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Khan Y, El-Shalofy A, Kaps M, Gautier C, Aurich C. In mares resistant to endometrial infection, periovulatory treatment with ecbolic drugs does not influence uterine clearance or luteal development. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 267:107548. [PMID: 38959672 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107548] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to determine associations between experimentally impaired uterine clearance or treatment with ecbolic drugs on luteal development in estrous mares after insemination. In a crossover design, eight mares were treated with saline (CON), clenbuterol (CLEN), oxytocin (OXY) and carbetocin (CARB) from the day of first insemination until 2 days after ovulation. Between treatments, the mares rested for one cycle. Estrous mares were examined for the presence of free intrauterine fluid by transrectal ultrasound. Endometrial swabs for cytology and bacteriology were collected on days 1 and 14. Blood samples were collected daily before AI until day 14 after ovulation for determination of progesterone and PGF2α metabolites (PGFM). Differences between treatments were compared by a general linear model for repeated measures (SPSS 29). One mare was excluded because of a uterine infection in the control cycle. In all other mares, only minor amounts of free intrauterine fluid were present after insemination and decreased over time (P<0.05) with no treatment x time interaction. There was no effect of treatment on polymorphonucleated cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology after ovulation or PGFM secretion. Progesterone release from day 1-14 as well as pregnancy rate and conceptus size on day 14 was not influenced by treatment. In conclusion, treatment with clenbuterol does not impair uterine clearance in estrous mares resistant to endometritis. Repeated injection of the oxytocin analogue carbetocin during the early postovulatory period is not detrimental to corpus luteum function and can be recommended to enhance uterine clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younis Khan
- Clinical Center for Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Amr El-Shalofy
- Clinical Center for Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna 1210, Austria; Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Martim Kaps
- Clinical Center for Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Camille Gautier
- Clinical Center for Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna 1210, Austria; Present address: UniLassalle; Collège Agrosciences, Beauvais 60026, France
| | - Christine Aurich
- Clinical Center for Reproduction, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University for Veterinary Medicine, Vienna 1210, Austria.
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Moroni R, Fanelli D, Camillo F, Rota A, Cantile C, Marmorini P, Salamone G, Ori M, Panzani D. Endometrial expression of antimicrobial peptides as markers of subclinical endometritis in mares. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:670-677. [PMID: 38430069 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14080] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in mares. Multiparous old mares are more susceptible to developing endometritis given that ageing is associated with an altered immune response and with inadequate physiological uterine clearance after breeding, which can lead to degenerative changes in the endometrium. Molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as endometritis markers in the equine species. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVES To investigate the endometrial expression of defensin-beta 4B (DEFB4B), lysozyme (LYZ) and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI) genes in mares either affected or not by subclinical endometritis, due to the role of these AMPs in the immune response to bacteria and inflammatory reactions. METHODS Endometrial biopsy for histopathological and gene expression examinations was performed on 26 mares. The inclusion criteria for the normal mare group (NM, N = 7) were 2-4 years of age, maiden status, no clinical signs of endometritis and a uterine biopsy score of I, while for mares affected by subclinical endometritis (EM, N = 19) the inclusion criteria were 10-22 years of age, barren status for 1-3 years, no clinical signs of endometritis and a uterine biopsy score between IIA and III. RESULTS A significantly higher expression of LYZ (NM: 0.76 [1.84-0.37] vs. EM: 2.78 [5.53-1.44], p = 0.0255) and DEFB4B (NM: 0.06 [0.11-0.01] vs. EM: 0.15 [0.99-0.08], p = 0.0457) genes was found in endometritis mares versus normal mares. Statistically significant moderate positive correlations were found between the level of expression of LYZ gene and both the age (r = 0.4071, p = 0.039) and the biopsy grade (r = 0.4831, p = 0.0124) of the mares. MAIN LIMITATIONS The study investigated a limited number of genes and mares, and the presence/location of the proteins coded by these genes was not confirmed within the endometrium by IHC. CONCLUSIONS If the results of this study are confirmed, LYZ and DEFB4B genes can be used as markers to identify mares that are affected by subclinical endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Moroni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Rota
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Duccio Panzani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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3
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Lection J, Wagner B, Byron M, Miller A, Rollins A, Chenier T, Cheong SH, Diel de Amorim M. Inflammatory markers for differentiation of endometritis in the mare. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:678-687. [PMID: 38219734 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial biopsy is required to diagnose mares with chronic endometritis and endometrial degenerative fibrosis. An increase in understanding of equine reproductive immunology could be utilised to create less-invasive, time-efficient diagnostic tools especially when evaluating mares for chronic endometritis. OBJECTIVES To evaluate inflammatory cytokine and chemokine concentrations in uterine fluid samples collected by low-volume lavage (LVL) as a potential screening diagnostic biomarker for endometritis. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional clinical study. METHODS Forty-six mares underwent a LVL and subsequently endometrial biopsy. Mares were split in three groups: healthy, acute endometritis, and chronic endometrial fibrosis (CEF) based on cytological and histological evaluation. A fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay for IFN-γ, IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, sCD14, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5 and CCL11 were carried out on the LVL fluid. The endometrial biopsy was utilised for histology and qPCR of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, CCL2 and CCL3 genes. Statistical analyses examined differences in inflammatory markers and predictive modelling for diseased endometrium. RESULTS Secreted concentrations of IFN-γ were lower in LVL fluid from reproductively healthy mares compared with acute endometritis (p = 0.04) and CEF (p = 0.006). Additionally, IL-17, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5 and CCL11 were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.04) in LVL from CEF mares compared with healthy mares. Mares with CCL2 concentrations ≥550 pg/mL (14/14) had 100% probability of having CEF and/or acute endometritis. Healthy mares had lower relative abundance of IL-17 mRNA compared with mares in CEF group [median (interquartile rage) = 14.76 (13.3, 15.3) and 12.4 (10.54, 13.81)], respectively (p = 0.02). MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited sample size: larger numbers of mares with and without endometritis are required and reference intervals in LVL samples have to be established. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory chemokines and cytokines concentrations differed between healthy mares and mares with acute endometritis or CEF in LVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennine Lection
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Michael Byron
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Alicia Rollins
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Tracey Chenier
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Tanner JC, Barrell GK. Reproductive performance of a cohort of Standardbred mares under a commercial breeding system. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:776-785. [PMID: 37559421 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being a large commercial breeding industry, there is little published data on the reproductive success of Standardbred mares. OBJECTIVES To quantify the reproductive performance of Standardbred mares under artificial breeding systems in a commercial setting and determine the incidence of early embryonic and other pre-partum losses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Data from four commercial farms were collected across four breeding years, and all mares were bred via artificial insemination. A total of 3995 mares contributed 7229 mare years. First-cycle pregnancy rate (FCPR) and end of season pregnancy rate (SPR) were analysed in mixed-effects logistic regression models. Time-to-conception interval was analysed in a Cox regression model. RESULTS The mean FCPR was 61.4% (confidence interval [CI] 60.3%-62.6%), the mean end of SPR was 84.7% (CI 83.8-85.5%), the mean live foal rate (FR) was 73.1% (CI 72.1%-74.2%). Mares located on-farm were more probable to be pregnant in terms of both FCPR (odds ratio [OR] 1.168, CI 1.018-1.340, p = 0.026) and SPR (OR 2.026, CI 1.673-2.454, p < 0.001), mares inseminated with thawed-frozen semen were less probable to be pregnant in terms of FCPR (OR 0.598, CI 0.457-0.783, p < 0.001) and SPR (OR 0.479, CI 0.354-0.647, p < 0.001) compared with insemination with fresh-extended semen. Older mares (14 years and older) were less probable to be pregnant in terms of FCPR (OR 0.795, CI 0.688-0.919, p = 0.002) and SPR (0.435, CI 0.352-0.538, p < 0.001) compared with young mares (3- to 8-year old). MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective data relied on accurate record keeping of stud farms and no mare-treatment or ovulation induction records were available. Live FRs relied mostly on annual foaling returns so fetal/foal deaths may be underrepresented. CONCLUSION This study provides substantial baseline data on reproductive performance for Standardbred mares managed under a commercial artificial breeding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine C Tanner
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Graham K Barrell
