Expression and molecular cloning of interferon stimulated genes in buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis )

Interferon-Tau in Maternal Peripheral Blood and Its Relationship with Progesterone and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins in the Early Phases of Gestation in Water Buffalo

The aim of this study was to investigate the interferon tau (IFNt) concentration in the peripheral maternal blood during the early phase of pregnancy in buffalo cows and improve the knowledge on the physiological importance of circulating IFNt, evaluating the possible interaction with pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) and progesterone (P4). Blood samples were taken from buffalo cows on day 0 (day of AI), 7, 14, 18, 28, and 40 post insemination for the IFNt, PAG, and P4 analysis and to determine the IFNt mRNA expression. The animals were categorized ex post into Pregnant, Non-pregnant and Embryo mortality groups. The interferon value was influenced by group (p = 0.003), being always higher in pregnant buffalo cows than in non-pregnant ones, while the embryo mortality group showed intermediate values between those for pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The mRNA expression of IFNt was not influenced by groups or any time points. The regression analysis that included IFNt as the independent variable showed that PAGs, from day 18 (p < 0.01), and P4, from day 28 (p < 0.05), were positively associated with IFNt values. The close associations among IFNt, PAGs and P4 demonstrate that all three molecules work together for fetal-placental well-being and pregnancy support. Unfortunately, the great individual variability in circulating IFNt makes this analysis unsuitable for early pregnancy diagnosis.

Proteomics approach reveals urinary markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes

This study aimed to compare urine proteomics from non- and pregnant buffaloes in order to identify potential biomarkers of early pregnancy. Forty-four females underwent hormonal ovulation synchronization and were randomly divided into two experimental groups: inseminated (n = 30) and non-inseminated (n = 14). The pregnant females were further divided into two groups: pregnant at Day 12 (P12; n = 8) and at Day 18 (P18; n = 8) post-ovulation. The non-pregnant group was also subdivided into two groups: non-pregnant at Day 12 (NP12; n = 7) and at Day 18 (NP18; n = 7). Urine was collected from all females on Days 12 or 18. The samples were processed for proteomics. A total of 798 proteins were reported in the urine considering all groups. The differential proteins play essential roles during pregnancy, acting in cellular transport and metabolism, endometrial remodeling, embryonic protection, and degradation of defective proteins. We suggest that some proteins from our study can be considered biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis, since they were increased in pregnant buffaloes. SIGNIFICANCE: Macromolecules have been studied for early pregnancy diagnosis, aiming to increase reproductive efficiency in cattle and buffaloes. Direct methods such as rectal palpation and ultrasonography have been considered late. Thus, this study aimed to compare urine proteomics from non- and pregnant buffaloes to identify potential biomarkers of early pregnancy. The differential proteins found in our study play essential roles during pregnancy, acting in cellular transport and metabolism, endometrial remodeling, embryonic protection, and degradation of defective proteins. We suggest that these proteins can be considered possible biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis since they were increased in the pregnant buffaloes.

Gene expression of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins-1 (PAG-1), interferon-tau (IFNt) and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) as diagnostic and prognostic markers of maternal-fetal cellular interaction in buffalo cows

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Pregnancy-associated glycoprotein -1 (PAG-1) mRNA expression in the maternal circulation of pregnant buffaloes during the early stage of pregnancy. Contemporaneously, the mRNA expression levels of Interferon-tau (IFNt) and some Interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) (interferon stimulated gene 15 ubiquitin-like modifier interferon, ISG15; Mixoviruses resistance 1 and 2, MX1 and MX2; 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthase 1,OAS1) were evaluated in order to expand our knowledge of the molecular processes involved in the early stages of pregnancy and to identify potential biomarkers of maternal-fetal cellular interaction in buffalo. The study was conducted on 38 synchronized and artificially inseminated buffalo cows (d 0), divided ex post into 3 groups: Pregnant (n = 17), Non-pregnant (n = 15) and Embryo mortality (n = 6). Blood samples were collected on d 14, 19, 28 and 40 after artificial insemination (AI) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolation. Expression levels of mRNA of PAG-1, IFNt, ISG15. MX1, MX2 and OAS1 were measured using RT-qPCR. No significant changes were observed in IFNt and PAG gene expressions between groups, while significant differences (p < 0.001) were found for ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the differences between groups occurred on days 19 and 28 post-AI. ISG15 proved to have the best diagnostic performance for distinguishing between pregnant animals and animals that experienced embryo mortality with the ROC analysis. According to the results of the univariate analyses, day 19 was identified as the most indicative to discriminate between groups while the most reliable genes for this differentiation were ISG15, MX1 and MX2. MX2 proved to be the best gene for discriminating pregnant buffaloes using the discriminant analysis, while MX1 was the gene that best predicted embryo mortality. Our results showed that among PAG-1, IFNt and ISGs expression as diagnostic and prognostic markers of maternal-fetal cellular interaction in buffalo cows, ISGs proved to be the best peripheral biomarkers for predicting pregnancy and embryonic mortality during the peri-implantation period. These insights into the mechanisms behind maternal-fetal interaction and the development of a method for the early detection of embryo distress may enable us to implement effective strategies to support embryo survival.

