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Hallman I, Karikoski N, Kareskoski M. The effects of obesity and insulin dysregulation on mare reproduction, pregnancy, and foal health: a review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180622. [PMID: 37152686 PMCID: PMC10158983 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180622] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing welfare concern in modern equine populations and predisposes horses to disturbances in energy metabolism such as insulin dysregulation. However, equine metabolic syndrome has only been recognized in recent decades. Functioning energy metabolism is pivotal to normal body homeostasis and affects essentially all organ systems, including reproduction. Previous literature suggests that obesity has an effect not only on the reproductive processes in mares but also on offspring health, predisposing the offspring to later-onset orthopedic and metabolic problems. This review focuses on the effects of obesity, insulin dysregulation and hyperinsulinemia on the reproductive functions of mares and the implications on foal health before and after birth. The points of interest are the cyclicity and ovarian function, uterine environment, gestation, the postpartum period, and the newborn foal. The aim is to review the current state of knowledge, and identify outstanding questions that could stimulate future research. This topic is important not only from the equine industry and production perspective but is also relevant for the welfare of future populations and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa Hallman
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Isa Hallman,
| | - Ninja Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Kareskoski
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Local embryo-mediated changes in endometrial gene expression during embryo mobility in mares. Theriogenology 2022; 182:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rebordão MR, Amaral A, Fernandes C, Silva E, Lukasik K, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Pinto-Bravo P, Galvão A, Skarzynski DJ, Ferreira-Dias G. Enzymes Present in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps May Stimulate the Fibrogenic PGF 2α Pathway in the Mare Endometrium. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092615. [PMID: 34573581 PMCID: PMC8469524 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Endometrosis is a fibrotic disease in mare endometrium whose pathological mechanisms remain obscure. Prostaglandin (PG)F2α, despite modulating reproductive physiological processes, may also provoke local pathological collagen deposition (fibrogenesis). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released during inflammation have been linked to fibrogenesis in several tissues. We have previously shown that enzymes found in NETs increase in vitro collagen production in mare endometrium. In this study, activation of PGF2α-pathway in equine endometrial explants challenged in vitro by enzymes found in NETs is shown. Our results indicate that both endocrine microenvironment (estrous cycle phase) and healthy or pathological conditions of endometrial tissues play an important role in PGF2α-pathway activation. In the endometrium of the follicular phase, we have observed both high production of PGF2α and/or PGF2α receptor gene transcription under the action of enzymes found in NETs, both conditions associated with fibrogenesis in other tissues. Nevertheless, transcription of the PGF2α receptor gene does not appear to be hormone-dependent, albeit their levels seem to be dependent on endometrial category in the mid-luteal phase. This study suggests that enzymes existing in NETs may instigate changes on PGF2α mediators, which may become an additional mechanism of fibrogenesis in mare endometrium. Abstract Endometrosis, a fibrotic disease of mare endometrium, impairs uterine function. Prostaglandins (PG), despite modulating reproductive physiological functions, may also cause local pathological collagen deposition (fibrogenesis). We have previously shown that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may also favor mare endometrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enzymes present in NETs on PGF2α-pathway activation. Kenney and Doig’s type I/IIA and IIB/III mare endometria, from follicular phase (FLP) and mid-luteal (MLP) phase, were cultured in vitro in the presence of NETs enzymes (elastase, cathepsin-G or myeloperoxidase). Production of PGF2α (EIA) and transcription (qPCR) of its synthases (PTGS2, AKR1C3) and receptor (PTGFR) genes were evaluated. PGF2α and PTGFR were influenced by endometrial category and estrous cycle phase. In FLP endometrium, NETs enzymes induced both high PGF2α production and/or PTGFR transcription. In MLP type I/IIA tissues, down-regulation of PTGFR transcripts occurred. However, in MLP type IIB/III endometrium, high levels of PTGFR transcripts were induced by NETs enzymes. As PGF2α-pathway activation facilitates fibrogenesis in other tissues, PGF2α may be involved in endometrosis pathogenesis. In the mare, the endocrine microenvironment of healthy and pathological endometrium might modulate the PGF2α pathway, as well as fibrosis outcome on endometrium challenged by NETs enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Rebordão
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.R.R.); (A.A.); (C.F.); (E.S.)