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Zhang X, Gao Y, Mai Z, Li Y, Wang J, Zhao X, Zhang Y. Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Plasma Differences between Mares with Endometritis and Healthy Ones. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1933. [PMID: 38998045 PMCID: PMC11240781 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore alterations in plasma metabolites among mares afflicted with endometritis. Mares were divided into two groups, namely, the equine endometritis group (n = 8) and the healthy control group (n = 8), which included four pregnant and four non-pregnant mares, using a combination of clinical assessment and laboratory confirmation. Plasma samples from both groups of mares were analyzed through untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomics. A total of 28 differentially abundant metabolites were identified by screening and identifying differentially abundant metabolites and analyzing the pathway enrichment of differentially. Ten metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometritis in mares. Among them, seven exhibited a decrease in the endometritis groups, including hexadecanedioic acid, oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), [fahydroxy(18:0)]12_13-dihydroxy-9z-octa (12,13-diHOME), deoxycholic acid 3-glucuronide (DCA-3G), 2-oxindole, and (+/-)9-HPODE, and 13(S)-HOTRE. On the other hand, three metabolites, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), 5-hydroxy-dl-tryptophan (5-HTP), and l-formylkynurenine, demonstrated an increase. These substances primarily participate in the metabolism of tryptophan and linolenic acid, as well as fat and energy. In conclusion, metabolomics revealed differentially abundant metabolite changes in patients with mare endometritis. These specific metabolites can be used as potential biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of mare endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yujin Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhanhai Mai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yina Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jiamian Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (X.Z.); (Y.G.); (Z.M.); (Y.L.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Donato GG, Nebbia P, Stella MC, Scalas D, Necchi D, Bertero A, Romano G, Bergamini L, Poletto ML, Peano A, Robino P, Nervo T. In vitro effects of different ozone preparations on microorganisms responsible for endometritis in the mare. Theriogenology 2024; 219:132-137. [PMID: 38430797 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.011] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Infectious endometritis is considered one of the major causes of infertility and it can affect up to 60% of barren mares. It is characterized by the presence of one or more microorganisms in the reproductive tract and it is treated with the administration of antibiotics, ecbolic agents and uterine lavages. Ozone, thanks to its antimicrobial properties that are based on its high oxidative potential, could represent an effective alternative treatment for endometritis. The aim of this study was to test in vitro the bactericidal and fungicidal properties of different ozone formulations, either as gas (experiment 1) or dissolved in two liquid matrices (experiment 2), specifically distilled water or oil (Neozone 4000, Cosmoproject, Parma, Italy), onto 6 different species of microorganisms isolated from mares with clinical endometritis, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus equi subsp. Zooepidemicus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. In the first experiment, 3 clinical antibiotic-resistant strains per each species were exposed to different conditions: to O2O3 gas mixtures (15 and 40 μg/ml for 1, 3 and 5 min), to 100 % O2 or left untreated. The results showed a reduction of the microbial count of over 99,9% for every pathogen, time and concentration of O2O3 gas mixtures tested. Furthermore, gaseous ozone showed both a time-dependant effect (5 vs 3 vs 1 min of exposure) and a concentration-dependant effect (40 vs 15 μg/ml) at 1 and 3 min, while after 5 min no differences were observed. In the second experiment, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC, MFC) of ozonated distilled water and ozonated oil were evaluated. Ozonated oil showed a bactericidal/fungicidal activity against all the strains tested (MIC range 12.5-25 % v/v, MBC/MFC range 12.5-50 % v/v) while ozonated distilled water didn't show an observable antimicrobial effect, discouraging its use as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of endometritis. The results of this in vitro study indicate that both gaseous ozone and ozonated oil exerted remarkable antimicrobial activities and are promising alternative treatments for infectious endometritis, even when caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and encourage further experiments in an effort to scale down or even prevent the use of antibiotics in equine reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Guido Donato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nebbia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Stella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Daniela Scalas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Denis Necchi
- Keros Embryo Transfer Center, Westrozebekestraat 23A, 8980, Passendale, Belgium
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Romano
- Centro Equino Arcadia, Frazione Mottura 106, 10068, Villafranca Piemonte, Italy
| | - Lara Bergamini
- Allevamento Le Fontanette, Via Fontanette 12, 10067, Vigone, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Lucia Poletto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Andrea Peano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Robino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Tiziana Nervo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
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7
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Virendra A, Gulavane SU, Ahmed ZA, Reddy R, Chaudhari RJ, Gaikwad SM, Shelar RR, Ingole SD, Thorat VD, Khanam A, Khan FA. Metagenomic analysis unravels novel taxonomic differences in the uterine microbiome between healthy mares and mares with endometritis. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1369. [PMID: 38357732 PMCID: PMC10867593 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1369] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of high throughput technologies has enabled unravelling of unique differences between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at transcriptomic and proteomic levels. However, differences in the uterine microbiome are yet to be investigated. OBJECTIVES The present study was aimed at evaluating the differences in uterine microbiome between healthy mares and mares with endometritis. METHODS Low-volume lavage (LVL) samples were collected from the uterus of 30 mares classified into healthy (n = 15) and endometritis (n = 15) based on their reproductive history, intrauterine fluid accumulation, gross appearance of LVL samples, endometrial cytology and bacterial culture. The samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS Notable differences in the uterine microbiome were observed between healthy mares and mares with endometritis at various taxonomic levels. In healthy mares, the most abundant phylum, class, order and family were Firmicutes, Bacilli, Bacillales and Paenibacillaceae, respectively. In contrast, the most abundant corresponding taxonomic levels in mares with endometritis were Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacterales and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. At the genus level, Brevibacillus and Paenibacillus were more abundant in healthy mares, whereas Escherichia, Salmonella and Klebsiella were more abundant in mares with endometritis. In healthy mares, Brevibacillus brevis was the most abundant species, followed by Brevibacillus choshinensis and Paenibacillus sp JDR-2. However, in mares with endometritis, Escherichia coli was the most abundant species, followed by Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS These results confirmed the previously reported presence of a uterine microbiome in healthy mares and helped unravel some alterations that occur in mares with endometritis. The findings can potentially help formulate new approaches to prevent or treat equine endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeknath Virendra
- Department of Animal ReproductionGynecology and ObstetricsMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Sarita U. Gulavane
- Department of Animal ReproductionGynecology and ObstetricsMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | | | - Ravi Reddy
- Nanoli Stud and Agricultural FarmPuneMaharashtraIndia
| | - Ravindra J. Chaudhari
- Department of Animal ReproductionGynecology and ObstetricsMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Sandeep M. Gaikwad
- Department of Animal ReproductionGynecology and ObstetricsMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Raju R. Shelar
- Department of Animal ReproductionGynecology and ObstetricsMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Shailesh D. Ingole
- Department of Veterinary PhysiologyMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Varsha D. Thorat
- Department of Veterinary MicrobiologyMumbai Veterinary CollegeMumbaiMaharashtraIndia
| | - Afroza Khanam
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and SurgerySchool of Veterinary MedicineSt. George's UniversityGrenadaWest Indies
| | - Firdous A. Khan
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and SurgerySchool of Veterinary MedicineSt. George's UniversityGrenadaWest Indies
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8
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Mouncey R, Arango-Sabogal JC, Rathbone P, Scott CJ, de Mestre AM. Prevalence of Microbial Isolates Cultured from Endometrial Swab Samples Collected from United Kingdom Thoroughbred Mares from 2014 to 2020. Vet Sci 2024; 11:82. [PMID: 38393100 PMCID: PMC10891641 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020082] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining whether endometrial microbial isolates are pathogens, contaminants, or even part of the "normal" microbiome is extremely complex, particularly given the absence of "gold standard" tests for endometritis. Population-level benchmarking and temporal monitoring can provide novel insights and a wider context to improve understanding. This study aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of endometrial isolates from swabs of Thoroughbred broodmares in Newmarket, UK between 2014 and 2020; and (ii) evaluate the effects of year, mare age, and cytology findings on isolate prevalence. Generalised linear mixed models with a logit link, both null models and models using year of sampling, mare age, or cytology findings as predictors, were fitted to estimate isolate prevalence. Over the 7-year period, data were available from 18,996 endometrial-swab samples from 6050 mares on 290 premises. The overall isolate prevalence was 35.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33.0-37.9), and this varied significantly between years. The most prevalent isolates were β-hemolytic Streptococcus (17.9; 95% CI: 17-19) and E. coli (10.3%; 95% CI: 9.0-11.6). Isolate prevalence increased with mare age except for E. coli isolates, and with increasing category of cytology findings except for α-hemolytic Streptococcus isolates. The results provide novel estimates of isolate prevalence and highlight knowledge gaps around potential complexities in the interpretation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mouncey
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK;
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Sabogal
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK;
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Polly Rathbone
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Camilla J. Scott
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Beaufort Cottage Stables, Newmarket CB8 8JS, UK;
| | - Amanda M. de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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9
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Köhne M, Hegger A, Tönissen A, Heusinger A, Hader C, Görgens A, Sieme H. Frequency of potentially pathogenic bacterial and fungal isolates among 28,887 endometrial samples from mares, with an emphasis on multi-drug resistant bacteria in Germany (2018-2022). J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 133:105008. [PMID: 38237703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105008] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to the wellbeing of animals and humans. In equine reproduction, endometritis caused by facultative microbial pathogens is a condition, which is usually treated with antibiotics. Data from Germany on prevalence of facultative pathogenic microorganisms cultured in samples from the equine uterus and the frequency of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria is lacking. The aim of the study was to provide representative numbers for both. Microbiological culture results (n = 28,887) of endometrial samples submitted to a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory from 2018-2022 were analyzed. An average of 25.9 % of the culture results showed growth of facultative pathogenic bacteria. The dominant isolated bacteria were β-hemolytic streptococci (79.7 %) followed by Escherichia (E.) coli variatio haemolytica (5.2 %). E. coli were cultured in 4.3 % of the samples and occurred more often than Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.9 %), Candida species (2.9 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.0 %), and Staphylococcus aureus (1.5 %). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity of β-hemolytic streptococci towards penicillins in almost 100 % of the cultured samples (99.5 %). E. coli-isolates were sensitive to gentamicin in 96.2 % of the cases. The frequency of multidrug-resistant extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 3.1 % of all positive culture results. The number of ESBL-positive isolates (n = 159) and MRSA was stable from 2018-2022. In conclusion, the situation regarding occurrence of MDR bacteria in Germany is favorable, but should further be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Köhne
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany.
