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Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Early Embryonic Development in Agriculturally Important Species. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1882. [PMID: 38997994 PMCID: PMC11240814 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131882] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fertilization of oocytes ovulated by pigs, sheep, cows, and horses is not considered a limiting factor in successful establishment of pregnancy. Pig, sheep, and cow embryos undergo cleavage to the blastocyst stage, hatch from the zona pellucida, and undergo central-type implantation. Hatched blastocysts of pigs, sheep, and cows transition from tubular to long filamentous forms to establish surface area for exchange of nutrients and gases with the uterus. The equine blastocyst, surrounded by external membranes, does not elongate but migrates throughout the uterine lumen before attaching to the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) to begin implantation. Pregnancy recognition signaling in pigs requires the trophectoderm to express interleukin 1 beta, estrogens, prostaglandin E2, and interferon gamma. Sheep and cow conceptus trophectoderm expresses interferon tau that induces interferon regulatory factor 2 that inhibits transcription of estrogen and oxytocin receptors by uterine epithelia. This prevents oxytocin-induced luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2-alpha from regressing the corpora lutea, as well as ensuring the secretion of progesterone required for maintenance of pregnancy. The pregnancy recognition signal produced by equine blastocysts is not known. Implantation in these species requires interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and integrins as the conceptus undergoes apposition and firm attachment to the uterine LE. This review provides details with respect to early embryonic development and the transition from spherical to filamentous conceptuses in pigs, sheep, and cows, as well as pre-implantation development of equine blastocysts and implantation of the conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA;
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2
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Moraes JGN, Gull T, Ericsson AC, Poock SE, Caldeira MO, Lucy MC. Establishment of the uterine microbiome following artificial insemination in virgin heifers. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1385505. [PMID: 38903779 PMCID: PMC11188424 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1385505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The concept of a sterile uterus was challenged by recent studies that have described the microbiome of the virgin and pregnant uterus for species including humans and cattle. We designed two studies that tested whether the microbiome is introduced into the uterus when the virgin heifer is first inseminated and whether the origin of the microbiome is the vagina/cervix. Methods The uterine microbiome was measured immediately before and after an artificial insemination (AI; Study 1; n = 7 AI and n = 6 control) and 14 d after insemination (Study 2; n = 12 AI and n = 12 control) in AI and non-AI (control) Holstein heifers. A third study (Study 3; n = 5 Holstein heifers) that included additional negative controls was subsequently conducted to support the presence of a unique microbiome within the uterus despite the low microbial biomass and regardless of insemination. Traditional bacteriological culture was performed in addition to 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the same samples to determine whether there were viable organisms in addition to those detected based on DNA sequencing (16S rRNA gene sequence). Results and discussion Inseminating a heifer did not lead to a large change in the microbiome when assessed by traditional methods of bacterial culture or metataxonomic (16S rRNA gene) sequencing (results of Studies 1 and 2). Very few bacteria were cultured from the body or horn of the uterus regardless of whether an AI was or was not (negative control) performed. The cultured bacterial genera (e.g., Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Cutibacterium, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus) were typical of those found in the soil, environment, skin, mucous membranes, and urogenital tract of animals. Metataxonomic sequencing of 16S rRNA gene generated a large number of amplicon sequence variants (ASV), but these larger datasets that were based on DNA sequencing did not consistently demonstrate an effect of AI on the abundance of ASVs across all uterine locations compared with the external surface of the tract (e.g., perimetrium; positive control samples for environment contamination during slaughter and collection). Major genera identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing overlapped with those identified with bacterial culture and included Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao G. N. Moraes
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Tamara Gull
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Aaron C. Ericsson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Scott E. Poock
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Monica O. Caldeira
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Matthew C. Lucy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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3
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Hassanein EM, Szelényi Z, Szenci O. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction II: Diverse Applications during Insemination, Post-Insemination, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Periods. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1575. [PMID: 38891622 PMCID: PMC11171120 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111575] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The administration of GnRH and its agonists benefits various aspects of bovine reproductive programs, encompassing physiological stages such as estrous synchronization, post-insemination, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The positive impact of GnRH administration in overcoming challenges like repeat breeder cows, early embryonic loss prevention, and the management of cystic ovarian disease (COD) is thoroughly surveyed. Furthermore, this review focuses on the significance of GnRH administration during the postpartum period, its role in ovulation induction, and how it enhances the productivity of embryo transfer (ET) programs. An emerging feature of this field is introduced, focusing on nano-drug delivery systems for GnRH agonists, and the potential benefits that may arise from such advancements are highlighted. While this review offers valuable insights into various applications of GnRH in bovine reproduction, it emphasizes the crucial need for further research and development in this field to advance reproductive efficiency and health management in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M. Hassanein
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
- Animal and Fish Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
| | - Zoltán Szelényi
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
| | - Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-2225 Üllő, Hungary; (E.M.H.); (Z.S.)
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4
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Tanida T, Tagami T, Sato H, Kyaw HM, Fujikawa T, Nagano M, Momozawa K, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S. Effects of recombinant osteopontin expressed in Escherichia coli on the recovery of the endometrial epidermal growth factor profile and fertility in repeat breeder dairy cows. Theriogenology 2024; 217:159-168. [PMID: 38280277 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.011] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial epidermal growth factor (EGF) shows a cyclic change with two peaks on days 2-4 and days 13-14 of the estrous cycle. In repeat breeder cows, loss of the peaks has been associated with reduced fertility. By infusing seminal plasma (SP) and osteopontin (OPN) derived from SP and milk into the vagina, their EGF profile and fertility are restored. However, SP is difficult to obtain, and both SP and OPN can transmit infectious diseases. While OPN can be sourced from recombinant protein without this risk, recombinant bovine OPN (rOPN) expressed in Escherichia coli should be examined for its effects on the EGF profile, since it does not undergo posttranslational modification, which is important for its biological activity. In study 1, PBS, SP (0.5 mL), and rOPN (0.3 mg) were infused into the vagina at estrus (day 0) in 74, 37, and 105 repeat breeder Holstein cows, respectively, with an altered EGF profile. The endometrial EGF concentrations were measured on day 3. Some cows (n = 58, 20, and 83, respectively) were inseminated immediately before the infusion and then diagnosed for pregnancy between days 30 and 35. The normalization rate of the EGF profile and conception rate in the rOPN group (58.1 % and 47.0 %, respectively) were not significantly different from those in the SP group (62.2 % and 45.0 %, respectively) but higher than those in PBS group (29.7 % and 28.1 %, respectively) (P < 0.05). In study 2, repeat breeder cows with an altered EGF profile were infused with PBS (n = 18) and rOPN (n = 17), while fertile controls with a normal EGF profile (n = 18) were infused with PBS. Two or three embryos were transferred into cows on day 7 and then recovered on day 14. Embryo recovery rates of the rOPN and fertile groups were comparable (58.7 % vs. 58.3 %) but higher than that of the PBS group (58.7 % vs. 32.0 %) (P < 0.05). The embryo recovery rate of cows with normalized EGF profile was higher than that of cows with unnormalized EGF profile (64.4 % vs. 16.7 %) (P < 0.05). The embryo sizes of cows in the rOPN and fertile groups were comparable but larger than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). However, the embryo size was not correlated to the corresponding endometrial EGF concentrations. In conclusion, rOPN without posttranslational modifications normalized the EGF profile in repeat breeder cows. Improved fertility by normalization of the EGF profile could be attributed partly to the increased embryo viability up to day 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanida
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Tagami
- Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology, Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Hiroko Sato
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hay Mar Kyaw
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | | | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi-23, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Kenji Momozawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi-23, Towada, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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Neto AL, Ruas FL, Santo BSE, Mattos ACD, Silva JB, Júnior MFD, Pereira DFC, Lacerda IP, Carvalho JO, Pugliesi G. Effects of long-acting injectable progesterone supplementation at early dioestrus on pregnancy maintenance in beef and dairy recipient cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14509. [PMID: 38037714 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14509] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
