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Ferraz PA, Poit DAS, Ferreira Pinto LM, Guerra AC, Laurindo Neto A, do Prado FL, Azrak AJ, Çakmakçı C, Baruselli PS, Pugliesi G. Accuracy of early pregnancy diagnosis and determining pregnancy loss using different biomarkers and machine learning applications in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 224:82-93. [PMID: 38759608 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the accuracy of IFN-τ stimulated gene abundance (ISGs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), CL blood perfusion by Doppler ultrasound (Doppler-US), plasma concentration of P4 on Day 21 and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) test on Day 25 after timed-artificial insemination (TAI) for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows and heifers. Holstein cows (n = 140) and heifers (n = 32) were subjected to a hormonal synchronization protocol and TAI on Day 0. On Day 21 post-TAI, blood samples were collected for PBMC isolation and plasma concentration of P4. The CL blood perfusion was evaluated by Doppler-US. Plasma samples collected on Day 25 were assayed for PAGs. The abundance of ISGs (ISG15 and RSAD2) in PBMCs was determined by RT-qPCR. Pregnancy was confirmed on Days 32 and 60 post-TAI by B-mode ultrasonography. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA using the MIXED procedure and GLIMMIX in SAS software. The pregnancy biomarkers were used to categorize the females as having undergone late luteolysis (LL); early embryonic mortality (EEM); late embryonic mortality (LEM); or late pregnancy loss (LPL). The abundance of ISGs, CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US, and concentrations of P4 on Day 21, and PAGs test on Day 25 were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of early pregnancy in dairy cows and heifers. Dairy cows had a greater (P = 0.01) occurrence of LL than heifers, but there was no difference (P > 0.1) for EEM, LEM, and LPL in heifers compared to cows. Cows with postpartum reproductive issues had a greater (P = 0.008) rate of LEM and a lesser (P = 0.01) rate of LPL compared to cows without reproductive issues. In summary, the CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US had the highest accuracy and the least number of false negatives, suggesting it is the best predictor of pregnancy on Day 21 post-TAI. The PAGs test was the most reliable indicator of pregnancy status on Day 25 post-TAI in dairy heifers and cows. The application of machine learning, specifically the MARS algorithm, shows promise in enhancing the accuracy of predicting early pregnancies in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Assis Ferraz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Diego Angelo Schmidt Poit
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Marin Ferreira Pinto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur Cobayashi Guerra
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adomar Laurindo Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cihan Çakmakçı
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Section, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hamdi M, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Câmara DR, Bollwein H, Rizos D, Bauersachs S, Almiñana C. Oviductal extracellular vesicles miRNA cargo varies in response to embryos and their quality. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:520. [PMID: 38802796 PMCID: PMC11129498 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence points to an active role of oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs) in the early embryo-maternal dialogue. However, it remains unclear whether oEVs contribute to the recognition of the presence of embryos and their quality in the oviduct. Hence, we examined whether the molecular cargo of oEVs secreted by bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC) differs depending on the presence of good (≥ 8 cells, G) or poor (< 8 cells, P) quality embryos. In addition, differences in RNA profiles between G and P embryos were analyzed in attempt to distinguish oEVs and embryonic EVs cargos. METHODS For this purpose, primary BOEC were co-cultured with in vitro produced embryos (IVP) 53 h post fertilization as follows: BOEC with G embryos (BGE); BOEC with P embryos (BPE); G embryos alone (GE); P embryos alone (PE); BOEC alone (B) and medium control (M). After 24 h of co-culture, conditioned media were collected from all groups and EVs were isolated and characterized. MicroRNA profiling of EVs and embryos was performed by small RNA-sequencing. RESULTS In EVs, 84 miRNAs were identified, with 8 differentially abundant (DA) miRNAs for BGE vs. B and 4 for BPE vs. B (P-value < 0.01). In embryos, 187 miRNAs were identified, with 12 DA miRNAs for BGE vs. BPE, 3 for G vs. P, 8 for BGE vs. GE, and 11 for BPE vs. PE (P-value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that oEVs are involved in the oviductal-embryo recognition and pointed to specific miRNAs with signaling and supporting roles during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - José María Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diogo Ribeiro Câmara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas, Viçosa, AL, Brazil
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Almiñana
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Lindau, ZH, 8315, Switzerland.
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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da Silva MI, Oli N, Gambonini F, Ott T. Effects of parity and early pregnancy on peripheral blood leukocytes in dairy cattle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592827. [PMID: 38766084 PMCID: PMC11100682 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Subfertility remains a major problem in the dairy industry. Only 35-40% of high-yielding dairy cows and 55-65% of nonlactating heifers become pregnant after their first service. The immune system plays a critical role in the establishment of pregnancy. However, it can also create challenges for embryo survival and contribute to reduced fertility. We conducted 2 separate experiments to characterize changes in subsets of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and their phenotype over the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in heifers and cows. We used flow cytometry and RT-qPCR to assess protein and mRNA expression of molecules important for immune function. We observed that monocytes and T cells were most affected by pregnancy status in heifers, whereas, CD8+ lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were most affected during early pregnancy in cows. Changes in immune parameters measured appeared to be greater in heifers than cows including changes in expression of numerous immune function molecules. To test the hypothesis, we conducted a third experiment to simultaneously analyze the immunological responses to pregnancy between cows and heifers. We observed that cows had greater expression of proinflammatory cytokines and molecules associated with leukocyte migration and phagocytosis compared to heifers. Moreover, animals that failed to become pregnant showed altered expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that early pregnancy signaling alters the proportions and functions of peripheral blood immune cells and differences between cows and heifers may yield insight into the reduced fertility of mature lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - N Oli
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - F Gambonini
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - T Ott
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Munhoz SK, Cooke RF, Munhoz AK, Prado CP, Pereira MHC, Vasconcelos JLM. Pregnancy losses in Bos indicus-influenced beef and dairy recipients assigned to a fixed-time embryo transfer protocol. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 264:107471. [PMID: 38581821 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy losses from fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) to calving were evaluated in Bos indicus-influenced beef and dairy recipients. Data from 4366 FTET events were collected from Nelore × Angus recipient heifers, and from 38538 FTET events in Gir × Holstein recipient heifers and cows. In beef recipients, pregnancy losses were greater (P < 0.01) from FTET (day 7 of the experiment) to day 32 compared with day 32-100 and with day 100 to calving (58.7, 39.5, and 36.7%, respectively), and did not differ (P = 0.56) between these latter periods. Recipients that lost the pregnancy from FTET to day 32 gained less (P < 0.01) body condition score after FTET compared with recipients that maintained the pregnancy. Pregnancy losses from day 32 to calving were greater (P < 0.01) in recipients reared in drylots and moved to pastures on day 32 compared with recipients reared on pasture. In dairy recipients, pregnancy losses from FTET (day 7) to day 32 were greater (P < 0.01) than losses from day 32 to calving (50.4 and 29.4%). Pregnancy losses throughout gestation were greater (P < 0.01) when the FTET event was performed during the warm season, and greater (P < 0.01) in recipients with < 3/8 Gir influence. Recipients with ≥ 3/8 Gir influence experienced a lesser (P ≤ 0.05) increase in pregnancy losses during the warm season compared with recipients with < 3/8 Gir influence. Collectively, this experiment provides novel information about pregnancy losses in B. indicus-influenced herds receiving FTET.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA.
| | - A K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - C P Prado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - M H C Pereira
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18168-000, Brazil.
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Yokus B, Takci A, Ercan N, Em B, Uysal E. Early prognostic markers to predict unsuccessful pregnancy in dairy cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14587. [PMID: 38812420 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14587] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate maternal serum levels of some angiogenic factors and certain proteins in dairy cattle for (1) early prediction of unsuccessful fertilization and (2) early detection of possible pregnancy failures (early EM) after positive insemination Serum samples were collected from the same cattle at three distinct time points: 30 days before artificial insemination (B-AI), on the day of artificial insemination (AI), and 30 days after artificial insemination (A-AI). As a result of the pregnancy examination, the cows were divided into two main groups according to whether they were pregnant. The results showed that leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP) concentration was significantly decreased B-AI and Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRP-3), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and LNPEP levels were significantly decreased on day of AI, while PRL level was increased, and these data have prognostic significance as early indicator of the risk of potentially failed pregnancy. Additionally, a significant decrease in LNPEP, SFRP3, and VEGF levels, along with an increase in PRL levels was also observed in A-AI. These results suggest that these biomarkers can be used as a screening test to monitor the course of pregnancy. There were no significant differences in serum levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2), Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), angiopoietin (ANG), Endoglin (ENG), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Inhibine-A (INH-A) and Transforming growth factors-β1 (TGF-β1) between the evaluated periods neither unsuccessful nor the successful pregnancy groups. This is the first study reporting that the maternal serum levels of LNPEP, SFRP3, VEGF, and PRL have important roles in pregnancy success and may indicate whether insemination outcome will be successful B-AI and predict the risk of unsuccessful pregnancy after AI in dairy cattle. The increase in such studies will allow the development of more specific, practical, and applicable markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beran Yokus
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Takci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Nazli Ercan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Bernan Em
- Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Ersin Uysal
- School of Technical Sciences, University of Dicle, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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da Silva MI, Ott T. Effects of conceptus proteins on endometrium and blood leukocytes of dairy cattle using transcriptome and meta-analysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591148. [PMID: 38712302 PMCID: PMC11071483 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the short and long-term effects of IFNT and PAG on the transcriptome of endometrium and blood leukocytes. Holstein heifers received intrauterine infusions of one of the following treatments: 20 mL of a 200 μg/mL bovine serum albumin solution (BSA; vehicle) from day 14 to 16 of the estrous cycle (BSA), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 (IFNT3), vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 19 (IFNT6), and vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT from day 14 to 16 followed by vehicle + 10 μg/mL of IFNT + 5 μg/mL of PAG from day 17 to 19 (IFNT+PAG). RNA-seq analysis was performed in endometrial biopsies and blood leukocytes collected after treatments. Acute IFNT signaling in the endometrium (IFNT3 vs BSA), induced differentially expressed genes (DEG) associated with interferon activation, immune response, inflammation, cell death, and inhibited vesicle transport and extracellular matrix remodeling. Prolonged IFNT signaling (IFNT6 vs IFNT3) altered gene expression related to cell invasion, retinoic acid signaling, and embryo implantation. In contrast, PAG induced numerous DEG in blood leukocytes but only 4 DEG in the endometrium. In blood leukocytes, PAG stimulated genes involved in development and TGFB signaling while inhibiting interferon signaling and cell migration. Overall, IFNT is a primary regulator of endometrial gene expression, while PAG predominantly affected the transcriptome of circulating immune cells during early pregnancy. Further research is essential to fully grasp the roles of identified DEG in both the endometrium and blood leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Troy Ott
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Dalton JC. Frozen Bovine Semen Storage, Semen Handling, and Site of Deposition. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:157-165. [PMID: 37673698 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.009] [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: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is an effective strategy to distribute semen from elite sires and improve the genetics of a herd. Commercial studs provide a fertile semen product to their customers. Consequently, the maintenance of sire fertility is dependent upon appropriate semen storage, handing, and site of semen deposition. When retrieving a straw of frozen semen, the cane (and canister containing canes) should be held below the frost-line and limited to 8 seconds in the neck of the tank. After appropriate thawing, and continuous thermoregulation of the AI gun containing the thawed semen, semen should be deposited in the uterine body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Dalton
- Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences Department, University of Idaho, 1904 East Chicago Street, Suite AB, Caldwell, ID 83605, USA.