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, College of Agriculture, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Ana Amaral
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.R.R.); (A.A.); (C.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Carina Fernandes
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.R.R.); (A.A.); (C.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Elisabete Silva
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.R.R.); (A.A.); (C.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Karolina Lukasik
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (A.S.-M.); (A.G.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (A.S.-M.); (A.G.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Pedro Pinto-Bravo
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, College of Agriculture, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - António Galvão
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (A.S.-M.); (A.G.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.L.); (A.S.-M.); (A.G.); (D.J.S.)
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.R.R.); (A.A.); (C.F.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-213-652-859
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Park SR, Kim SR, Lee JW, Park CH, Yu WJ, Lee SJ, Chon SJ, Lee DH, Hong IS. Development of a novel dual reproductive organ on a chip: recapitulating bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between the uterine endometrium and the ovary. Biofabrication 2020; 13. [PMID: 32998123 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/abbd29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Conventional 2D or even 3Din vitroculture models for human reproductive organs cannot properly recapitulate the bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between the uterine endometrium and the ovary. This crosstalk is essential for maintaining the various physiological features and functions of each tissue. Moreover, mostin vitromodels for the female reproductive tract also fail to mimic its multicellular structure. We therefore developed a novel 'dual reproductive organ on a chip' that reflects the bidirectional endocrine cross-talk and the complex multicellular structures by integrating various cellular components of both the human uterine endometrium and the ovary with several biodegradable natural polymers. Indeed, the bidirectional endocrine crosstalk between these two tissues is achieved through media sharing between channels, and it can markedly improve the viability of loaded cells within each chamber of the chip platform. In addition, we also identified a reliable reproductive toxicity marker, SERPINB2, which is significantly increased in response to various toxic exposures in both endometrial and ovarian follicular cells. Based on these findings, we next established a SERPINB2 luciferase reporter system that was specifically designed for detecting and quantifying the toxicity of certain substances. By introducing this SERPINB2 luciferase reporter system into the loaded cells within the chip platform, we ultimately developed an effective 'dual reproductive organ-on-chip' that was successfully used to predict the reproductive toxicity of various hazardous materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Wook-Joon Yu
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Deajeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Lee
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Deajeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Joo Chon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, 7-45 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-ku, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
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Szóstek-Mioduchowska AZ, Baclawska A, Rebordão MR, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ. Prostaglandins effect on matrix metallopeptidases and collagen in mare endometrial fibroblasts. Theriogenology 2020; 153:74-84. [PMID: 32442743 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have shown that prostaglandins (PGs) exert multiple regulatory actions in the processes associated to tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover is mediated by matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs). The knowledge about the regulation of their expression in mare endometrium is still limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether: (i) profibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 modulates PG production in equine endometrium; and (ii) PGE2 and PGF2α modulate MMPs, their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), and collagen 1 (COL1) expression. In experiment 1, the effect of TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) on PG secretion and PG synthases mRNA transcription, after 24 and 48 h treatment of mare endometrial fibroblast and epithelial cells was investigated using ELISA and qPCR. In experiment 2, the effects of PGE2 and PGF2α in doses 10-7M and 10-8M on secretion and MMP1, 2, 9, 13, TIMP1, 2, and COL1A1 mRNA transcription in mare endometrial fibroblasts were assessed. Transforming growth factor-β1 treatment decreased secretion of PGF2α by endometrial fibroblasts (P < 0.05) and PGF2α and PGE2 by endometrial epithelial cells (P < 0.05). Prostaglandin E2 increased MMP-2 and MMP-9, and decreased MMP-13 secretion by endometrial fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Additionally, PGF2α treatment increased MMP-2, MMP-13 and COL1, but decreased MMP-1 secretion by endometrial fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Prostaglandins may be involved in the processes associated to pathological endometrial remodeling by their effect on MMP expression. The effect of PGF2α on COL1 secretion from fibroblasts suggests its profibrotic role in pathological endometrial remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zuzanna Szóstek-Mioduchowska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Str 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Baclawska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Str 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Maria Rosa Rebordão
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Animal Sciences, Coimbra College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Graca Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dariusz Jan Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima Str 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
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Neutrophils, monocytes and other immune components in the equine endometrium: Friends or foes? Theriogenology 2020; 150:150-157. [PMID: 31973963 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The innate and adaptive immune mechanisms are key components of regulation of reproductive physiological function and uterine disorders in equine uterus. The predominant immunological response in equine endometrium, characterized by an innate immune response, occurs under estrogens influence, in the follicular phase. Although, the increase in immune-related genes in equine endometrium during estrus has been suggested to play a role in uterine clearance after mating, immune cells and their product, i.e. cytokines play also mandatory role in the luteal development and maintenance, regression of equine corpus luteum, as well as in early pregnancy. Innate immune response is nonspecific and acts as the first line of defense against pathogens, foreign stimuli that include constituents of seminal fluid and local infections (endometritis). It has been recently established that a phagocytosis-independent mechanism to restrain bacteria, by means of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, is involved in pathogenesis of in mare endometrial fibrosis (endometrosis). Moreover, persistent macrophages and mast cell activation could also have pro-fibrotic roles by secreting great amounts of pro-fibrotic factors and lead to fibrosis. This review will highlight the involvement of immune key components of the innate and adaptive immune system and their products in equine uterus and their contribution to reproductive physiological function and uterine disorders.