We tested in the present study the hypothesis that supplementation with long-acting P4 (iP4) at different times of the initial dioestrus improves pregnancy rates in dairy and beef recipients submitted to fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET). Recipients from commercial farms had their oestrous cycle synchronized with an E2/P4-based protocol in three experiments (Exp. 1 to 3). In Exp. 1, dairy heifers (n = 76) and cows (n = 104) were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the control group (n = 89) and the iP4D4 group (n = 91). For Exps. 2 and 3, suckled beef recipients were used. In Exp. 2, recipients were assigned to two experimental groups: Control group (n = 147) and iP4D7 group (n = 144); whereas in Exp. 3, recipients were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: Control group (n = 85), iP4-D4 group (n = 86) and iP4D7 group (n = 81). Recipients in the iP4D4 and iP4-D7 groups received an i.m. administration of 150 mg iP4, on D4 or D7 (D0 was the day of expected oestrus). On D7, all recipients were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography and those that had a CL received a fresh or vitrified in vitro-produced embryo. In Exp. 2 and 3, the CL area was also determined by ultrasonography at the time of FTET. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days in Exp. 1, 57 days in Exp. 2, and between 40 and 72 days of pregnancy in Exp. 3. In Exp. 1, the pregnancy rate did not differ (p > .1) between the Control group (38.2% [34/89]) and iP4D4 group (49.5% [45/91]); yet, a parity effect indicated a greater (p < .05) pregnancy rate in heifers (57.9% [44/76]) than cows (30.8% [32/104]). In Exp. 2, the pregnancy rate was greater (p < .05) in the iP4D7 group (45.0% [65/144]) than in the Control group (34.0% [50/147]). Also, a greater (p = .08) pregnancy rate was observed for recipients with a small CL (≤2.75 cm2 ) that were treated with iP4 on the day of FTET than the control recipients (46.4% [32/69] vs. 32.6% [28/86]). In Exp. 3, no significant effects (p > .1) of the treatment group or CL size were detected on pregnancy rates at days 30 and 60. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of iP4 supplementation at early dioestrus on pregnancy maintenance may vary according to the experimental conditions, but its use at the time of FTET can be used as an alternative to enhance the fertility of beef recipients in challenging conditions in commercial herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adomar Laurindo Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Clara Degan Mattos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júnior Borges Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jamwal S, Jena MK, Tyagi N, Kancharla S, Kolli P, Mandadapu G, Kumar S, Mohanty AK. Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Molecular Dynamics of Early Pregnancy in Farm Animals: An In-Depth Review. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 38248867 PMCID: PMC10801625 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010002] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major problem in farm animals, which has a negative economic effect on farm industries. Infertility can be defined as the inability of animals to achieve a successful pregnancy. Early pregnancy is crucial to establish a successful pregnancy, and it is reported that 70-80% and 20-30% of total embryonic loss occur in cattle and pigs, respectively, during the first month of pregnancy. The advanced high-throughput proteomics techniques provide valuable tools for in-depth understanding of the implantation process in farm animals. In the present review, our goal was to compile, assess, and integrate the latest proteomic research on farm animals, specifically focused on female reproduction, which involves endometrial tissues, uterine fluids, oviductal fluids, and microRNAs. The series of studies has provided in-depth insights into the events of the implantation process by unfolding the molecular landscape of the uterine tract. The discussed data are related to pregnant vs. non-pregnant animals, pregnancy vs. oestrous cycle, different days of the early pregnancy phase, and animals with uterine infections affecting reproduction health. Some of the studies have utilized non-invasive methods and in vitro models to decipher the molecular events of embryo-maternal interaction. The proteomics data are valuable sources for discovering biomarkers for infertility in ruminants and new regulatory pathways governing embryo-uterine interaction, endometrium receptivity, and embryonic development. Here, we envisage that the identified protein signatures can serve as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers to develop new therapeutics against pregnancy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Jamwal
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India;
| | - Nikunj Tyagi
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Sudhakar Kancharla
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Prachetha Kolli
- Microgen Health Inc., 14225 Sullyfield Cir Suite E, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA;
| | - Gowtham Mandadapu
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Sudarshan Kumar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Ashok Kumar Mohanty
- ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt 250001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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7
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Hildebrand C, Hollenbach J, Seeger B, Pfarrer C. β-Hydroxybutyrate Effects on Bovine Caruncular Epithelial Cells: A Model for Investigating the Peri-Implantation Period Disruption in Ketotic Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2950. [PMID: 37760350 PMCID: PMC10525762 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketosis is a metabolic disorder arising from a negative energy balance (NEB). It is characterized by high β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) blood levels and associated with reduced fertility in dairy cows. To investigate the impact of BHBA on bovine caruncular epithelial cells (BCEC) in vitro, these cells were stimulated with different concentrations of BHBA. Cell metabolism and motility were examined using an MTT assay and Live-cell imaging. RT-qPCR was used to examine mRNA expressions of TNF, IL6, RELA, prostaglandin E2 synthase (PTGES2) and receptor (PTGER2) as well as integrin subunits ITGAV, ITGA6, ITGB1 and ITGB3. Stimulation with 1.8 and 2.4 mM of BHBA negatively affected cell metabolism and motility. TNF showed increased mRNA expression related to rising BHBA concentrations. IL6, RELA, ITGAV, ITGA6, ITGB1 and ITGB3 as well as PTGER2 showed no changes in mRNA expression. Stimulation with 0.6 and 1.2 mM of BHBA significantly increased the mRNA expression of PTGES2. This does not indicate a negative effect on reproductive performance because low BHBA concentrations are found in steady-state conditions. However, the results of the study show negative effects of high BHBA concentrations on the function of BCECs as well as an inflammatory response. This could negatively affect the feto-maternal communication during the peri-implantation period in ketotic dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Hildebrand
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany; (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Hollenbach
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany; (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Bettina Seeger
- Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternative/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, Institute for Food Quality and Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany; (C.H.); (J.H.)
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8
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Denicol AC, Siqueira LGB. Maternal contributions to pregnancy success: from gamete quality to uterine environment. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230085. [PMID: 37720724 PMCID: PMC10503891 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy that goes to term is sine qua non for the long-term sustainability of dairy and beef cattle operations. The oocyte plays a critical role in providing the factors necessary for preimplantation embryonic development. Furthermore, the female, or maternal, environment where oocytes and embryos develop is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy to term. During folliculogenesis, the oocyte must sequentially acquire meiotic and developmental competence, which are the results of a series of molecular events preparing the highly specialized gamete to return to totipotency after fertilization. Given that folliculogenesis is a lengthy process in the cow, the occurrence of disease, metabolic imbalances, heat stress, or other adverse events can make it challenging to maintain oocyte quality. Following fertilization, the newly formed embryo must execute a tightly planned program that includes global DNA remodeling, activation of the embryonic genome, and cell fate decisions to form a blastocyst within a few days and cell divisions. The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies creates an additional layer of complexity to ensure the highest oocyte and embryo quality given that in vitro systems do not faithfully recreate the physiological maternal environment. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular factors and events known to be crucial for proper oocyte development and maturation, as well as adverse events that may negatively affect the oocyte; and the importance of the uterine environment, including signaling proteins in the maternal-embryonic interactions that ensure proper embryo development. We also discuss the impact of assisted reproductive technologies in oocyte and embryo quality and developmental potential, and considerations when looking into the prospects for developing systems that allow for in vitro gametogenesis as a tool for assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Denicol
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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9
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Smith BD, Poliakiwski B, Polanco O, Singleton S, de Melo GD, Muntari M, Oliveira Filho RV, Pohler KG. Decisive points for pregnancy losses in beef cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:70-83. [PMID: 36592980 DOI: 10.1071/rd22206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beef cattle producers rely on each of their cows to produce a marketable calf each year to maintain a sustainable operation. Within the first month of gestation, pregnancy failures have been recorded to be upwards of 40-50%. From fertilisation to birth, there are numerous factors contributing to pregnancy failure. From the beginning of gestation oocyte competence is often a large factor impacting fertility as the dam contributes all mRNA for initial embryo development. Other factors contributing to early embryonic infertility include hormonal concentration and heat stress. After the embryo enters the uterus, it becomes critical for the uterus to be receptive to the developing conceptus. The embryo then begins to elongate and secrete interferon-tau to initiate maternal recognition of pregnancy; a requirement to establish and maintain bovine pregnancies. After a pregnancy completes these steps, placentation actively begins around day 22 of pregnancy and lasts until organogenesis. The fetal phase follows the embryonic phase where disease and/or toxins are often the cause of pregnancy failure at this period. However, fetal mortality has been reported to occur in less than 10% of pregnancies. Understanding of the many factors influencing infertility needs to be further investigated to increase pregnancy success in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Smith
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - B Poliakiwski
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - O Polanco
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - S Singleton
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - G D de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - M Muntari
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Holt WV, Fazeli A, Otero-Ferrer F. Sperm transport and male pregnancy in seahorses: An unusual model for reproductive science. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106854. [PMID: 34579988 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106854] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefishes) are a group of teleost fishes in which, uniquely, developing embryos are hosted throughout pregnancy by males, using a specialized brood pouch situated on the abdomen or tail. Seahorses have evolved the most advanced form of brood pouch, whereby zygotes and embryos are intimately connected to the host's circulatory system and also bathed in pouch fluid. The pouch is closed to the external environment and has to perform functions such as gaseous exchange, removal of waste and maintenance of appropriate osmotic conditions, much like the mammalian placenta. Fertilization of the oocytes occurs within the brood pouch, but unlike the mammalian situation the sperm transport mechanism from the ejaculatory duct towards the pouch is unclear, and the sperm: egg ratio (about 5:1) is possibly the least of any vertebrate. In this review, there is highlighting of the difficulty of elucidating the sperm transport mechanism, based on studies of Hippocampus kuda. The similarities between seahorse pouch function and the mammalian placenta have led to suggestions that the pouch provides important nutritional support for the developing embryos, supplementing the nutritional functions of the yolk sac provided by the oocytes. In this review, there is a description of the recent evidence in support of this hypothesis, and also emphasis, as in mammals, that embryonic development depends on nutritional support from the placenta-like pouch at important stages of the gestational period ("critical windows").