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Juengel JL, Reader KL, Maclean PH, Quirke LD, Zellhuber-McMillan S, Haack NA, Heiser A. The role of the oviduct environment in embryo survival. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23171. [PMID: 38402905 DOI: 10.1071/rd23171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Declining fertility is an issue in multiple mammalian species. As the site of fertilisation and early embryo development, the oviduct plays a critical role in embryo survival, yet there is a paucity of information on how the oviduct regulates this process. AIMS We hypothesised that differences in steroid hormone signalling and/or immune function would be observed in a model of poor embryo survival, the peripubertal ewe. METHODS We examined expression of steroid hormones in systemic circulation, oviductal expression of oestrogen receptorαand genes important in steroid hormone signalling, and immune function in pregnant and cyclic peripubertal and adult ewes on day 3 after oestrus. KEY RESULTS Concentrations of progesterone, but not oestradiol, were decreased in the peripubertal ewe compared to the adult ewe. Oestrogen receptorαprotein expression was increased in the peripubertal ewe, but pathway analysis of gene expression revealed downregulation of the oestrogen signalling pathway compared to the adult ewe. Differential expression of several genes involved in immune function between the peripubertal and adult ewe was consistent with an unfavourable oviductal environment in the peripubertal ewe lamb. Oestradiol concentration was positively correlated with the expression of multiple genes involved in the regulation of immune function. CONCLUSIONS Differences in the immune environment of the oviduct, potentially linked to differential modulation by steroid hormones, may partially underly the poor fertilisation and early embryo survival observed in the peripubertal ewe. IMPLICATIONS A unfavourable oviductal environment may play an important role in limiting reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Juengel
- Agricultural Systems and Reproduction, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | - Karen L Reader
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Paul H Maclean
- Bioinformatics and Statistics, AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Laurel D Quirke
- Agricultural Systems and Reproduction, AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel 9092, New Zealand
| | | | - Neville A Haack
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Axel Heiser
- Animal Health Solutions, Hopkirk Research Institute, AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Prado CP, Cooke RF, Munhoz AK, Munhoz SK, de Sousa MCG, da Silva VMP, Pohler KG, Vasconcelos JLM. Characterizing pregnancy losses in Bos indicus beef females receiving a fixed-timed artificial insemination protocol. Theriogenology 2024; 215:144-150. [PMID: 38070213 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This experiment evaluated pregnancy losses from day 30 of gestation to calving in Bos indicus females, and evaluated if serum haptoglobin concentrations during early gestation impacts subsequent pregnancy losses. A total of 4926 Nelore females were used, being 1802 nulliparous heifers inseminated as yearlings (precocious heifers), 1356 nulliparous heifers inseminated at 24 months of age (conventional heifers), 887 suckling primiparous cows, and 881 suckling multiparous cows. Cows were assigned to an ovulation synchronization + fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol from day -11 to 0 of the experiment. Pregnancy status was verified using transrectal ultrasonography on days 30 and 60 after FTAI, via transrectal palpation on day 150 after FTAI, and according to calf birth. Blood samples were collected from all animals diagnosed pregnant on day 30 after FTAI, and analyzed for serum concentrations of haptoglobin and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG). Pregnancy loss was greater (P < 0.01) from day 60-150 of gestation (10.2 %) compared with day 30-60 of gestation (6.0 %) and with day 150 of gestation to calving (7.4 %), and differed (P = 0.04) between these latter two periods. Pregnancy loss from day 30-60 of gestation did not differ (P = 0.26) among parities, whereas total pregnancy losses (day 30 to calving) were greater (P < 0.01) in precocious (28.4 %) and conventional (27.1 %) heifers compared with primiparous (16.4 %) and multiparous (13.0 %) cows. Serum PAG concentrations on day 30 after FTAI were less (P ≤ 0.03) in cows that lost the pregnancy (5.63 ng/mL) from day 30-60 of gestation, as well as those that lost the pregnancy from day 30 to calving (8.59 ng/mL) compared with cohorts that maintained the pregnancy (9.39 and 9.32 ng/mL, respectively). No differences in serum PAG concentrations on day 30 after FTAI were noted (P ≥ 0.23) according to pregnancy losses from day 60 to calving. Serum haptoglobin concentration on day 30 after FTAI also did not differ (P ≥ 0.48) between cows that maintained or lost the pregnancy. This experiment provides novel information about pregnancy losses after day 30 of gestation in B. indicus cattle, with most losses occurring as fetal mortality and not affected by systemic inflammation during early gestation. Pregnancy losses were nearly doubled in precocious and conventional heifers compared with parous cows, demonstrating the relevance of this reproductive failure to B. indicus replacement heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Prado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA.
| | - A K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - S K Munhoz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - M C G de Sousa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - V M P da Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - J L M Vasconcelos
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18168-000, Brazil.
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Aymée L, Mendes J, Lilenbaum W. Bovine Genital Leptospirosis: An Update of This Important Reproductive Disease. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:322. [PMID: 38275782 PMCID: PMC10812666 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis is an important disease that affects the reproductive sphere. Due to its high relevance for the bovine production chain in a worldwide scenario, a better understanding of the disease is crucial to reduce its negative impacts. The main agents are strains from the Sejroe serogroup, such as Hardjo and Guaricura, which lead to renal and genital infection. The genital colonization causes a chronic, silent, and subclinical reproductive syndrome, called Bovine Genital Leptospirosis (BGL). Embryonic death, estrus repetition, subfertility, and abortions are the main signs of BGL condition in females. However, although leptospires have been identified in semen, the manifestation of BGL in bulls remains to be clarified. The recommended diagnosis of BGL includes a serologic screening of the herds using the microscopic agglutination test followed by PCR of genital samples (cervicovaginal mucus, uterine fragment, or semen), especially from animals with reproductive failures. After the identification of carriers, control is carried out considering three steps: antimicrobial treatment of the carriers, environmental and reproductive management, and herd vaccination. Systematic testing, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and usage of antimicrobials in semen diluents or embryo culture media are other sanitary approaches that are encouraged to improve the control of the syndrome. Herein we discuss protocols for an efficient diagnosis and preventive procedures of BGL, which are fundamental to reducing the negative impact of the disease on cattle reproduction and its consequent economic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Alameda Barros Terra Street, 57, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil (J.M.)
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D’Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Porto Neto LR, Hayes BJ, Snr AC, Fortes MRS. Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae103. [PMID: 38586898 PMCID: PMC11056886 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae103] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D’Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ben J Hayes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alf Collins Snr
- CBV Brahman, Marlborough, Central Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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12
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Aranciaga N, Ross AB, Morton JD, McDonald R, Gathercole JL, Berg DK. Metabolomic evolution of the postpartum dairy cow uterus. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:835-848. [PMID: 37632839 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23702] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
High rates of early pregnancy loss are a critical issue in dairy herds, particularly in seasonal, grazing systems. Components of the uterine luminal fluid (ULF), on which the early embryo depends for sustenance and growth, partly determine early pregnancy losses. Here, changes in ULF from early to mid-postpartum in crossbred dairy cows were explored, linking them with divergent embryo development. For this, the uteri of 87 cows at Day 7 of pregnancy at first and third estrus postpartum were flushed to collect ULF. Eighteen metabolites (chiefly organic acids and sugars) significantly varied in abundance across postpartum, indicating a molecular signature of physiological recovery consistent of the upregulation of pyrimidine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, and downregulation of pentose phosphate and taurine metabolism pathways. Joint pathway analysis of metabolomics data and a previously generated proteomics data set on the same ULF samples suggests key links between postpartum recovery and subsequent successful embryo development. These include upregulation of VEGFA and downregulation of metabolism, NRF2, T-cell receptor, which appear to improve the ULF's capacity of sustaining normal embryo development, and a putative osmo-protectant role of beta-alanine. These relationships should be further investigated to develop tools to detect and reduce early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aranciaga
- Proteins and Metabolites Team, AgResearch, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Animal Biotechnology Team, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Alastair B Ross
- Proteins and Metabolites Team, AgResearch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - James D Morton
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Robin McDonald
- Animal Biotechnology Team, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Debra K Berg
- Animal Biotechnology Team, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
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13
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Szelényi Z, Szenci O, Bodó S, Kovács L. Noninfectious Causes of Pregnancy Loss at the Late Embryonic/Early Fetal Stage in Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3390. [PMID: 37958145 PMCID: PMC10650878 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In cattle, initial pregnancy diagnosis takes place during the late embryonic/early fetal stage of gestation. From this point onward, pregnancy loss may occur in up to one fifth of pregnancies before the initial pregnancy diagnosis is confirmed. This means the early identification of risk factors is a key part of pregnancy diagnosis and herd management. The various factors responsible for pregnancy losses are classified into infectious and noninfectious. Among the noninfectious causes, several dam-related (circumstances of the individual pregnancy or milk production) and herd-related factors causing stress have been well established. In this review, we summarize the impacts of these noninfectious factors and predict associated risks of pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szelényi
- Department of Obstetrics and Farm Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ottó Szenci
- Department of Obstetrics and Farm Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Szilárd Bodó
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (S.B.); (L.K.)
| | - Levente Kovács
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (S.B.); (L.K.)