| | - Anna Hegger
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, Steinfeld, Oldenburg 49349, Germany
| | - Anna Tönissen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, Hannover 30559, Germany
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10
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Köhne M, Hegger A, Tönissen A, Hofbauer L, Görgens A, Sieme H. Success of different therapies for bacterial endometritis in stud farm practice. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 133:105009. [PMID: 38262523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105009] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial endometritis is a major problem in equine reproduction usually treated with antibiotics, however reports of success rates are scarce. This study collected data from mares diagnosed with intrauterine bacterial growth and compared the outcome of different therapies for bacterial endometritis in German stud farm practice. Data on mares with positive uterine culture results were collected retrospectively in veterinary practices (n = 5; 2018-2022). Information relating to 30 factors (mare, diagnostics, therapy, pregnancy rate) of bacterial endometritis cases (n = 772) were recorded and analyzed. Possible effects on treatment success (positive pregnancy result in the first cycle after treatment) were tested by binomial logistic regression. In most cases β-hemolytic streptococci were detected (n = 707). Treatments for the endometritis included trimethoprim-sulfonamides (n = 409), procaine-penicillin (n = 227), marbofloxacin (n = 53) or no antibiotics (n = 59) and most antibiotics were administered systemically (n = 711) rather than locally (n = 23). Uterine lavage was reported in 49 % of mares. Uterotonic drugs were administered in 42.2 % of mares. Breeding programs included artificial insemination (AI) with chilled semen (n = 667), AI with frozen semen (n = 169), transfer of fresh (n = 112) or cryopreserved (n = 27) embryos and natural cover (n = 27). In the first cycle after treatment, the pregnancy rate was 47 % and it rose to 69 % by end of the season. Treatment success was affected by duration of antibiotic treatment, veterinary practice, and presence of clinical signs. In conclusion, reported treatment practices in German stud farm practice resulted in acceptable pregnancy results and the multiple binomial logistic regression approach identified factors affecting the pregnancy outcome in this dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Köhne
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Anna Hegger
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, 49349 Steinfeld (Oldenburg), Germany, Germany
| | - Anna Tönissen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Hofbauer
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, 49349 Steinfeld (Oldenburg), Germany, Germany
| | - Alexandra Görgens
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, 49349 Steinfeld (Oldenburg), Germany, Germany
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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11
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Heil BA, van Heule M, Thompson SK, Kearns TA, Oberhaus EL, King G, Daels P, Dini P, Sones JL. Effect of Sampling Method on Detection of the Equine Uterine Microbiome during Estrus. Vet Sci 2023; 10:644. [PMID: 37999467 PMCID: PMC10675083 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110644] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endometritis is among the most common causes of subfertility in mares. It has a major economic impact on the equine breeding industry. The sensitivity of detecting uterine microbes using culture-based methods, irrespective of the sample collection method, double-guarded endometrial swab, endometrial biopsy, or uterine low-volume lavage (LVL), is low. Therefore, equine bacterial endometritis often goes undiagnosed. Sixteen individual mares were enrolled, and an endometrial sample was obtained using each method from all mares. After trimming, quality control and decontamination, 3824 amplicon sequence variants were detected in the dataset. We found using 16S rRNA sequencing that the equine uterus harbors a distinct resident microbiome during estrus. All three sampling methods used yielded similar results in composition as well as relative abundance at phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota) and genus (Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, and Aeromonas) levels. A significant difference was found in alpha diversity (Chao1) between LVL and endometrial biopsy, suggesting that LVL is superior at detecting the low-abundant (rare) taxa. These new data could pave the way for innovative treatment methods for endometrial disease and subfertility in mares. This, in turn, could lead to more judicious antimicrobial use in the equine breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. A. Heil
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - M. van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction (PHR), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (P.D.)
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - S. K. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - T. A. Kearns
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - E. L. Oberhaus
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;
| | - G. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - P. Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - P. Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction (PHR), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (P.D.)
| | - J. L. Sones
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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12
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Asif S, Umar T, Umar Z, Jamil H, Feng H, Zhang P, Umer S. MicroRNAs in equine Endometritis: A review of pathophysiology and molecular insights for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110949. [PMID: 37725848 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis plays an important role in mare infertility. Certain infectious agents interfere with the innate immune system of endometrium, causing a systemic inflammatory response that lasts for a long time and circulates via the blood or cellular degeneration, leading to endometritis due to bacterial endotoxins. Different small, non-coding RNA molecules are involved in many biological functions. For instance, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. These miRNAs are important regulators of gene expression, primarily via inhibiting transcription and translation processes. This manuscript reviews: (1) pathomorphological findings in equine endometritis, (2) the expression and effects of eca-miR-17, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, eca-miR-155, and eca-miR-205 in endometritis and (3) the therapeutic role of miRNA in equine endometritis. The miRNAs have a vital regulatory role in a wide range of inflammatory diseases by regulating the molecular mechanism of cytokines that cause inflammation through signal pathways. This review emphasizes the demand for cutting-edge genetic technologies and the development of novel pharmaceutical preparations to improve our understanding of the genes encoding by these miRNAs. It also focuses on the efficacy of miRNAs for control, early diagnosis, and prevention of endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Asif
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Talha Umar
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zaima Umar
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Huma Jamil
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Huili Feng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Animal Husbandry Engineering, Henan Vocational College of Agriculture, Zhengzhou City 451450, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Saqib Umer
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000 Punjab, Pakistan.
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13
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Wong YS, Mançanares AC, Navarrete FI, Poblete PM, Méndez-Pérez L, Ferreira-Dias GML, Rodriguez-Alvarez L, Castro FO. Mare stromal endometrial cells differentially modulate inflammation depending on oestrus cycle status: an in vitro study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1271240. [PMID: 37869492 PMCID: PMC10587403 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1271240] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of inflammation is pivotal for uterine homeostasis. Here we evaluated the effect of the oestrus cycle on the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in a cellular model of induced fibrosis. Mare endometrial stromal cells isolated from follicular or mid-luteal phase were primed with 10 ng/mL of TGFβ alone or in combination with either IL1β, IL6, or TNFα (10 ng/mL each) or all together for 24 h. Control cells were not primed. Messenger and miRNA expression were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cells in the follicular phase primed with pro-inflammatory cytokines showed higher expression of collagen-related genes (CTGF, COL1A1, COL3A1, and TIMP1) and mesenchymal marker (SLUG, VIM, CDH2, and CDH11) genes; p < 0.05. Cells primed during the mid-luteal overexpressed genes associated with extracellular matrix, processing, and prostaglandin E synthase (MMP2, MMP9, PGR, TIMP2, and PTGES; p < 0.05). There was a notable upregulation of pro-fibrotic miRNAs (miR17, miR21, and miR433) in the follicular phase when the cells were exposed to TGFβ + IL1β, TGFβ + IL6 or TGFβ + IL1β + IL6 + TNFα. Conversely, in cells from the mid-luteal phase, the treatments either did not or diminished the expression of the same miRNAs. On the contrary, the anti-fibrotic miRNAs (miR26a, miR29b, miR29c, miR145, miR378, and mir488) were not upregulated with treatments in the follicular phase. Rather, they were overexpressed in cells from the mid-luteal phase, with the highest regulation observed in TGFβ + IL1β + IL6 + TNFα treatment groups. These miRNAs were also analyzed in the extracellular vesicles secreted by the cells. A similar trend as seen with cellular miRNAs was noted, where anti-fibrotic miRNAs were downregulated in the follicular phase, while notably elevated pro-fibrotic miRNAs were observed in extracellular vesicles originating from the follicular phase. Pro-inflammatory cytokines may amplify the TGFβ signal in the follicular phase resulting in significant upregulation of extracellular matrix-related genes, an imbalance in the metalloproteinases, downregulation of estrogen receptors, and upregulation of pro-fibrotic factors. Conversely, in the luteal phase, there is a protective role mediated primarily through an increase in anti-fibrotic miRNAs, a decrease in SMAD2 phosphorylation, and reduced expression of fibrosis-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yat S. Wong
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Ana C. Mançanares
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Felipe I. Navarrete
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Pamela M. Poblete
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Lídice Méndez-Pérez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Graça M. L. Ferreira-Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Morphology and Function, CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Animal Science, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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14
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Ali A, Derar DR. Clinical and subclinical endometritis in dromedary camels: An overview of definition and clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic biomarkers, and treatment protocols. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 257:107328. [PMID: 37683534 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107328] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The current review collected and analyzed research on clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SCE) in dromedary camels in terms of definition and clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic biomarkers, and treatment protocols. CE is characterized by uterine inflammation with abnormal vaginal discharges, while SCE comprises uterine inflammation with no clinical signs and is described as the infiltration of polymorphnuclear cells into the endometrium. CE is the prevalent clinical finding of barren female dromedaries (18-60 %). SCE has been detected in 9.9 % of infertile female dromedaries. CE and SCE are observed mainly in repeat breeding females. Unhygienic reproductive management, unsanitary dealings during parturition, and postpartum problems are major risk factors. Environmental stress, immunodeficiency, mucus abrasion, or the presence of other opportunistic microbes are predisposing factors. Trueperella pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. are the major uterine isolates obtained from females with CE, while Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Candida albicans are the most frequent isolates of SCE. CE and SCE reveal biomarker changes that could aid in the diagnosis of this common reproductive disorder. Only a few treatment protocols for CE and SCE have been tried and proven to work in camel practice. However, there is room for the new, challenging treatment programs proposed in this review. This review also provides a compilation that may be of use to future research and to those working in the field of camel reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.
