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Fang H, Wang X, Wang Z, Ma X, Zhang L, Yang L. Modulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum during early pregnancy. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 89:106870. [PMID: 38954983 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The liver and intestine play a critical role in nutrient absorption, storage, and metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway that included PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1, PPARα, PTEN and FXR in the maternal liver and duodenum. Ovine livers and duodenums were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation, and RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that expression of PI3K, AKT1, p-mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN upregulated in the maternal liver, and PPARα upregulated in the duodenum. However, expression of FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in the duodenum downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of SREBP-1, PTEN and PPARα in the maternal liver, and PI3K in the duodenum peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of PI3K, p-mTOR and FoxO1 in the liver, and AKT1 and p-mTOR in the duodenum peaked at day 16 of pregnancy. Nevertheless, expression levels of FXR both in the maternal liver duodenum downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, early pregnancy regulated expression pattern of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum in a pregnancy stage-specific and tissue-specific manner, which may be necessary for the adaptations in maternal hepatic nutrient metabolism and intestinal nutrient absorption early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Zhongyue Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Xiaoxin Ma
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan 056038, PR China.
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Fang H, Li Q, Wang H, Ren Y, Zhang L, Yang L. Maternal nutrient metabolism in the liver during pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1295677. [PMID: 38572473 PMCID: PMC10987773 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1295677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver plays pivotal roles in nutrient metabolism, and correct hepatic adaptations are required in maternal nutrient metabolism during pregnancy. In this review, hepatic nutrient metabolism, including glucose metabolism, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and protein and amino acid metabolism, is first addressed. In addition, recent progress on maternal hepatic adaptations in nutrient metabolism during pregnancy is discussed. Finally, the factors that regulate hepatic nutrient metabolism during pregnancy are highlighted, and the factors include follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, prostaglandins fibroblast growth factor 21, serotonin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, melatonin, adrenal hormone, leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1, insulin glucagon and thyroid hormone. Our vision is that more attention should be paid to liver nutrient metabolism during pregnancy, which will be helpful for utilizing nutrient appropriately and efficiently, and avoiding liver diseases during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Qingyang Li
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haichao Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ying Ren
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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Lin C, Lin Y, Wang S, Wang J, Mao X, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Chen W, Wang G. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis boosts neonatal immunity: unravelling systemic defences against Salmonella. Food Funct 2024; 15:236-254. [PMID: 38054827 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03686c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis may be a useful probiotic intervention for regulating neonatal intestinal immune responses and counteracting Salmonella infection. However, recent research has focused on intestinal immunity, leaving uncertainties regarding the central, peripheral, and neural immune responses in neonates. Therefore, this study investigated the role and mechanisms of B. animalis subsp. lactis in the systemic immune responses of neonatal rats following Salmonella infection. Through extremely early pretreatment with B. animalis subsp. lactis (6 hours postnatal), the neonatal rat gut microbiota was effectively reshaped, especially the Bifidobacterium community. In the rats pretreated with B. animalis subsp. lactis, Salmonella was less prevalent in the blood, liver, spleen, and intestines following infection. The intervention promoted T lymphocyte subset balance in the spleen and thymus and fostered neurodevelopment and neuroimmune balance in the brain. Furthermore, metabolic profiling showed a strong correlation between the metabolites in the serum and colon, supporting the view that B. animalis subsp. lactis pretreatment influences the systemic immune response by modifying the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota. Overall, the results imply that B. animalis subsp. lactis pretreatment, through the coordinated regulation of colonic and serum metabolites, influences the systemic immune responses of neonatal rats against Salmonella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Yugui Lin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Zhongshan Bo'ai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Zhongshan 528400, P. R. China
| | - Shunhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Xuhua Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yixing People's Hospital, Wuxi 214200, P. R. China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, P. R. China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, P. R. China
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4
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Yang L, Meng Y, Shi Y, Fang H, Zhang L. Maternal hepatic immunology during pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1220323. [PMID: 37457700 PMCID: PMC10348424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1220323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays pivotal roles in immunologic responses, and correct hepatic adaptations in maternal immunology are required during pregnancy. In this review, we focus on anatomical and immunological maternal hepatic adaptations during pregnancy, including our recent reports in this area. Moreover, we summarize maternal pregnancy-associated liver diseases, including hyperemesis gravidarum; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; preeclampsia, specifically hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome; and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. In addition, the latest information about the factors that regulate hepatic immunology during pregnancy are reviewed for the first time, including human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, progesterone, growth hormone, insulin like growth factor 1, oxytocin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, adrenal hormone, prolactin, melatonin and prostaglandins. In summary, the latest progress on maternal hepatic anatomy and immunological adaptations, maternal pregnancy-associated diseases and the factors that regulate hepatic immunology during pregnancy are discussed, which may be used to prevent embryo loss and abortion, as well as pregnancy-associated liver diseases.