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14
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Talukder AK, Rabaglino MB, Browne JA, Charpigny G, Lonergan P. Dose- and time-dependent effects of interferon tau on bovine endometrial gene expression. Theriogenology 2023; 211:1-10. [PMID: 37549523 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.033] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Failure by the developing conceptus to secrete sufficient interferon tau (IFNT), required for maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), at the appropriate time is related to early pregnancy loss in cattle. We aimed to test the hypothesis that there is a dose- and time-dependent relationship between IFNT and the endometrial expression of key interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) involved in the signalling cascade leading to MRP in cattle. Candidate genes were identified first through a bioinformatic approach, where integrated transcriptomic data from two previous studies were analyzed to identify endometrial genes induced by IFNT. Next, expression of selected candidate genes was investigated in vitro in endometrial explants. Endometrial explants collected from cows (n = 8) in the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle were cultured in medium without (control) or with recombinant ovine IFNT (1, 10, 100 ng/mL) for 6 h. Simultaneously, endometrial explants were cultured in medium containing 100 ng/mL IFNT for different time periods (15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h). Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR. We identified 54 endometrial genes responding to IFNT and to some degree to the conceptus, from which five ISGs (CMPK2, BPNT1, IFI35, TNFSF10 and TRIM38) were further selected for the dose- and time-dependent experiments. Classical ISGs (ISG15, OAS1, MX1 and MX2) were up-regulated (P < 0.05) in endometrium by 1 ng/mL IFNT. However, other selected ISGs (CMPK2, BPNT1, IFI35, TNFSF10 and TRIM38) were induced only by higher concentrations (10 and 100 ng/mL) of IFNT (P < 0.05). In terms of duration of exposure, IFNT at 100 ng/mL induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in ISG15 and CMPK2 expression after 1 h incubation, while all other studied ISGs in the endometrium were upregulated when cultured for 3 or 6 h, but did not affect expression when the duration of culture was for 1 h or less. These results suggest that IFNT acts on the uterus in both a dose- and time-dependent manner in cattle and that timely exposure of the endometrium to sufficient IFNT is essential for appropriate signalling to ensure successful pregnancy establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Talukder
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics & Reproductive Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - M B Rabaglino
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - J A Browne
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - G Charpigny
- INRAE, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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15
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Santos GMGD, Junior LB, Silva-Santos KC, Ayres Dias JH, Dias IDS, Seneda MM, Morotti F. Conception rate and pregnancy loss in fixed-time cattle embryo transfer programs are related to the luteal blood perfusion but not to the corpus luteum size. Theriogenology 2023; 210:251-255. [PMID: 37549464 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteal blood perfusion and corpus luteum (CL) area on the conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss of recipients in a large-scale fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) program. Multiparous Brangus cows (n = 1700) at 45 days postpartum and body condition scores (BCS) between 2.5 and 4.0 (3.0 ± 0.3) were used in this study. On a random day of the estrous cycle (day -10), the females received progesterone and estradiol based on the FTET protocol. On day 7, 1465 recipients had at least one CL and were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound for the CL area (cm2) and color Doppler for the luteal blood perfusion score (I/low-vascularization area <40% of the CL; II/medium-vascularization >45% to < 50%; and III/high-vascularization >50%). Immediately after CL evaluation, each recipient received a single fresh embryo (blastocyst stage) ipsilateral to the CL, in vitro produced from a commercial laboratory. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days and repeated 60 days later to evaluate pregnancy loss (30-90 days). Ultrasound evaluation and embryo transfer were performed by a single technician. For data analysis, in addition to luteal blood perfusion groups, recipients were retrospectively ranked according to CL area into small (<3 cm2; 2.63 ± 0.01), medium (>3 to < 4 cm2; 3.44 ± 0.01), and large (>4 cm2; 4.77 ± 0.03). Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). The overall conception rate was 44.2% (648/1465), influenced by the luteal blood perfusion score [P = 0.03; high 48.4%a (134/277), medium 44.6%a (427/958), and low 37.8%b (87/230)] but not by CL area ranking [P = 0.37; large 41.8% (225/538), medium 45.2% (276/610), and small 46.4% (147/317)]. There was no interaction between the luteal blood perfusion score and CL area ranking (P = 0.81), and the BCS did not affect the results of this study (P = 0.51). In terms of pregnancy loss up to 90 days, there was no effect on the CL area ranking (P = 0.77), but the flow score showed an effect [P = 0.03; high 3.6%b (5/139), medium 9.3%a (44/471), and low 10.3%a (10/97)]. The conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss in the FTET program in beef cattle are related to luteal blood perfusion but not CL size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fábio Morotti
- UEL - Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil; UNOPAR - Universidade Pitágoras Unopar Anhanguera, Arapongas, PR, Brazil.
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16
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Gimeno I, Salvetti P, Carrocera S, Gatien J, García-Manrique P, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Gómez E. Biomarker metabolite mating of viable frozen-thawed in vitro-produced bovine embryos with pregnancy-competent recipients leads to improved birth rates. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6515-6538. [PMID: 37268566 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Selection of competent recipients before embryo transfer (ET) is indispensable for improving pregnancy and birth rates in cattle. However, pregnancy prediction can fail when the competence of the embryo is ignored. We hypothesized that the pregnancy potential of biomarkers could improve with information on embryonic competence. In vitro-produced embryos cultured singly for 24 h (from d 6 to 7) were transferred to d 7 synchronized recipients as fresh or after freezing and thawing. Recipient blood was collected on d 0 (estrus; n = 108) and d 7 (4-6 h before ET; n = 107) and plasma was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H+NMR). Spent embryo culture medium (CM) was collected and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a subset of n = 70 samples. Concentrations of metabolites quantified in plasma (n = 35) were statistically analyzed as a function of pregnancy diagnosed on d 40, d 62 and birth. Univariate analysis with plasma metabolites consisted of a block study with controllable fixed factors (i.e., embryo cryopreservation, recipient breed, and day of blood collection; Wilcoxon test and t-test). Metabolite concentrations in recipients and embryos were independently analyzed by iterations that reclassified embryos or recipients using the support vector machine. Iterations identified some competent embryos, but mostly competent recipients that had a pregnancy incompetent partner embryo. Misclassified recipients that could be classified as competent were reanalyzed in a new iteration to improve the predictive model. After subsequent iterations, the predictive potential of recipient biomarkers was recalculated. On d 0, creatine, acetone and l-phenylalanine were the most relevant biomarkers at d 40, d 62, and birth, and on d 7, l-glutamine, l-lysine, and ornithine. Creatine was the most representative biomarker within blocks (n = 20), with a uniform distribution over pregnancy endpoints and type of embryos. Biomarkers showed higher abundance on d 7 than d 0, were more predictive for d 40 and d 62 than at birth, and the pregnancy predictive ability was lower with frozen-thawed (F-T) embryos. Six metabolic pathways differed between d 40 pregnant recipients for fresh and F-T embryos. Within F-T embryos, more recipients were misclassified, probably due to pregnancy losses, but were accurately identified when combined with embryonic metabolite signals. After recalculation, 12 biomarkers increased receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve (>0.65) at birth, highlighting creatine (receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve = 0.851), and 5 new biomarkers were identified. Combining metabolic information of recipient and embryos improves the confidence and accuracy of single biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Pascal Salvetti
- ELIANCE, Experimental facilities, Le Perroi, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - Julie Gatien
- ELIANCE, Experimental facilities, Le Perroi, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain.
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17
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Tzelos T, Lee S, Pegg A, Donadeu FX. Association between blood miR-26a levels following artificial insemination, and pregnancy outcome in dairy cattle. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289342. [PMID: 37566616 PMCID: PMC10420342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy diagnosis is key to maximise productivity of dairy herds. We previously showed that an increase in the levels of miR-26 could be detected as soon as day 8 of pregnancy in heifers. The aims of this study were to determine whether 1) plasma miR-26 levels would be distinctly elevated, retrospectively, early after artificial insemination in lactating cows with successful compared to failed pregnancies, 2) the early increase in miRNA levels in cows with successful pregnancy could be accounted for by changes in miRNA expression in white blood cells (WBCs), presumably induced by the effects of embryo-derived interferon tau (IFNt), and 3) plasma miRNA levels may provide a reliable early predictor of pregnancy that could be used at a herd level. Blood samples were taken from a total of 34 dairy cows (lactation number 1 to 4) before (D0) and 9 and 18 days after artificial insemination at oestrus, followed by confirmation of pregnancy status by ultrasound on D32. In addition, WBCs collected from non-pregnant cows (n = 4) were stimulated in vitro with recombinant ovine IFNt (0-100 pg/ml). Levels of miRNAs and ISG15, a known IFNt-induced gene, were quantified by qPCR. Relative to D0, a larger increase in plasma miR-26a (P = 0.04) occurred on D9 in cows later confirmed to be pregnant (n = 12) than in cows with a failed pregnancy (n = 22). Expression of miR-26a in WBCs was not affected (P>0.1) by pregnancy status or IFNt stimulation in vitro, in contrast to ISG15 expression which increased markedly (P<0.0001) both in WBC samples collected on D18 from animals later confirmed to be pregnant, and in WBCs after stimulation with IFNt in vitro. Finally, ROC analyses revealed that miR-26a on D9 or D18 could predict pregnancy outcome with much lower accuracy than WBC ISG15 on D18 (Likelihood ratio, 2.3 vs 15.4). In summary, a modest increase in plasma miR-26a levels occurs during early pregnancy in mature dairy cows which may not accounted for by changes in miRNA levels in WBCs or the effects of IFNt. Moreover, compared to ISG15, changes in miR-26a levels may not provide an accurate test for early diagnosis of pregnancy in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tzelos
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Seungmee Lee
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Pegg
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - F. Xavier Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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18
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DeCarlo AN, Parrish J, Quarles JD, Long NM, Pratt SL. Assessing the Differential Abundance of Maternal Circulating MicroRNAs or Interferon-Stimulated Genes with Early Pregnancy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1532. [PMID: 37628584 PMCID: PMC10454372 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081532] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) and microRNA (miRNA) present in maternal circulation have been reported to be diagnostic of pregnancy in cattle prior to day (d)30 of gestation. The objective of this study was to assess specific ISG and miRNA abundance on d 18 of gestation. Cattle were subjected to estrous synchronization and artificially inseminated to a single Angus sire. At time of insemination (d 0) and d 18 post-insemination, blood was collected and total RNA isolated. Differential abundance (DA) in specific ISG and miRNA between d 0 and d 18 samples in pregnant (n = 10) and open (n = 10) cows were assessed via RT-qPCR. The relative Ct values were normalized using abundance of cyclophilin or the geometric mean of specific miRNA for the ISG and miRNA genes of interest, respectively. The DA of the ISG were increased due to pregnancy (p < 0.05); however, there was no expected day of gestation by pregnancy interaction. Relative abundance of Bta-miR-16 increased on d18 regardless of pregnancy status (p < 0.05). None of the miRNA evaluated in this study were associated with pregnancy status. These data indicate that certain ISG may serve as early indicators of pregnancy in cattle, but abundance of the miRNA does not.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Scott L. Pratt