Interferon Tau (IFNt) and Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) Expression in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Correlation with Circulating Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) during Peri-Implantation and Early Pregnancy in Buffalo Cows

The objective of this study was to analyze interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and interferon tau (IFNt) gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes during the peri-implantation period and until 40 days of pregnancy in buffalo cows. Relationships were also examined between the expression of ISGs and IFNt and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) peripheral plasma concentration. Buffalo cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 18, 28 and 40 after artificial insemination (AI) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolation and PAGs radioimmunoassay analysis. The study was carried out on 21 buffalo cows divided ex post into Pregnant (n = 12) and Non-pregnant (n = 9) groups. Steady state levels of OAS1, MX2, ISG15 and IFNt mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR and their estimated marginal means (p < 0.01 for all) were higher in pregnant than non-pregnant buffaloes, both in PBMCs and PMNs. In PBMCs, pairwise comparisons showed that OAS1 and MX2 expressions differed between pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes on all the days of observation (p < 0.001), while significant differences in ISG15 and IFNt started from day 28 post-AI (p < 0.05). In PMNs, ISG15 expression differed between groups only at days 18 and 28 (p < 0.001), while comparisons were always significant for IFNt (p < 0.05). The expression of all genes, except ISG15 as determined in PMNs, was positively associated with PAGs plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). This work showed a significant increase in ISGs and IFNt expressions in PBMCs and PMNs in buffalo during the peri-implantation period and early pregnancy, and their correlation with PAGs plasma concentration.

Expression dynamics of ISGs and chemokines in maternal whole blood as an indicator of healthy embryonic implantation in buffalo

Successful pregnancy establishment has a major influence on reproductive efficiencies of dairy buffaloes. This success depends on coordinated communications between conceptus and maternally derived cells, and any disturbance in this communication network during this process leads to early embryonic losses. Since, early embryonic losses is one of the prime cause of pregnancy failure in dairy buffaloes, present investigation was aimed to understand the expression dynamics and correlation pattern of Interferon tau stimulated genes and chemokines during peri-implantation period in dairy buffaloes through transcriptional profiling followed by Principal Component Analysis. Our study revealed upregulation of all the candidate genes in maternal whole blood across the parity, emphasizing the involvement of immune responses as signatures for healthy pregnancy. Understanding these embryo-maternal communication signals offers potential to prevent incidences of early embryonic losses and can provide insights on possible targets for therapy too.

Can blood progesterone concentration identify non-pregnant buffaloes to support estrus resynchronization?

This study compared the plasma progesterone concentrations from pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes to identify non-pregnant females and submit cows earlier to estrus resynchronizaton. Forty-four multiparous mix-breed Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study. The cows were subjected to hormonal estrus synchronization and separated into 4 groups, P12 (pregnant, n = 8) and P18 (n = 8) at 12 and 18 days post-insemination; NP12 (non-pregnant, n = 7) and NP18 (n = 7) at 23 and 29 days after the onset of synchronization, respectively. The embryos and blood were collected, the plasma was separated for centrifugation and used to determine progesterone concentration. Progesterone concentration was higher in P18 than P12 (P = 0.02) and NP18 groups (P < 0.001). The steroid was also increased in the P12 group compared to NP12 (P =0.031). There was no difference between NP12 and NP18 (P = 0.906). We conclude that the plasma progesterone concentration can be an alternative to identify earlier non-pregnant buffaloes, advancing the estrus resynchronization or natural service to improve productivity.