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Level 4, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia; Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Francisco Otero-Ferrer
- University Institute of Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU ECOAQUA) Scientific and Technological Marine Park, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35200, Spain
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11
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Wang X, Chen C, Wang L, Su Y, Li B, Xiao L, Lin Z, Sheng X, Qi X, Ni H, Guo Y. Specific activation of embryonic IFNAR1 and endometrial IFNAR2 induced by embryonic IFNτ directs normal uterine fate for bovine early implantation. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 153:103677. [PMID: 35907379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-tau (IFNτ), as an antiluteolytic factor secreted by trophoderm during the pregnancy of ruminants, actually functions by activating the IFNτ receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNτ receptor 2 (IFNAR2). However, it has not been clearly understood how IFNτ-IFNAR cascade regulation processes between the embryo and uterine epithelial cells in ruminants. In this study, we found the expression and location of IFNτ in the bovine blastocysts from different production sources. IFNτ, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were all located in the trophoblast cells of the blastocyst. However, the fluorescence intensity of IFNAR1 was consistent with that of IFNτ. Antagonizing the expressions of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 in embryos and co-culture with endometrial epithelium cells (EECs) reduced the expressions of Integrin αv β3, WNT7A, and ISG15 in EECs. Knocking out IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 reduce the expressions of Integrin αv β3 and WNT7A in EECs, the deletion of IFNAR2 gene has a greater impact than that of IFNAR1 gene. IFNAR1-/IFNAR2+ and IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- EECs were co-cultured with IVF embryos, the expression of Integrin αv β3 was inhibited, and the inhibition of IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- was much stronger, and the expression of WNT7A was not inhibited. The expressions of Integrin αv β3 and WNT7A did not change significantly after IFNAR1-/IFNAR2+ and IFNAR1+/IFNAR2- co-culture with PA embryos. All of these results strongly suggest that specific activation of embryonic IFNAR1 and endometrial IFNAR2 induced by embryonic IFNτ directs normal uterine preparation for bovine early implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chaolei Chen
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yunze Su
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Boyu Li
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zili Lin
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
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12
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Kose M, Hitit M, Kaya MS, Kırbas M, Dursun S, Alak I, Atli MO. Expression pattern of microRNAs in ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation. Theriogenology 2022; 191:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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He Y, Zang X, Kuang J, Yang H, Gu T, Yang J, Li Z, Zheng E, Xu Z, Cai G, Wu Z, Hong L. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of porcine uterine fluid during pre-implantation period of pregnancy. J Proteomics 2022; 261:104570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Samartzi F, Theodosiadou EK, Vainas E, Saratsi A, Tsiligianni T, Rekkas CA. Plasminogen activator activity and plasminogen activator inhibition in the uterus of ewes after the induction of oestrus synchronization or superovulation, involving eCG. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Bedir Ö, Gram A, Dorsam ST, Grazul-Bilska AT, Kowalewski MP. Plane of nutrition and FSH-induced superovulation affect the expression of steroid hormone receptors and growth factors in caruncular tissue of non-pregnant sheep. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106683. [PMID: 34688215 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is a critical step in the establishment of pregnancy and an important part of embryo-maternal contact. Uterine receptivity can be affected by changes in body condition and the maternal endocrine milieu, including those caused by the use of exogenous gonadotropins in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation to induce the development of multiple follicles. This study demonstrates the effects of FSH-mediated ovarian hyperstimulation on the caruncles of ewes under various feeding regimes. Sheep were classified into 3 categories: control fed (CF), overfed (OF), or underfed (UF). In each group, animals were superovulated with FSH or injected with a saline solution (non-treated control). Uterine caruncles were collected at the early (d 5) and mid-luteal phase (d 10) of the estrous cycle. The transcript levels of steroid hormone receptors (ESR1, ESR2, PGR) and growth factors (IGF1, IGF2, VEGFA) were investigated and their expression localized by immunohistochemical staining. As for the main findings, day of the estrous cycle affected expression of ESR1, IGF1 and IGF2, but not of ESR2, PGR and VEGFA; both feeding and superovulation had modulatory effects, with feeding (UF/OF) stimulating expression of all genes studied, and superovulation altering expression of some genes, eg IGF1, PGR and ESR1 and ESR2, in CF animals. Similarly, feeding (UF/OF) altered responsiveness to superovulation for PGR on d 5 and ESR1/ESR2 on d 5 and/or 10. Our data emphasize possible effects of dietary and/or hormonal stimuli on uterine physiology, which may affect pregnancy outcomes by disrupting uterine functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Bedir
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Aykut Gram
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 38280 Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Sheri T Dorsam
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - Anna T Grazul-Bilska
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Binder C, Aurich J, Scarlet D, Reichart U, Walter I, Aurich C. Expression of nuclear progesterone receptor, progesterone receptor membrane components 1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 in the endometrium and oviduct of spontaneously ovulating cats. Theriogenology 2021; 172:200-206. [PMID: 34271496 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.017] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although ovulations not followed by pregnancy occur regularly in cats, differences in endometrial function between cats in the luteal and non-luteal phase have not been studied so far. Progesterone exerts its effects through a nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR) and via cell-membrane bound receptors referred to as progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2. Progesterone receptor expression is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones and therefore may change throughout the oestrous cycle. Protein expression of PGR, PGRMC-1 and 2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was analysed in the endometrium and oviduct of non-pregnant female cats in the follicular (n = 8) and luteal phase (n = 9). We hypothesized that the presence of corpora lutea (CL) is associated with downregulation of progesterone receptors and PTGS2. Cells of the luminal endometrial epithelium, endometrial stroma and oviductal epithelium were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The PGR protein expression was more pronounced in the endometrial epithelium than stroma (p < 0.001) and less pronounced in cats with a CL than without CL (p < 0.001) but did not differ between groups in the oviduct. The PTGS2 was localized only in the endometrial and oviductal epithelium and its expression was reduced in cats with CL (p = 0.001). In the endometrial epithelium, PGRMC-1 expression was reduced in cats with CL (p < 0.05). Expression of PGRMC-2 was highest in the endometrial epithelium and lowest in the endometrial stroma (p = 0.01) but did not differ between cats with and without CL. In conclusion, progesterone receptor and PTGS2 downregulation in the female cat closely resembles findings in other spontaneously ovulating domestic animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Binder
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - J Aurich
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Scarlet
- Obstetrics and Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Reichart
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Luteogenesis and Embryo Implantation Are Enhanced by Exogenous hCG in Goats Subjected to an Out-of-Season Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050429. [PMID: 34065974 PMCID: PMC8150804 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) applied at two different times (7 and 14 d) after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) upon some variables involved in the embryonic implantation rate in goats during the natural deep anestrous season (April, 25° north). The experimental units considered crossbred, multiparous, anovulatory goats (n = 69, Alpine, Saanen, Nubian x Criollo), with average body weight (43.6 ± 5.7 kg) and body condition score (1.86 ± 0.28 units) located in northern-semiarid Mexico (25° N, 103° W). Once the goat's anestrus status was confirmed, goats were subjected to an estrus induction protocol. Upon estrus induction confirmation, goats (n = 61) were subjected to a FTAI procedure. Immediately after the FTAI, the goats were randomly distributed to five experimental groups: (1). G100-7 (n = 13) 100 IU, hCG 7 d post-FTAI, (2). G100-14 (n = 12) 100 IU hCG, 14 d post-FTAI, (3). G300-7 (n = 12) 300 IU, hCG, 7 d post-FTAI, (4). G300-14 (n = 12) 300 IU hCG 14 d post-FTAI, and (5). Control group, CONT (n = 12) 0.5 mL saline, 7 and 14 d post-FTAI. The response variables conception rate (39.36 ± 0.23), fertility rate (27.96%), prolificacy rate (1.1 ± 0.29 kids), ovulation rate (0.74 ± 0.20 corpus luteum) corpus luteum diameter (10.15 ± 0.59 mm), embryo number (1.58 ± 0.20), and embryo implantation rate (48.96%), did not differ between treatments. However, while the variables fecundity rate (67%), embryo efficiency index-1 (33.99 ± 0.20%), and embryo efficiency index-2 (27.94 ± 0.30%) were favored by the G300-14 treatment, the corpus luteum area was favored (p < 0.05) by both G300-7 (113.30 ± 0.19 mm2) and G300-14 (103.04 ± 0.17 mm2). Such reproductive strategy emerges as an interesting approach, not only to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes, but also to boost one of the main rulers defining the global reproductive efficiency of a heard, namely, the embryo implantation efficiency.
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Wang K, Thomas C, Zhang S, Wathes DC, Cheng Z. Comparison of the Ability of High and Low Virulence Strains of Non-cytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-1 to Modulate Expression of Interferon Tau Stimulated Genes in Bovine Endometrium. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:659330. [PMID: 33898551 PMCID: PMC8062762 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.659330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus with a single-stranded, positive sense RNA genome. It is endemic in many cattle populations, causing major economic losses in part due to reduced fertility. BVDV exhibits great genetic diversity and is classified as type 1 or 2 (BVDV-1, BVDV-2) with either non-cytopathogenic (ncp) or cytopathogenic (cp) biotypes. Differing strains of ncpBVDV differ in virulence, affecting clinical outcome. BVDV replicates in the reproductive tract, affecting host immunity and embryo survival. This study used an in vitro model of primary bovine endometrial cell cultures to compare the effects of two BVDV ncp type 1a strains of differing virulence (termed HO and KY) on endometrial transcription of candidate interferon stimulated genes (ISG) using qPCR. Half the cultures were stimulated with interferon tau (IFNT, the conceptus produced pregnancy recognition factor) in the presence or absence of viral infection. Cultures were replicated on cells from 10 BVDV-free cows. IFNT treatment stimulated transcription of 10 candidate ISGs, whereas both ncpBVDV-1 strains alone inhibited transcription of 8/10 ISGs. In combined BVDV-1+IFNT cultures, the stimulatory effect of IFNT on expression of GBP4, ISG15, HERC5, RSAD2, IFIH1, IFIT3, and MX1 was significantly inhibited by HO, but only ISG15, RSAD2, IFI27, and IFIT3 were decreased by KY. Inhibition by HO was generally greater. The IFNT-induced expression of TRIM56 was, however, increased by HO. These data show that HO, the more virulent ncpBVDV-1 strain, has a greater capacity to inhibit key antiviral pathways. These differences need confirmation at the protein level but may influence immune tolerance of the host. They could also reduce fertility by increasing uterine susceptibility to bacterial infection and disrupting IFNT-mediated pregnancy recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Carole Thomas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Zhangrui Cheng
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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19