- Department Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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19
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Diaz-Quevedo C, Ramírez García A, Torres Bernal L, Cáceres Coral J, Ampuero Trigoso G, Saucedo-Uriarte JA. Effect of Different Protocols of Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination on Mucus, Ovarian Size, and Pregnancy of Mixed-Breed Cows in the Humid Tropics of Peru. Vet Med Int 2023; 2023:9942021. [PMID: 37250019 PMCID: PMC10212680 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9942021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the research was to evaluate three synchronization protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) in Bos indicus with Bos taurus crossbred cows. Forty-five cows of 5 ± 1.6 years were selected. The Jsynch treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α, estradiol cypionate plus eCG was applied, and the FTAI was performed at 48-52 hours after. Conventional treatment consisted of the application of an intravaginal device plus benzoate; on day 8, the device was removed and PGF2α plus eCG was injected, and on day 9, estradiol benzoate was administered, and FTAI was performed at 30 hours. The Ovsynch treatment consisted of the application of GnRH, and on day 8, PGF2α was applied, on day 9, GnRH was applied again, and on day 10, FTAI plus GnRH was applied. The diagnosis of pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasound 45 days after the FTAI. The Jsynch (39.1%) and conventional (39.1%) treatment showed higher pregnancy compared to the Ovsynch treatment (21.7%) of pregnancy. The presence of crystalline mucus at the time of the FTAI was significantly associated with pregnancy. The results of this investigation indicate that it is possible to obtain acceptable pregnancy rates with the FTAI in B. indicus with B. taurus crossbred milk-producing cows, and treatments with progesterone-releasing devices plus eCG can improve the reproductive performance of cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clavel Diaz-Quevedo
- Estación Experimental Agraria San Ramón, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Yurimaguas 16501, Peru
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Agronomía Ciencias Biológicas y Acuicultura, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas, Yurimaguas 16501, Peru
| | - Alonso Ramírez García
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Agronomía Ciencias Biológicas y Acuicultura, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas, Yurimaguas 16501, Peru
| | - Lenin Torres Bernal
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Tarapoto 22201, Peru
| | - Jorge Cáceres Coral
- Facultad de Zootecnia, Agronomía Ciencias Biológicas y Acuicultura, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas, Yurimaguas 16501, Peru
| | - Gustavo Ampuero Trigoso
- Dirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico Agrario, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Lima 15024, Peru
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20
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Davenport KM, Ortega MS, Johnson GA, Seo H, Spencer TE. Review: Implantation and placentation in ruminants. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100796. [PMID: 37567669 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruminants have a unique placenta in comparison to other mammalian species. Initially, they possess a non-invasive epitheliochorial type of placenta during conceptus elongation. As the conceptus trophectoderm begins to attach to the luminal epithelium (LE) of the endometrium, binucleate cells (BNCs) develop within the trophoblast of the chorion. The BNCs migrate and fuse with the uterine LE to form multinucleate syncytial plaques in sheep and hybrid trinucleate cells in cattle. This area of the ruminant placenta is semi-invasive synepitheliochorial. The BNCs form the foundation of the placental cotyledons and express unique placenta-specific genes including pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 2 or placental lactogen. Attachment and interdigitation of cotyledons into endometrial caruncles form placentomes that are subsequently vascularized to provide essential nutrients for growth of the fetus. This chapter review will discuss historical and current aspects of conceptus implantation and placenta development in ruminant ungulates with a focus on cattle and sheep. Single-cell analysis promises to provide a much more detailed understanding of the different cell populations and insights into pathways mediating trophoblast and placenta. This fundamental is required to understand pregnancy loss and develop strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Davenport
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - M S Ortega
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - G A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7784, USA
| | - H Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 7784, USA
| | - T E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Pickett A, Cooke R, Gonçalves L, Burato S, Holton M, Dias N, Pancini S, Redifer T, Clark S, Currin J, Stewart J, Fontes P, Mercadante V. Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil via low-moisture molasses-based blocks to improve reproductive performance and overall productivity of beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 252:107227. [PMID: 37027991 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckled multiparous Angus-influenced cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day -10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15-70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25 % (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day - 10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3 %), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04 %), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4 %), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.
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Safety and Immunogenicity of a Chimeric Subunit Vaccine against Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Pregnant Cows. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032771. [PMID: 36769094 PMCID: PMC9917558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes gastroenteritis and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Cattle are the main animal reservoir, excreting the bacteria in their feces and contaminating the environment. In addition, meat can be contaminated by releasing the intestinal content during slaughtering. Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine candidate against STEC that was formulated with two chimeric proteins (Chi1 and Chi2), which contain epitopes of the OmpT, Cah and Hes proteins. Thirty pregnant cows in their third trimester of gestation were included and distributed into six groups (n = 5 per group): four groups were administered intramuscularly with three doses of the formulation containing 40 µg or 100 µg of each protein plus the Quil-A or Montanide™ Gel adjuvants, while two control groups were administered with placebos. No local or systemic adverse effects were observed during the study, and hematological parameters and values of blood biochemical indicators were similar among all groups. Furthermore, all vaccine formulations triggered systemic anti-Chi1/Chi2 IgG antibody levels that were significantly higher than the control groups. However, specific IgA levels were generally low and without significant differences among groups. Notably, anti-Chi1/Chi2 IgG antibody levels in the serum of newborn calves fed with colostrum from their immunized dams were significantly higher compared to newborn calves fed with colostrum from control cows, suggesting a passive immunization through colostrum. These results demonstrate that this vaccine is safe and immunogenic when applied to pregnant cows during the third trimester of gestation.
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De los Santos Funes JA, Andrade JPN, Berndtson J, Parrish J. Short communication: profiling the expression of Let-7d-5p microRNA in circulating blood of pregnant and nonpregnant cows. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad054. [PMID: 36850045 PMCID: PMC10079811 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work was to determine if specific circulating microRNA (miRNA) differed due to pregnancy status in heifers. Blood samples were collected from heifers 21 d after receiving an in vitro-produced embryo. Pregnancy status was diagnosed 21 d after embryo transfer, equivalent to day 28 of gestation, with rectal ultrasonography. Blood samples from 10 pregnant and 10 nonpregnant heifers were then evaluated for miRNA expression. There were five different miRNAs quantified using delta-delta Ct and qPCR methodology. These miRNAs had previously been associated with early pregnancy in cattle. The miRNA Let-7d-5p was decreased in nonpregnant as compared to pregnant females (P < 0.05). There were no changes in 16-5p, 16-1-3p, 16-2-3p, and 26a-5p associated with pregnancy (P > 0.05). Results demonstrate an opportunity to identify and study the differential expression of miRNAs from the blood of pregnant cows. The Let-7d-5p miRNA is a potential early pregnancy marker and is critical to better understand the early relationships of the cellular and molecular interactions of the cow and embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Paulo N Andrade
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706-1205, USA
| | - Jodi Berndtson
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706-1205, USA
| | - John Parrish
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706-1205, USA
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Abulaiti A, Naseer Z, Liu W, Ahmed Z, Abdelrahman M, Shaukat A, Pang X, Wang S. Administration of GnRH at day 20 of AI and embryonic losses in synchronized crossbred buffalo. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1118865. [PMID: 36908523 PMCID: PMC9995848 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1118865] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Following the application of different artificial insemination and synchronization protocols, the synchronized buffaloes had a higher incidence of early embryonic or fetal death, thus impairing reproductive performance. Therefore, there is a need to devise a synchronizing program that can improve conception, allow early pregnancy diagnosis, reduce early embryonic losses, and provide an early clue for pregnancy diagnosis and establishment. The present study aimed (1) to determine the effect of administration of different GnRH doses at day 20 of artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffaloes and (2) to observe the influence of synchronization protocol, parity, age, milk production, and body condition score (BCS) on early embryonic loss and progesterone (P4) levels in crossbred buffaloes. Methods Crossbred buffaloes (n = 101) were synchronized using the GPGMH protocol. At day 20 of AI, the synchronized buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and administrated GnRH doses (0, 100, 150, and 200 μg). The buffaloes were monitored for ovarian dynamics, P4 level, non-return rate, embryonic/fetal losses, and pregnancy rates. The previously synchronized buffaloes were also classified for synchronization protocol (with or without GnRH), parity (nulli- or multiparous), milk production (high or low), BCS (low, medium, or good) or age (>3 or < 3 years) groups for observing the embryonic loss and P4 level variations. Results The results indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in CL size, P4 level, pregnancy rate and embryo/fetal losses across the treatment groups at different observation periods. There was a high (P < 0.05) incidence of early embryonic mortality in aged, multiparous, low BCS and low milk-producing buffaloes treated without GnRH. Conclusion The data suggest that GnRH 200 μg at day 20 of AI improves embryo survival and pregnancy maintenance in crossbred buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adili Abulaiti
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Zahid Naseer
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Wenju Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mohamed Abdelrahman
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Aftab Shaukat
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xunsheng Pang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Shujuan Wang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
