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Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs A, Fair S. Lipidomic profiling of cervical mucus reveals the potential role of pro-inflammatory derived metabolites on sperm transport across the ovine cervix. Animal 2024; 18:101136. [PMID: 38626706 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101136] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Internationally, cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway where vaginal AI of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrus yields non-return rates in excess of 60%, which has been attributed to the ewe breed used in Norway. This study used both metabolomics and an RNA-sequencing approach to assess the lipid production and composition from cervical mucus and tissue of four European ewe breeds (n = 28-30 ewes per breed) with previously reported differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These breeds included Suffolk (exhibiting low fertility), Belclare (medium fertility) as well as Norwegian White Sheep and Fur (both with high fertility and pregnancy rates > 60%) at both a synchronised and natural oestrous cycle. The aim was to explore the differences between ewe breeds in the lipidomic profile and to identify candidate biomarkers associated with an optimal environment for cervical sperm transport. The results revealed the identification of 255 lipids, of which 170, 102 and 83 were different between ewe breeds, types of cycle and affected by their interaction, respectively (P < 0.05). Reduced levels of lipids involved in the resolution of inflammation (i.e. 14-HDoHE,17-HDoHE, 15-HETE) were identified in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared to high-fertility ewe breeds. However, there was an up-regulation of the COX pathway accompanied by increased levels of prostaglandins in the Suffolk breed. These findings indicated a sub-optimal and pro-inflammatory environment that could have a negative effect on cervical sperm transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland.
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2
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Savia CL, Osorio JS, Rodríguez JV, Guibert EE, Rinaudo A. A simple and reliable refractometric method to determine the total solids concentration of the cervico-vaginal bovine mucus samples. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07010. [PMID: 34027196 PMCID: PMC8131254 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07010] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) is a viscoelastic substance continuously produced by secretory cells of the endocervix and the vagina of cows. Its physicochemical composition varies depending on the hormonal status of the estrous cycle. In veterinary medicine refractometry is a widely diffused technique to determine total solids (TS) content of biological samples, but there are not published data of CVM total solids from refractometric measures. Refractometric TS determination contributes to the qualitative constituents analysis of CVM, additionally it is an easier and more inexpensive technique than gravimetric TS determination. The main goal of the present paper was to validate a refractometric method to estimate TS concentration of the soluble fraction of CVM samples. Samples were collected from seventy-three Holando Argentino cows of Santa Fe province farms in Argentina. Cows were classified in three experimental groups: healthy, subclinical (SE) and clinical endometritis (CE) group. To achieve a solubilisation protocol for CVM samples, four Triton™ X-100 concentrations were tested. Refractive index (RI) and gravimetric total solid (gTS) concentration of solubilised samples were determined for the three experimental groups. A mathematical equation was determined with the experimental data from the healthy group, in order to obtain calculated total solid concentration (cTS) from refractivity (R) values. To validate the RI method for CVM samples, cTS concentrations were compared with gTS concentrations from endometritis group samples. Triton™ X-100 0.01% (V/V) improved CVM samples handling and did not change physicochemical parameters (gTS, Na+ and K+ concentration, and RI values). The linear regression equation obtained was: cTS (g/dL) = (R - 0.67)/16.2, r2 = 0.91. Correlation between gTS and cTS concentration was: r = 0.97 for SE group and r = 0.97 for CE group. The homogenization protocol allowed the measurement of physicochemical parameters without altering their values. A high correlation coefficient between cTS and gTS postulates refractometry as an accurate method to determine TS concentration for solubilised CVM samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren L Savia
- Binational Center (Argentina-Italy) for Research in Clinical and Applied Cryobiology (CAIC), National University of Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Argentina.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Rosario, S2170 Casilda, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Juliana S Osorio
- Binational Center (Argentina-Italy) for Research in Clinical and Applied Cryobiology (CAIC), National University of Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Joaquín V Rodríguez
- Binational Center (Argentina-Italy) for Research in Clinical and Applied Cryobiology (CAIC), National University of Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Edgardo E Guibert
- Binational Center (Argentina-Italy) for Research in Clinical and Applied Cryobiology (CAIC), National University of Rosario, 2000 Rosario, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Agustín Rinaudo
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of Rosario, S2170 Casilda, Argentina
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Srinivasan M, Adnane M, Archunan G. Significance of cervico-vaginal microbes in bovine reproduction and pheromone production - A hypothetical review. Res Vet Sci 2021; 135:66-71. [PMID: 33450498 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota has been studied in animal reproduction and fertility, in particular little information of vaginal microbes in reference to bovine reproduction and pheromone production is known. The vaginal mucosa in healthy cow is colonized by an equilibrated and dynamic composition of aerobic, facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic microbes. Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) composition, viscosity and volume vary with the cyclicity and health status of the reproductive tract. In addition, CVM contains pheromones, volatile compounds, and proteins that attract males for coitus. Commensal microbiota plays a key role in protection of the genital tract from pathogenic microbes by competition effect. In the bovine species, the microbial composition, its abundance and diversity in the female gut, vagina, urine, saliva, and feces, and the associated chemical communication remains poorly documented. The impact of microbes in the reproductive tract of cow, buffalo and certain mammals are discussed in this review. Since the microbial population diversity of CVM is modified during estrus phase it presumes that it may have a role for pheromone production in conspecific. Herein, we would like to critically discuss the current state of knowledge on microbially produced signals in animals and the role of genital and CVM microbiota in estrous cycle and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Srinivasan
- Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
| | - M Adnane
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Tiaret, Algeria.