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Wu J, Fang S, Feng P, Cai C, Zhang L, Yang L. Changes in expression levels of Nod-like receptors in the spleen of ewes. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20220093. [PMID: 37228386 PMCID: PMC10205055 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NOD-like receptors, NLRs) have critical effects on interfaces of the immune and reproductive systems, and the spleen plays a key role in both innate and adaptive immune functions. It is hypothesized that NLR family participates in maternal splenic immune regulation during early pregnancy in sheep. In this study, maternal spleens were collected on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group) in ewes. Expression of NLR family, including NOD1, NOD2, class II transactivator (CIITA), NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich repeat and Pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3 and NLRP7, was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results revealed that expression levels of NOD1, NOD2, CIITA and NLRP3 were downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy, but expression of NLRP3 was increased at day 25 of pregnancy. In addition, expression values of NAIP and NLRP7 mRNA and proteins were improved at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and NLRP1 was peaked at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy in the maternal spleen. Furthermore, NOD2 and NLRP7 proteins were limited to the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords. In summary, early pregnancy changes expression of NLR family in the maternal spleen, which may be related with the maternal splenic immunomodulation during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Wu
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Shengya Fang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Chunjiang Cai
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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Expression of IkappaB Family in the Ovine Liver during Early Pregnancy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061057. [PMID: 36978599 PMCID: PMC10044098 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During normal pregnancy, there is a dynamic regulation of the maternal immune system, including the liver, to accommodate the presence of the allogeneic foetus in the uterus. However, it was unclear that the expression of the IkappaB (IκB) family was regulated in the ovine maternal liver during early pregnancy. In this study, sheep livers were collected at day 16 of the oestrous cycle (NP16), and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (DP13, DP16 and DP25), and RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyse the expression of the IκB family, including B cell leukemia-3 (BCL-3), IκBα, IκBβ, IκBε, IKKγ, IκBNS and IκBζ. The results revealed that expression of BCL-3, IκBβ, IκBε and IKKγ peaked at DP16, and the expression of IκBα was increased during early pregnancy. In addition, the expression of IκBζ peaked at DP13 and DP16, and IκBNS peaked at DP13. IκBβ and IKKγ proteins were located in the endothelial cells of the proper hepatic arteries and portal veins, and hepatocytes. In conclusion, early pregnancy changed the expression of the IκB family, suggesting that the modulation of the IκB family may be related to the regulation of maternal hepatic functions, which may be favourable for pregnancy establishment in sheep.
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Fang S, Cai C, Bai Y, Zhang L, Yang L. Early Pregnancy Regulates Expression of IkappaB Family in Ovine Spleen and Lymph Nodes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065156. [PMID: 36982231 PMCID: PMC10049502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065156] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy modulates the maternal immune system, including the spleen and lymph nodes, which participate in maternal innate and adaptive immune responses. Methods: Ovine spleens and lymph nodes were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation, and qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the expression of the IκB family, including BCL-3, IκBα, IκBβ, IκBε, IKKγ, IκBNS and IκBζ. Early pregnancy induced expression of BCL-3, IκBα, IκBε, IKKγ and IκBζ, and expression of BCL-3, IκBβ and IκBNS peaked at day 16 of pregnancy in the spleen. However, early pregnancy suppressed the expression of BCL-3 and IκBNS, but stimulated the expression of IκBβ and IκBζ, and expression levels of IκBα, IκBβ, IκBε and IKKγ peaked in lymph nodes at days 13 and/or 16 of pregnancy. Early pregnancy changed the expression of the IκB family in the maternal spleen and lymph node in a tissue-specific manner, suggesting that the modulation of the IκB family may be involved in regulation of maternal functions of the spleen and lymph nodes, which are necessary for the establishment of maternal immune tolerance during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengya Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Chunjiang Cai
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Ying Bai
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
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Modulation of Nod-like Receptor Expression in the Thymus during Early Pregnancy in Ewes. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122128. [PMID: 36560538 PMCID: PMC9781860 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NOD-like receptors, NLRs) are involved in modulating the innate immune responses of the trophoblast and the placenta in normal pregnancy. The thymus participates in regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. However, it is unclear whether expression of NLR is modulated in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy. In this study, thymuses were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group) from ewes after slaughter. Different stages were chosen because the maternal thymus was under the different effects of interferon-tau and/or progesterone or not. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the expression of the NLR family, including NOD1; NOD2; major histocompatibility complex class II transactivator (CIITA); NLR family apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP); nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and Leucine-rich repeat and Pyrin domain containing protein 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3 and NLRP7. The results showed that expression level of NOD1 was changed with the pregnancy stages, and expression levels of NOD2, CIITA, NAIP, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7 mRNA and proteins were peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. The levels of NOD2 and CIITA were increased during early pregnancy. The stainings for NOD2 and NLRP7 proteins were located in epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. In summary, pregnancy stages changed expression of NLR family in the maternal thymus, which may be related to the modulation of maternal thymic immune responses, and beneficial for normal pregnancy in sheep.