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Pilla-Campaña M, Yánez-Avalos D, Ortega-Coello M, Aragadvay-Yungan R, Marini PR. Evaluación del efecto de dos protocolos de sincronización sobre los niveles de estradiol y progesterona en vacas doble propósito en la Amazonia Ecuatoriana. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS VETERINARIAS 2022. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la concentración de los niveles séricos de progesterona y estradiol sobre tasa de preñez y dinámica folicular en dos protocolos de sincronización en vacas doble propósito en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana. Esta investigación se realizó en la provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador, desde enero a agosto del 2022. Se utilizaron vacas multíparas en producción con cría al pie, de las razas Pardo Suizo y sus cruces (Bos indicus), con estado corporal >2,25 y que tenían >60 y <150 días abiertos. Tratamiento (T) J-Synch (100 vacas), al día 0 se administró de 2 miligramos (mg) de benzoato de estradiol (BE) y un dispositivo intravaginal (DIB) impregnado con 0,5 gramos (g) de progesterona (P4); el día 6 se retiró el DIB y Se colocó 500 microgramos (µg) de prostaglandina y 400 Unidades Internacionales (UI) de Gonadotropina Coriónica Equina (eCG). Las vacas que presentaron celo fueron inseminadas a las 60 horas (h) y las que no, se inseminaron a las 72 h más la adición de Hormona Liberadora de Gonadorelina (GnRH). Tratamiento Convencional (100 vacas): al día 0 se administró una dosis de 2 mg de BE vía intramuscular (IM) y un DIB, con una concentración de P4 de 0,5 g; el día ocho se retiró el DIB, se colocó 400 UI de eCG, 500 microgramos (µg) de prostaglandina (PGF2α) y 1 mililitro (mL) de cipionato de estradiol (CPE), Inseminación Artificial a Tiempo Fijo (IATF) a las 54 h. En los dos T se tomaron muestras de sangre al azar, a 10 vacas de cada uno para evaluar las concentraciones séricas de estradiol (E2) al momento de la IATF y P4 al día 14 post IATF. Al día 45 se realizó el diagnóstico de preñez a través de una ultrasonografía. La concentración de E2 y P4 para el T J-Synch fué de 103,35 picogramos·mL-1 (pg·mL-1); 6,75 nanogramos·mL-1 (ng·mL-1) y T Convencional: 97,35 pg·mL-1 y 15,24 ng·mL-1, respectivamente. No se encontró variación en la concentración sérica de E2 en los dos protocolos y a pesar que la concentración de P4 fue mayor en el T Convencional, no existió diferencia significativa en la tasa de preñez frente al T J-Synch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelin Pilla-Campaña
- Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Ecuador
| | - Darwin Yánez-Avalos
- Universidad UTE, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Carrera Medicina Veterinaria, Sede Santo Domingo. Ecuador - Centro Latinoamericano de Estudios de Problemáticas Lecheras (CLEPL)
| | | | - Ramón Aragadvay-Yungan
- Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Ecuador
| | - Pablo Roberto Marini
- Centro Latinoamericano de Estudios de Problemáticas Lecheras (CLEPL) - Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Argentina
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Stoecklein KS, Garcia-Guerra A, Duran BJ, Prather RS, Ortega MS. Actions of FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 on bovine embryo survival and conceptus elongation following slow-rate freezing. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture environment during in vitro embryo production can affect embryo phenotype and pregnancy outcomes, making culture modifications a logical approach for improving embryo competence. Previously, the addition of the growth factors FGF2, LIF, and IGF1, termed FLI, to the culture medium improved bovine embryo development, and re-expansion following cryopreservation. The objective of this study was to investigate the survival of cryopreserved FLI treated embryos at day 15 of pregnancy and evaluate conceptus transcriptomes. Embryos were produced using in vitro fertilization of abattoir-derived oocytes, cultured to the blastocyst stage in the presence or absence of FLI (+/- FLI), and cryopreserved by slow-rate freezing. Thawed embryos were transferred into non-lactating recipient beef cows and eight days later conceptuses were recovered and analyzed. For a subset of conceptuses whole transcriptome analysis was performed by using the NovaSeq 6000. There was no detectable difference in conceptus recovery or average conceptus length between the two groups. There were 32 differentially expressed transcripts, 23 up-regulated and nine down-regulated in the +FLI group compared to -FLI. Genes were involved in interferon signaling, prostaglandin synthesis, and placental development. This study reveals that embryos cultured with or without FLI and cryopreserved by slow-rate freezing have similar developmental competence up to day 15 of development. Nevertheless, differences in gene expression exhibit an effect of FLI on conceptus signaling during elongation.
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Valente RS, Marsico TV, Sudano MJ. Basic and applied features in the cryopreservation progress of bovine embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 239:106970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Berg MD, Chen Z, Dean M. Establishment and characterization of epithelial and fibroblast cell lines from the bovine endometrium. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2022; 58:8-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Diaz-Lundahl S, Sundaram AYM, Gillund P, Gilfillan GD, Olsaker I, Krogenæs A. Gene Expression in Embryos From Norwegian Red Bulls With High or Low Non Return Rate: An RNA-Seq Study of in vivo-Produced Single Embryos. Front Genet 2022; 12:780113. [PMID: 35096004 PMCID: PMC8795813 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.780113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, paternal effects on embryo development have been found to have greater importance than previously believed. In domestic cattle, embryo mortality is an issue of concern, causing huge economical losses for the dairy cattle industry. In attempts to reveal the paternal influence on embryo death, recent approaches have used transcriptome profiling of the embryo to find genes and pathways affected by different phenotypes in the bull. For practical and economic reasons, most such studies have used in vitro produced embryos. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in the global transcriptome of in vivo produced embryos, derived from sires with either high or low field fertility measured as the non-return rate (NRR) on day 56 after first AI of the inseminated cows. Superovulated heifers (n = 14) in the age span of 12–15 months were artificially inseminated with semen from either high fertility (n = 6) or low fertility (n = 6) bulls. On day seven after insemination, embryos were retrieved through uterine flushing. Embryos with first grade quality and IETS stage 5 (early blastocyst), 6 (blastocyst) or 7 (expanded blastocyst) were selected for further processing. In total, RNA extracted from 24 embryos was sequenced using Illumina sequencing, followed by differential expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis. We found 62 genes differentially expressed between the two groups (adj.p-value<0.05), of which several genes and their linked pathways could explain the different developmental capacity. Transcripts highly expressed in the embryos from low fertility bulls were related to sterol metabolism and terpenoid backbone synthesis, while transcripts highly expressed in the high fertility embryos were linked to anti-apoptosis and the regulation of cytokine signaling. The leukocyte transendothelial migration and insulin signaling pathways were associated with enrichments in both groups. We also found some highly expressed transcripts in both groups which can be considered as new candidates in the regulation of embryo development. The present study is an important step in defining the paternal influence in embryonic development. Our results suggest that the sire’s genetic contribution affects several important processes linked to pre-and peri implantation regulation in the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Diaz-Lundahl
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Arvind Y M Sundaram
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Gillund
- Geno Breeding and AI Association, Hamar, Norway
| | - Gregor Duncan Gilfillan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Olsaker
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Karasahin T, Alkan H, Satilmis F, Dursun S, Erdem H. Effect of flunixin meglumine treatment during and after embryo transfer on the pregnancy rate in cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1555-1561. [PMID: 34523163 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of flunixin meglumine treatment during and after the transfer of in vivo produced embryos to Angus (cows) and Holstein (cows and heifers) breeds of cattle on pregnancy rate. Holstein cows were used as donors in the study. A double dose of prostaglandin F2α was administered to the recipient animals for synchronization. Uterine flushing was performed in donors on day 7 after artificial insemination. A total of 295 transferable embryos were obtained. These embryos were transferred to Angus cows (n = 85), Holstein heifers (n = 80) and Holstein cows (n = 130). After the transfer, these animals were divided into three subgroups. The first subgroup (TI) was administered flunixin meglumine during embryo transfer, and the second subgroup (TII) was administered flunixin meglumine both during embryo transfer and on days 8 and 9 after the transfer. The third subgroup (TIII) was not administered anything and it was considered the control group. Pregnancy examination of the recipients was performed on days 30-35 after the transfer using real-time ultrasonography. The pregnancy rates after embryo transfer were found to be 43.52% in Angus cows, 42.5% in Holstein heifers, and 24.61% in Holstein cows (p < .05). When the animals were not classified according to breed, the pregnancy rates in subgroups TI, TII and TIII were found to be 29.29%, 45.10% and 29.79%, respectively (p < .05). In addition, the pregnancy rates were higher in TII and TIII subgroups of Angus cows and Holstein heifers compared to that of Holstein cows (p < .05). As a result, the pregnancy rates obtained after embryo transfer in Angus cows and Holstein heifers were found to be higher than that in Holstein cows. In addition, it was concluded that the administration of flunixin meglumine during and during/after embryo transfer has a positive effect on pregnancy rates in Angus cows and Holstein heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Karasahin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Hasan Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Satilmis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sukru Dursun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Erdem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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The Importance of Interferon-Tau in the Diagnosis of Pregnancy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9915814. [PMID: 34513997 PMCID: PMC8429012 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9915814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several decades of improving dairy cattle towards unilateral utilization of dairy cattle led to enormous progress in the field of milk yield; however, it resulted in a number of unfavorable features, such as reproductive disorders, increased calf mortality, and reduced health. Most cases of embryo loss and/or lost pregnancies occur during the first four to five weeks of gestation; accurate detection for pregnancy during this period is likely to contribute to an improvement in gestation rates. A specific protein, interferon-tau (IFNT), stimulates interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and their expression increases during gestation within 21 days after insemination. In bovines, the early conceptus undergoes a phase of rapid growth and elongation before implantation, the latter occurring 2–3 weeks after fertilization. IFNT acts mainly in the endometrium of the luminal epithelium. It is a new type I interferon that regulates several genes encoding uterine-derived factors. They are crucial in the processes of preparing the uterus for placenta attachment, modifying the uterine immune system, and regulating early fetal development. Because IFNT is expressed and induces ISGs in the endometrium during pregnancy recognition, it was reasoned that surrogate markers for pregnancy or IFNT might be present in the blood and provide an indicator of pregnancy status in cattle.
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Boosting the potential of cattle breeding using molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics approaches – a review. ACTA VET BRNO 2021. [DOI: 10.2754/avb202190020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cattle are among the most important farm animals that underwent an intense selection with the aim to increase milk production and to improve growth and meat properties, meanwhile reducing the generation interval allowing for a faster herd turnover. Recently, a shift from traditional breeding methods to breeding based on genetic testing has been observed. In this perspective, we review the techniques of molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics that are expected to further boost the agricultural potential of cattle. We discuss embryo selection based on next-generation and Nanopore sequencing and in vitro embryo production, boosting the potential of genetically superior animals. Gene editing of embryos could further speed up the selection process, essentially introducing a change in a single generation. Lastly, we discuss the host-microbiome co-evolution and adaptation. For example, cattle already adapted to low-quality low-cost fodder could be bred to achieve desired properties for the beef and dairy industry. The challenge of breeding and genetic editing is to accompany the selection on desired consumer-oriented traits with the push for sustainability and the adaptation to a changing climate while remaining economically viable. We propose that we are yet to see the limits of what is possible to achieve with modern technology for the cattle of the future; the ultimate goal will be to produce and maintain genetically elite individuals that can sustain the growing demands on the production.