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Suwik K, Boruszewska D, Sinderewicz E, Kowalczyk-Zieba I, Staszkiewicz-Chodor J, Woclawek-Potocka I. Expression profile of developmental competence gene markers in comparison with prostaglandin F 2α synthesis and action in the early- and late-cleaved pre-implantation bovine embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:437-447. [PMID: 33320992 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13880] [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: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The kinetics of early cleavage stages can affect embryo quality. The bovine model of early- and late-cleaved embryos has been described in the literature and is deemed a useful tool in the field of oocyte developmental competence studies. The expression of genes demonstrating developmental potential differs between early- and late-cleaved embryos. Previously, we demonstrated that prostaglandin F2α synthase (PGFS) and prostaglandin F2α receptor (PTGFR) expression depend on the developmental stage and embryo quality. In the present study, we used the same model to determine the mRNA expression profile of developmentally important genes (IGF1R, IGF2R, PLAC8, OCT4, SOX2) in early, expanded and hatched blastocysts obtained from the early- and late-cleaved group of embryos, as well as to correlate the transcription levels of these embryonic gene markers with the transcription levels of PGFS and PTGFR. The mRNA expression of PGFS, PTGFR and factors described as gene markers of embryonic implantation ability and developmental competence genes was determined by real-time PCR. The obtained results were analysed using statistical software GraphPad prism 6.05. During the course of our analyses, we observed that the transcript abundance of most analysed genes tends to be higher in the late-rather than in the early cleaved group of embryos, as well as in B and/or C grade embryos rather than in A grade embryos. On the other hand, for the early cleaved group of blastocysts with cavity, we detected higher PLAC8 mRNA expression for grade A embryos compared with grade C embryos. It suggests that the mRNA expression level of genes depends on the quality of embryos but differs according to various factors including the method of production or culture method. Moreover, numerous correlations between analysed gene markers and PGF2α synthase and PGF2α receptor suggest that PGF2α plays a role in the crucial steps of bovine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Suwik
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dorota Boruszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Emilia Sinderewicz
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zieba
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Staszkiewicz-Chodor
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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20
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D Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily and interferon-τ in ovarian function and embryo development in female cattle: review of biology and application. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:539-552. [PMID: 32024582 DOI: 10.1071/rd19123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of the embryo and establishment of a pregnancy is a critical period in the reproductive function of female cattle. This review examines how the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily (i.e. bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)) and interferon-τ (IFNT) affect ovarian function and embryo development. The oocyte in a primary follicle secretes BMP15 and GDF9, which, together, organise the surrounding granulosa and theca cells into the oocyte-cumulus-follicle complex. At the same time, the granulosa secretes AMH, which affects the oocyte. This autocrine-paracrine dialogue between the oocyte and somatic cells continues throughout follicle development and is fundamental in establishing the fertilisation potential and embryo developmental competency of oocytes. The early bovine embryo secretes IFNT, which acts at the uterine endometrium, corpus luteum and blood leucocytes. IFNT is involved in the maternal recognition of pregnancy and immunomodulation to prevent rejection of the embryo, and supports progesterone secretion. Manipulation of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT in both invivo and invitro studies has confirmed their importance in reproductive function in female cattle. This review makes the case that a deeper understanding of the biology of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT will lead to new strategies to increase embryo survival and improve fertility in cattle. The enhancement of oocyte quality, early embryo development and implantation is considered necessary for the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 410 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, V. F. Delpino, 1 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, CEP 05508-270 Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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21
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Côrtes LR, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Dias DS, Martins BB, Maia ALRS, Veiga MO, Arashiro EKN, Brandão FZ, Oliveira MEF, Bartlewski PM, Fonseca JF. Administration of a single dose of 300 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin seven days after the onset of estrus improves pregnancy rate in dairy goats by an unknown mechanism. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106579. [PMID: 33161234 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of exogenous hCG administration on ovarian function and pregnancy rates in estrous-induced dairy goats during the transition into the breeding season. Eighty-six Toggenburg does received 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate intravaginal sponge for 6 d plus 200 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin and 30 μg of d-cloprostenol i.m. 24 h before sponge removal, and were then bred for 96 h. Seven days (D7) after first mating the does received either 1 mL of saline (the control group, n = 43) or 300 IU of hCG (the hCG-treated group, n = 43) i.m. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography (B-mode and color Doppler) was performed on D7, D13, D17, and D21 and ultrasonographic pregnancy detection on D30. Pregnancy rate was higher (P < 0.05) in hCG-treated goats (90.7%; 39/43) than that in control animals (74.4%; 32/43). Accessory luteal structures (ALSs) were detected in 46.5% (20/43) of hCG-treated does. All hCG-treated does that had ALSs and 82.6% of goats without ALS post-treatment remained pregnant. The total luteal area increased (P < 0.05) from D7 to D13 in pregnant animals of both groups, whereas mean vascular area declined (P < 0.05) by D21 in all nonpregnant does. Serum progesterone concentrations increased (P < 0.05) on D21 in pregnant goats of both groups, but they were related to changes in luteal tissue content only in control does throughout the present study. Mean daily numbers of small- and medium-sized antral follicles decreased (P < 0.05) only in pregnant animals of both groups with a decline in medium follicle numbers occurring earlier in hCG-treated (D13) compared with control does (D17). To summarize, a single dose of hCG given on D7 after estrus was followed by a decrease in the number of medium-sized antral follicles in gestating hCG-treated does, induced the formation of ALSs in ~47% of all hCG-treated does, and significantly increased the pregnancy rate in estrous-induced Toggenburg goats in the transition to the breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Côrtes
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D S Dias
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade do Grande Rio, Rua Professor José de Souza Herdy, 1160 Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - B B Martins
- Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos, Av. Juiz de Fora, 1100 Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - A L R S Maia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M O Veiga
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, km 42, Coronel Pacheco, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - E K N Arashiro
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P M Bartlewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, km 42, Coronel Pacheco, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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22
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Effects of dietary n-3-PUFA supplementation, post-insemination plane of nutrition and pregnancy status on the endometrial transcriptome of beef heifers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20798. [PMID: 33247230 PMCID: PMC7695717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplementation of cattle diets with n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can improve reproductive efficiency. Conversely, short-term fluctuations in feed supply can impact pregnancy establishment. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of (1) dietary supplementation with n-3-PUFA and (2) post-insemination plane of nutrition on the endometrial transcriptome. Beef crossbred heifers were offered concentrate based diets fortified with n-3-PUFA (PUFA; n = 32) or not (CONT; n = 28) for 30 days prior to breeding at a synchronised oestrous. Following artificial insemination, heifers were allocated within treatment to either a high or low plane of nutrition. Heifers were maintained on these diets for 16 days following which endometrial tissue was harvested at slaughter for subsequent RNAseq analysis. The influence of pregnancy status on the endomentrial transcriptome, within each dietary treatment group, was also examined. Post-insemination diet affected (P < 0.05) the endometrial transcriptome. Specifically, within n-3-PUFA-supplemented heifers, genes involved in embryonic development and mTOR signalling pathways, important in pregnancy establishment, were identified as differentially expressed. Results indicate that dietary supplementation of cattle diets with n-3-PUFA may have a positive effect on the expression of key fertility-related genes and pathways, during the critical window of maternal recognition of pregnancy, particularly where animals are underfed.
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23
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Tinning H, Taylor A, Wang D, Constantinides B, Sutton R, Oikonomou G, Velazquez MA, Thompson P, Treumann A, O'Connell MJ, Forde N. The role of CAPG in molecular communication between the embryo and the uterine endometrium: Is its function conserved in species with different implantation strategies? FASEB J 2020; 34:11015-11029. [PMID: 32619075 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000882rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During the preimplantation period of pregnancy in eutherian mammals, transcriptional and proteomic changes in the uterine endometrium are required to facilitate receptivity to an implanting blastocyst. These changes are mediated, in part, by proteins produced by the developing conceptus (inner cell mass and extraembryonic membranes). We hypothesized that this common process in early pregnancy in eutheria may be facilitated by highly conserved conceptus-derived proteins such as macrophage capping protein (CAPG). We propose that CAPG may share functionality in modifying the transcriptome of the endometrial epithelial cells to facilitate receptivity to implantation in species with different implantation strategies. A recombinant bovine form of CAPG (91% sequence identity between bovine and human) was produced and bovine endometrial epithelial (bEECs) and stromal (bESCs) and human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) were cultured for 24 hours with and without recombinant bovine CAPG (rbCAPG). RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis were used to assess the transcriptional response to rbCAPG (Control, vehicle, CAPG 10, 100, 1000 ng/mL: n = 3 biological replicates per treatment per species). Treatment of bEECs with CAPG resulted in alterations in the abundance of 1052 transcripts (629 increased and 423 decreased) compared to vehicle controls. Treatment of hEECs with bovine CAPG increased expression of transcripts previously known to interact with CAPG in different systems (CAPZB, CAPZA2, ADD1, and ADK) compared with vehicle controls (P < .05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that CAPG, a highly conserved protein in eutherian mammals, elicits a transcriptional response in the endometrial epithelium in species with different implantation strategies that may contribute to pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidee Tinning
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Alysha Taylor
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Bede Constantinides
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ruth Sutton
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paul Thompson
- Protein and Proteome Analysis (NUPPA), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Achim Treumann
- Protein and Proteome Analysis (NUPPA), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mary J O'Connell
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Niamh Forde
- Discovery and Translational Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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24
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Lonergan P, Sánchez JM. Symposium review: Progesterone effects on early embryo development in cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8698-8707. [PMID: 32622590 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The causes of low fertility in dairy cattle are complex and multifactorial and may be due to compromised follicle development affecting oocyte quality, a suboptimal reproductive tract environment incapable of supporting normal embryo development, or a combination of both. Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in reproductive events associated with establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, through its effects on oocyte quality and its action on the uterine endometrium. Reduced P4 concentrations during growth of the ovulatory follicle are associated with lower fertility, and low concentrations of circulating P4 after ovulation have been associated with reductions in conceptus growth and elongation, decreased interferon-τ (IFNT) production, and lower pregnancy rates in cattle. In contrast, elevated concentrations of circulating P4 in the period immediately following conception have been associated with advancement of conceptus elongation, increased IFNT production, and, in some cases, higher pregnancy rates in cattle. Despite the potential beneficial effects of exogenous P4 supplementation on fertility, results of supplementation studies have been inconsistent. As part of the 2019 ADSA Reproduction Symposium, focusing on the etiology of pregnancy losses in dairy cattle, the aim of this review is to highlight recent findings from our group and others in relation to embryo-maternal interaction during bovine pregnancy establishment and the role of P4 in uterine biology and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - J M Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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25