| | - Derar R Derar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
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15
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Thomson P, García P, del Río C, Castro R, Núñez A, Miranda C. Antimicrobial Resistance and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Genes in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter Isolates from the Uterus of Healthy Mares. Pathogens 2023; 12:1145. [PMID: 37764953 PMCID: PMC10535638 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091145] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing concern for human and animal health. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. isolates from the uterus of healthy mares. For this purpose, 21 mares were swabbed for samples, which were later seeded on blood agar and MacConkey agar. The isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer technique. To characterize the resistance genes, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) scheme was performed. Of the isolates identified as Gram-negative, 68.8% were Enterobacterales, represented by E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae; 28.1% belonged to the genus Acinetobacter spp.; and 3.1% to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A 9.3% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), presenting resistance to antibiotics from three different classes, while 18.8% presented resistance to two or more classes of different antibiotics. The diversity of three genes that code for ESBL (blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV) was detected in 12.5% of the strains. The most frequent was blaSHV, while blaTEM and blaCTX-M were present in Citrobacter spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These results are an alarm call for veterinarians and their environment and suggest taking measures to prevent the spread of these microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Thomson
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Microbioma, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370134, Chile;
| | - Patricia García
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8940000, Chile;
| | - Camila del Río
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Microbioma, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370134, Chile;
| | - Rodrigo Castro
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca 3473620, Chile
| | - Andrea Núñez
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Curicó 3340000, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile
| | - Carolina Miranda
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago 8940000, Chile;
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16
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Song P, Liu C, Sun M, Liu J, Lin P, Chen H, Zhou D, Tang K, Wang A, Jin Y. Transcription Factor Nrf2 Modulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Injury in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11221. [PMID: 37446399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311221] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometritis in high-yield dairy cows adversely affects lactation length, milk quality, and the economics of dairy products. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) occurs as a consequence of diverse post-natal stressors, and plays a key role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Nuclear-factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important protective regulatory factor in numerous inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism by which Nrf2 modulates inflammation by participating in ERS remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to explore the role of Nrf2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury to BEECs and to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms of this injury. The expression of Nrf2- and ERS-related genes increased significantly in bovine uteri with endometritis. Isolated BEECs were treated with LPS to stimulate the inflammatory response. The expression of Nrf2 was significantly higher in cells exposed to LPS, which also induced ERS in BEECs. Activation of Nrf2 led to enhanced expression of the genes for the inflammation markers TNF-α, p65, IL-6, and IL-8 in BEECs. Moreover, stimulation of Nrf2 was accompanied by activation of ERS. In contrast, Nrf2 knockdown reduced the expression of TNF-α, p65, IL-6, and IL-8. Additionally, Nrf2 knockdown decreased expression of ERS-related genes for the GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP proteins. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Nrf2 and ERS are activated during inflammation in BEECs. Furthermore, Nrf2 promotes the inflammatory response by activating the PERK pathway in ERS and inducing apoptosis in BEECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Mingkun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Huatao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Keqiong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
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17
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Tukia E, Hallman I, Penttilä M, Hänninen S, Kareskoski M. RNA in situ hybridization of Escherichia coli in equine endometrial biopsies. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1186051. [PMID: 37360403 PMCID: PMC10288147 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1186051] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometritis is one of the major causes of infertility in mares. Escherichia coli and β-haemolytic streptococci are among the bacterial species most frequently isolated from the equine uterus. Some bacteria such as β-hemolytic streptococci, can persist in dormant forms and cause prolonged, latent or recurrent infections. Dormant bacteria may be present despite negative bacterial cultures, and they are resistant to antimicrobial treatment due to their resting metabolic state. The purpose of this study was to study formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded equine endometrial biopsies for the presence and localization of E. coli-bacteria, with a chromogenic RNAscope®-method for detection of E. coli-related 16S ribosomal RNA. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained endometrial biopsies were evaluated to determine the level of inflammation and degeneration. During estrus, samples were taken for endometrial culture and cytology with a double-guarded uterine swab. The samples included eight samples with moderate to severe endometrial inflammation detected in endometrial histopathology, and growth of E. coli in bacterial culture, six samples with moderate to severe endometrial inflammation but negative bacterial culture, and five samples with no endometrial pathology (grade I endometrial biopsy, negative endometrial culture and cytology) serving as controls. Positive and negative control probes were included in the RNA in situ hybridization, and results were confirmed with a fluorescence detection method (fluorescence in situ hybridization). Only unspecific signals of limited size and frequency of occurrence were detected in all samples, with random localization in the endometrium. No samples contained rod-shaped signals corresponding to bacterial findings. In conclusion, there was no evidence of bacterial invasion in the endometrium regardless of the inflammatory status of the biopsy or previous bacterial culture results. According to these findings on a small number of samples, invasion of E. coli is not a common finding in the lamina propria of mares, but these bacteria may also evade detection due to localized foci of infections, or supra-epithelial localization under the cover of biofilm. These bacteria and biofilm covering the epithelium may also be lost during formalin-fixation and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Tukia
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saarentaus, Saarbrücken, Finland
| | - Isa Hallman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saarentaus, Saarbrücken, Finland
| | - Maarit Penttilä
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saarentaus, Saarbrücken, Finland
| | - Satu Hänninen
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Kareskoski
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saarentaus, Saarbrücken, Finland
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18
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Storme J, Brookes VJ, Gunn A. Is there evidence demonstrating venereal transmission of clitoral Pseudomonas aeruginosa in horses? Vet Rec 2023; 192:444-446. [PMID: 37265280 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Storme
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Victoria J Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allan Gunn
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Nocera FP, Maurizi L, Masullo A, Nicoletti M, Conte AL, Brunetti F, De Martino L, Zagaglia C, Longhi C. Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolates Recovered from the Uterus of Mares with Fertility Problems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101639. [PMID: 37238068 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli is the bacterial pathogen most frequently associated with mare infertility. Here, we characterized 24 E. coli strains isolated from mares which presented signs of endometritis and infertility from a genotypic and phenotypic point of view. The majority of the isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B1 (9/24, 37.5%). Regarding antibiotic resistance profiles, 10 out of 24 (41.7%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Moreover, 17 out of 24 (70.8%) were strong or moderate biofilm producers, and of these eight were MDR strains. Interestingly, 21 out of 24 (87.5%) E. coli strains were phenotypically resistant to ampicillin and 10 of them were also resistant to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Regarding the presence of selected virulence factors, 50% of the examined strains carried at least three of them, with fimH detected in all strains, and followed by kpsMTII (11/24, 45.9%). No strain was able to invade HeLa cell monolayers. No relevant differences for all the investigated characteristics were shown by strains that grew directly on plates versus strains requiring the broth-enrichment step before growing on solid media. In conclusion, this work provides new insight into E. coli strains associated with mares' infertility. These results broaden the knowledge of E. coli and, consequently, add useful information to improve prevention strategies and therapeutic treatments contributing to a significant increase in the pregnancy rate in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paola Nocera
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Linda Maurizi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Masullo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Nicoletti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Lucia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Brunetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa De Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Zagaglia
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Longhi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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20
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Scarlet D, Malama E, Fischer S, Knutti B, Bollwein H. Relationship between Clinical Uterine Findings, Therapy, and Fertility in the Mare. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040259. [PMID: 37104414 PMCID: PMC10142731 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) is a major cause of subfertility in horses and the susceptibility is increased by several factors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of clinical uterine findings and PBIE therapies, respectively, on pregnancy rate in mares. The analysis included records from 220 mares (390 cycles) inseminated at an artificial insemination (AI) center in Switzerland. Gynecological examinations were performed repeatedly before and after AI to determine cervical tone, uterine edema, and intrauterine fluid accumulation. Pregnancy rate was lower (p < 0.001) in barren mares compared to mares of other reproductive status. A more flaccid cervix (p = 0.009) was observed at the time of ovulation in pregnant cycles, but there was no difference (p > 0.05) regarding uterine edema. Intrauterine fluid accumulation reduced pregnancy rate (p = 0.002). Oxytocin administration had beneficial effects on pregnancy rate (p = 0.015), especially for barren mares, while uterine lavage did not have any effect (p > 0.05). The results show that cervical tone and intrauterine fluid accumulation, but not its degree, are useful parameters for assessment of fertility in mares. Oxytocin treatment improved pregnancy rates in mares with PBIE while uterine lavage had a limited effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Scarlet
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleni Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Fischer
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Knutti
- Tierarztpraxis KLC, 1562 Corcelles-près-Payerne, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Tyrnenopoulou P, Fthenakis GC. Clinical Aspects of Bacterial Distribution and Antibiotic Resistance in the Reproductive System of Equids. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040664. [PMID: 37107026 PMCID: PMC10135018 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic administration is a standard therapeutic practice for the treatment of reproductive disorders of equids. This might lead to undesirable microbial imbalance and could favour the acquisition of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to understand patterns of antibiotic resistance when considering and developing treatment regimes. Continued engagement of clinicians with novel alternative approaches to treat reproductive infections would be essential in order to address this rising threat within the One Health perspective. The objectives of the present review were to present the bacterial infections in the reproductive system of equids (horses, donkeys), to upraise the literature related to the issue of antibiotic resistance of bacteria causing these infections and to discuss the topic from a clinical perspective. Initially, the review summarised the various infections of the reproductive system of equids (genital system of females, genital system of males, mammary glands) and the causal bacteria, providing relevant information about horses and donkeys. Subsequently, the clinical therapeutics of these infections were presented, taking into account the significance of antibiotic resistance of bacteria as a limiting factor in treating the infections. Finally, approaches to circumvent antibiotic resistance in clinical settings were summarized. It was concluded that awareness regarding antibiotic resistance in equine reproductive medicine would increase, as we would recognise the multifaceted problem of resistance. Actions and initiatives within the One Health approach, minimizing the potential dissemination of resistant strains to humans and to the environment, with specific applications in medicine of equids should be appropriately instituted internationally.
