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Priyo TW, Edo A, Taura Y, Yamato O, Ono T, Taniguchi M, Widodo OS, Islam MS, Maki S, Takagi M. Novel Approach for Evaluating Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein and Inflammation Markers during the Postpartum Period in Holstein Friesian Cows. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1459. [PMID: 38791678 PMCID: PMC11117242 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the relationship between decreased pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels, inflammatory parameters (serum amyloid A [SAA] and milk amyloid A [MAA]), postpartum inflammatory conditions (mastitis, ketosis, and follicular cysts), and the FOXP3 gene. Nineteen Holstein-Friesian cows were included in this study. Up to approximately eight weeks after delivery, weekly health examinations were performed for mastitis and ketosis, and reproductive organ ultrasonography was performed. The decreasing PAG rate was negatively correlated with SAA concentration (r = -0.493, p = 0.032). Cows with mastitis exhibited a slower trend of PAG decrease (p = 0.095), and a greater percentage of these cows had MAA concentrations above 12 µg/mL (p = 0.074) compared with those without mastitis. A negative correlation, although nonsignificant (r = -0.263, p = 0.385), was observed between the day-open period and decreased PAG rate. The day-open period was correlated with the presence or absence of follicular cysts (p = 0.046). Four cows that developed follicular cysts were homozygous for the G allele of the FOXP3 gene related to repeat breeders. These results indicate a relationship between a decreased PAG rate and inflammatory status during the postpartum period. Thus, suppressing inflammation during the perinatal period may improve reproductive efficiency in the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Topas Wicaksono Priyo
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Department of Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Ayane Edo
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Yasuho Taura
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Osamu Yamato
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Tetsushi Ono
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Masayasu Taniguchi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
| | - Oky Setyo Widodo
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Md Shafiqul Islam
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
| | - Shinichiro Maki
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (O.Y.); (M.S.I.); (S.M.)
| | - Mitsuhiro Takagi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (T.W.P.J.); (M.T.); (O.S.W.)
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; (A.E.); (Y.T.); (T.O.)
- Division of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
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da Silva MI, Ott T. Effects of conceptus proteins on endometrium and blood leukocytes of dairy cattle using transcriptome and meta-analysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591148. [PMID: 38712302 PMCID: PMC11071483 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the short and long-term effects of IFNT and PAG on the transcriptome of endometrium and blood leukocytes. Holstein heifers received intrauterine infusions of one of the following treatments: 20 mL of a 200 μg/mL bovine serum albumin solution (BSA; vehicle) from day 14 to 16 of the estrous cycle (BSA), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 (IFNT3), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 19 (IFNT6), and vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 followed by vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT + 5 μg/mL of PAG from day 17 to 19 (IFNT+PAG). RNA-seq analysis was performed in endometrial biopsies and blood leukocytes collected after treatments. Acute IFNT signaling in the endometrium (IFNT3 vs BSA), induced differentially expressed genes (DEG) associated with interferon activation, immune response, inflammation, cell death, and inhibited vesicle transport and extracellular matrix remodeling. Prolonged IFNT signaling (IFNT6 vs IFNT3) altered gene expression related to cell invasion, retinoic acid signaling, and embryo implantation. In contrast, PAG induced numerous DEG in blood leukocytes but only 4 DEG in the endometrium. In blood leukocytes, PAG stimulated genes involved in development and TGFB signaling while inhibiting interferon signaling and cell migration. Overall, IFNT is a primary regulator of endometrial gene expression, while PAG predominantly affected the transcriptome of circulating immune cells during early pregnancy. Further research is essential to fully grasp the roles of identified DEG in both the endometrium and blood leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Troy Ott
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Wiltbank MC, Monteiro PLJ, Domingues RR, Andrade JPN, Mezera MA. Review: Maintenance of the ruminant corpus luteum during pregnancy: interferon-tau and beyond. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100827. [PMID: 37567676 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the mechanisms that maintain the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy in ruminants. In mammals, ovulation and luteinization of the remaining cells in the CL are due to a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In cattle, continued secretion of pulses of LH is essential for full development and function of the CL during the estrous cycle (LH pulses), however, the few studies on the CL after d20 of pregnancy do not indicate that LH is essential for maintaining the CL of pregnancy. The first essential step in maintaining the CL of pregnancy in ruminants is overcoming the mechanisms that cause regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants (d18-25 in cattle; d13-21 in sheep). These mechanisms have a uterine component involving oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2α (PGF2A) pulses and a luteal component involving decreased progesterone production and luteal cell death. There is a critical role for embryonic interferon-tau (IFNT) in suppressing the uterine secretion of PGF2A during early pregnancy (d13-21 in sheep; d16-25 in cattle) and preventing luteolysis. There are also effects of IFNT on the expression of interferon-stimulated genes in other tissues including the CL but the physiologic role of these interferon-stimulated genes is not yet clear. After the IFNT period, there is another mechanism that maintains the CL of pregnancy in ruminants since embryonic IFNT is inhibited as attachment occurs and trophoblastic binucleate/giant cells begin secretion of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. The second mechanism for luteal maintenance has not yet been defined but acts in a local manner (ipsilateral to pregnancy), and remains functional from d25 until just before parturition. The most likely mechanisms mediating later maintenance of the CL of pregnancy are increased uterine blood flow or decreased prostaglandin transporter expression in the utero-ovarian vasculature, preventing PGF2A reaching the CL. Finally, implications of these ideas on pregnancy loss in cattle are explored, highlighting the importance of inappropriate regression of the CL of pregnancy as a mechanism for pregnancy loss in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo C Wiltbank
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Pedro L J Monteiro
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Rafael R Domingues
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Megan A Mezera
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Drum JN, Madureira G, Rosa CO, Seneda MM, Wiltbank MC, Sartori R, Ortega MS. Male Embryos Produced in vitro Deviate From Their in vivo Counterparts in Placental Gene Expression on Day 32 of Pregnancy. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.807217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the gene expression of extraembryonic membranes (EEM) from in vitro produced (IVP) and in vivo (AI) derived pregnancies. A piece of conceptus (day 18) or chorioallantois (day 32) was used for DNA and RNA isolation and sex determination. Male and female ratios were analyzed by Chi-square. A total of three samples per sex and group (AI and IVP, days 18 and 32) were used for transcriptome analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using edgeR-robust. A false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05 was used for statistical significance. Sex ratio was similar on day 18 for AI and IVP groups. On day 32, the IVP group had a greater number of females than males (75 vs. 25%, P = 0.004). When comparing AI and IVP males vs. females, in both groups, genes upregulated in females on day 18 were related to placental function such as PAGs and TKDPs. On males on day 18, IFNT-related genes were upregulated. Comparing the techniques within sex, on day 18 female conceptuses, 50 genes were upregulated in IVP, and 21 in AI. IGF2, which is involved in placenta development, and APOA2, APOB, and APOE, involved in lipid metabolism, were upregulated in IVP conceptuses. On day 18, males had 15 upregulated genes in AI and 7 in IVP. On day 32, females had 21 upregulated genes in AI and 53 in IVP. Genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism were increased in the IVP group. Males on day 32 presented 899 DEGs, 564 upregulated in AI and 335 in IVP. Embryos from IVP had decreased expression of genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Interestingly, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) 7, 9, 10, and 19, were downregulated in IVP male. In conclusion, IVP-derived male embryos were more susceptible to alterations in gene expression and these effects extend to the peri-implantation period including genes associated with placental development and markers of placental function.
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Schabmeyer ST, Kneidl AM, Schneider JK, Kirsch S, Zablotski Y, Petzl W, Weber F, Zerbe H, Meyerholz MM. Concentration-Dependent Type 1 Interferon-Induced Regulation of MX1 and FABP3 in Bovine Endometrial Explants. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:262. [PMID: 33494350 PMCID: PMC7912598 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The inadequate maternal recognition of embryonic interferon τ (IFNτ) might explain subfertility in cattle. This study aimed at modeling the inducibility of type 1 interferon receptor subunits 1/2 (IFNAR1/2), mimicking competition between IFNτ and infection-associated interferon α (IFNα), and simulating type 1 interferon pathways in vitro. Endometrial explants (n = 728 from n = 26 healthy uteri) were collected at the abattoir, challenged with IFNτ and/or IFNα in different concentrations, and incubated for 24 h. Gene expression analysis confirmed the inducibility of IFNAR1/2 within this model, it being most prominent in IFNAR2 with 10 ng/mL IFNα (p = 0.001). The upregulation of interferon-induced GTP-binding protein (MX1, classical pathway) was higher in explants treated with 300 ng/mL compared to 10 ng/mL IFNτ (p < 0.0001), whereas the non‑classical candidate fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) exhibited significant downregulation comparing 300 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL IFNτ. The comparison of explants challenged with IFNτ + IFNα indicated the competition of IFNτ and IFNα downstream of the regulatory factors. In conclusion, using this well-defined explant model, interactions between infection-associated signals and IFNτ were indicated. This model can be applied to verify these findings and to mimic and explore the embryo-maternal contact zone in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marie Margarete Meyerholz
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.T.S.); (A.M.K.); (J.K.S.); (S.K.); (Y.Z.); (W.P.); (F.W.); (H.Z.)