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Suagee-Bedore JK, Linden DR, Bennett-Wimbush K, Splan RK. Feeding Grass Hay Before Concentrate Mitigates the Effect of Grain-Based Concentrates on Postprandial Plasma Interleukin-1β. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 86:102899. [PMID: 32067663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
When fed to horses, high-starch diets elevate plasma concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as soon as 1 hour posteating. This increase in IL-β is possibly because of changes in intestinal pH that result from rapid bacterial fermentation of starches and sugars in the digestive tract. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of feeding 0.9 kg of grass hay 30 minutes before feeding a concentrate meal on the postprandial rise in IL-1β, compared with control horses receiving the same concentrate without hay first. Six mature geldings were used in a switchback design. Horses were fasted overnight before being offered a concentrate feed that provided 1.2 g/kg bodyweight of nonstructural carbohydrates. Plasma was harvested 30 minutes before hay feeding and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours postfeeding. Concentrations of IL-1β and d-lactate were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. The hay-first treatment reduced (P = .034) postprandial concentrations of IL-1β at all time points compared with the control horses. An interaction between hour and treatment was detected for mean d-lactate concentrations (P = .037), with lower concentrations in hay-first fed horses at postfeeding hours 1, 2, and 4, compared with control horses. Given these findings, we believe that feeding a small amount of hay before feeding a meal of moderate starch and sugar content reduced the negative effects of rapid starch and sugar fermentation in the equine digestive tract, evidenced by reduced postprandial d-lactate and IL-1β concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel R Linden
- Agricultural Technical Institute, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH
| | | | - Rebecca K Splan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Middleburg, VA
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Szóstek-Mioduchowska AZ, Baclawska A, Okuda K, Skarzynski DJ. Effect of proinflammatory cytokines on endometrial collagen and metallopeptidase expression during the course of equine endometrosis. Cytokine 2019; 123:154767. [PMID: 31265984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Equine endometrosis (endometrial fibrosis) is a degenerative chronic process that occurs in the uterus of the mare and disturbs proper endometrial function. Fibrosis is attributed to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The turnover of ECM is mediated by matrix metallopeptidases (MMP). Previously, it was shown that cytokines modulate MMP expression in other tissues and may regulate fibrosis indirectly by attracting inflammatory cells to the site of inflammation and directly on various tissues. However, the regulation of MMP expression in equine endometrosis is still relatively unknown. Thus, our aim was to determine if interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 regulate ECM, MMPs, or their inhibitors (TIMPs) and whether this regulation differs during endometrosis in the mare. Endometrial fibrosis was divided into four categories according to severity: I (no degenerative changes), IIA (mild degenerative changes), IIB (moderate degenerative changes) and III (severe degenerative changes) according to Kenney and Doig classification. Endometrial explants (n = 5 for category I, IIA, IIB and III according to Kenney and Doig) were incubated with IL-1β (10 ng/ml) or IL-6 (10 ng/ml) for 24 h. Secretion and mRNA transcription of collagen type 1 (Col1a1) and type 3 (Col3a1), fibronectin (Fn1), Mmp-1, -2, -3, -9, -13, Timp-1, -2 were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. IL-1β treatment up-regulated secretion of COL1, MMP-2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 in category I endometrial fibrosis tissues (P < 0.05). IL-6 treatment up-regulated secretion of ECM, MMP-2, and MMP-3 and down-regulated secretion of MMP-9 in category I tissues (P < 0.05). In category IIA tissues, IL-1β and IL-6 treatment up-regulated secretion of COL3 (P < 0.05; P < 0.05), and IL-6 treatment also down-regulated secretion of MMP-9 (P < 0.05). In category IIB tissues, IL-1β treatment down-regulated secretion of COL3 (P < 0.05) and up-regulated secretion of MMP-3 (P < 0.01), while IL-6 treatment up-regulated secretion of MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 (P < 0.05). In category III tissues, IL-1β treatment up-regulated secretion of COL1, MMP-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 (P < 0.05), and IL-6 up-regulated secretion of all investigated ECM components, MMPs and TIMPs. These results reveal that the effect of IL-1β and IL-6 on equine endometrium differs depending on the severity of endometrial fibrosis. Our findings indicate an association between inflammation and development of endometrosis through the effect of IL-1β and IL-6 on expression of ECM components, MMPs, and TIMPs in the mare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Z Szóstek-Mioduchowska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - A Baclawska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Okuda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology Graduate School of Environmental and Science, Okayama University, 700-8530 Okayama, Japan; Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - D J Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