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Simintiras CA, Sánchez JM, McDonald M, Martins T, Binelli M, Lonergan P. Biochemical characterization of progesterone-induced alterations in bovine uterine fluid amino acid and carbohydrate composition during the conceptus elongation window†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:672-685. [PMID: 30388203 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy establishment in cattle is contingent on conceptus elongation-a fundamental developmental event coinciding with the time during which most pregnancies fail. Elongation in vivo is directly driven by uterine secretions, indirectly influenced by systemic progesterone concentrations, and has yet to be recapitulated in vitro. To better understand the microenvironment evolved to facilitate this phenomenon, the amino acid and carbohydrate composition of uterine fluid was interrogated using high-throughput metabolomics on days 12, 13, and 14 of the estrous cycle from heifers with normal and high circulating progesterone. A total of 99 biochemicals (79 amino acids and 20 carbohydrates) were consistently identified, of which 31 showed a day by progesterone interaction. Fructose and mannitol/sorbitol did not exhibit a day by progesterone interaction, but displayed the greatest individual fluctuations (P ≤ 0.05) with respective fold increases of 18.39 and 28.53 in high vs normal progesterone heifers on day 12, and increases by 10.70-fold and 14.85-fold in the uterine fluid of normal progesterone animals on day 14 vs day 12. Moreover, enrichment analyses revealed that the phenylalanine, glutathione, polyamine, and arginine metabolic pathways were among the most affected by day and progesterone. In conclusion, progesterone had a largely stabilizing effect on amino acid flux, and identified biochemicals of likely importance to conceptus elongation initiation include arginine, fructose, glutamate, and mannitol/sorbitol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Michael McDonald
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Thiago Martins
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Animal Reproduction, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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26
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Wathes DC, Oguejiofor CF, Thomas C, Cheng Z. Importance of Viral Disease in Dairy Cow Fertility. ENGINEERING (BEIJING, CHINA) 2020; 6:26-33. [PMID: 32288965 PMCID: PMC7104734 DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Many viral diseases are endemic in cattle populations worldwide. The ability of many viruses to cross the placenta and cause abortions and fetal malformations is well understood. There is also significant evidence that viral infections have additional actions in dairy cows, which are reflected in reduced conception rates. These effects are, however, highly dependent on the time at which an individual animal first contracts the disease and are less easy to quantify. This paper reviews the evidence relating to five viruses that can affect fertility, together with their potential mechanisms of action. Acute infection with non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in mid-gestation increases abortion rates or causes the birth of persistently infected calves. BVDV infections closer to the time of breeding can have direct effects on the ovaries and uterine endometrium, which cause estrous cycle irregularities and early embryo mortality. Fertility may also be reduced by BVDV-induced immunosuppression, which increases the susceptibility to bacterial infections. Bovine herpesvirus (BHV)-1 is most common in pre-pubertal heifers, and can slow their growth, delay breeding, and increase the age at first calving. Previously infected animals subsequently show reduced fertility. Although this may be associated with lung damage, ovarian lesions have also been reported. Both BHV-1 and BHV-4 remain latent in the host following initial infection and may be reactivated later by stress, for example associated with calving and early lactation. While BHV-4 infection alone may not reduce fertility, it appears to act as a co-factor with established bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes to promote the development of endometritis and delay uterine repair mechanisms after calving. Both Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) are transmitted by insect vectors and lead to increased abortion rates and congenital malformations. BTV-8 also impairs the development of hatched blastocysts; furthermore, infection around the time of breeding with either virus appears to reduce conception rates. Although the reductions in conception rates are often difficult to quantify, they are nevertheless sufficient to cause economic losses, which help to justify the benefits of vaccination and eradication schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chike F Oguejiofor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
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27
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Challenges in studying preimplantation embryo-maternal interaction in cattle. Theriogenology 2020; 150:139-149. [PMID: 31973965 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the complex embryo-maternal interactions during the preimplantation period requires the analysis of the very early stages of pregnancy encompassing early embryonic development, maternal recognition and the events leading to implantation. Despite the fact that embryo development until blastocyst stage is somewhat autonomous (i.e., does not require contact with the maternal reproductive tract and can be successfully recapitulated in vitro), many studies on ruminant embryo production have focused on the fundamental question of why: (i) only 30%-40% of immature oocytes develop to the blastocyst stage and (ii) the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. Clear evidence indicates that in vitro culture conditions are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in short- and long-term effects on the embryo. Thus, enhanced knowledge of mechanisms controlling embryo-maternal interactions would allow the design of novel strategies to improve in vitro embryo conditions and reproductive outcomes in cattle.
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28
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Banliat C, Tsikis G, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Com E, Lavigne R, Pineau C, Guyonnet B, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. Identification of 56 Proteins Involved in Embryo-Maternal Interactions in the Bovine Oviduct. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020466. [PMID: 31940782 PMCID: PMC7013689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The bovine embryo develops in contact with the oviductal fluid (OF) during the first 4–5 days of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to decipher the protein interactions occurring between the developing embryo and surrounding OF. In-vitro produced 4–6 cell and morula embryos were incubated or not (controls) in post-ovulatory OF (OF-treated embryos) and proteins were then analyzed and quantified by high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) in both embryo groups and in OF. A comparative analysis of MS data allowed the identification and quantification of 56 embryo-interacting proteins originated from the OF, including oviductin (OVGP1) and several annexins (ANXA1, ANXA2, ANXA4) as the most abundant ones. Some embryo-interacting proteins were developmental stage-specific, showing a modulating role of the embryo in protein interactions. Three interacting proteins (OVGP1, ANXA1 and PYGL) were immunolocalized in the perivitelline space and in blastomeres, showing that OF proteins were able to cross the zona pellucida and be taken up by the embryo. Interacting proteins were involved in a wide range of functions, among which metabolism and cellular processes were predominant. This study identified for the first time a high number of oviductal embryo-interacting proteins, paving the way for further targeted studies of proteins potentially involved in the establishment of pregnancy in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.B.); (G.T.); (V.L.); (P.M.)
- Union Evolution, 35530 Noyal-sur-Vilaine, France;
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.B.); (G.T.); (V.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Valérie Labas
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.B.); (G.T.); (V.L.); (P.M.)
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plate-forme CIRE, PAIB, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Ana-Paula Teixeira-Gomes
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plate-forme CIRE, PAIB, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
- INRAE, UMR 1282 ISP, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- Inserm, University of Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (E.C.); (R.L.); (C.P.)
- Protim, Inserm U1085, Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, University of Rennes 1, Proteomics Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Régis Lavigne
- Inserm, University of Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (E.C.); (R.L.); (C.P.)
- Protim, Inserm U1085, Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, University of Rennes 1, Proteomics Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- Inserm, University of Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (E.C.); (R.L.); (C.P.)
- Protim, Inserm U1085, Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, University of Rennes 1, Proteomics Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | | | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.B.); (G.T.); (V.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, UMR PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (C.B.); (G.T.); (V.L.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Department Agrosciences, University of Tours, 37000 Tours, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-47-42-75-08
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29
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Cheng Z, Brown LE, Wathes DC. Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Infection Disrupts Uterine Interferon Stimulated Gene Regulatory Pathways During Pregnancy Recognition in Cows. Viruses 2019; 12:E1. [PMID: 31861316 PMCID: PMC7020065 DOI: 10.3390/v12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In cattle, conceptus-derived interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition (PR) signal. Our previous studies showed that non-cytopathic bovine viral diarrhoea virus (ncpBVDV) infection inhibited IFNT-induced interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression, potentially causing early embryonic death. This study investigated the effect of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection on upstream regulatory pathways of ISG production using an established PR model. Uterine endometrial cells from 10 apparently healthy and BVDV free cows were cultured and treated with 0 or 100 ng/mL IFNT for 24 h in the presence or absence of ncpBVDV infection. Microarray and pathway analysis were used to determine the IFNT-induced upstream regulators. Expression of the genes associated with the identified pathways were quantified with qPCR. IFNT challenge activated the signalling pathways associated with IFN receptors, JAK1/TYK2, IRFs and STATs and ncpBVDV infection inhibited the activation of IFNT on this pathway. Inhibition of this upstream signalling pathway may thus reduce ISG production to disrupt maternal PR. In addition, the reduction of uterine immunity by ncpBVDV infection may predispose the animals to uterine infection, which in turn impairs their reproductive performance. This provides a mechanism of how BVDV infection leads to early pregnancy failure in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangrui Cheng
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK; (L.E.B.); (D.C.W.)
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30
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Mechanisms linking bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection with infertility in cattle. Anim Health Res Rev 2019; 20:72-85. [PMID: 31895016 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252319000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important infectious disease agent that causes significant reproductive and economic losses in the cattle industry worldwide. Although BVDV infection is known to cause poor fertility in cattle, a greater part of the underlying mechanisms particularly associated with early reproductive losses are not clearly understood. Previous studies reported viral compromise of reproductive function in infected bulls. In females, BVDV infection is thought to be capable of killing the oocyte, embryo or fetus directly, or to induce lesions that result in fetal abortion or malformation. BVDV infections may also induce immune dysfunction, and predispose cattle to other diseases that cause poor health and fertility. Other reports also suggested BVDV-induced disruption of the reproductive endocrine system, and a disruption of leukocyte and cytokine functions in the reproductive organs. More recent studies have provided evidence of viral-induced suppression of endometrial innate immunity that may predispose to uterine disease. Furthermore, there is new evidence that BVDV may potentially disrupt the maternal recognition of pregnancy or the immune protection of the conceptus. This review brings together the previous reports with the more recent findings, and attempts to explain some of the mechanisms linking this important virus to infertility in cattle.