Expression profiling of chemokines CCL8 and CXCL10 during peri-implantation period in Murrah buffaloes as a possible signature of embryonic implantation

The present investigation was aimed to evaluate novel implication of chemokine genes CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10) and CCL 8 (C-C motif chemokine 8) genes for use as ideal pregnancy biomarker in dairy buffaloes. We studied expression profile of both these chemokine genes in whole blood of Murrah buffaloes on day 12, 15, 18 and 21 post artificial insemination (AI) using SYBR green chemistry based quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR. Our investigations revealed a consistent increase in transcriptional abundance of CCL8 and CXCL10 genes during this period, although the difference in expression level was not significant between day 15 and 18 post AI for CXCL10 gene. We also studied the effect of parity on the expression profile of these two genes and found that expression level of both these genes is independent of parity status of the animal. Based on the results, it can be concluded that these chemokine genes can be used as early pregnancy biomarker on any day between days 12 to 21 post artificial insemination in buffaloes irrespective of their parity status.

Risk of new-onset autoimmune diseases in primary aldosteronism: a nation-wide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The association between hyperaldosteronism and autoimmune disorders has been postulated. However, long-term incidence of a variety of new-onset autoimmune diseases (NOAD) among patients with primary aldosteronism has not been well investigated.

METHODS

From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database with a 23-million population insurance registry, the identification of primary aldosteronism, essential hypertension and NOAD as well as all-cause mortality were ascertained by a validated algorithm.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2009, 2319 primary aldosteronism patients without previously autoimmune disease were identified and propensity score-matched with 9276 patients with essential hypertension. Among those primary aldosteronism patients, 806 patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) were identified and matched with 3224 essential hypertension controls. NOAD incidence is augmented in primary aldosteronism patients compared with its matched essential hypertension (hazard ratio 3.82, P < 0.001, versus essential hypertension). Furthermore, NOAD incidence is also higher in APA patients compared with its matched essential hypertension (hazard ratio = 2.96, P < 0.001, versus essential hypertension). However, after a mean 8.9 years of follow-up, primary aldosteronism patients who underwent adrenalectomy (hazard ratio = 3.10, P < 0.001, versus essential hypertension) and took mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) still had increased NOAD incidence (hazard ratio = 4.04, P < 0.001, versus essential hypertension).

CONCLUSION

Primary aldosteronism patients had an augmented risk for a variety of incident NOAD and all-cause of mortality, compared with matched essential hypertension controls. Notably, the risk of incident NOAD remained increased in patients treated by adrenalectomy or MRA compared with matched essential hypertension controls. This observation supports the theory of primary aldosteronism being associated with a higher risk of multiple autoimmune diseases.

Expression and functional role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in placenta during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to document the expression and functional role of BMPs in the placental (caruncle; CAR, cotyledon; COT) during different stages of pregnancy in water buffalo. Samples collected from Early pregnancy 1 (EP1); Early pregnancy 2 (EP2), Mid pregnancy (MP), Late pregnancy (LP) while the third stage of oestrus cycle (NP) was taken as control. Also, the synergistic role of BMP4/BMP7 or combination on mRNA expression of vWF, PCNA, StAR, CYP11A1, 3βHSD, and BAX were studied in trophoblast cells cultured (TCC) during an early stage. The qPCR and immunoblotting studies revealed that BMP2, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and BMPR2 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated during early pregnancy in COTs while in CARs it was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during all the stages of pregnancy.BMP4 mRNA level was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during early pregnancy in COTs as well as in CARs. BMP6 expression was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) during early and late stages of pregnancy. BMP7 mRNA level was upregulated (p < 0.05) during the late stage of pregnancy in COTs. At 100 ng/ml, the BMP4 maximally stimulated the transcripts of StAR, CYP11A1, and 3βHSD while BMP7 maximally stimulated the transcripts of 3βHSD that paralleled with P4 accretion in the media (P < 0.05). BMP4 as well as BMP7 upregulated the transcripts of PCNA, vWF, and downregulated BAX in the TCC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BMPs are expressed in a regulated manner with stage-specific differences in the placenta and promotes the angiogenesis, proliferation, cell survivability, and steroidogenesis thereby regulating placental function in an autocrine/paracrine manner in water buffalo.