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22
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Li J, Zhao Y, Mi J, Yi Z, Holyoak GR, Wu R, Wang Z, Zhu Y, Zeng S. Comparative Proteome Analysis of Serum Uncovers Differential Expression of Proteins in Donkeys (Equus Asinus) With Endometritis Caused by Escherichia Coli. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 122:104221. [PMID: 36623579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104221] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a common disease in donkeys that causes economic losses to donkey farms and the common cause is bacterial infection. Uterine flush fluid proteomics has been used to study protein biomarkers associated with endometritis in mares. As a convenient diagnostic tool, serum proteomics has not been studied yet in equine species with endometritis. This study is aiming to evaluate the serum proteomics in jennies with and without endometritis and identify potential proteins as biomarker for endometritis diagnosis. Nine donkeys recruited into this study were diagnosed of bacterial (Escherichia coli) endometritis and nine healthy jennies were selected as control. Blood samples of each donkey was collected, and serum was separated from each sample. Peptides samples extracted from the serum were analyzed using nano-ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in data-independent acquisition mode. Protein identification and quantification were performed followed by differential and functional analysis. Of 579 proteins identified in all jennies, 12 proteins were exclusively identified in jennies with endometritis (group E) including myeloperoxidase and Ras-related protein Rab-1B, which might be associated with bacterial infection. There were 11 differentially expressed proteins detected between the two groups of jennies with 4 downregulated proteins and 7 upregulated proteins in jennies with endometritis. Some upregulated proteins along with the GO and KEGG annotation indicated inflammatory response against uterine infection. Characteristic serum proteins identified in jennies with endometritis were associated with inflammation or bacterial infection. These proteins might be potential biomarkers for endometritis diagnosis in jennies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Zhao
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junpeng Mi
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ziwen Yi
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gibert Reed Holyoak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Rongzheng Wu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yiping Zhu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenming Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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23
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Dias ME, Moni CA, Lopes CE, Volpato FCZ, Barth AL, Siqueira FM. Unexplained reproductive failure in a Thoroughbred mare with a uterine infection by
Arcanobacterium hippocoleae. EQUINE VET EDUC 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Camila Azevedo Moni
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Cassiane Elisabete Lopes
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | - Afonso Luis Barth
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Resistência Bacteriana – LABRESIS Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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24
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Donato GG, Appino S, Bertero A, Poletto ML, Nebbia P, Robino P, Varello K, Bozzetta E, Vincenti L, Nervo T. Safety and Effects of a Commercial Ozone Foam Preparation on Endometrial Environment and Fertility of Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 121:104222. [PMID: 36623580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104222] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mares' subfertility represents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and both clinical and subclinical endometritis are considered major causes of impaired fertility. Thanks to its properties, ozone has a big potential as a treatment for equine endometritis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the safety and the effects on endometrium and reproductive parameters of mares of a commercial ozone foam preparation (Riger Spray®). Twenty-four mares were treated during estrus: ozone group with an intrauterine instillation of ozone foam preparation (OG, n=16) and control group with 20 ml of lactated Ringer's solution (CG, n=8). Samples for endometrial cytology were collected before the ozone treatment (T0), after 24 h (T1), after one week (T2), two weeks (T3), and when the subsequent estrous phase was detected (T4). Furthermore, samples for histological examination and uterine swab for bacteriological examination were collected at T0 and T4. At T1, a statistically significant increase of endometrial inflammation in the OG mares compared to T0 (P<.05) and to CG at same time point (P<.05) was observed, but it was already resolved at T2. No differences in endometrial inflammation in CG, biopsy grade before and after the treatment in the two groups, number of mares pregnant at the end of the season and number of mares pregnant at the first cycle were observed. However, the number of inseminations required for pregnancy tended to be lower (P=.0711) in the OG (1.69±0.06) than in CG mares (2.60±0.89).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Guido Donato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Simonetta Appino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Nebbia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Robino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Katia Varello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Bozzetta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Torino, Italy
| | - Leila Vincenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Tiziana Nervo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
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25
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Köhne M, Hofbauer L, Böttcher D, Tönissen A, Hegger A, Görgens A, Ulrich R, Sieme H. Comparison of systemic trimethoprim-sulfadimethoxine treatment and intrauterine ozone application as possible therapies for bacterial endometritis in equine practice. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1102149. [PMID: 36777673 PMCID: PMC9911668 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1102149] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endometritis is one of the major problems in equine reproduction and usually treated with antimicrobial drugs. The study aimed to compare the effects of intrauterine ozone application and systemic antibiotic treatment (trimethoprim-sulfadimethoxine) on intrauterine bacterial growth and possible side effects on the endometrium in a clinical setting. Mares (n = 30) with signs of endometritis (positive uterine bacterial culture and cytological findings) were assigned randomly to different treatments: intrauterine insufflation of an ozone-air-mix (240 ml, 80 μg ozone/ml) twice at a 48 h-interval (Ozone; n = 10), systemic antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim-sulfadimethoxine (30 mg/kg, p.o., twice daily) for 5 days (TMS; n = 10), or intrauterine insufflation of air (240 ml, sterile-filtered) twice at a 48 h-interval (air; n = 10). Endometrial biopsy for histological examination was obtained before the treatment. Histological examination revealed no differences among groups. A control examination, including transrectal ultrasound, bacterial culture, cytological evaluation, and biopsy, was performed 7 days after the last treatment. Overall bacterial growth was reduced in every group after the treatment (p < 0.05), irrespective of the therapy [Ozone: 4/9 (positive culture after treatment/number of mares), TMS: 3/10 and Air: 6/10; p > 0.05]. However, Ozone and TMS (p < 0.05) were more effective in reducing growth of gram-negative bacteria as compared to Air (p > 0.05). No effects on the number of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (cytology) were observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, trimethoprim-sulfadimethoxine and intrauterine ozone insufflation are safe treatment options for bacterial endometritis in mares but the efficacy of both treatments in reducing bacterial growth did not result in a complete absence of intrauterine bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Köhne
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine – Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany,*Correspondence: Martin Köhne ✉
| | - Lisa Hofbauer
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, Steinfeld (Oldenburg), Germany
| | - Denny Böttcher
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Tönissen
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine – Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Hegger
- Clinic for Horses Mühlen, Steinfeld (Oldenburg), Germany
| | | | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine – Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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26
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Serological and Uterine Biomarkers for Detecting Endometritis in Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020253. [PMID: 36670793 PMCID: PMC9854937 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020253] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological analysis may provide relevant information on endometritis diagnostics. Therefore, mares scheduled for AI with refrigerated semen, at the time of heat signs, underwent blood and uterine fluid samplings using a swab, uterine lavage for culture analysis, and treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. After 24-28 h, the mares were inseminated and, if positive at the culture test, treated with antibiotics chosen based on the susceptibility test. Uterine cells obtained by swabs were used for cytological examination with both classical and fluorescence techniques. Blood serum and uterine fluid samples were analyzed for assessing parameters related to redox balance, inflammation, and protease regulator potential. In blood serum, total antioxidant capacity, measured as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), was significantly lower in cytologically endometritis-positive than -negative mares. In the uterine fluid, total thiol levels (TTL), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), protease activity and total protein content varied significantly between groups. Although the cytological examination was more capable of discriminating between endometritis-positive and -negative mares in relation to the parameters examined, no statistically significant differences emerged in terms of pregnancy rate in relation to cytological and culture diagnosis as well as in mares diagnosed as positive and negative for endometritis.
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27
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Isolated Bacteria from the Uteri of Camels with Different Reproductive Backgrounds: A Study on Sampling Methodology, Prevalence, and Clinical Significance. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010039. [PMID: 36669039 PMCID: PMC9865171 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010039] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to comparatively identify the common bacterial isolates from the uteri of camels coming from different reproductive backgrounds after standardizing the sampling method and to investigate the association of clinically measurable parameters with uterine colonization by these isolates. The uterine samples from 856 dromedary camels yielded a total of 17 different bacterial species with a higher proportion of sub-fertile camel uteri being colonized by bacteria (66.6%) as compared to nulliparous, recently calved, and those with unknown reproductive history combined (44.2%; p < 0.05). Camels with body condition scoring < 3 and those with a consistently echogenic appearance of the uterine lumen by sonography were more likely to be positive on uterine culture, while the presence of pus in uterine discharge was not associated with the odds of bacterial isolation (p > 0.05). While certain strains were more likely to be obtained from the uteri of the sub-fertile group (p < 0.05), embryo transfer to camels with a positive uterine culture in the absence of other gross reproductive pathologies did not necessarily affect the overall pregnancy rate compared to recipients with a negative uterine culture (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a relatively high bacterial load can be identified from the uteri of both sub-fertile and normal dromedary camels, with a higher frequency among the former. The uterine ultrasonography and evaluation of the body condition score can help in identifying the camels in which uterus is contaminated by bacteria.
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28
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Scott CJ, de Mestre AM, Verheyen KL, Arango-Sabogal JC. Bayesian accuracy estimates and fit for purpose thresholds of cytology and culture of endometrial swab samples for detecting endometritis in mares. Prev Vet Med 2022; 209:105783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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29
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de Witt AA, Fosgate GT, Schulman ML. The association between the endometrial biopsy grade and selected epidemiological and reproductive variables in a population of subfertile mares. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anika A. de Witt
- Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Geoffrey T. Fosgate
- Production Animal Studies Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
| | - Martin L. Schulman
- Section of Reproduction Faculty of Veterinary Science University of Pretoria Onderstepoort South Africa
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30
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Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonography Combined with Hysteroscopy in Intrauterine Space-Occupying Abnormalities. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:6192311. [PMID: 36110976 PMCID: PMC9448615 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6192311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic significance of ultrasonography combined with hysteroscopy for intrauterine space-occupying abnormalities. A total of 99 patients with uterine space-occupying abnormalities treated in hospitals were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups according to different disease types: the submucosal myoma group, endometrial polyp group, and placenta residue group, with 33 patients in each group. The differences and diagnostic effects in intrauterine ultrasound, hysteroscopic findings, and surgical histopathology were observed in each group. Outcome measures: it was to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of intrauterine ultrasound and angiography for intrauterine space-occupying lesions using surgical and pathological examination methods as the gold standard; the relationship between the location, number, size, appearance, and serosal layer of intrauterine lesions was clearly shown; the location, number, appearance, and echogenicity of space-occupying abnormalities under hysteroscopy were observed. The results showed that the diagnostic rates of endometrial polyps, submucous myoma, and residual placenta were 90.9%, 80.8%, and 72.7%, respectively. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometrial polyps were 90.0%, 66.7%, and 87.9%, respectively; those of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of endometrial polyps were 96.7%, 66.7%, and 93.9%, respectively; and combined diagnosis was 96.7%, 100.0%, 97.0%, 100.0%, and 75.0%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of submucous myoma of the uterus were 88.9%, 50.0%, and 81.8%, respectively; those of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of submucous myoma of the uterus were 96.3%, 83.3%, and 93.9%, respectively; and combined diagnosis was 100.0%, 83.3%, 97.0%, 96.4%, and 100.0%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of uteroplacental remnants were 87.5%, 66.7%, and 81.8%, respectively; those of hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of uteroplacental remnants were 91.7%, 77.8%, and 87.9%, respectively; and combined diagnosis was 95.8%, 88.9%, 93.9%, 95.8%, and 88.9%. In summary, ultrasonography combined with hysteroscopy can improve the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy for intrauterine space-occupying abnormalities.