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31
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Pugliesi G, Bisinotto DZ, Mello BP, Lahr FC, Ferreira CA, Melo GD, Bastos MR, Madureira EH. A novel strategy for resynchronization of ovulation in Nelore cows using injectable progesterone (P4) and P4 releasing devices to perform two timed inseminations within 22 days. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1149-1154. [PMID: 31134689 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13475] [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: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of Nelore lactating cows submitted to a resynchronization 12 days after timed artificial insemination (TAI) with or without a long-acting progesterone (P4-LA) treatment. Nelore cows were submitted to a P4/oestradiol-based TAI protocol (D0 = insemination). On D12, cows in the control group (n = 184) received a new P4 intravaginal device (0.96 g), whereas cows in the P4-LA group (n = 192) received the P4 device and 75 mg P4-LA. Cows identified as non-pregnant (n = 120) by regression of corpus luteum using colour Doppler ultrasonography on D20 had the P4 device removed and received 500ug of sodium cloprostenol, 1 mg of oestradiol cypionate and 300 IU of eCG and were re-inseminated on D22. There was no difference (p > 0.10) in the pregnancy rate at D20, D30 and D60 after first TAI between the control (69%, 59.7% and 57%, respectively) and P4-LA (67%, 55.7%, and 55.2%, respectively) groups. Pregnancy losses were similar between both groups (p > 0.1). For cows submitted to the second TAI, the pre-ovulatory follicle size did not differ (p > 0.1), but the oestrous detection and pregnancy rates were greater (p < 0.05) in the P4-LA group (92.2% [59/64] and 60.9% [39/64], respectively) than in controls (75% [42/56] and 44.6% [25/56]). The cumulative pregnancy rate after two TAIs did not differ (p > 0.1) between control (73.3% [135/184]) and P4-LA (76% [146/192]) groups. The use of P4-LA at 12 days after TAI potentially increases the pregnancy rates for a new early resynchronization strategy associated with the Doppler imaging for pregnancy diagnosis and results in an alternative to perform two TAIs in 22 days in beef cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Danilo Zago Bisinotto
- Department of Veterinary, School of Animal and Food Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Barbara Piffero Mello
- Department of Veterinary, School of Animal and Food Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Fábio C Lahr
- Department of Veterinary, School of Animal and Food Sciences, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Catia A Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Dalmaso Melo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Ed Hoffmann Madureira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
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32
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Grycmacher K, Boruszewska D, Sinderewicz E, Kowalczyk-Zięba I, Staszkiewicz-Chodor J, Woclawek-Potocka I. Prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α) production possibility and its receptors expression in the early- and late-cleaved preimplantation bovine embryos. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:203. [PMID: 31200703 PMCID: PMC6570898 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1939-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is an important component for the physiology of female reproductive processes. In the literature, the data pertaining to the synthesis and action of PGF2α in early embryonic bovine development are limited. In our study, we used the bovine in vitro culture model based on the time of first cleavage to determine the mRNA expression and immunolocalization of PGF2α synthase and its receptor in bovine embryos from the 2-cell stage to the hatched blastocyst stage. We also evaluated PGF2α production at 2, 5 and 7 days of in vitro culture. RESULTS We found a significantly higher proportion of blastocysts obtained from the early-cleaved embryos than from the late-cleaved embryos (37.7% vs. 26.1% respectively, P < 0.05). The PGFS mRNA expression was significantly higher in the late-cleaved group than in the early-cleaved group at the 2-, 4- and 16-cell stages (P < 0.05). For PTGFR, we observed that within the late-cleaved group, the mRNA abundance was significantly higher in embryos at the 2- and 16-cell stages than in embryos at the 4- and 8-cell stages (P < 0.05). We observed that PTGFR mRNA expression was significantly higher in the 2- and 16-cell embryos in the late-cleaved group than that in the early-cleaved group embryos (P < 0.05). Among the blastocysts, the PGFS and PTGFR expression levels showed a trend towards higher mRNA expression in the late-cleaved group than in the early-cleaved group. Analysis of PGF2α production showed that within the early-cleaved group, the content of PGF2α in the in vitro culture medium was significantly higher on day 7 than it was on day 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The mRNA expression levels of PGF2α synthase and its receptor depend on the developmental stage and the embryo quality. Analyses of PGFS and PTGFR expression in bovine blastocysts and of PGF2α embryo production suggest that prostaglandin F2α can act in an autocrine and paracrine manner in bovine in vitro-produced preimplantation embryos. Moreover, the tendency of PTGFR and PGFS mRNA expression to be upregulated in embryos with low developmental potential can indicate a compensation mechanism related to high PGFS and PTGFR mRNA expression levels in low-quality embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grycmacher
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dorota Boruszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Emilia Sinderewicz
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ilona Kowalczyk-Zięba
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Staszkiewicz-Chodor
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747, Olsztyn, Poland.
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33
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Use of color-Doppler ultrasonography for selection of recipients in timed-embryo transfer programs in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2019; 135:73-79. [PMID: 31203090 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to study the association between CL characteristics assessed by color-Doppler ultrasonography (Doppler-US) at the time of embryo transfer (ET) and pregnancy rate (P/ET) in beef recipients. Estrous cycles of crossbred beef recipients were synchronized for timed-ET. On the day of ET (Day 7), CL area, proportion of luteal blood perfusion (BP), and the relationship between the largest dominant follicle (DF) and CL (ipsilateral or contralateral) were determined. Animals (n = 444) received an in vitro produced embryo from Nelore donors, placed in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Recipients were split retrospectively in three subgroups according to CL area [small (<3 cm2), medium (3-4 cm2), or large (>4 cm2)] and three subgroups according to luteal signals of BP [low (≤40%), medium (45-50%) or high (≥55%)]. Pregnancy was detected on Days 30-45 by transrectal ultrasonography and P/ET was analyzed considering the effects of cow's category (suckling or non-suckling), CL area, luteal BP and side of DF. P/ET increased along with BP category [low, 45.9%B, (62/135); medium, 54.1%AB (93/172); and high, 58.4%A (80/137)]. When luteal BP was evaluated as a continuous variable, a significant (P < 0.05) linear and positive effect was observed on P/ET. A greater (P < 0.05) CL area and serum progesterone concentrations were observed in the medium and high BP than in the low BP category. Although an effect of luteal size category was not significant on P/ET [small, 49% (76/155); medium, 59.7% (83/139); and large, 50.7% (75/148); P > 0.1], when CL area was evaluated as a continuous variable, a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) indicated a positive relationship between P/ET and CL area until luteal tissue reached 4.07 cm2, followed by a negative relationship. The location of the first-wave DF in relation to the CL did not affect P/ET (P > 0.1). In conclusion, Doppler-US is an innovative tool that has the potential to be used for selection of suitable embryo recipients based on luteal BP. Selection of recipients that have a greater chance of maintaining pregnancy will increase the success of timed-ET programs.
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Zolini AM, Ortiz WG, Estrada-Cortes E, Ortega MS, Dikmen S, Sosa F, Giordano JO, Hansen PJ. Interactions of human chorionic gonadotropin with genotype and parity on fertility responses of lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 102:846-856. [PMID: 30447974 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fertility-promoting effects of treatment of lactating dairy cattle with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after artificial insemination (AI) have been variable. Here, we tested whether fertility response to hCG in lactating Holstein cows interacts with genotype and parity. Primiparous (n = 538) and multiparous (n = 613) cows were treated with hCG (3,300 IU) or vehicle 5 d after AI. Pregnancy was diagnosed on d 32 and 60 after AI. A subset of cows (n = 593-701) was genotyped for 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) previously associated with fertility. Treatment with hCG increased progesterone concentration on d 12 after AI regardless of genotype or parity. Pregnancy per AI was improved by hCG in primiparous cows but not in multiparous cows. Moreover, hCG treatment interacted with a SNP in coenzyme Q9 (COQ9) to affect fertility. Fertility of cows treated with vehicle was greatest for the AA allele, whereas fertility was lowest for the same genotype among cows treated with hCG. Pregnancy per AI was also affected by genotype for heat shock protein A1-like (HSPA1L) and progesterone receptor (PGR), but no interactions were observed with treatment. Genotype for a SNP in prostate androgen-regulated mucin-like protein 1 (PARM1) was not associated with fertility. Overall, results show that variation in response to hCG treatment on fertility depends on parity and interacts with a SNP in COQ9.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - W G Ortiz
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - E Estrada-Cortes
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - M S Ortega
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - S Dikmen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Science, University of Uludag, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
| | - F Sosa
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - J O Giordano
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910.