| | - G Archunan
- Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India.
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García-Galán A, De la Fe C, Gomis J, Bataller E, Sánchez A, Quereda JJ, García-Roselló E, Gómez-Martín A. The addition of Lactobacillus spp. negatively affects Mycoplasma bovis viability in bovine cervical mucus. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:251. [PMID: 32690006 PMCID: PMC7370443 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen for the cattle industry worldwide causing significant economic losses. Several transmission routes, including those related to reproduction, have been described. Indeed, the pathogen can colonize the female reproductive tract after artificial insemination (AI) with contaminated semen. Lactobacillus spp.-based probiotics have been used for vaginal dysbiosis treatment in women and cows although their role in controlling cervico-vaginal infections due to M. bovis is unknown. The objective of the present work is to assess the viability of M. bovis (PG45, NCTC 10131) in experimentally contaminated cervical mucus after the addition of Lactobacillus spp. at different concentrations as a competing agent and pH acidifier. RESULTS The addition of probiotic at a concentration higher than 108 colony forming units (CFU/mL had a detrimental effect (P < 0.05) on mycoplasma viability in cervical mucus. This coincided with a significant LAB growth and an important decrease in pH from 8.4 to 5.6 (P < 0.05). However, after the addition of less concentrated probiotic, M. bovis survival was not affected and there was no significant LAB growth despite the drop of pH from 8.4 to 6.73 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The addition of concentrations higher than 108 CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. negatively affects M. bovis viability in bovine cervical mucus under in vitro conditions. Although the effect observed on the pathogen viability seems to be related to the pH decrease after LAB proliferation in cervical mucus, further studies are necessary to elucidate if other factors are implicated. Nevertheless, the administration of Lactobacillus spp.-based probiotics might be used in the future to control M. bovis proliferation in the cervico-vaginal tract of cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A García-Galán
- Ruminant Health Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - C De la Fe
- Ruminant Health Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Gomis
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Reproduction (ProVaginBio) Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - E Bataller
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Reproduction (ProVaginBio) Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Sánchez
- Ruminant Health Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - J J Quereda
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Reproduction (ProVaginBio) Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - E García-Roselló
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Reproduction (ProVaginBio) Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Gómez-Martín
- Ruminant Health Research Group, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Microbiological Agents Associated with Reproduction (ProVaginBio) Research Group, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113, Valencia, Spain
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Massa E, Pelusa F, Lo Celso A, Madariaga MJ, Filocco L, Morente C, Ghersevich S. Lactoferrin levels in cervical fluid from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients - correlation with IVF parameters. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 99:91-96. [PMID: 32476453 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since our previous results suggest that lactoferrin (LF) might have roles in the reproductive process and that its levels might change in the female tract as a response to various factors, the aim of this investigation was to assess whether LF levels in cervical secretions correlate with reproductive parameters from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Cervical fluid samples were obtained from 34 women under 40 years old enrolled for assisted reproduction techniques, and LF concentration was measured. The mean total protein concentration in all cervical fluid samples was 842.8 ± 116.9 µg/mL. The mean concentration of LF was 0.73 ± 0.06 ng LF/µg of total proteins. We observed that higher LF levels in cervical fluid correlated with lower IVF rates when all patients were analyzed; this negative correlation was also sustained when only patients ≥35 years were studied. The mean LF concentration in cervical fluid was significantly lower among patients with normal IVF rates than in those with values 50% or less. Using a LF cutoff value of 0.83 ng/μg of total proteins, the study revealed a significant association between the LF levels below 0.83 ng/µg of total proteins and IVF rates above 50%. LF levels in cervical mucus could potentially be used as a marker of fertilization outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Massa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fabián Pelusa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lo Celso
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María José Madariaga
- Area of Morphology, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luciana Filocco
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos Morente
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ghersevich
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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6