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Zhao Z, Li Y, Cao J, Fang H, Zhang L, Yang L. Early Pregnancy Modulates Expression of the Nod-like Receptor Family in Lymph Nodes of Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233285. [PMID: 36496806 PMCID: PMC9738492 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
NOD receptors (NLRs) mediate adaptive immune responses and immune tolerance. Nevertheless, it is not clear if gestation modulates the NLR signaling pathway in lymph nodes of ewes. In this study, lymph nodes of ewes were collected at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation (n = 6 for each group). RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to analyze the expression of the NLR family, including NOD1, NOD2, CIITA, NAIP, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7. The data showed that early gestation enhanced expression of NOD1, CIITA, NLRP1, NLRP3 and NLRP7 mRNA, as well as proteins at day 16 of gestation, and the expression levels of NOD2, CIITA, NLRP1 and NLRP7 were higher at days 13 and 25 of gestation than day 16 of the estrous cycle. However, NOD1 expression was lower on days 13 and 25 of gestation compared to day 16 of the estrous cycle, and early gestation suppressed NAIP expression. In summary, early pregnancy modulated expression of the NLR family in ovine lymph nodes, which participates in immune regulation, and this modulation may be necessary for pregnancy establishment in ewes.
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10
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Changes in expression of nuclear factor kappa B subunits in the ovine thymus during early pregnancy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17683. [PMID: 36271124 PMCID: PMC9587240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a pregnant maternal immunological tolerance that protects the fetus and promotes its growth, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) family participates in the regulation of innate immune and adaptive immune responses. The thymus is related to establishing central tolerance, and early pregnancy has effects on expression of a good number of genes and proteins in the maternal thymus in sheep. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy changes expression of NF-κB subunits in the ovine thymus. In this study, the thymic samples were collected from day 16 of non-pregnant ewes, and days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expression of NF-κB members (NF-κB1, NF-κB2, RelA, RelB and c-Rel) was analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that c-Rel mRNA and protein upregulated at day 25 of pregnancy, and NF-κB1 mRNA and proteins increased at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and RelB mRNA and proteins enhanced during early pregnancy. However, expression levels of NF-κB2 and RelA were decreased during early pregnancy, but upregulated from day 13 to 25 of pregnancy. In addition, the RelA protein was located in the epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy induced expression of NF-κB1, RelB and c-Rel, but inhibited expression of NF-κB2 and RelA in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy, which is involved in the central immune tolerance, and helpful for successful pregnancy in sheep.