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Baba NA, Panigrahi M, Verma AD, Sadam A, Sulabh S, Chhotaray S, Parida S, Krishnaswamy N, Bhushan B. Endometrial transcript profile of progesterone-regulated genes during early pregnancy of Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis
). Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:100-107. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naseer A. Baba
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Manjit Panigrahi
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Ankita D. Verma
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Abdul Sadam
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Sourabh Sulabh
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Supriya Chhotaray
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Subhashree Parida
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Narayanan Krishnaswamy
- Division of Animal Reproduction; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Division of Animal Genetics; Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar Uttar Pradesh India
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Bazer FW, Burghardt RC, Johnson GA, Spencer TE, Wu G. Mechanisms for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy: synergies from scientific collaborations. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:225-241. [PMID: 29462279 PMCID: PMC6044348 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the functions of interferon tau (IFNT) led to the theory of pregnancy recognition signaling in ruminant species. But IFNT does much more as it induces expression of interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF2) in uterine luminal (LE), superficial glandular (sGE), but not glandular (GE) epithelia. First, IRF2 silences transcription of the estrogen receptor alpha gene and, indirectly, transcription of the oxytocin receptor gene to abrogate development of the luteolytic mechanism to prevent regression of the corpus luteum and its production of progesterone for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Second, IRF2 silences expression of classical interferon-stimulated genes in uterine LE and sGE; however, uterine LE and sGE respond to progesterone (P4) and IFNT to increase expression of genes for transport of nutrients into the uterine lumen such as amino acids and glucose. Other genes expressed by uterine LE and sGE encode for adhesion molecules such as galectin 15, cathepsins, and cystatins for tissue remodeling, and hypoxia-inducible factor relevant to angiogenesis and survival of blastocysts in a hypoxic environment. IFNT is also key to a servomechanism that allows uterine epithelia, particularly GE, to proliferate and to express genes in response to placental lactogen and placental growth hormone in sheep. The roles of secreted phosphoprotein 1 are also discussed regarding its role in implantation in sheep and pigs, as well as its stimulation of expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin mRNA and protein which is central to proliferation, migration, and gene expression in the trophectoderm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Salilew-Wondim D, Saeed-Zidane M, Hoelker M, Gebremedhn S, Poirier M, Pandey HO, Tholen E, Neuhoff C, Held E, Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Rings F, Fournier E, Gagné D, Sirard MA, Robert C, Gad A, Schellander K, Tesfaye D. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of bovine blastocysts derived from in vivo embryos subjected to in vitro culture before, during or after embryonic genome activation. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:424. [PMID: 29859035 PMCID: PMC5984773 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4826-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant DNA methylation patterns of genes required for development are common in in vitro produced embryos. In this regard, we previously identified altered DNA methylation patterns of in vivo developed blastocysts from embryos which spent different stages of development in vitro, indicating carryover effects of suboptimal culture conditions on epigenetic signatures of preimplantation embryos. However, epigenetic responses of in vivo originated embryos to suboptimal culture conditions are not fully understood. Therefore, here we investigated DNA methylation patterns of in vivo derived bovine embryos subjected to in vitro culture condition before, during or after major embryonic genome activation (EGA). For this, in vivo produced 2-, 8- and 16-cell stage embryos were cultured in vitro until the blastocyst stage and blastocysts were used for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. Results The 2- and 8-cell flushed embryo groups showed lower blastocyst rates compared to the 16-cell flush group. This was further accompanied by increased numbers of differentially methylated genomic regions (DMRs) in blastocysts of the 2- and 8-cell flush groups compared to the complete in vivo control ones. Moreover, 1623 genomic loci including imprinted genes were hypermethylated in blastocyst of 2-, 8- and 16-cell flushed groups, indicating the presence of genomic regions which are sensitive to the in vitro culture at any stage of embryonic development. Furthermore, hypermethylated genomic loci outnumbered hypomethylated ones in blastocysts of 2- and 16-cell flushed embryo groups, but the opposite occurred in the 8-cell group. Moreover, DMRs which were unique to blastocysts of the 2-cell flushed group and inversely correlated with corresponding mRNA expression levels were involved in plasma membrane lactate transport, amino acid transport and phosphorus metabolic processes, whereas DMRs which were specific to the 8-cell group and inversely correlated with corresponding mRNA expression levels were involved in several biological processes including regulation of fatty acids and steroid biosynthesis processes. Conclusion In vivo embryos subjected to in vitro culture before and during major embryonic genome activation (EGA) are prone to changes in DNA methylation marks and exposure of in vivo embryos to in vitro culture during the time of EGA increased hypomethylated genomic loci in blastocysts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4826-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Mohammed Saeed-Zidane
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Gebremedhn
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mikhaël Poirier
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hari Om Pandey
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christiane Neuhoff
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Held
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vita Havlicek
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franca Rings
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eric Fournier
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Dominic Gagné
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Institute of Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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Sheikh AA, Hooda OK, Dang AK. JAK3 and PI3K mediate bovine Interferon-tau stimulated gene expression in the blood neutrophils. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4885-4894. [PMID: 29194593 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Interferon tau, a 23 kDa trophoblast derived protein diffuses out from the uterus into the circulation and leads to the expression of IFNτ stimulated genes viz. ISG15 and OAS1 in blood neutrophils. The IFNτ pathway is species as well as tissue specific. To unsnarl the IFNτ downstream signaling pathway, the blood neutrophils were incubated simultaneously with 10 ng/ml of recombinant bovine interferon tau and the inhibitors of JAK2 (AG490), JAK3 (CP690550), p38 (SB202190), PI3K/Akt (LY294002), and MAPK/Erk (U0126) at specific doses for 4-hr duration. The IFNτ pathway was determined through real-time gene expression of ISG15 and OAS1; immunocytochemistry of ISG15; and Western blotting of ISG15, OAS1, pJAK3 and PI3K. The ISG15 and OAS1 expression decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the presence of pJAK3 and PI3K inhibitors as compared to a positive control where only interferon tau was used. Immunocytochemistry revealed an attenuated ISG15 response while stimulating blood neutrophils with pJAK3 inhibitor (CP690550) and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Similarly, Western blot analysis of neutrophil protein fraction showed weak signals of ISG15, OAS1, pJAK3 and PI3K in the presence of pJAK3 and PI3K inhibitors. The expression profile, immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis revealed a JAK3 and PI3K mediated interferon-tau stimulated gene expression in blood neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasif Ahmad Sheikh
- Lactation and Immunophysiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Om Kanwar Hooda
- Lactation and Immunophysiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Dang
- Lactation and Immunophysiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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García-Pintos C, Menchaca A. Pregnancy establishment and maintenance after the administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) associated or not with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) after insemination in sheep. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an16489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It was recently demonstrated that equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) treatment 10 days after ovulation increases serum progesterone concentrations in sheep. The objective of the present study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes induced with the administration of eCG and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) after insemination. Three experiments were conducted in multiparous ewes that received fixed-time intrauterine insemination (Day 0) after a progesterone-based protocol for oestrus synchronisation. Experiment 1 consisted of 408 ewes, randomly assigned to three experimental groups; ewes in the first and second group received 400 IU of eCG on Day 5 and Day 10 after insemination respectively, while ewes on the third (control) group did not receive eCG. In Experiment 2, 587 ewes were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (2 × 2 factorial experiment), to receive or not 400 IU of eCG on Day 5, associated or not with 100 µg of GnRH analogue on Day 6 (i.e. 30 h after eCG administration). In Experiment 3, 715 ewes were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (2 × 2 factorial experiment), to receive or not 400 IU of eCG on Day 10, associated or not with 100 µg of GnRH analogue on Day 11 (i.e. 30 h after eCG administration). Pregnancy diagnosis was determined on Day 30 and Day 70 by ultrasonography. The eCG treatment after insemination failed to improve pregnancy outcomes in Experiments 1 and 2. However, in Experiment 3 the treatment with eCG on Day 10 enhanced pregnancy rate on Day 30, although this improvement was not maintained on Day 70, which showed greater pregnancy failure. The administration of GnRH on Day 6 or Day 11, preceded or not by eCG, did not affect any of the variables related to pregnancy. In summary, the improvement in progesterone profiles induced by eCG treatment on Day 10 after insemination, previously reported in sheep, seems to have a marginal positive effect on pregnancy establishment during the first month, which is not maintained during the second month of gestation.
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Pinaffi FLV, Araujo ER, Ginther OJ. Concentrations of a PGF2α metabolite during pregnancy on the days that luteolysis occurs in nonbred heifers. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 62:76-82. [PMID: 29141236 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Concentrations of a metabolite of PGF2α (PGFM) were compared between nonbred (n = 6) and pregnant (n = 8) heifers on days 16, 17, and 18 postovulation. On each day, an 8-h session of hourly blood sampling was done. Averaged over the 8-h sessions, mean concentration of PGFM was less (P < 0.0009) in the pregnant group (45.2 ± 3.2 pg/mL) than that in the nonbred group (65.6 ± 7.9 pg/mL), but the minimal concentration per session was not significantly different between groups. Pulses of PGFM (identified by coefficient of variance) were similar in frequency between groups but were less (P < 0.03) prominent at the peak in the pregnant group (60.0 ± 5.3 pg/mL) than that in the nonbred group (92.8 ± 10.7 pg/mL). These results indicated similarity between groups in frequency and initial development of a PGFM pulse but without later development and a reduction in prominence in the pregnant group. The progesterone response to a PGFM pulse of similar prominence was made before the beginning of luteolysis in individuals in the nonbred group and during the hourly sessions on days 16 to 18 in the pregnant group. Progesterone concentration in the nonbred group decreased (P < 0.05) during 2 h before the PGFM peak (8.8 ± 1.6 to 5.6 ± 1.0 ng/mL) and rebounded (P < 0.05) completely during the 2 h after the peak (5.6 ± 1.0 to 9.6 ± 2.2 ng/mL). A transient progesterone decrease during a similar PGFM pulse and similar initial progesterone concentration did not occur in the pregnant group. Results supported the hypotheses that (1) pregnant heifers have identifiable but less prominent PGFM pulses during the days that luteolysis occurs in nonbred heifers and (2) the corpus luteum locally resists the luteolytic effect of PGF2α in pregnant heifers before the days of onset of luteolysis in nonbred heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L V Pinaffi
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - E R Araujo
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - O J Ginther
- Eutheria Foundation, Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528, USA; Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
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41
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Effects of melengestrol acetate supplementation after fixed-timed artificial insemination on pregnancy rates of Bos indicus beef cows. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Hansen TR, Sinedino LDP, Spencer TE. Paracrine and endocrine actions of interferon tau (IFNT). Reproduction 2017; 154:F45-F59. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the paracrine and endocrine actions of interferon tau (IFNT) during pregnancy recognition and establishment in ruminants. Pregnancy recognition involves the suppression of the endometrial luteolytic mechanism by the conceptus to maintain progesterone production by the corpus luteum (CL). The paracrine antiluteolytic effects of conceptus-derived IFNT inhibit upregulation of oxytocin receptors in the endometrial epithelia of the uterus, thereby preventing the production of luteolytic prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) pulses. In the endometrium, IFNT induces or upregulates a large number of classical IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and regulates expression of many other genes in a cell-specific manner that are likely important for conceptus elongation, implantation and establishment of pregnancy. Further, IFNT has endocrine effects on extrauterine cells and tissues. In sheep, IFNT induces luteal resistance to PGF2α, thereby ensuring survival of the CL for maintenance of pregnancy. The ISGs induced in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells by IFNT may also be useful as an indicator of pregnancy status in cattle. An increased knowledge of IFNT and ISGs is important to improve the reproductive efficiency in ruminants.
