated with the GnRH antagonist, acyline (n = 4; 330 mg/kg acyline IM) or vehicle control (n = 4; vehicle alone) every five days for 50 days. Plasma concentrations of inhibin-A and -B were determined by ELISA at Days 0, 6, 12, 22, 37, 59, 80, 87 and 104 after initiation of acyline treatment. Testis volume was determined by ultrasonography at weekly intervals. In Study 1, both inhibin-A and inhibin-B showed seasonal changes in concentration with highest concentrations in increasing day length and lowest concentrations in short day lengths. Inhibin-B (overall mean 107.8 ± 4.1 pg/mL) was present at 4.7-fold higher concentrations in serum than inhibin-A (overall mean 23.0 ± 0.7 pg/mL). In Study 2, plasma concentrations of inhibin-B but not inhibin-A were significantly downregulated by administration of the GnRH antagonist, acyline. When the HPG axis was downregulated by acyline, testis volume was strongly correlated with inhibin-B (r = 0.73; P < 0.05) but not inhibin-A (r = 0.22; P = 0.20). In summary, inhibin-B appears to be the predominant form of inhibin in the stallion which undergoes seasonal regulation along with other reproductive parameters and is co-regulated with other endocrine parameters of the HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
| | - G M Davolli
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - A Esteller-Vico
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - B O Fleming
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - M A A Wynn
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - A J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Ellerbrock RE, Canisso IF, Lima FS, Shipley CF, Thompson DL, Conley AJ, Kline KH. Endocrine and metabolic profile of peripubertal Standardbred colts. Theriogenology 2018; 117:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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