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Ong CT, Turni C, Blackall PJ, Boe-Hansen G, Hayes BJ, Tabor AE. Interrogating the bovine reproductive tract metagenomes using culture-independent approaches: a systematic review. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:41. [PMID: 34108039 PMCID: PMC8191003 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Undesirable microbial infiltration into the female bovine reproductive tracts, for example during calving or mating, is likely to disturb the commensal microflora. Persistent establishment and overgrowth of certain pathogens induce reproductive diseases, render the female bovine reproductive tract unfavourable for pregnancy or can result in transmission to the foetus, leading to death and abortion or birth abnormalities. This review of culture-independent metagenomics studies revealed that normal microflora in the female bovine reproductive tract is reasonably consistently dominated by bacteria from the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, following by Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria and Tenericutes. Reproductive disease development in the female bovine reproductive tract was demonstrated across multiple studies to be associated with high relative abundances of bacteria from the phyla Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria. Reduced bacterial diversity in the reproductive tract microbiome in some studies of cows diagnosed with reproductive diseases also indicated an association between dysbiosis and bovine reproductive health. Nonetheless, the bovine genital tract microbiome remains underexplored, and this is especially true for the male genital tract. Future research should focus on the functional aspects of the bovine reproductive tract microbiomes, for example their contributions to cattle fertility and susceptibility towards reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chian Teng Ong
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Conny Turni
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Patrick J. Blackall
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Gry Boe-Hansen
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland Australia
| | - Ben J. Hayes
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Ala E. Tabor
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
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Kasimanickam RK, Kasimanickam VR. Association of gastrointestinal parasite burden, serum cytokines and hormones concentrations, and pregnancy in Angus-cross beef cows. Vet Parasitol 2021; 295:109464. [PMID: 34051524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to elucidate the relationships among gastrointestinal (GI) parasite load, serum cytokines (Th 1 - Interleukin (IL) 2, Interferon (IFN) γ and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α; Th 2- IL4, IL6, and IL10) levels, hormones (progesterone, cortisol, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha (isoprostane), prolactin, substance-p, and prostaglandin F metabolites) concentrations, and pregnancy in beef cattle. Angus-cross beef cows (n = 700; age, 3-8 y) were blocked by age and body condition score (BCS, 1-9), and were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 350, TRT, 50 mg of eprinomectin/50 kg BW, im) or control (n = 350, CON, no treatment) on Day -30. Cows were synchronized using Controlled Internal Drug Release insert (CIDR) + CO-Synch protocol and artificially inseminated at a fixed time on Day 0 (66 h after CIDR removal). Fecal samples were collected to determine fecal egg count per gram (FEG, McMaster method) on Days -30, -23, -16, -7, 7, 0, 16 and 23, and blood samples were collected on Days -7, 0, 7, 16 and 23. Serum cytokines were determined on Days -7, 0, 7, 16 and 23, and circulating hormones were measured on Day 16. BCS were recorded on Day 16 following artificial insemination (AI), and pregnancy status was diagnosed on Day 30 and 60. Pregnancy/AI varied among treatment groups on Day 30 [TRT, 62.0% (217/350); CON, 54.9% (192/350) (P = 0.05)] and Day 60 [TRT, 60.9% (213/350); CON, 51.7% (181/350) (P < 0.05)]. Pregnancy loss between 30 and 60 days for TRT and CON groups were 1.8% (4/217) and 5.7% (11/192), respectively (P < 0.05). The BCS on Day 16 did not differ among treatment groups (P> 0.1). Four groups of 40 cows were selected based on their pregnancy status and treatment: pregnant, TRT; non-pregnant, TRT; pregnant, CON; and non-pregnant, CON to compare the mean FEG, cytokines, and hormones levels. The FEG and cytokine concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by treatment, pregnancy status, day, treatment by pregnancy status, and treatment by day. Day 16 hormone concentrations were considerably influenced by treatment, pregnancy status, and treatment by pregnancy. Although FEG on Day -30 did not differ among the groups (P> 0.1), it was lower in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other three groups from Day -23 onwards (P < 0.05). Overall and pairwise comparisons showed that serum concentrations of Type 1 cytokines, IL2, IFNγ, and TNFα were lower (P < 0.05) from gestational Day 7 onwards in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other three groups. In contrast, serum concentrations of Type 2 cytokines, IL4, IL6 and IL10 were greater (P < 0.05) from gestational Day 7 onwards in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other groups. Serum concentrations of progesterone was greater and other hormones were lower for pregnant cows in TRT group compared to cows in other groups on gestational Day 16. In conclusion, GI parasite load was reduced; Th 1 cytokines levels were decreased; Th 2 cytokines concentrations were increased; progesterone level was increased; and cortisol, substance-P, prolactin, isoprostane, and PGFM were decreased in pregnant, TRT cows. These changes also resulted in an increase in P/AI. It is plausible that direct and bidirectional host-parasite interactions mediated by cytokines and hormones may have promoted maternal tolerance of an immunologically diverse conceptus and the establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA; AARVEE Animal Biotech LLC, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
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mRNA Expressions of Candidate Genes in Gestational Day 16 Conceptus and Corresponding Endometrium in Repeat Breeder Dairy Cows with Suboptimal Uterine Environment Following Transfer of Different Quality Day 7 Embryos. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041092. [PMID: 33920430 PMCID: PMC8070175 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The mRNA expression of Interferon-τ (IFNT), IFN stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARA, D, and G), and Retinoid X receptors (RXRA, B, and G) genes and proteins (IFNT, ISG15, CXCL10, PPARG, RXRG, SLC2A1, and SLC27A6) were lower and MUC1 at mRNA and protein levels, was greater in gestation day (GD) 16 embryo and corresponding endometrium of subclinical endometritis cows, and in cows following transfer of poor quality embryo (Grade 3). All genes and proteins but MUC1 expression was lower in GD16 tubular conceptus and corresponding endometrium vs. GD16 filamentous conceptus and matching endometrium in cows with SCE and in cows following the transfer of Grade 3 embryo. Disrupted embryo-uterine communication by altered expression of candidate genes in SCE cows, and in cows following the transfer of poor GD7 embryo negatively programs the conceptus development and plausibly affects the conceptus survival. Abstract Effect of the gestational day (GD) 7 embryo quality grade (QG) and subclinical endometritis (SCE) on mRNA and protein expressions of candidate genes [Interferon-τ (IFNT), IFN stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARA, D, and G), Retinoid X receptors (RXRA, B, and G), and Mucin-1 (MUC1)] in GD16 conceptus and corresponding endometrium were evaluated. After screening of performance records (n = 2389) and selection of repeat breeders (n = 681), cows with SCE (≥6% polymorphonuclear neutrophils—PMN; n = 180) and no-SCE (<6%PMN; n = 180) received GD7 embryos of different QGs. Based on GD16 conceptus recovery, cows with SCE (n = 30) and No- SCE (n = 30) that received GD7 embryos QG1 (good, n = 20), 2 (fair, n = 20), and 3 (poor, n = 20) were included for gene analysis. mRNA and protein expressions (IFNT, ISG15, CXCL10, PPARG, RXRG, SLC2A1, and SLC27A6) differed between SCE and embryo QG groups. All genes but MUC1 and all proteins but MUC1 expression was greater in filamentous conceptus and corresponding endometrium vs. tubular conceptus and matching endometrium in SCE and embryo QG groups. In conclusion, disrupted embryo-uterine communication by altered expression of candidate genes in SCE cows, and in cows following the transfer of poor embryo negatively programs the conceptus development and plausibly affects conceptus survival.