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Negrón-Pérez VM, Hansen PJ. The bovine embryo hatches from the zona pellucida through either the embryonic or abembryonic pole. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:725-731. [PMID: 28466234 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Implantation of the mammalian embryo in the uterus is preceded by escape from the zona pellucida. In some species, hatching from the zona occurs preferentially from one or the other poles of the embryo. The situation for the bovine embryo, in which hatching precedes attachment to the uterus by more than a week, is unclear. The purpose was to describe whether hatching of the bovine embryo from the zona pellucida occurs preferentially from the embryonic or abembryonic pole. METHODS Bovine blastocysts undergoing hatching were examined by light microscopy (n = 84) and epifluorescence imaging using antibodies for markers of epiblast, hypoblast, and trophectoderm (TE) (n = 26). The location of hatching was classified as being at the embryonic pole, if hatching occurred ipsilateral to the inner cell mass (ICM), or abembryonic, if hatching occurred contralateral to the ICM. RESULTS A total of 55% of blastocysts exited the zona pellucida through an opening at the embryonic pole. In these cases, 68% of the cells emerging through the zona pellucida were derived from the ICM. The remainder of blastocysts hatched from an opening either contralateral or to the side of the ICM. In these cases, 87% of hatched cells were TE. CONCLUSION For the bovine embryo, there is nearly equal probability of hatching from the embryonic or abembryonic poles. Given that the surface area of the zona pellucida in contact with the TE overlying the ICM is less than for the remainder of the blastocyst, there is some preference for hatching through the embryonic pole. Thus, the bovine embryo is distinct from the mouse and human, where hatching occurs preferentially at the abembryonic pole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica M Negrón-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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44
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Schanzenbach CI, Kirchner B, Ulbrich SE, Pfaffl MW. Can milk cell or skim milk miRNAs be used as biomarkers for early pregnancy detection in cattle? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172220. [PMID: 28234939 PMCID: PMC5325256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The most critical phase of pregnancy is the first three weeks following insemination. During this period about 50% of high yielding lactating cows suffer embryonic loss prior to implantation, which poses a high economic burden on dairy farmers. Early diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle is therefore essential for monitoring breeding outcome and efficient production intervals. Regulated microRNAs (miRNAs) that reach easily accessible body fluids via a ‘liquid biopsy’ could be a new class of pregnancy predicting biomarkers. As milk is obtained regularly twice daily and non-invasively from the animal, it represents an ideal sample material. Our aim was to establish a pregnancy test system based on the discovery of small RNA biomarkers derived from the bovine milk cellular fraction and skim milk of cows. Milk samples were taken on days 4, 12 and 18 of cyclic cows and after artificial insemination, respectively, of the same animals (n = 6). miRNAs were analysed using small RNA sequencing (small RNA Seq). The miRNA profiles of milk cells and skim milk displayed similar profiles despite the presence of immune cell related miRNAs in milk cells. Trends in regulation of miRNAs between the oestrous cycle and pregnancy were found in miR-cluster 25~106b and its paralog cluster 17~92, miR-125 family, miR-200 family, miR-29 family, miR-15a, miR-21, miR-26b, miR-100, miR-140, 193a-5p, miR-221, miR-223, miR-320a, miR-652, miR-2898 and let-7i. A separation of cyclic and pregnant animals was achieved in a principal component analysis. Bta-miRs-29b, -221, -125b and -200b were successfully technically validated using quantitative real-time PCR, however biological validation failed. Therefore we cannot recommend the diagnostic use of these miRNAs in milk as biomarkers for detection of bovine pregnancy for now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina I. Schanzenbach
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Science, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Susanne E. Ulbrich
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Science, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Animal Physiology and Immunology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
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Lonergan P, Forde N, Spencer T. Role of progesterone in embryo development in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:66-74. [PMID: 27062875 DOI: 10.1071/rd15326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) from the corpus luteum is critical for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and plays a major role in regulating endometrial secretions essential for stimulating and mediating changes in conceptus growth and differentiation throughout early pregnancy in ruminants. Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between elevated systemic P4 and acceleration in conceptus elongation. A combination of in vivo and in vitro experiments found that the effects of P4 on conceptus elongation are indirect and mediated through P4-induced effects in the endometrium. Despite effects on elongation, data on the effects of post-insemination supplementation with P4 on pregnancy rates are conflicting. This review highlights the effects of P4 on conceptus development and examines strategies that have been undertaken to manipulate P4 concentrations to increase fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Thomas Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Spencer TE, Forde N, Lonergan P. Insights into conceptus elongation and establishment of pregnancy in ruminants. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:84-100. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review integrates established and new information on the factors and pathways regulating conceptus–endometrial interactions, conceptus elongation and establishment of pregnancy in sheep and cattle. Establishment of pregnancy in domestic ruminants begins at the conceptus stage (embryo or fetus and associated extra-embryonic membranes) and includes pregnancy recognition signalling, implantation and the onset of placentation. Survival and growth of the preimplantation blastocyst and elongating conceptus require embryotrophic factors (amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and other substances) provided by the uterus. The coordinated and interactive actions of ovarian progesterone and conceptus-derived factors (interferon-τ and prostaglandins) regulate expression of elongation- and implantation-related genes in the endometrial epithelia that alter the uterine luminal milieu and affect trophectoderm proliferation, migration, attachment, differentiation and function. A comparison of sheep and cattle finds both conserved and non-conserved embryotrophic factors in the uterus; however, the overall biological pathways governing conceptus elongation and establishment of pregnancy are likely conserved. Given that most pregnancy losses in ruminants occur during the first month of pregnancy, increased knowledge is necessary to understand why and provide a basis for new strategies to improve pregnancy outcome and reproductive efficiency.
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Spencer TE, Forde N, Lonergan P. The role of progesterone and conceptus-derived factors in uterine biology during early pregnancy in ruminants. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5941-5950. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ribeiro ES, Monteiro APA, Bisinotto RS, Lima FS, Greco LF, Ealy AD, Thatcher WW, Santos JEP. Conceptus development and transcriptome at preimplantation stages in lactating dairy cows of distinct genetic groups and estrous cyclic statuses. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:4761-4777. [PMID: 27016828 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The objectives were to compare development and transcriptome of preimplantation conceptuses 15 d after synchronized ovulation and artificial insemination (AI) according to the genetic background of the cow and estrous cyclicity at the initiation of the synchronization program. On d 39±3 postpartum, Holstein cows that were anovular (HA; n=10), Holstein cows that were estrous cyclic (HC; n=25), and Jersey/Holstein crossbred cows that were estrous cyclic (CC; n=25) were randomly selected in a grazing herd and subjected to the Ovsynch protocol. All cows were inseminated on d 49±3 postpartum, which was considered study d 0. Blood was sampled and analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on study d -10, -3, -1, 7, and 15 relative to AI. On study d 15, uteri were flushed and recovered fluid had IFN-τ concentrations measured and subjected to metabolomic analysis. Morphology of the recovered conceptuses was evaluated, and mRNA was extracted and subjected to transcriptome microarray analysis. Compared with HC, CC presented greater concentrations of progesterone and estradiol in plasma, with corpora lutea and preovulatory follicles of similar size. Conceptuses from CC were larger, tended to secrete greater amounts of IFN-τ, and had greater transcript expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), an important transcription factor that coordinates lipid metabolism and elongation at preimplantation development. In addition, pregnant CC had greater concentrations of anandamide in the uterine flush, which might be important for elongation of the conceptus and early implantation. Conceptuses from HA were also longer and secreted greater amounts of IFN-τ than conceptuses from HC, likely because of the distinct progesterone profiles before and after AI. Nonetheless, anovular cows had reduced concentrations of IGF-1 in plasma, and their conceptuses presented remarkable transcriptomic differences. Some of the altered transcripts suggest that conceptus cells from anovular cows might be under greater cellular stress and presented markers suggesting increased apoptosis and autophagy, which could lead to increased mortality after d 15 of development. Estrous cyclicity had more impact on transcriptome of bovine conceptus than genetic background, and the developmental changes observed during the preimplantation period might be linked to differences in fertility among groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - A P A Monteiro
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - R S Bisinotto
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - F S Lima
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - L F Greco
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - A D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24060
| | - W W Thatcher
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - J E P Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611; DH Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
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Cheng Z, Abudureyimu A, Oguejiofor CF, Ellis R, Barry AT, Chen X, Anstaett OL, Brownlie J, Wathes DC. BVDV alters uterine prostaglandin production during pregnancy recognition in cows. Reproduction 2016; 151:605-14. [PMID: 26952097 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic mortality in cows is at least in part caused by failure of pregnancy recognition (PR). Evidence has shown that bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection can disrupt pregnancy. Prostaglandins (PG) play important roles in many reproductive processes, such as implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BVDV infection on uterine PG production and PR using an in vitro PR model. Bovine uterine endometrial cells isolated from ten BVDV-free cows were cultured and treated with 0 or 100ng/mL interferon-τ (IFNT) in the absence or presence of non-cytopathic BVDV (ncpBVDV). PGF2α and PGE2 concentrations in the spent medium were measured using radioimmunoassays, and in the treated cells expression of the genes associated with PG production and signalling was quantified using qPCR. The results showed that the IFNT challenge significantly stimulated PTGS1 and PTGER3 mRNA expression and PGE2 production; however, these stimulatory effects were neutralised in the presence of ncpBVDV infection. ncpBVDV infection significantly increased PTGS1 and mPGES1 mRNA expression and decreased AKR1B1 expression, leading to increased PGE2 and decreased PGF2α concentrations and an increased PGE2:PGF2α ratio. The other tested genes, including PGR, ESR1, OXTR, PTGS2, PTGER2 and PTGFR, were not significantly altered by IFNT, ncpBVDV or their combination. Our study suggests that BVDV infection may impair PR by (1) inhibiting the effect of IFNT on uterine PG production and (2) inducing an endocrine switch of PG production from PGF2α to PGE2 to decrease uterine immunity, thereby predisposing the animals to uterine disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangrui Cheng
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ayimuguli Abudureyimu
- Life Science and Engineering CollegeNorthwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chike F Oguejiofor
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Rebekah Ellis
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Amy Teresa Barry
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal GeneticsBreeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Olivia L Anstaett
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen BiologyRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Joe Brownlie
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen BiologyRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Production and Population HealthRoyal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
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50
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland;
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