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Lawson JM, Shilton CA, Lindsay-McGee V, Psifidi A, Wathes DC, Raudsepp T, de Mestre AM. Does inbreeding contribute to pregnancy loss in Thoroughbred horses? Equine Vet J 2024; 56:711-718. [PMID: 38221707 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14057] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive inbreeding increases the probability of uncovering homozygous recessive genotypes and has been associated with an increased risk of retained placenta and lower semen quality. No genomic analysis has investigated the association between inbreeding levels and pregnancy loss. OBJECTIVES To compare genetic inbreeding coefficients (F) of naturally occurring Thoroughbred Early Pregnancy Loss (EPLs), Mid and Late term Pregnancy Loss (MLPL) and Controls. The F value was hypothesised to be higher in cases of pregnancy loss (EPLs and MLPLs) than Controls. STUDY DESIGN Observational case-control study. METHODS Allantochorion and fetal DNA from EPL (n = 37, gestation age 14-65 days), MLPL (n = 94, gestational age 70 days-24 h post parturition) and Controls (n = 58) were genotyped on the Axiom Equine 670K SNP Genotyping Array. Inbreeding coefficients using Runs of Homozygosity (FROH) were calculated using PLINK software. ROHs were split into size categories to investigate the recency of inbreeding. RESULTS MLPLs had significantly higher median number of ROH (188 interquartile range [IQR], 180.8-197.3), length of ROH (3.10, IQR 2.93-3.33), and total number of ROH (590.8, IQR 537.3-632.3), and FROH (0.26, IQR 0.24-0.28) when compared with the Controls and the EPLs (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the inbreeding indices between the EPLs and Controls. The MLPLs had a significantly higher proportion of long (>10 Mb) ROH (2.5%, IQR 1.6-3.6) than the Controls (1.7%, IQR 0.6-2.5), p = 0.001. No unique ROHs were found in the EPL or MLPL populations. MAIN LIMITATIONS SNP-array data does not allow analysis of every base in the sequence. CONCLUSIONS This first study of the effect of genomic inbreeding levels on pregnancy loss showed that inbreeding is a contributor to MLPL, but not EPL in the UK Thoroughbred population. Mating choices remain critical, because inbreeding may predispose to MLPL by increasing the risk of homozygosity for specific lethal allele(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Lawson
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Charlotte A Shilton
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Lindsay-McGee
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Androniki Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
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Marr CM. A pyramid needs a foundation: Exploding some myths about what EVJ's editors are looking for from authors? Equine Vet J 2023; 55:931-937. [PMID: 37827177 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
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Hemberg E, Niazi A, Guo Y, Debnár VJ, Vincze B, Morrell JM, Kútvölgyi G. Microbial Profiling of Amniotic Fluid, Umbilical Blood and Placenta of the Foaling Mare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2029. [PMID: 37370539 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of a microbiome/microbiota in the placenta is hotly debated. In previous studies, the presence of bacteria in equine amniotic fluid and umbilical blood was independent of foal health. The objective of the present study was to determine if the same bacteria are present in the equine placenta as in amniotic fluid and umbilical blood. Samples were obtained from 24 parturient mares and foals. Placental bacterial DNA was extracted, and the microbiome was identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. All amniotic fluid samples contained some polymorphonucleocytes; bacteria were isolated from four samples. Aerobic or anaerobic growth was found in 18 and 3 umbilical blood samples, respectively. Serum amyloid A was <5 mg/L in all 24 samples, total WBC varied between 2900 and 10,700/µL, and fibrinogen varied between 0 and 5.16 g/L. In jugular blood, serum amyloid A was <5 mg/L in all 24 foals, total white blood count was 3200 to 8100/µL, and fibrinogen was 0.44 to 4.42 g/L. The diversity of bacterial microbiota was similar in all placental regions at the phylum level but differed at the genus level; the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (42-46.26%) and Actinobacteria (26.91-29.96%). In conclusion, bacteria were found in the fetal compartments and placenta of healthy equine pregnancies; however, we can neither prove nor disprove the hypothesis that the placenta has its own microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adnan Niazi
- SLU-Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yongzhi Guo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktória J Debnár
- Department of Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Biotechnics, Institute of Animal Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Boglarka Vincze
- Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gabriella Kútvölgyi
- Department of Precision Livestock Farming and Animal Biotechnics, Institute of Animal Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
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Stasiak K, Socha W, Rola J. Retrospective study on equine viral abortions in Poland between 1999 and 2022. J Vet Res 2023; 67:155-160. [PMID: 38143823 PMCID: PMC10740322 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0019] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loss of pregnancy in mares is a major cause of economic and emotional impact for horse breeders. It can have many different infectious and noninfectious causes. The aim of this study was identification of the main viral causes of abortion in mares in Poland based on tissue samples from 180 aborted foetuses submitted for testing between 1999 and 2022. Material and Methods Tissues of aborted foetuses collected from different horse studs throughout Poland were tested for the presence of equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1/-4) and if negative, for equine arteritis virus (EAV). The examination was performed using a PCR/reverse transcriptase PCR (1999-2012) and a quantitative PCR (2013-2022). Results The cause of abortion was determined to be EHV-1 in 49.4% of cases (n = 89), whereas no EHV-4- or EAV-positive cases were found. The proportion of abortions due to EHV-1 differed between regions, with the highest percentage in the Lubelskie and Wielkopolskie provinces. Conclusion The results of the study indicate that EHV-1 is the most important viral infectious agent causing abortions in mares in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Stasiak
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Puławy, Poland
| | - Wojciech Socha
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Puławy, Poland
| | - Jerzy Rola
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Puławy, Poland