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Wang K, Thomas C, Zhang S, Wathes DC, Cheng Z. Comparison of the Ability of High and Low Virulence Strains of Non-cytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-1 to Modulate Expression of Interferon Tau Stimulated Genes in Bovine Endometrium. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:659330. [PMID: 33898551 PMCID: PMC8062762 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.659330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus with a single-stranded, positive sense RNA genome. It is endemic in many cattle populations, causing major economic losses in part due to reduced fertility. BVDV exhibits great genetic diversity and is classified as type 1 or 2 (BVDV-1, BVDV-2) with either non-cytopathogenic (ncp) or cytopathogenic (cp) biotypes. Differing strains of ncpBVDV differ in virulence, affecting clinical outcome. BVDV replicates in the reproductive tract, affecting host immunity and embryo survival. This study used an in vitro model of primary bovine endometrial cell cultures to compare the effects of two BVDV ncp type 1a strains of differing virulence (termed HO and KY) on endometrial transcription of candidate interferon stimulated genes (ISG) using qPCR. Half the cultures were stimulated with interferon tau (IFNT, the conceptus produced pregnancy recognition factor) in the presence or absence of viral infection. Cultures were replicated on cells from 10 BVDV-free cows. IFNT treatment stimulated transcription of 10 candidate ISGs, whereas both ncpBVDV-1 strains alone inhibited transcription of 8/10 ISGs. In combined BVDV-1+IFNT cultures, the stimulatory effect of IFNT on expression of GBP4, ISG15, HERC5, RSAD2, IFIH1, IFIT3, and MX1 was significantly inhibited by HO, but only ISG15, RSAD2, IFI27, and IFIT3 were decreased by KY. Inhibition by HO was generally greater. The IFNT-induced expression of TRIM56 was, however, increased by HO. These data show that HO, the more virulent ncpBVDV-1 strain, has a greater capacity to inhibit key antiviral pathways. These differences need confirmation at the protein level but may influence immune tolerance of the host. They could also reduce fertility by increasing uterine susceptibility to bacterial infection and disrupting IFNT-mediated pregnancy recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Carole Thomas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Zhangrui Cheng
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Willhelm BR, Ticiani E, Campagnolo K, de Oliveira GB, de Mattos K, Peña Bello CA, Ongaratto FL, Rodriguez-Villamil P, Relly L, Alves JPM, Rondina D, Rodrigues JLR, Bertolini M. Promoter-specific expression of the imprinted IGF2 gene in bovine oocytes and pre-implantation embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:857-863. [PMID: 33713470 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13925] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The bovine IGF2 locus is a genomic region with alternative transcripts controlled by five promoters (P0, P1, P2, P3 and P4). As transcriptional regulation can affect messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation, and thus, subsequent biological effects, this study evaluated the bovine IGF2 promoter-specific expression patterns in oocytes and pre-implantation embryos produced in vitro by our standard IVP procedures. Immature and matured oocytes, and pre-implantation embryos at the 1-, 2-, 4-, 8- and 16-cell, and at early morula, compact morula, blastocyst and expanded blastocyst stages were collected in three pools of five structures per stage, in four replicates. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to RT-qPCR, using four sets of IGF2 promoter-specific primers covering transcripts driven by promoters P0/P1, P2, P3 and P4, with fragments sequenced for confirmation. Expression of P2- and P4-derived transcripts showed an initial peak between immature (P4) or matured (P2/P4) oocytes and 2-cell embryos, gradually falling until embryo genome activation (EGA), rising again at compaction and cavitation. P0/P1-derived transcripts were identified after EGA, during compaction, whereas P3 activity was not detected at any stage. Our findings suggest that P0/P1 and P2 likely have secondary roles during early stages, whereas P3 may be more relevant later in development. P4 seems to be the main pathway for bovine IGF2 expression during oocyte maturation and embryo development and, therefore, the main target to influence IVP in modulation of embryo growth and in studies in developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Rodrigues Willhelm
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Elvis Ticiani
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Karine Campagnolo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Karine de Mattos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camilo Andrés Peña Bello
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Ledur Ongaratto
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paula Rodriguez-Villamil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Luiz Rigo Rodrigues
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bertolini
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Diaz-Lundahl S, Garmo RT, Gillund P, Klem TB, Waldmann A, Krogenæs AK. Prevalence, risk factors, and effects on fertility of cytological endometritis at the time of insemination in Norwegian Red cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6961-6974. [PMID: 33741149 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of cytological endometritis (CYTO), a nonsymptomatic inflammation of the endometrium, at first artificial insemination (AI) postpartum in Norwegian Red cows. Further, risk factors for CYTO manifestation and its effect on reproductive success and late embryo loss were evaluated. In total 1,648 cows located in 116 herds were included in the study. On mainly spontaneous estrus, endometrial cytology samples were collected using a cytotape technique, and a total of 300 representative epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were counted at 400× magnification. Vaginal mucus obtained by Metricheck (Simcro) and body condition score were recorded. Milk samples for progesterone analysis were collected at AI and 21 d later. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation or analysis of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Based on the constructions of a receiver operator characteristics curve, the cut-off level for PMN defined as CYTO was set to 3.0%, representing the level at which the PMN occurrence affected pregnancy outcome, with the highest summation of sensitivity (32.4%) and specificity (74.9%). Three logistic models with herd included as random factor were constructed. The outcome for the first model was the likelihood for CYTO based on the endometrial samples, in the second model pregnancy to first AI, and in the third model embryo loss. The proportion of CYTO was 28.0% (461/1,648). The average interval in days to first AI was 71.7 d (standard error ± 0.7) and the overall pregnancy incidence to first AI was 59.8% (866/1,449). The likelihood for CYTO at first AI was associated with AI personnel, calving to first AI interval, vaginal mucus characteristics, amount of red blood cells in sample, season, and barn type. Pregnancy to first AI was lower in CYTO-positive cows (odds ratio = 1.51, confidence interval = 1.17-1.94). Other factors affecting pregnancy to first AI were AI personnel, test day milk yield, barn type, and obstetrical conditions or fertility treatments before first AI. The proportion of late embryo loss and abortion was 8.6% (82/948) and 2.8% (24/866), respectively. Late embryo loss was associated with treatment against fertility disorders before first AI, but not associated with CYTO. Overall, our results suggest that even if Norwegian Red cows show a fairly high prevalence of CYTO in the endometrium at first AI, it does not seem to have a major effect on the reproductive performance. The Norwegian Red breeding program has emphasized fertility and health for decades, and a genetically advantageous uterine immunology might be one of the preserved mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Diaz-Lundahl
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - R T Garmo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway; TINE SA, PO Box 58, 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - P Gillund
- GENO Breeding and AI Association, Storhamargata 44, 2317 Hamar, Norway
| | - T B Klem
- Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, PO Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - A Waldmann
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - A K Krogenæs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway.
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Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Limone A, D'Occhio MJ. Local action of cytokines and immune cells in communication between the conceptus and uterus during the critical period of early embryo development, attachment and implantation - Implications for embryo survival in cattle: A review. Theriogenology 2021; 167:1-12. [PMID: 33743503 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development, implantation and pregnancy involve a complex dialogue between the embryo and mother. In cattle this dialogue starts as early as days 3-4 when the embryo is still in the oviduct, and it continues to implantation. Immunological processes involving cytokines, mast cells and macrophages form an important part of this dialogue. Amongst the cytokines, interleukin-6 (Il-6) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are secreted by both the embryo and uterine endometrium and form part of an ongoing and reciprocating dialogue. Mast cells and macrophages populate the uterine endometrium during embryo development and are involved in achieving the correct balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions at the uterus that are associated with embryo attachment and implantation. Embryo loss is the major cause of reproductive wastage in cattle, and livestock generally. A deeper understanding of immunological processes during early embryo development will help to achieve the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Limone
- Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Bakhtoo A, Samadi F, Dirandeh E, Colazo M. Effect of types of breeding on embryo survival following first AI in lactating Holstein cows. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:621-628. [PMID: 33484585 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13899] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main objective was to investigate the effects of timed-AI protocols versus AI following oestrus detection on circulating progesterone (P4) and embryo survival after first service in Holstein cows. Cycling status was determined by ultrasonography and by plasma P4 concentrations 14 and 26 days after calving, and only cows with a corpus luteum and/or P4 ≥ 1 ng/ml were used. Cows were randomly allocated to one of three types of breeding: DO (n = 80), received GnRH-7d-PGF2α-3d-GnRH and Ovsynch56 was initiated 7 days later; G7G (n = 70), received PGF2α-2d-GnRH and Ovsynch56 (GnRH-7d-PGF2α-56h-GnRH-16h-AI) was initiated 7 days later; or AI based on oestrus detection, EDAI (n = 60). Progesterone was also determined at AI and 8, 16, 18 and 20 days after AI; ISG15 and MX2 mRNA abundance were determined 16 days after AI. Mean plasma P4 at AI was greater in the EDAI group compared with DO and G7G groups, while after AI, P4 was greater in DO and G7G groups compared with EDAI group. However, the percentage of cows with a concentration of P4 < 0.8 ng/ml at AI did not differ among groups. Relative mRNA abundance of ISG15 and MX2 was greater in the DO and G7G groups compared to those in EDAI group. Pregnancy per AI 16, 32 and 60 days after AI was greater (p < .05) in cows in the DO group compared with those in EDAI group (47.5%, 38.8% and 36.3% vs. 30.0%, 21.7% and 15.0%). Pregnancy losses between 16 and 60 days after AI were greater (p < .05) in cows in the EDAI (50.0%) group compared to those subjected to DO (23.7%) or G7G (24.1%). In conclusion, the use of timed-AI synchronization protocols resulted in greater circulating P4 concentrations post-AI and greater embryo survival following first service in lactating Holstein cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Bakhtoo
- Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
| | - Firooz Samadi
- Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
| | - Essa Dirandeh
- Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Marcos Colazo
- Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kasimanickam RK, Kasimanickam VR, Kumar N, Reisenauer C. Day 7 embryo quality and suboptimal uterine environment influence morphometry of Day 16 conceptus in dairy cows. Theriogenology 2021; 163:10-17. [PMID: 33485025 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of Day 7 embryo quality and subclinical endometritis (SCE) in repeat breeder recipient cows on morphometry of Day 16 embryo and to determine the association of %PMN, serum progesterone and Day 16 conceptus length. Holstein dairy cows that failed to conceive at least 3 times, (parity, 3 and 4; body condition score, 3 to 3.5 out of 5) with subclinical endometritis (n = 180; SCE, >6% PMN on endometrial cytology) or without subclinical endometritis (n = 180; No-SCE, ≤ 6% PMN) were selected. Cows in each group received single, frozen-thawed, quality 1 (n = 60), 2 (n = 60) and 3 (n = 60) embryos (compact morula or early blastocyst) on Day 7 post estrus in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the ovary containing a corpus luteum, using standard nonsurgical techniques. Only cows that expressed estrus (Select-Synch protocol) and with acceptable corpus luteum (≥1.5 cm in size) were included. Conceptuses were collected on Day 16 from all recipient cows by standard non-surgical uterine flushing technique, using an 18-g embryo collection catheter with Phosphate Buffered Saline (pH 7.4). Blood samples were collected on Day 16 to determine serum progesterone concentrations. After collection, conceptuses were weighed and measured, and were categorized as tubular (underdeveloped, 10-20 mm) or filamentous (normal, >25 mm). Between cows with SCE and No-SCE, mean (±SEM) width (1.68 ± 0.13 mm vs. 1.84 ± 0.16 mm), length (34.4 ± 9.6 mm vs. 55.8 ± 13.4 mm) and weight (22.3 ± 3.7 vs. 40.6 ± 6.4 mg) of Day 16 conceptuses differed (P < 0.05). The mean width (1.75 ± 0.19 mm vs. 1.81 ± 0.22 mm), length (57.7 ± 11.2 vs. 51.1 ± 13.6 mm) and weight (34.3 ± 6.4 vs. 38.5 ± 8.2 mg) of Day 16 embryo following transfer of Day 7 embryo quality grade 1 and grade 2 embryos were not different (P > 0.1), but both differed from the mean width (1.59 ± 0.11 mm), length (28.9 ± 9.7 mm) and weight (25.3 ± 4.6 mg) of Day 16 embryo from Day 7 embryo quality grade 3 (P < 0.05). Total percentage of embryos recovered differed between SCE and No-SCE groups (P < 0.05; 36.1 vs 48.9%). Total percentage of embryos recovered on Day 16 following transfer of grade 1 (53.3%) and 2 (44.2%) Day 7 embryos were greater (P < 0.05) compared with transfer of grade 3 embryos (29.2%) (P < 0.001). Total percentage of filamentous embryos recovered was lower for SCE cows compared with No-SCE cows (P < 0.01; 15.0 vs. 25.6%). Total percentage of tubular embryos recovered did not differ between SCE and No-SCE cows (P > 0.1; 21.1% vs. 22.8%). Filamentous embryo recovered for grade 3 was lower (P < 0.05) compared with grade 1 in both SCE (8.3 vs. 21.7%) and No-SCE groups (15.0 vs. 33.3%). The mean (±SEM) CL volume (cm3; 11.8 ± 0.29 vs. 15.9 ± 0.31) and progesterone concentrations (ng/mL; 5.17 ± 1.8 vs. 8.2 ± 1.2) on Day 16 differed between SCE and No-SCE groups (P < 0.05) but not among Day 7 embryo grade groups (P > 0.1). The mean (±SEM) CL volume (cm3; 15.6 ± 0.28 vs 12.1 ± 3.9) and serum progesterone concentrations (ng/mL; 8.6 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.9) on Day 16 differed (P < 0.05) between cows yielded filamentous and tubular embryos. When all cows were considered, multiple regression analysis showed that the %PMN (P < 0.0001), progesterone concentrations (P < 0.0001), embryo qulaity (P < 0.05) and %PMN by progesterone interactions (P < 0.0001) influenced the length of Day 16 conceptus. Among cows without subclinical endometritis, only progesterone concentrations (P < 0.0001) and among cows with subclinical endometritis, only %PMN (P < 0.04) influenced the length of Day 16 conceptus. Progesterone concentrations (P < 0.0001) influenced the length of Day 16 conceptus in cows that received embryo quality 1 and 2. Progesterone concentration by %PMN interaction (P < 0.05) also influenced the length of Day 16 conceptus in cows that received embryo quality 2. The %PMN (P = 0.05) influenced the length of Day 16 conceptus in cows that received embryo quality 3. In conclusion, poor quality Day 7 embryo and presence of SCE negatively influenced early embryo development between Days 7 and 16 of gestation probably by dysregulated embryo-maternal interactions due to lower progesterone, prompting loss of the conceptus in sub-optimal uterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA; AARVEE Animal Biotech LLC, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Livestock Production Management Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, HR, 132001, India