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31
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Holyoak GR, Premathilake HU, Lyman CC, Sones JL, Gunn A, Wieneke X, DeSilva U. The healthy equine uterus harbors a distinct core microbiome plus a rich and diverse microbiome that varies with geographical location. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14790. [PMID: 36042332 PMCID: PMC9427864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18971-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to understand the composition and existence of the resident uterine microbiome in healthy mares and to establish the presence of a core microbiome for the healthy equine uterus. We analyzed the microbiomes of 35 healthy mares that are long-time residents of three farms in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Australia as well as that of 19 mares purchased from scattered owners in the Southern Mid-Western states of the United States. Over 6 million paired-end reads of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were obtained resulting in 19,542 unique Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). ASVs were assigned to 17 known phyla and 213 known genera. Most abundant genera across all animals were Pseudomonas (27%) followed by Lonsdalea (8%), Lactobacillus (7.5%), Escherichia/Shigella (4.5%), and Prevotella (3%). Oklahoma and Louisiana samples were dominated by Pseudomonas (75%). Lonsdalea (28%) was the most abundant genus in the Australian samples but was not found in any other region. Microbial diversity, richness, and evenness of the equine uterine microbiome is largely dependent on the geographical location of the animal. However, we observed a core uterine microbiome consisting of Lactobacillus, Escherichia/Shigella, Streptococcus, Blautia, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Peptoanaerobacter.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. R. Holyoak
- grid.65519.3e0000 0001 0721 7331Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | - H. U. Premathilake
- grid.65519.3e0000 0001 0721 7331Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | - C. C. Lyman
- grid.252546.20000 0001 2297 8753College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - J. L. Sones
- grid.64337.350000 0001 0662 7451School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA USA
| | - A. Gunn
- grid.1037.50000 0004 0368 0777School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW Australia
| | - X. Wieneke
- grid.65519.3e0000 0001 0721 7331Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Present Address: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Center for Genomics, Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children′s Hospital, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA
| | - U. DeSilva
- grid.65519.3e0000 0001 0721 7331Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
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32
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Li J, Zhu Y, Mi J, Zhao Y, Holyoak GR, Yi Z, Wu R, Wang Z, Zeng S. Endometrial and vaginal microbiome in donkeys with and without clinical endometritis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:884574. [PMID: 35979491 PMCID: PMC9376452 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.884574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial and vaginal microbiomes are critical in the study of endometritis, which is an important cause of infertility in donkeys. Our objective was to investigate the difference of the endometrial and vaginal microbiomes between healthy donkey jennies (group C) and jennies with endometritis (group E). Endometrial and vaginal swab samples were collected, and the 16 s rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing technique was applied to identify the microbial composition in the samples. A similar microbial composition pattern was found between endometrial and vaginal samples, which indicated the impact of the vaginal microbiome on the endometrial microbial environment and health. There was a significant difference of endometrial and vaginal swab samples between the two groups. Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were significantly more abundant in endometrial and vaginal microbiomes of group E than in group C. Their dominance was consistent with increased anaerobic bacterial taxa in the functional analysis, which might be associated with the pathogenesis of endometritis in donkeys. Sphingomonadaceae, a bacterial family reported in bovine semen, was statistically more abundant in endometrial microbiome of group E than in group C, which might suggest an association between high abundance of Sphingomonadaceae possibly due to uncleared semen and donkey endometritis. Our study revealed the composition of the vaginal and endometrial microbiomes in healthy and endometritis donkeys. These findings will provide more insights into the pathogenesis of donkey endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiping Zhu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Junpeng Mi
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yufei Zhao
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Gilbert Reed Holyoak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ziwen Yi
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rongzheng Wu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Shenming Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shenming Zeng,
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Physiological characterisation of Corynebacterium uterequi associated with pregnancy complications in mares. Vet Microbiol 2022; 273:109522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Amorim GB, Segabinazzi LG, Oliveira OM, Perecmanis S, Arruda R, Canisso IF. Uterine Inflammatory Response After Prostaglandin E1 (Misoprostol) Infusion Prebreeding or Immediately After Embryo Flushing in Commercial Donor Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 117:104060. [PMID: 35781026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104060] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Misoprostol, a synthetic PGE1, is becoming a common therapy for mares with suspected uterine tube obstruction. Recently, there have been concerns that uterine administration of misoprostol induces exacerbated uterine inflammation; however, this has not been critically evaluated. This study aimed to assess the inflammatory response and potential systemic reactions after uterine administration of misoprostol, either during prebreeding or immediately after postembryo flushing. Privately owned embryo donor mares (n = 11) were randomly assigned in a crossover design to receive misoprostol (3 mL +200 µg) or sham (3 mL of lactate Ringer's solution) infusions, bilaterally deposited via deep-horn, at least 72 hours prebreeding (experiment 1) or immediately after embryo flushing (experiment 2). Each mare had one cycle for misoprostol and sham in both experiments and a breeding cycle (no sham or misoprostol) between experiments. Uterine edema, fluid accumulation, and the number of uterine PMN were assessed before each infusion and then daily for 72 hours. Uterine lavage was performed the day after each infusion across groups and experiments. Ovulation was hastened with a GnRH agonist and confirmed at 24 hour-intervals. Mares were bred with semen from one of six stallions per owner's choice. Embryo flushing was performed 8 to 9 days postovulation. In either experiment, misoprostol did not affect uterine edema or fluid accumulation (P > .05). However, both the sham and misoprostol infusions increased the number of PMN up to 48 hours postinfusion in both experiments. Embryo recoveries were similar between sham (45%, 5/11) and misoprostol cycles in experiments 1 (45%, 5/11; P > .05) and 2 (sham, 68%, 7/11; misoprostol, 45%, 5/11; P > .05). In conclusion, misoprostol did not induce exacerbated uterine inflammation in mares or systemic adverse reactions when infused prebreeding or immediately after embryo flushing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Bag Amorim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Odilon M Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Perecmanis
- University of Brasília (UnB), School of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Arruda
- University of Brasília (UnB), School of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Igor F Canisso
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana IL.
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Omar H, Hambidge M, Firmanes B, Shabandri AM, Wilsher S. Bacteria isolated from equine uteri in The United Arab Emirates: A retrospective study. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 115:104029. [PMID: 35659620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) presents a unique environment in which to breed horses with a non-physiological breeding season coupled with high temperatures and humidity for much of the year. This study aimed to describe bacterial isolates from the uteri of mares in the UAE and compare them to those reported elsewhere in the world. Bacterial antibiotic resistance was also analysed to give a starting point for future monitoring. A total of 2022 swabs taken over 5 breeding seasons from the endometrium (n = 1350) or from uterine lavages (n = 672) were submitted for microbiological culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing. At 48h post inoculation 616/2022 (30.5%) of cultures showed microbial growth from which 690 isolates were identified. Most positive plates (548/616; 89%) grew one isolate; 68 cultures had two (62/616; 10.1%) or three (6/616; 1%) isolates. The most frequently isolated bacteria were β-haemolytic Streptococcus (36.5%; 252/690), E. coli (10.6%; 73/690), P. aeruginosa (10.1%; 70/690), K. pneumoniae (8.8%; 61/690) and Aeromonas hydrophila (4.1%; 28/690). The lowest level of antibiotic susceptibility for all isolates was shown by trimethoprim-sulphonamide (36.4%; 198/544), with amikacin showing the highest (76.1%; 271/356). A significant decrease in susceptibility to doxycycline, enrofloxacin and erythromycin, but a significant increase for amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, was seen for β-haemolytic Streptococcus. Decreasing susceptibility of trimethoprim-sulphonamide between two time periods was seen for E. coli. Compared to other studies UAE-based mares had a high incidence of P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae isolates, whereas E. coli was represented far less frequently as an isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Omar
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Dhaid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Margaret Hambidge
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Dhaid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Bernadette Firmanes
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Dhaid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Abdul M Shabandri
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Dhaid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Sandra Wilsher
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Al Dhaid Road, Bridge No.6, Al Atain Area, Sharjah, UAE.
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36
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D’Agostino A, Di Palma T, Cecchini Gualandi S, Boni R. Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the Diagnosis of Endometritis in the Mare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091157. [PMID: 35565583 PMCID: PMC9101999 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
By exploiting the PMN property to produce high quantities of oxygen peroxide to neutralize pathogens, the oxygen peroxide content of uterine cells was measured to diagnose endometritis. After preliminary in vitro studies in which endometrial cells from slaughtered mares were mixed with leukocytes from peripheral blood, endometrial samples were collected by uterine flushing from mares before insemination. Staining endometrial cells with H2DCF-DA was combined with hydroethidine to normalize the fluorescence intensity with the cellular content of the sample. Stained cell smears were assumed as the gold standard of endometritis, and based on this assay, the samples were considered positive (C+) and negative (C−) for endometritis. The amount and the turbidity of fluid recovered by uterine flushing were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in C+ than in C−. Moreover, the oxygen peroxide content of the endometrial cells was significantly higher in the C+ than in the C− group (6.31 ± 1.92 vs. 3.12 ± 1.26, p = 0.001). Using the value of 4.4 as the cutoff level of this fluorescence cytology assay, it was found that only one C− sample exceeded the cutoff level (false positives = 7.7%) while three C+ samples showed values below the cutoff level (false negative = 11.5%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D’Agostino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.D.); (S.C.G.)
| | | | - Stefano Cecchini Gualandi
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.D.); (S.C.G.)