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Fedorka CE, Scoggin KE, Woodward EM, Squires EL, Ball BA, Troedsson M. The effect of select seminal plasma proteins on endometrial mRNA cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52:89-96. [PMID: 27686063 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the horse, breeding induces a transient endometrial inflammation. A subset of mares are unable to resolve this inflammation, and they are considered susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis PMIE Select seminal plasma proteins cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3) and lactoferrin have been shown to affect the innate immune response to sperm in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of CRISP-3 and lactoferrin at the time of insemination had an effect on the mRNA expression of endometrial cytokines in susceptible mares after breeding. Six mares classified as susceptible to PMIE were inseminated during four consecutive oestrous cycles with treatments in randomized order of: 1 mg/ml CRISP-3, 150 μg/ml lactoferrin, seminal plasma (positive control) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; negative control) to a total volume of 10 ml combined with 1 × 109 spermatozoa pooled from two stallions. Six hours after treatment, an endometrial biopsy was obtained for qPCR analysis of selected genes associated with inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (INF)-γ, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1RN and IL-10, and inflammatory-modulating cytokine IL-6). Seminal plasma treatment increased the mRNA expression of IL-1β (p = .019) and IL-8 (p = .0068), while suppressing the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). Lactoferrin also suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). In conclusion, exogenous lactoferrin may be considered as one modulator of the complex series of events resulting in the poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response seen in susceptible mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - K E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - E M Woodward
- Department of Clinical Sciences, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E L Squires
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mht Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Klein C. Pregnancy Recognition and Implantation of the Conceptus in the Mare. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2015; 216:165-88. [PMID: 26450499 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Few, if any, biological processes are as diverse among domestic species as establishment of early pregnancy, in particular maternal recognition of pregnancy. Following fertilization and initial development in the mare oviduct, selective transport of the embryo through the uterotubal junction driven by embryo-derived PGE2 occurs. Upon arrival in the uterus, an acellular glycoprotein capsule is formed that covers the embryo, blastocyst, and conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) between the second and third weeks of pregnancy. Between Days 9 and 15/16 of pregnancy, the conceptus undergoes an extended phase of mobility. Conceptus mobility is driven by conceptus-derived PGF2α and PGE2 that stimulate uterine contractions which in turn propel migration of the conceptus within the uterine lumen. Cessation of conceptus mobility is referred to as fixation and appears to be attributable to increasing size of the conceptus, preferential thickening of the endometrium near the mesometrial attachment referred to as encroachment, and a reduction in sialic acid content of the capsule. During maternal recognition of pregnancy, endometrial PGF2α release is attenuated, a consequence of reduced expression of key enzymes involved in prostaglandin production. Oxytocin responsiveness is altered during early pregnancy, and reduced expression of the oxytocin receptor appears to be regulated at the posttranscriptional level rather than the transcriptional level. Prostaglandin release is attenuated temporarily only during early pregnancy; during the third week of pregnancy, the endometrium resumes the ability to secrete PGF2α. The equine conceptus initiates steroidogenesis as early as Day 6 and synthesizes estrogens, androgens, and progesterone. Estrogens are metabolized locally, presumably regulating their bioavailability and actions. Results of experiments attempting to prove that conceptus-derived estrogens are responsible for extension of corpus luteum function have been inconclusive. By the fourth week of pregnancy, the chorionic girdle becomes visible on the trophoblast. Subsequent invasion of chorionic girdle cells leads to formation of endometrial cups which secrete equine chorionic gonadotropin. Equine chorionic gonadotropin has luteinizing hormone functions in the mare, causing luteinization of follicles resulting in the formation of secondary corpora lutea essential to production of progesterone and maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Klein
- Veterinary and Clinical Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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