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Cantón GJ, Navarro MA, Asin J, Chu P, Henderson EE, Mete A, Uzal FA. Equine abortion and stillbirth in California: a review of 1,774 cases received at a diagnostic laboratory, 1990-2022. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:153-162. [PMID: 36744759 PMCID: PMC9999402 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231152788] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure represents an important cause of economic loss for the equine industry. We reviewed the cases of equine abortion and stillbirth submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis from 1990 to 2022. A total of 1,774 cases were reviewed. A confirmed cause of abortion was determined in 29.2% of the cases. Abortion or stillbirth was attributed to infectious agents in 18.7% of the cases, with Streptococcus spp., equine herpesvirus 1, and Leptospira spp. being the most prevalent. Noninfectious causes of abortion were established in 10.5% of the cases, with umbilical cord torsion being the most common. In 70.8% of the cases, a definitive cause of abortion could not be established. Our study demonstrated the difficulties in establishing an etiologic diagnosis, even when following a standard diagnostic work-up. New diagnostic approaches are needed to improve the likelihood of reaching a final diagnosis in cases of equine abortion and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán J. Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Mauricio A. Navarro
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Javier Asin
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, Laboratories, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Peter Chu
- Davis, Laboratories, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eileen E. Henderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, Laboratories, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Asli Mete
- Davis, Laboratories, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino, Laboratories, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, CA, USA
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Tsogtgerel M, Murase H, Moriyama H, Sato F, Nambo Y. Plasma activin A concentrations during late gestation in Thoroughbred mares with abnormal pregnancies. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 120:104184. [PMID: 36470514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104184] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Late-term fetal loss in horses is a major problem in the horse-breeding industry globally. Abnormal pregnancies should be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent abortions and other gestational problems. According to our previous longitudinal study in healthy pregnant mares, the plasma activin A concentration increases as pregnancy progresses. The aim of the present study was to compare plasma activin A concentrations in healthy pregnant Thoroughbred mares (n=40) with those in pregnant mares that suffered fetal loss or showed abnormal symptoms (n=30) during late gestation. This field study found that plasma activin A concentrations were higher in the abnormal group (pregnancy loss, red bag delivery, premature udder development, and vaginal discharge) than the normal group (P < 0.001; cutoff value: ≥ 138.2 pg/mL; sensitivity, 74.4%; specificity, 77.5%). More specifically, plasma activin A concentrations in the "symptom" and "abnormal delivery" subgroups were higher than those in gestational-age-matched normal groups (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the plasma activin A concentration in the "normal delivery" subgroup was not different from that in the "abnormal delivery" subgroup in samples collected within 10 days before delivery. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate a significantly earlier increase in plasma activin A concentration in abnormal pregnancies of Thoroughbred mares during late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan
| | | | - Fumio Sato
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Shilton CA, Kahler A, Roach JM, Raudsepp T, de Mestre AM. Lethal variants of equine pregnancy: is it the placenta or foetus leading the conceptus in the wrong direction? Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:51-69. [PMID: 36592981 DOI: 10.1071/rd22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic and foetal loss remain one of the greatest challenges in equine reproductive health with 5-10% of established day 15 pregnancies and a further 5-10% of day 70 pregnancies failing to produce a viable foal. The underlying reason for these losses is variable but ultimately most cases will be attributed to pathologies of the environment of the developing embryo and later foetus, or a defect intrinsic to the embryo itself that leads to lethality at any stage of gestation right up to birth. Historically, much research has focused on the maternal endometrium, endocrine and immune responses in pregnancy and pregnancy loss, as well as infectious agents such as pathogens, and until recently very little was known about the both small and large genetic variants associated with reduced foetal viability in the horse. In this review, we first introduce key aspects of equine placental and foetal development. We then discuss incidence, risk factors and causes of pregnancy loss, with the latter focusing on genetic variants described to date that can impact equine foetal viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Shilton
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anne Kahler
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jessica M Roach
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
| | - Amanda M de Mestre
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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Anstey SI, Jenkins C, Jelocnik M. Suspected chlamydial foetal loss highlights the need for standardised on-farm protocols. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:600-604. [PMID: 36071558 PMCID: PMC10087770 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13206] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a recognised cause of late-term equine foetal loss and poses a zoonotic risk in Australia. However, a management strategy is lacking to protect at-risk humans handling infected aborted material and pregnant mares. This study proposes a protocol for approaching C. psittaci foetal loss after investigating four foetal losses that occurred on a horse stud in the Hunter Valley, Australia in 2021. Swabs from the foetal loss cases (n = 4), close contact mares (n = 59), and foals of the close contact mares (n = 33) were collected and tested for C. psittaci using both isothermal points of care and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) laboratory-based testing. Genotyping was performed utilising C. psittaci multilocus sequence typing and ompA sequencing from C. psittaci positive pooled foetal and placental (n = 3) DNA. Foetal and placental samples from the four foetal loss cases were all positive for C. psittaci with 100% agreement between the isothermal swab testing on the farm and qPCR DNA testing at an external laboratory. Genotyping revealed the clonal and identical sequence type 24 (ST24) C. psittaci strains in all samples. C. psittaci was not detected in close contact with mares or their foals. There was no statistically significant difference in foal survival between the close contact mare groups that did and did not receive antimicrobial intervention (P > 0.05). The proposed protocol is intended to raise awareness and begin a discussion for guidelines around handling of chlamydial foetal loss cases in late pregnant mares which pose a zoonotic threat to farm workers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Anstey
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - C Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Animal and Plant Health laboratories, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Jelocnik
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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