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Campus Macchia Romana, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.D.); (S.C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0971-205017
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37
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Evolution of the Concepts of Endometrosis, Post Breeding Endometritis, and Susceptibility of Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060779. [PMID: 35327176 PMCID: PMC8944725 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, the evolution of our understanding about post breeding endometritis (PBE), the susceptibility of mares, and events leading to endometrosis are reviewed. When sperm arrive in the uterus, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are released. They attract neutrophils and induce modulatory cytokines which control inflammation. In susceptible mares, this physiological defense can be prolonged since the pattern of cytokine release differs from that of resistant mares being delayed and weaker for anti-inflammatory cytokines. Delayed uterine clearance due to conformational defects, deficient myometrial contractions, and failure of the cervix to relax is detected by intrauterine fluid accumulation and is an important reason for susceptibility to endometritis. Multiparous aged mares are more likely to be susceptible. Untreated prolonged PBE can lead to bacterial or fungal endometritis called persistent or chronic endometritis. Exuberant or prolonged neutrophilia and cytokine release can have deleterious and permanent effects in inducing endometrosis. Interactions of neutrophils, cytokines, and prostaglandins in the formation of collagen and extracellular matrix in the pathogenesis of fibrosis are discussed. Endometritis and endometrosis are interconnected, influencing each other. It is suggested that they represent epigenetic changes induced by age and hostile uterine environment.
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Ravaioli V, Raffini E, Tamburini M, Galletti G, Frasnelli M. Infectious endometritis in mares: microbiological findings in field samples. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 112:103913. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Morrell JM, Rocha A. A Novel Approach to Minimising Acute Equine Endometritis That May Help to Prevent the Development of the Chronic State. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:799619. [PMID: 35071389 PMCID: PMC8770823 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.799619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most commonly encountered challenges in equine breeding is endometritis, which can be difficult to resolve and causes considerable economic losses to the industry. It is a multifactorial condition, developing as an exaggerated form of the normal physiological response to breeding. Seminal plasma proteins, spermatozoa, bacteria and debris initiate an inflammatory response; the resulting fluid and neutrophils are then cleared from the uterus along with the debris. However, in some mares, the response is prolonged or exaggerated, with much fluid formation and neutrophil infiltration leading to acute endometritis. A bacterial cause has been implicated, although in some cases no pathogenic organisms can be isolated on culture. It has been postulated that any one of a variety of bacteria could be involved, or dysbiosis of the uterine microbiome could be responsible. Repeated episodes of acute endometritis may lead to the pathology associated with chronic endometritis, with mucociliary dysfunction, vascular degeneration and plasma cell infiltration. This review examines the information that is currently available about equine endometritis, particularly about the role of the inseminate in the uterus, and its current treatment. There are some promising lines of research into treatment or prevention that may help to resolve the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Rocha
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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40
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Ibrahim S, Hedia M, Taqi MO, Derbala MK, Mahmoud KGM, Ahmed Y, Sosa AS, Saber YHA, Hasanain MH, Nawito MF, Seidel GE. Extracellular vesicles in low volume uterine lavage and serum: novel and promising biomarker for endometritis in Arabian mares. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:42. [PMID: 35042518 PMCID: PMC8764842 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2). Mares were divided into 30 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 20 fertile (controls). Serum and LVL was collected for EV isolation, and determination of serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Characterization and visualization of EVs were done by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and flow cytometry. Results Serial ultracentrifugation of LVL and use of a commercial kit for serum were strategies for EVs isolation. Mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs. The EVs from mares with endometritis differentially expressed CD9 and CD63, compared to controls. Mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators. Conclusions Thus, EVs could be used for a better understanding the regulatory mechanisms associated with developing endometritis in mares. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03137-3.
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Niikura T, Tsogtgerel M, Niikura C, Wada H, Kanzawa S, Fujiwara T, Nambo Y. Effect of prostaglandin F2 α administration on uterine polymorphonuclear neutrophil counts in Japanese heavy draft horses. J Equine Sci 2022; 32:117-124. [PMID: 35023989 PMCID: PMC8731690 DOI: 10.1294/jes.32.117] [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: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of prostaglandin F2α (dinoprost) and oxytocin administration on uterine polymorphonuclear neutrophil counts in the Japanese heavy draft mare. To compare polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts in the endometrium, a total of 162 samples were collected from 54 estruses of 47 mares (before ovulation, day 0, and day 2) using a double-guarded cytology brush. Dinoprost (PG; 5 mg) was administered intramuscularly (i.m.) only once, on day 0, whereas oxytocin (OT; 20 U i.m.) was administered three times at 12-hr intervals starting on day 0. The plasma progesterone concentrations from days 0 to 14 were not different between the non-treatment (CON), PG treatment, and OT treatment groups. The PMN counts increased in all the groups from before administration to day 0 (CON, 0.90 to 3.55; PG, 1.20 to 8.45; and OT, 0.70 to 1.70; P=0.0014, 0.0046, and 0.0073, respectively). There was a significant decrease in PMNs from day 0 to day 2 only in the PG group (P=0.0073). The pregnancy rate was not different among the CON (12/18), PG (14/18), and OT (10/18) groups. The results of this study indicate that dinoprost can reduce uterine polymorphonuclear neutrophil counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadamasa Niikura
- Hokubu Veterinary Clinical Center, Tokachi Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Ashoro 089-3708, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Chizuru Niikura
- Hokubu Veterinary Clinical Center, Tokachi Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Ashoro 089-3708, Japan
| | - Haruna Wada
- Hokubu Veterinary Clinical Center, Tokachi Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Ashoro 089-3708, Japan
| | - Seiya Kanzawa
- Hokubu Veterinary Clinical Center, Tokachi Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Ashoro 089-3708, Japan
| | - Takashi Fujiwara
- Hokubu Veterinary Clinical Center, Tokachi Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, Ashoro 089-3708, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Zhang P, Li D, Yang Z, Xue P, Liu X. Nrf2/HO-1 pathway is involved the anti-inflammatory action of intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma against lipopolysaccharides in endometritis. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2022; 44:119-128. [PMID: 34979839 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.2012483] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) Endometritis is the inflammatory response of the uterine lining which is linked to infertility. Administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents a well-recommended strategy for the treatment of endometrium-associated infertility. In this study, we set to characterize the role and molecular mechanism of PRP intrauterine infusion in mice with endometritis. METHODS A mouse model of endometritis was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Mouse endometrial epithelial cells were obtained in primary culture. PRP-treated cells were assayed for proliferative and apoptotic activities. Moreover, iNOS expression and chemokine and inflammatory factor contents in cells were assessed using RT-qPCR and ELISA. The mice were subjected to PRP intrauterine infusion. The expression of genes related to uterine development was analyzed by qPCR and the ki-67 content and caspase-3 activation in endometrial tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. Finally, the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activity in tissues was examined by Western blot. RESULTS LPS induced inflammatory cell recruitment and tissue damage in the endometrium of mice, along with significantly increased levels of inflammatory and chemokine factors. PRP significantly enhanced endometrial epithelial cell activity, decreased apoptosis, and reduced inflammatory factor secretion. In addition, PRP intrauterine infusion significantly increased the expression of genes related to uterine development, promoted tissue proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and diminished inflammatory response in endometrial tissues of mice. PRP intrauterine infusion significantly elevated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activity in endometrial epithelial cells and tissues. CONCLUSION PRP intrauterine infusion significantly inhibited endometrial cell injury and alleviated the inflammatory response through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Zongzhi Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Pingping Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao, P. R. China
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43
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Colombo I, Mislei B, Mari G, Iacono E, Merlo B. Effect of platelet lysate on uterine response of mares susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis. Theriogenology 2021; 179:204-210. [PMID: 34894489 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.001] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Many mares are susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE), an important cause of reduced fertility. Platelet lysate (PL) derives from freeze-thawing platelets after concentration, so that growth factors are released from the platelets. Among the advantages of PL compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP), it can be frozen stored and allogenic use for PL might also be conceivable. Platelet-rich plasma beneficially reduced inflammatory response in PMIE mares when administered 24 h pre- or 4 h post-AI. The aim of this study was to test the effect of PL on inflammatory uterine response in mares susceptible to PMIE. A total of 14 mares susceptible to PMIE (based on presence of fluid or inflammatory cells 24 h after AI) underwent an untreated (Ctr) cycle followed by a treated (PL) cycle. From each mare, 100 mL of citrated whole blood was obtained for PRP production by centrifugation. The resultant PRP was brought to a final volume of 10 mL with platelet poor plasma and frozen at -80 °C to obtain PL. On untreated cycles, mares were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen 36 h after ovulation induction. On treated cycles, PL was thawed, infused into the uterus 12 h after ovulation induction, and AIs were performed 24 h later. The number of neutrophils in uterine cytology (score 1(normal)-3(severe inflammation)) evaluated by optical microscopy, uterine fluid accumulation (height x width) and uterine edema (score 0-3) observed in ultrasonography, were analysed. Pregnancy was evaluated by ultrasonography 14 days after ovulation. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed on cytology score (PL 1.3 ± 0.1 vs Ctr 2.0 ± 0.1), fluid accumulation (PL 79.5 ± 30.1 mm2 vs Ctr 342.7 ± 52.9 mm2) and edema score (PL 1.8 ± 0.2 vs Ctr 2.3 ± 0.2) in treated mares. Pregnancy rate in PL-treated cycles (3/12) and control cycles (2/14), were not significantly different (P > 0.05). According to the results, we conclude that treatment with PL in mares classified as susceptible to PMIE appears to reduce the inflammatory response after breeding, based on clinical signs of uterine edema, IUF accumulation and PMNs migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Colombo
- DIMEVET, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Mislei
- AUB INFA, National Institute of Artificial Insemination, University of Bologna, Via Gandolfi 16, 40057, Granarolo dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Gaetano Mari
- DIMEVET, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy; AUB INFA, National Institute of Artificial Insemination, University of Bologna, Via Gandolfi 16, 40057, Granarolo dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- DIMEVET, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Barbara Merlo
- DIMEVET, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