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Reese ST, Franco GA, Schubach KM, Brandao AP, West SM, Cooke RF, Cardoso RC, Williams GL, Pohler KG. Induced prostaglandin release alters steroid concentrations but not pregnancy survival in cows. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106514. [PMID: 32693342 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, and despite negative connotations related to reproductive performance, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is capable of being released by the uterus by Day 30 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF2α 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 F2α 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Reese
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - G A Franco
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K M Schubach
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A P Brandao
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - S M West
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R C Cardoso
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - G L Williams
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Beeville, TX, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Ott TL. Immunological detection of pregnancy: Evidence for systemic immune modulation during early pregnancy in ruminants. Theriogenology 2020; 150:498-503. [PMID: 32331860 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy creates unique challenges for immune systems highly evolved to detect and eliminate invading pathogens. Recognition of the challenges created by gestating a semi-allogeneic fetus evolved from the discipline of transplantation biology and were informed by studies on the unique natural parabiosis that occurs when female calves are gestated with twin male fetuses. These pregnancies typically result in an intersex female termed a freemartin, which revealed insights into development of the male and female reproductive tracts. However, they also uncovered important clues on immune tolerance with wide-ranging implications to reproductive biology, transplantation biology and autoimmune disease. Many studies focused on identifying mechanisms through which the fetus evades maternal immune detection and elimination. These included studies characterizing immune interactions between the fetus and mother at the nourishing interface of the placenta and uterine endometrium. This immunological forbearance only occurs under high concentrations of circulating progesterone. Beyond the requirement for progesterone, there has been considerable progress towards understanding the effects of conceptus signals on maternal immune function. One common theme is that pregnancy induces a T helper 2 immune bias as shown in several mammalian species, including domestic ruminants. However, a growing body of evidence shows that the fetus not only evades, but also provokes immune responses locally in the uterus and in peripheral tissues. This is perhaps most dramatically illustrated by domestic ruminants where the conceptus secretes a unique interferon in the opening salvo of hormonal communication with the maternal immune system. The role of interferon tau in regulating expression of genes of the innate immune system in the uterus has been extensively studied. More recently, it was determined that these same genes are also induced in peripheral immune cells and other tissues throughout the body. In addition to interferon tau and progesterone, pregnancy associate glycoproteins and chaperonin 10 (aka Early Pregnancy Factor) are implicated in altering immune function both locally and systemically during pregnancy. While it is tempting to speculate that this activation of innate immunity is designed to counteract selective immunosuppression, knowledge of the importance of local and systemic immune activation to the success of pregnancy remains incomplete. This area remains fertile ground for developing better approaches to diagnose and treat infertility in domestic farm species and humans alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy L Ott
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Ealy AD, Seekford ZK. Symposium review: Predicting pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:11798-11804. [PMID: 31587904 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several tools exist to diagnose pregnancy in dairy cattle. However, substantial pregnancy loss occurs within the first 60 d of gestation in cattle, and these losses have a profound adverse economic impact on the dairy and beef cattle industries. Detecting these impending pregnancy losses could offer producers an opportunity to reduce costs associated with this source of reproductive inefficiency. Several of the pregnancy diagnostic tools currently available and new technologies are being examined for their ability to predict pregnancies at risk for failing in early pregnancy. This review provides a synopsis of work undertaken recently to predict pregnancy losses in cattle. Currently, opportunities to predict pregnancy loss include (1) using transrectal ultrasonography to detect loss of the fetal heartbeat, floating debris within the placental fluids, and reductions in fetal size; (2) observing reductions in circulating progesterone concentrations; (3) detecting reductions in concentrations of circulating placental products; namely, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and microRNAs; and (4) detecting reductions in the early pregnancy-dependent increase in interferon-stimulatory gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. An achievable goal may be to identify markers of embryo mortality so that researchers and clinicians can focus their efforts on developing intervention strategies for cows identified to be at risk for pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
| | - Zachary K Seekford
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061
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Filho RVO, Franco GA, Reese ST, Dantas FG, Fontes PLP, Cooke RF, Rhinehart JD, Thompson KW, Pohler KG. Using pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) for pregnancy detection at day 24 of gestation in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 141:128-133. [PMID: 31539641 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine if circulating concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG) on day 24 of gestation can be utilized to diagnose pregnancy and embryo viability in beef cattle. Postpartum beef cows (n = 677) and heifers (n = 127) were exposed to a 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR estrus synchronization protocol followed by fixed-time AI (FTAI) on day 0. Blood samples were collected at day 24 after TAI to assess circulating concentrations of PAG utilizing an in-house ELISA. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 100 days after FTAI via transrectal ultrasonography. Mean circulating PAG concentration at day 24 differed (P < 0.001) between animals diagnosed pregnant and non-pregnant at day 30 (1.69 ± 0.10 ng/mL vs 0.30 ng/mL ± 0.07 ng/mL; mean ± SEM; respectively). Pregnant heifers had increased PAG concentration at day 24 compared with pregnant cows (P < 0.01; 3.29 ± 0.36 ng/mL vs 1.39 ± 0.10 ng/mL, respectively). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, serum concentration of PAG at day 24 ≥ 0.33 ng/mL in cows and ≥0.54 ng/mL in heifers was 95% accurate at determining pregnancy status at day 30. Heifers that experienced late embryonic mortality between day 30 and 100 of gestation had decreased circulating concentrations of PAG on day 24 (2.02 ng/mL ± 0.73) compared with heifers that maintained an embryo until day 100 (3.69 ng/mL ± 0.39; P = 0.02). However, there was no difference in day 24 PAG concentration (P = 0.39) between cows that maintained or lost a pregnancy (1.31 ng/mL ± 0.25 vs 0.92 ng/ml ± 0.50). In summary, circulating PAG concentration on day 24 of gestation may be a useful marker for early pregnancy detection in beef cattle, and might be a potential marker for predicting embryonic loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - G A Franco
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - S T Reese
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - F G Dantas
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - P L P Fontes
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - J D Rhinehart
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - K W Thompson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.
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