Anti-Influenza A Virus Activities of Type I/III Interferons-Induced Mx1 GTPases from Different Mammalian Species

Type I/III interferons provide powerful and universal innate intracellular defense mechanisms against viruses. Among the antiviral effectors induced, Mx proteins of some species appear as key components of defense against influenza A viruses. It is expected that such an antiviral protein must display a platform dedicated to the recognition of said viruses. In an attempt to identify such platform in human MxA, an evolution-guided approach capitalizing on the antagonistic arms race between MxA and its viral targets and the genomic signature it left on primate genomes revealed that the surface-exposed so-called "loop L4", which protrudes from the compact structure of the MxA stalk, is a hotspot of recurrent positive selection. Since MxA is archetypic of Mx1 proteins in general, we reasoned that the L4 loop also functions as a recognition platform for influenza viruses in the Mx1 proteins of other species that had been exposed to the virus for ever. In this study, the anti-influenza activity of 5 distinct mammalian Mx1 proteins was measured by comparing the number of viral nucleoprotein-positive cells 7 h after infection in a sample of 100,000 cells expected to contain both Mx1-positive and Mx1-negative cell subpopulations. The systematic depletion (P < 0.001) of virus nucleoprotein-positive cells among equine, bubaline, porcine, and bovine Mx1-expressing cell populations compared with Mx-negative cells suggests a strong anti-influenza A activity. Looking for common anti-influenza signature elements in the sequence of these Mx proteins, we found that an aromatic residue at positions 561 or 562 in the L4 loop seems critical for the anti-influenza function and/or specificity of mammalian Mx1.

In silico characterization of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG15) as a biomarker for early pregnancy diagnosis in Bubalus bubalis

Reproductive management of livestock is the foremost requirement for increasing production from any dairy animal. High reproductive efficiency can be achieved by implementation of one of the crucial management practices which involves early differentiation of pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The early and precise pregnancy diagnosis is the major problem in Bubalus bubalis (buffalo) due to absence of estrous signs instead of normal cyclicity of reproductive organs. Therefore, in the present study, one of the conceptus derived protein interferon stimulated protein (15 kDa) released during 18 to 21 days after insemination in response to implantation of embryo was in silico characterized. The protein expressed by interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15) was analyzed by isolation and sequencing of coding region of mRNA. The primary and secondary structures were predicted from the protein sequence to decipher the interaction of ISG15 protein with other molecules. The functional characterization identifies various motifs present in ISG15 protein which are responsible for its interaction with other proteins. Physiochemical properties predicted the ISG15 protein nature during in vitro conditions which are required for any of the assays development. In addition, immunogenic studies revealed ISG15 protein is strongly antigenic in nature and can be used for antibody production. In conclusion, ISG15 protein expression from buffalo is a good indicator of conceptus implantation and has suitable properties for being used as target to develop early pregnancy diagnostic kits.

Recombinant interferon stimulated protein 15 (rISG15) as a molecular marker for detection of early pregnancy in Bubalus bubalis

Early and accurate diagnosis of pregnancy in animals is important for improving the reproductive management of livestock. The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is the most important dairy animal in India, but there are reproductive problems resulting from extended calving interval and ovulation occurring in the absence of behavioral estrus. The lack of simple methods for early pregnancy diagnosis intensifies these problems. The present study, therefore, was conducted to ascertain the role of the interferon-stimulated gene, (ISG), 15 in pregnancy detection. The anti-ISG15 Mab based ELISA was developed that could be used for detecting pregnancy at 18 to 20 days after artificial insemination (AI). The ISG15 protein was isolated from a pregnant buffalo and was amplified, and cloned in Escherichia coli by using coding region primers. The ISG15 gene was expressed in the host Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the protocol was standardized for optimum gene expression. Using immortal hybridoma (fused myeloma and B cells) cells, a highly specific and sensitive antibody, anti-ISG15 mAb, for detecting ISG15 (protein) in the serum of pregnant buffaloes was obtained. A blocking ELISA was developed using the anti-ISG15 mAb to detect pregnancy in buffalo within 18 to 21 days after AI. The ISG15 gene was upregulated (P <  0.05) in pregnant buffalo at 18 to 21 days of pregnancy. This assay has an overall diagnostic accuracy of 75.0%. It, therefore, is concluded that recombinant ISG15 retains the potential for detecting pregnancy in B. bubalis and may have applications in ELISA kits for pregnancy detection in closely related species.