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Agbugba LC, Oyewunmi AO, Ogundumade TP, Leigh OO. Investigation of vaginal mucus parameters: Development of models for staging the oestrous cycle of the Bunaji cow. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1044-1053. [PMID: 32378764 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13694] [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: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes in some vaginal mucus parameters were studied in order to generate predictive models capable of enhancing oestrous cycle staging, using equal groups (unsynchronized-USC [no treatment] and synchronized-SC [Synchromate® i/m on d0, d11]) of Bunaji cows (n = 48) aged 3-4 years. Vaginal mucus was collected (starting d11 in SC) daily over 26 days using standard procedures. Physical (viscosity, elasticity, density, resistivity) and biochemical (pH, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium) parameters were evaluated using standard procedures. Data were analysed using chi-square and multinomial logit regression modelling. Models generated using oestrus as reference categories were ascertained for accuracies. Chi-square values for viscosity, elasticity and density were significant (p < .01) in USC and SC across stages of the cycle. Results for USC showed that pH and cholesterol were predictive (p < .01) for pro-oestrus, metoestrus and dioestrus, while total protein was predictive (p < .01) for dioestrus only. Similarly, magnesium was predictive (p < .05) for pro-oestrus. For SC, pH, magnesium and cholesterol were predictive (p < .01) for pro-oestrus, metoestrus and dioestrus, while total protein was predictive (p < .01) for pro-oestrus and dioestrus. Potassium and total protein were also predictive for metoestrus at 10% and 5% significance levels, respectively. Though findings suggest the usefulness of magnesium in staging the oestrous cycle only in synchronized cows, pH, total protein and cholesterol appeared to be the more important vaginal mucus parameters in Bunaji cows, regardless synchronization. Furthermore, the models developed showed high accuracy levels for staging the oestrous cycle in USC (100%) and SC (89%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chinyere Agbugba
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Adetomi Oyelola Oyewunmi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Tayo Peter Ogundumade
- Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (UI-LISA), Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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7
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Adnane M, Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) - an accessible source of immunologically informative biomolecules. Vet Res Commun 2018; 42:255-263. [PMID: 30117040 PMCID: PMC6244541 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-018-9734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM), the product of epithelial cells lining the uterus, cervix and vagina, is secreted to facilitate uterine lubrication and microbial clearance. Predominantly composed of water and mucins, CVM also contains high levels of immuno-active proteins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and lysozyme which protect against infection by blocking adhesion and mediating microbial killing. The repertoire of cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides is predominantly generated by the secretions of endometrial epithelial cells into the uterine lumen and concentrated in the CVM. The quantity and relative proportions of these inflammatory biomarkers are affected by diverse factors including the estrus cycle and health status of the animal and therefore potentially provide important diagnostic and prognostic indicators. We propose that measuring molecular signatures in bovine CVM could be a useful approach to identifying and monitoring genital tract pathologies in beef and dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology & School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology & School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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8
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Yu GM, Wu Y, Wang XL, Zhao S, Maeda T, Zeng SM. Evaluation of three hormonal protocols for anovulatory lactating cows under regulations restricting the use of estrogenic compounds. Anim Sci J 2018; 89:640-647. [PMID: 29318710 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
When European Union regulations restricted the use of estrogenic compounds in food-producing animals, refined hormonal protocols were no longer applicable for anovulatory cows. However, Ovsynch and its adaptations are routinely and uniformly applied to all cows regardless of ovarian function. To evaluate their efficacy on anovulatory cows, 143, 147 and 144 anovulatory cows received Ovsynch, Presynch and G6G protocols, respectively. In comparison, 150 cyclic cows were bred without using a synchronized protocol. Results showed that cows in the Presynch group had luteolysis responding to the last prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) injection greater than the Ovsynch group. The serous progesterone levels at the first gonadotropin-releasing hormone of Ovsych and the last PGF2α injection was greater in the G6G group than the other two hormonal treatment groups. Concentrations of Ca2+ and total protein in cervical mucus in all three hormone-treated groups before artificial insemination (AI) were significantly different from the controls. The G6G group obtained a greater pregnancy rate compared with Ovsynch and Presynch, but significantly less than the controls. For open cows in the Ovsynch group, estrus rate within 24 days after the first AI was significantly less than the controls. In conclusion, the G6G treatment resulted to better reproductive performance in anovulatory cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Min Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yue Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xian-Long Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Teruo Maeda
- Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shen-Ming Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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9
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Maddison JW, Rickard JP, Mooney E, Bernecic NC, Soleilhavoup C, Tsikis G, Druart X, Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation alter the production and biochemical constituents of ovine cervicovaginal mucus. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 172:114-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Linharattanaruksa P, Srisuwatanasagul S, Ponglowhapan S, Khalid M, Chatdarong K. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan profiles in the canine cervix during different stages of the estrous cycle and in open- and closed-cervix pyometra. J Vet Med Sci 2013; 76:197-203. [PMID: 24152876 PMCID: PMC3982811 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix of the cervix that comprises collagen, elastin, proteoglycans
and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is thought to have an essential role in cervical relaxation.