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Gastal EL, Pastorello M, Godoi DB, Gastal MO. Reproductive patterns and follicular waves in postpartum lactating versus non-postpartum cycling mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 107:103732. [PMID: 34802620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This comparative study between postpartum lactating (PP Lactating) and non-postpartum cycling (N-PP Cycling) mares aimed to characterize reproductive patterns, types and frequencies of follicular waves, corpus luteum and endometrial echotexture dynamics, and the influence of season and body condition. Mares from each group were paired considering the day of parturition of a PP Lactating mare. The partum-ovulation interval (POI) and the postpartum interovulatory interval (PPIOI) were evaluated for PP Lactating mares, and 2 IOIs were evaluated for N-PP Cycling mares. The following observations were made: (i) PP Lactating mares have several different reproductive patterns, such as continuous reproductive activity (i.e., short or long POIs followed by a PPIOI), ovarian inactivity after the first postpartum ovulation, or continuous ovarian inactivity (postpartum anestrous phase); (ii) a greater total number of minor waves was seen in PP Lactating mares; (iii) major primary follicular waves (i.e., ovulatory) emerge around the day of parturition in mares with short POIs; (iv) the season of parturition (spring season), decrease in body condition score, and body-weight loss can have an associated detrimental effect in PP Lactating mares by increasing the total number of minor follicular waves and, consequently, the POI length; (v) endometrial echotexture scores are higher during the POI and can be influenced by the season of parturition; and (vi) corpus luteum development and demise are similar between PP Lactating and N-PP Cycling mares. This study provides, for the first time, detailed information about reproductive physiological aspects during the postpartum period and may facilitate the interpretation of gynecological practices during the foal heat and subsequent IOI in mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo L Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA; Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Marilia Pastorello
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel B Godoi
- Department of Veterinary, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Melba O Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA; Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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45
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Karam KM, Alebady AS, Alhilfi HO, Al-Delemi DH. Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares. Vet World 2021; 14:2863-2868. [PMID: 35017832 PMCID: PMC8743778 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2863-2868] [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: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Post-breeding treatment is the most common practice in the reproductive management of mares. Oxytocin, uterine lavage, and intrauterine (I/U) antibiotic are usually used as prophylactic therapy. This study aimed to determine the most efficient prophylactic treatment regimen among six treatment protocols applied during natural breeding of cyclic Arabian mares. MATERIALS AND METHODS The current study was conducted on cyclic Arabian mares that were subdivided into three age categories (n=968): Category I (5-10 years, n=380), Category II (11-15 years, n=361), and Category III (≥16 years, n=227). Six prophylactic treatments were applied after 4 h of breeding. According to the treatment regimen, treated mares (n=483) were divided into six treatment groups: A (n=80), treated with I/U antibiotic (1 g gentamicin); B (n=81), I/U lavage (normal saline 500 mL); C (n=83), intramuscular (I/M) oxytocin (10 IU); D (n=82), I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin; E (n=78), I/U lavage and I/M oxytocin; and F (n=79), I/U lavage with I/U antibiotic and I/M oxytocin. Non-treated mares were classified as controls (n=485). Ultrasonography was performed to monitor pregnant mares 30 and 60 days after mating, and mares were followed until foaling. RESULTS Pregnancy and foaling results reveals that in age Category I, treatment with oxytocin alone or oxytocin with I/U lavage showed the highest pregnancy and foaling rates (p<0.01). In age Category II, the highest pregnancy and foaling rates were observed in lavage treatment (p<0.01), whereas, in age Category III, the good pregnancy and foaling rates were monitored in treatment with oxytocin and I/U lavage (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin is ideal in early age group mares (5-10 years of age). However, irrespective of the age categories, all mares exhibited high pregnancy and foaling rates after treatment with systemic I/M oxytocin and I/U lavage with normal saline (0.9%) 4 h post-breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mohammed Karam
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Saed Alebady
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
| | - Haitham O. Alhilfi
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
| | - Dhia Hussain Al-Delemi
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
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Hoopes KH, Gradil CM, Vanderwall DK, Mason HM, Sarnecky BA, Davies CJ. Preliminary study of the contraceptive effect of a self-assembling intrauterine device (iUPODs) in mares maintained in a paddock with a fertile stallion. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 235:106881. [PMID: 34753043 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for practical methods of population control (i.e., contraception and/or sterilization) for free-roaming (i.e., "wild" or "feral") horses and burros on Western Public Lands in the United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contraceptive efficacy of a novel self-assembling three-part polymer-coated magnetic intrauterine device termed as an intrauterine POD (self-assembling; iUPOD) when there are natural breeding conditions when iUPOD use was managed by veterinary professionals with no prior experience with the device. Six mares were administered an iUPOD and were then housed continuously with a fertile stallion for 91 days. The intrauterine POD retention and contraceptive efficacy were 100%. Two mares had prolonged corpus luteum function (for 37 and 91 days) immediately after iUPOD placement. For the estrous cycles of the other mares, the duration of diestrus was 7.8 ± 2.7 days (mean ± S.D.). Four of the mares (67%) became pregnant when in a paddock with the same stallion the year after iUPOD removal. These results are encouraging for use of the iUPOD as a practical and reversible method of fertility control in free-roaming horses and burros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl H Hoopes
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
| | - Carlos M Gradil
- Cummings Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine/Vet&AnSci, University of Massachusetts, 661N Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Dirk K Vanderwall
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Holly M Mason
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Brendan A Sarnecky
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Christopher J Davies
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Malaluang P, Wilén E, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3035. [PMID: 34827768 PMCID: PMC8614435 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics following low-level "background" exposure to antimicrobial agents as well as from exposure at therapeutic levels during treatment for bacterial infections. In this review, we look specifically at antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the equine reproductive tract and its possible origin, focusing particularly on antibiotics in semen extenders used in preparing semen doses for artificial insemination. Our review of the literature indicated that AMR in the equine uterus and vagina were reported worldwide in the last 20 years, in locations as diverse as Europe, India, and the United States. Bacteria colonizing the mucosa of the reproductive tract are transferred to semen during collection; further contamination of the semen may occur during processing, despite strict attention to hygiene at critical control points. These bacteria compete with spermatozoa for nutrients in the semen extender, producing metabolic byproducts and toxins that have a detrimental effect on sperm quality. Potential pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may occasionally cause fertility issues in inseminated mares. Antibiotics are added during semen processing, according to legislation, to impede the growth of these microorganisms but may have a detrimental effect on sperm quality, depending on the antimicrobial agent and concentration used. However, this addition of antibiotics is counter to current recommendations on the prudent use of antibiotics, which recommend that antibiotics should be used only for therapeutic purposes and after establishing bacterial sensitivity. There is some evidence of resistance among bacteria found in semen samples. Potential alternatives to the addition of antibiotics are considered, especially physical removal separation of spermatozoa from bacteria. Suggestions for further research with colloid centrifugation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Elin Wilén
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Johanna Lindahl
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
- Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7036, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
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Complete Genome Sequences of Eight Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Strains Isolated from Mares in Estrus with Endometritis. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:e0132120. [PMID: 34197198 PMCID: PMC8248867 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01321-20] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight isolates of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus were isolated from mares with clinical cases of endometritis. S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains were chosen for sequencing based on differing levels of biofilm production in vitro. Using Illumina short-read sequencing in conjunction with MinION sequencing, we report the genomes of eight isolates.
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Alterations in the Expression Profile of Serum miR-155, miR-223, miR-17, miR-200a, miR-205, as well as Levels of Interleukin 6, and Prostaglandins during Endometritis in Arabian Mares. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8060098. [PMID: 34199703 PMCID: PMC8227551 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8060098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2) in serum of mares with healthy and abnormal uterine status (endometritis). This study was conducted on 80 Arabian mares: young (4–7 years), and old (8–14 years). Mares were divided into 48 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 32 fertile (control) at stud farms. Serum was collected for measuring IL-6, PGF2α, and PGE2, as well as miRNA isolation and qRT-PCR. Concentrations of IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α were higher in mares with endometritis compared to control. Age of mares had a remarkable effect on IL-6, PGE2, and PGF2α concentrations. Relative abundance of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 was higher in both young and old mares with endometritis. We noticed that eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 revealed higher expression level in old than young mares with endometritis. This is the first study that has revealed the changes in cell free miRNA and serum inflammatory mediators during endometritis, and these findings could be used for a better understanding the pathophysiology mechanisms of endometritis in equine.
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A comparative analysis of the intrauterine transcriptome in fertile and subfertile mares using cytobrush sampling. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:377. [PMID: 34022808 PMCID: PMC8141133 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07701-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subfertility is a major problem in modern horse breeding. Especially, mares without clinical signs of reproductive diseases, without known uterine pathogens and no evidence of inflammation but not becoming pregnant after several breeding attempts are challenging for veterinarians. To obtain new insights into the cause of these fertility problems and aiming at improving diagnosis of subfertile mares, a comparative analysis of the intrauterine transcriptome in subfertile and fertile mares was performed. Uterine cytobrush samples were collected during estrus from 57 mares without clinical signs of uterine diseases. RNA was extracted from the cytobrush samples and samples from 11 selected subfertile and 11 fertile mares were used for Illumina RNA-sequencing. Results The cytobrush sampling was a suitable technique to isolate enough RNA of high quality for transcriptome analysis. Comparing subfertile and fertile mares, 114 differentially expressed genes (FDR = 10%) were identified. Metascape enrichment analysis revealed that genes with lower mRNA levels in subfertile mares were related to ‘extracellular matrix (ECM)’, ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, ‘focal adhesion’, ‘immune response’ and ‘cytosolic calcium ion concentration’, while DEGs with higher levels in subfertile mares were enriched for ‘monocarboxyl acid transmembrane transport activity’ and ‘protein targeting’. Conclusion Our study revealed significant differences in the uterine transcriptome between fertile and subfertile mares and provides leads for potential uterine molecular biomarkers of subfertility in the mare. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07701-3.
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