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11
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Feng P, Wu J, Ren Y, Zhang L, Cao J, Yang L. Early pregnancy regulates the expression of prolactin and its receptor in the thymus, the liver, the spleen and lymph nodes in sheep. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106731. [PMID: 35635981 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a pituitary hormone, prolactin (PRL) is also synthesized by immune system cells, and exerts its effects on the immune system by binding to its receptor (PRLR) via endocrine and paracrine/autocrine pathways. The immune organs adapt to the presence of fetal alloantigens during pregnancy, and the immune system is composed of primary organs and secondary organs. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of early pregnancy on expression of PRL and PRLR in maternal immune organs in sheep. In this study, the thymus, lymph node, the spleen and the liver were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy in ewes. Expression of PRL and PRLR was analyzed through quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our data showed that there were an upregulation of PRL and PRLR in the thymus, lymph node and the spleen, and a downregulation in the liver during early pregnancy in ewes. In conclusion, it is reported for the first time that early pregnancy has tissue specific effects on expression of PRL isoform and PRLR isoform in the thymus, lymph node, the spleen and the liver, which may be owing to these organs exerting different functions during early pregnancy, and necessary for the successful pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - J Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Y Ren
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - J Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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12
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Zhang L, Zhang T, Yang Z, Cai C, Hao S, Yang L. Expression of nuclear factor kappa B in ovine maternal inguinal lymph nodes during early pregnancy. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:266. [PMID: 35821130 PMCID: PMC9275262 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy-induced immunological changes contribute to the maternal immune tolerance. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway participates in regulating both innate and adaptive immunities, and lymph nodes play key roles in adaptive immune reaction. However, it is unclear whether early pregnancy changes the expression of NF-κB family in maternal lymph node in sheep. Methods In this study, the samples of inguinal lymph nodes were collected from ewes on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and on days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and expression of NF-κB family, including NF-κB p105 (NFKB1), NF-κB p100 (NFKB2), p65 (RELA), RelB (RELB) and c-Rel (REL), were analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Results The expression levels of NF-κB p105 and c-Rel downregulated, but NF-κB p100 upregulated on day 25 of pregnancy. The expression levels of p65, RelB and c-Rel peaked at day 13 of pregnancy, and expression level of RelB was higher during early pregnancy comparing to day 16 of the estrous cycle. In addition, p65 protein was located in the subcapsular sinus and lymph sinuses. Conclusion This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy has effects on the expression of NF-κB family, which may contribute to the maternal immunoregulation through blood circulation and lymph circulation during early pregnancy in sheep. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03373-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Taipeng Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Chunjiang Cai
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Shaopeng Hao
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China.
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13
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Fang S, Zhang T, Qiao H, Hao S, Zhang L, Yang L. Expression of nuclear factor kappa B components in the ovine maternal liver in early pregnancy periods. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13724. [PMID: 35475589 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is a systemic immunological adaptation to maintaining tolerance towards the allogeneic fetus, and the liver participates in the adaptive immune tolerance during normal pregnancy. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalings contribute to immune regulation and liver homoeostasis. The objective of this study is to explore the effects of early pregnancy on expression of NF-κB components in the maternal liver in sheep. The maternal livers were sampled on Day 16 of the estrous cycle, and Days 13, 16, and 25 of gestation, and the expression of NF-κB components, including NF-κB1 (p50), NF-κB2 (p52), RelA (p65), RelB, and c-Rel, was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. Our data revealed that early pregnancy inhibited the expression of NF-κB1 and c-Rel, but the expression of NF-κB1 and c-Rel was increased during early pregnancy. However, early pregnancy enhanced the expression of NF-κB2, RelA, and RelB with the pregnancy progress. In conclusion, early pregnancy regulates the expression of NF-κB components in the maternal livers, which may contribute to maintaining maternal liver homeostasis and immune tolerance during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengya Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Taipeng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Haiyun Qiao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Shaopeng Hao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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Hao S, Fang H, Fang S, Zhang T, Zhang L, Yang L. Changes in nuclear factor kappa B components expression in the ovine spleen during early pregnancy. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/146491/2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Bendarska-Czerwińska A, Zmarzły N, Morawiec E, Panfil A, Bryś K, Czarniecka J, Ostenda A, Dziobek K, Sagan D, Boroń D, Michalski P, Pallazo-Michalska V, Grabarek BO. Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:970439. [PMID: 36733805 PMCID: PMC9887196 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.970439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that more and more couples suffer from fertility and pregnancy maintenance disorders. It is associated with impaired androgen secretion, which is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetic to environmental. It is also important to remember that fertility disorders can also result from abnormal anatomy of the reproductive male and female organ (congenital uterine anomalies - septate, unicornuate, bicornuate uterus; acquired defects of the uterus structure - fibroids, polyps, hypertrophy), disturbed hormonal cycle and obstruction of the fallopian tubes resulting from the presence of adhesions due to inflammation, endometriosis, and surgery, abnormal rhythm of menstrual bleeding, the abnormal concentration of hormones. There are many relationships between the endocrine organs, leading to a chain reaction when one of them fails to function properly. Conditions in which the immune system is involved, including infections and autoimmune diseases, also affect fertility. The form of treatment depends on infertility duration and the patient's age. It includes ovulation stimulation with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, metformin use, and weight loss interventions. Since so many different factors affect fertility, it is important to correctly diagnose what is causing the problem and to modify the treatment regimen if necessary. This review describes disturbances in the hormone secretion of individual endocrine organs in the context of fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- American Medical Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
| | - Nikola Zmarzły
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
| | - Emilia Morawiec
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Agata Panfil
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Kamil Bryś
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Justyna Czarniecka
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | | | | | - Dorota Sagan
- Medical Center Dormed Medical SPA, Busko-Zdroj, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TOMMED Specjalisci od Zdrowia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TOMMED Specjalisci od Zdrowia, Katowice, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
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16
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Zhang L, Cao L, Feng P, Han X, Yang L. Complement regulation in ovine lymph nodes during early pregnancy. Exp Ther Med 2021; 23:166. [PMID: 35069847 PMCID: PMC8753979 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.11089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A fetus changes immune responses in the uterus and the maternal immune system, and lymph nodes are associated with regulating maternal adaptive immunity. Complement activation is associated with abnormal pregnancy in mice and humans. The aim of the present study was to explore the expression levels of complement components in maternal lymph nodes during early pregnancy in sheep. Maternal inguinal lymph nodes were sampled on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation in ewes. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses were used to detect the expression levels of complement components C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C3, C4a, C5b and C9 in the lymph nodes. The results revealed that the protein and mRNA levels of C1q, C1s and C5b were enhanced during early pregnancy, and that C1r and C4a were upregulated at day 25 of pregnancy. The mRNA and protein levels of C2 and C9 peaked at day 16 of pregnancy, but C3 was decreased at day 25 of pregnancy. C3 protein was located in the subcapsular sinuses and lymph sinuses of the maternal lymph node. In summary, the present study detected changes in the expression levels of complement components in maternal lymph nodes, which may be associated with maternal immune regulation during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Lidong Cao
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China
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17
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Feng P, Yang G, Zhang W, Zhang L, Wu J, Yang L. Early pregnancy regulates expression of complement components in ovine liver. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13660. [PMID: 34786795 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Complement pathways participate in the regulation of innate immune system, and complement activation is inhibited in normal pregnancy. The liver plays key roles in the modulation of immunity and tolerance, but it is unclear that early pregnancy induces the changes in expression of complement components in the ovine maternal liver. The aim of the present study was to explore the expression of complement components in the liver using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Maternal livers were collected on Day 16 of the estrous cycle and Days 13, 16, and 25 of gestation. The results indicated that early pregnancy suppressed the expression of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C4a, C5b, and C9 in the maternal liver, but C3 expression was increased. In addition, C3 protein was located in the endothelial cells of the proper hepatic arteries and portal veins and hepatocytes. In summary, the downregulaltion of C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C4a, C5b, and C9 may be involved in the suppression of complement activation, and upregulation of C3 is related to the modulation of maternal immune tolerance in ovine liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Gengxin Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Jiaxuan Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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18
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Yang L, Wang L, Wu J, Wang H, Yang G, Zhang L. Changes in Expression of Complement Components in the Ovine Spleen during Early Pregnancy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113183. [PMID: 34827915 PMCID: PMC8614503 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113183] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During early gestation in humans, complement regulation is essential for normal fetal growth. It is supposed that a complement pathway participates in maternal splenic immune regulation at the early stage of gestation in ewes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of early pregnancy on the expression of complement components in the maternal spleen of ewes. In this study, ovine spleens were sampled on day 16 of nonpregnancy, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were used to detect the changes in expression of complement components in the ovine maternal spleens. Our results reveal that C1q was upregulated during early gestation, C1r, C1s, C2, C3 and C5b increased at day 25 of gestation and C4a and C9 peaked at days 13 and 16 of gestation. In addition, C3 protein was located in the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that there was modification in the expression of complement components in the ovine spleen at the early stage of gestation, and complement pathways may participate in modulating splenic immune responses at the early stage of gestation.