This study investigated the proportion of collagen and smooth muscle as well as the GAGs
in cervices obtained from healthy bitches at different stages of the estrous cycle and
bitches with open- and closed-cervix pyometra. Cervices were collected after
ovariohysterectomy. The proportion of collagen to smooth muscle was determined using
Masson’s trichrome staining. Alcian blue staining was used to evaluate the relative
distribution of cervical GAGs. The proportion of cervical collagen relative to smooth
muscle was higher at estrus compared to anestrus (P≤0.05). It was also
higher (P≤0.05) in bitches with open- compared to those with
closed-cervix pyometra. Overall, hyaluronan (HA) was the predominant GAG in the canine
cervix. In the luminal epithelium, the staining intensity for HA was stronger in estrus
than in anestrus (P≤0.05), but not in diestrus
(P>0.05). On the contrary, the intensity for the combined keratan
sulfate (KS) and heparan sulfate (HS) was stronger in anestrus than in estrus and diestrus
(P≤0.05). In bitches with pyometra, the staining intensity of the
stroma for KS and HS was weaker in open- compared to closed-cervix pyometra
(P≤0.05). Collectively, the different profiles of collagen and GAG
suggest that the metabolism of both collagen and GAGs in the canine cervix is associated
with hormonal statuses during the estrous cycle and cervical patency of bitches with
pathological uterine conditions, such as pyometra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichanun Linharattanaruksa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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11
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Perry K, Haresign W, Wathes D, Khalid M. Intracervical application of hyaluronan improves cervical relaxation in the ewe. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1685-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Steinbach S, Proft F, Schulze-Koops H, Hundt W, Heinrich P, Schulz S, Gruenke M. Gustatory and olfactory function in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2010; 40:169-77. [PMID: 21077800 DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2010.517547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the gustatory and olfactory functions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to sex- and age-matched healthy subjects and to investigate a potential relationship between disease activity [using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)] and chemosensory capacity. Furthermore, to dissect possible impacts of standard anti-inflammatory medications on the gustatory and olfactory functions. METHODS Patients with established RA underwent standardized assessment of their gustatory and olfactory functions. The patients were also examined for their disease activity, had their specific blood-test results analysed, and were asked to answer a standardized questionnaire about their quality of life, the negative effects of their disease, and about comorbidities. RESULTS A total of 101 RA patients (75 women, 26 men, mean age: 57.9 ± 13.8 and 64.2 ± 10.9 years, respectively) were analysed. In relation to age- and sex-related subjects, both female and male RA patients had a significantly decreased taste score (p < 0.001) and also a significantly decreased olfactory score (p < 0.05), indicating that a substantial number of patients suffer from hypogeusia or hyposmia. This abnormality did not correlate with disease activity, the duration of the disease, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor use, and the loss of the chemosensory functions, together indicating that hypogeusia and hyposmia are frequent clinical manifestations in RA patients independent of the inflammatory activity of their disease. CONCLUSION The results indicate that there is a significant decrease in the olfactory and gustatory function in RA patients compared to those of healthy controls, which can seriously and substantially affect the quality of the patients' life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Steinbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Philipps-University Marburg, Munich, Germany.
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