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19
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Gao M, Cai C, Han X, Wang L, Zhang W, Zhang L, Yang L. The early stage of pregnancy modulates toll-like receptor signaling in the ovine liver. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2021.1990935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meihong Gao
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunjiang Cai
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luyu Wang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Zhang L, Zhang Q, Wang H, Feng P, Yang G, Yang L. Effects of early pregnancy on the complement system in the ovine thymus. Vet Res Commun 2021; 46:137-145. [PMID: 34559379 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is crucial for the innate immune system, and complement activation is related to abnormal pregnancy in mice and humans. It is hypothesized that the complement system participates in maternal thymic immune regulation during early pregnancy in sheep. In this study, maternal thymuses were sampled on day 16 of the estrous cycle, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation in sheep. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to analyze the expression of the complement components C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C3, C4a, C5b and C9 in the maternal thymus. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of C1r, C1s, C2, C3 and C4a was inhibited by early pregnancy, and the pregnancy recognition signal induced upregulation of C1q, C5b and C9 expression at day 16 of gestation. Furthermore, C3 protein was mostly located in epithelial reticular cells and thymic corpuscles, which may be involved in immune regulation. In summary, early pregnancy inhibits the complement system in the maternal thymus, which may be essential for the maternal immune regulation and successful pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Qiongao Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Haichao Wang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Gengxin Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, No. 19 Taiji Road, Handan, 056038, China.
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21
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Wu J, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Feng P, Gao M, Zhao Z, Yang L. Toll-like receptor signaling is changed in ovine lymph node during early pregnancy. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13541. [PMID: 33728713 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in regulation of adaptive immune responses, and lymph nodes play key roles in the initiation of immune responses. There is a tolerance to the allogenic fetus during pregnancy, but it is unclear that expression of TLR signaling is in ovine lymph node during early pregnancy. In this study, lymph nodes were sampled from day 16 of nonpregnant ewes and days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expressions of TLR family (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9), adaptor proteins, including myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), were analyzed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results showed that mRNA and protein levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were upregulated in the maternal lymph node, but TLR5, TLR9, and IRAK1 were downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, MyD88 protein was located in the subcapsular sinus and lymph sinuses. Therefore, it is suggested that early pregnancy induces changes in TLR signaling in maternal lymph node, which may be involved in regulation of maternal immune responses in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Qiongao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Leying Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Meihong Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Zhenyang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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22
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Zhang L, Yang G, Zhang Q, Feng P, Gao M, Yang L. Early pregnancy affects expression of Toll-like receptor signaling members in ovine spleen. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20210009. [PMID: 34394755 PMCID: PMC8356075 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0009] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved to the maternal immune tolerance. The spleen is essential for adaptive immune reactions. However, it is unclear that early pregnancy regulates TLR-mediated signalings in the maternal spleen. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of early pregnancy on expression of TLR signaling members in the ovine spleen. Ovine spleens were collected at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnancy (n = 6 for each group). Real-time quantitative PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect TLR signaling members, including TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR9, myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1). The results showed that expression levels of TLR2, TLR4 and IRAK1 were downregulated, but expression levels of TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, TLR9, TRAF6 and MyD88 were increased during early pregnancy. In addition, MyD88 protein was located in the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords of the maternal spleen. This paper reports for the first time that early pregnancy has effects on TLR signaling pathways in the ovine spleen, which is beneficial for understanding the maternal immune tolerance during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leying Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Gengxin Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Qiongao Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Pengfei Feng
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Meihong Gao
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
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23
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Cao N, Cao L, Gao M, Wang H, Zhang L, Yang L. Changes in mRNA and protein levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone and receptor in ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen, and liver during early pregnancy. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 76:106607. [PMID: 33582417 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There exists maternal immunological modification in maternal immune organs during early pregnancy in mammals. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is widely distributed in vertebrate tissues, including immune organs. However, it is unclear that early pregnancy induces expression of GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) in ovine immune organs. The objective of this study was to explore the expression of GnRH and GnRHR in main immune organs (thymus, lymph node, spleen, and liver) during early pregnancy in sheep. Ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver were sampled at day 16 of estrous cycle, and days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnancy. The expression of GnRH and GnRHR was detected through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results indicated that early pregnancy induced upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of GnRH and GnRHR in the maternal lymph node, spleen and liver, and mRNA and protein of GnRH in the maternal thymus, but mRNA and protein of GnRHR decreased in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy. In summary, the mRNA and protein levels of GnRH and GnRHR were changed in maternal thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver in a tissue specific manner during early pregnancy in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - M Gao
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - H Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - L Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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24
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Li N, Wang L, Cao N, Zhang L, Han X, Yang L. Early pregnancy affects the expression of toll-like receptor pathway in ovine thymus. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:547-554. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Hardeland R, Rodella LF. Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8806. [PMID: 33233845 PMCID: PMC7699871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Lower Saxony, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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