| | - Conrad Reisenauer
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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D Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Transforming growth factor-β superfamily and interferon-τ in ovarian function and embryo development in female cattle: review of biology and application. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:539-552. [PMID: 32024582 DOI: 10.1071/rd19123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival of the embryo and establishment of a pregnancy is a critical period in the reproductive function of female cattle. This review examines how the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily (i.e. bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 15, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 9, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)) and interferon-τ (IFNT) affect ovarian function and embryo development. The oocyte in a primary follicle secretes BMP15 and GDF9, which, together, organise the surrounding granulosa and theca cells into the oocyte-cumulus-follicle complex. At the same time, the granulosa secretes AMH, which affects the oocyte. This autocrine-paracrine dialogue between the oocyte and somatic cells continues throughout follicle development and is fundamental in establishing the fertilisation potential and embryo developmental competency of oocytes. The early bovine embryo secretes IFNT, which acts at the uterine endometrium, corpus luteum and blood leucocytes. IFNT is involved in the maternal recognition of pregnancy and immunomodulation to prevent rejection of the embryo, and supports progesterone secretion. Manipulation of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT in both invivo and invitro studies has confirmed their importance in reproductive function in female cattle. This review makes the case that a deeper understanding of the biology of BMP15, GDF9, AMH and IFNT will lead to new strategies to increase embryo survival and improve fertility in cattle. The enhancement of oocyte quality, early embryo development and implantation is considered necessary for the next step change in the efficiency of natural and assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, 410 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, V. F. Delpino, 1 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnia, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, CEP 05508-270 Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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Bosolasco D, Nuñez-Olivera R, de Brun V, Meikle A, Menchaca A. Estradiol cypionate administered at the end of a progesterone-based protocol for FTAI induces ovulation and improves postovulatory luteal function and uterine environment in anestrous beef cows. Theriogenology 2021; 162:74-83. [PMID: 33450716 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of estradiol cypionate (ECP) at the end of an estradiol and progesterone-based protocol for fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) on ovarian response and uterine function in postpartum anestrous beef cows. Multiparous suckled cows were randomly assigned to receive ECP at doses of 0 (control, n = 15), 0.5 (n = 15) or 1.0 mg (n = 15) im at the time of progesterone intravaginal insert removal. Serum 17β-estradiol concentrations at 24 h after insert removal were greater (P < 0.05) in both ECP treatments than in controls. No differences in estradiol were found between 0.5 mg and control cows (P > 0.1) from 48 h after insert removal until ovulation, although greater (P < 0.05) concentrations were maintained until ovulation in 1.0 mg ECP treated cows. Maximum 17β-estradiol concentration attained in each female was greater as ECP dose was greater (10.4 ± 0.4, 11.8 ± 0.5 and 13.5 ± 0.7, for control, 0.5 and 1.0 mg ECP treated cows, respectively; P < 005). Proportion of cows that ovulated tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in ECP treated than in control cows. Ovulation occurred earlier and the size of the ovulatory follicle was smaller (P < 0.05) for 1.0 mg but not for 0.5 mg (P > 0.1) when compared with control cows. After ovulation (Day 13 and 14), serum progesterone concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in 0.5 and 1.0 mg ECP than control cows. Uterine environment on Day 6 after ovulation was affected by treatment; transcript expression of three of nine evaluated genes (i.e., estrogen, IGF-1 and insulin receptors genes) were upregulated (P < 0.05) after ECP treatment. In conclusion, ECP administration at progesterone insert removal in anestrous cows i) induces greater serum estradiol concentrations and tended to induce greater ovulation rate, ii) acts in a dose-dependent manner, as ECP dose increases ovulation occurs earlier and the size of the ovulatory follicle is smaller, iii) improves postovulatory luteal function and affects uterine gene expression. Altogether, this information contributes with the understanding of the effect of preovulatory estradiol exposure on ovulation and postovulatory ovarian and uterine function in anestrous beef cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bosolasco
- Fundacion IRAUy, Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Cno. Cruz del Sur, 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - R Nuñez-Olivera
- Fundacion IRAUy, Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Cno. Cruz del Sur, 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - V de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Laspalces, 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Meikle
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Laspalces, 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Fundacion IRAUy, Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Cno. Cruz del Sur, 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Block LN, Bowman BD, Schmidt JK, Keding LT, Stanic AK, Golos TG. The promise of placental extracellular vesicles: models and challenges for diagnosing placental dysfunction in utero†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:27-57. [PMID: 32856695 PMCID: PMC7786267 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the health of a pregnancy is of utmost importance to both the fetus and the mother. The diagnosis of pregnancy complications typically occurs after the manifestation of symptoms, and limited preventative measures or effective treatments are available. Traditionally, pregnancy health is evaluated by analyzing maternal serum hormone levels, genetic testing, ultrasonographic imaging, and monitoring maternal symptoms. However, researchers have reported a difference in extracellular vesicle (EV) quantity and cargo between healthy and at-risk pregnancies. Thus, placental EVs (PEVs) may help to understand normal and aberrant placental development, monitor pregnancy health in terms of developing placental pathologies, and assess the impact of environmental influences, such as infection, on pregnancy. The diagnostic potential of PEVs could allow for earlier detection of pregnancy complications via noninvasive sampling and frequent monitoring. Understanding how PEVs serve as a means of communication with maternal cells and recognizing their potential utility as a readout of placental health have sparked a growing interest in basic and translational research. However, to date, PEV research with animal models lags behind human studies. The strength of animal pregnancy models is that they can be used to assess placental pathologies in conjunction with isolation of PEVs from fluid samples at different time points throughout gestation. Assessing PEV cargo in animals within normal and complicated pregnancies will accelerate the translation of PEV analysis into the clinic for potential use in prognostics. We propose that appropriate animal models of human pregnancy complications must be established in the PEV field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Block
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany D Bowman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Logan T Keding
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Zhu L, Marjani SL, Jiang Z. The Epigenetics of Gametes and Early Embryos and Potential Long-Range Consequences in Livestock Species-Filling in the Picture With Epigenomic Analyses. Front Genet 2021; 12:557934. [PMID: 33747031 PMCID: PMC7966815 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.557934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenome is dynamic and forged by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA species. Increasing lines of evidence support the concept that certain acquired traits are derived from environmental exposure during early embryonic and fetal development, i.e., fetal programming, and can even be "memorized" in the germline as epigenetic information and transmitted to future generations. Advances in technology are now driving the global profiling and precise editing of germline and embryonic epigenomes, thereby improving our understanding of epigenetic regulation and inheritance. These achievements open new avenues for the development of technologies or potential management interventions to counteract adverse conditions or improve performance in livestock species. In this article, we review the epigenetic analyses (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs) of germ cells and embryos in mammalian livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs) and the epigenetic determinants of gamete and embryo viability. We also discuss the effects of parental environmental exposures on the epigenetics of gametes and the early embryo, and evidence for transgenerational inheritance in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Zhu
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sadie L Marjani
- Department of Biology, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, United States
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- AgCenter, School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Reese ST, Franco GA, Schubach KM, Brandao AP, West SM, Cooke RF, Cardoso RC, Williams GL, Pohler KG. Induced prostaglandin release alters steroid concentrations but not pregnancy survival in cows. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2021; 74:106514. [PMID: 32693342 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic mortality (EM) is a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency in cattle, and despite negative connotations related to reproductive performance, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is capable of being released by the uterus by Day 30 of gestation. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate differences in PGF2α release after an oxytocin challenge between cows with high circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) vs low PAG because of the association of increased PAG concentrations with pregnancy success. At Day 30 of gestation, pregnant cows were divided into oxytocin treatment (OT; n = 13) and control (CON; n = 12) groups. Treatment cows were further subdivided by circulating PAG concentration (high PAG, n = 7; and low PAG, n = 6). Blood samples were collected every 30 min beginning 1 h before oxytocin administration and continuing for 4 h. Prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), progesterone, estradiol-17β (E2), and PAG concentrations were quantified. The peak concentration of PGFM occurred 2 h after oxytocin injection in treatment animals and returned to baseline levels by 4 h. No correlations were observed between PAG and PGFM, progesterone, or E2 concentrations (P > 0.05). There was no difference in initial or final PGFM concentrations between groups (P > 0.05). Progesterone and E2 concentrations decreased in cows after treatment of oxytocin (P < 0.05); however, only progesterone returned to basal concentrations by the end of the sampling period. In summary, cows with high vs low PAG concentrations at Day 30 of gestation have a similar PGFM response to oxytocin challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Reese
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - G A Franco
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - K M Schubach
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A P Brandao
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - S M West
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R F Cooke
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R C Cardoso
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - G L Williams
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Beeville, TX, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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48
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Tzelos T, Howes NL, Esteves CL, Howes MP, Byrne TJ, Macrae AI, Donadeu FX. Farmer and Veterinary Practices and Opinions Related to Fertility Testing and Pregnancy Diagnosis of UK Dairy Cows. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:564209. [PMID: 33102568 PMCID: PMC7545959 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.564209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dairy cow farming plays an important role in the UK and worldwide economies. Significant challenges are currently being faced regarding sustainability of the dairy industry. Dairy cow subfertility remains an important issue limiting herd productivity, resulting in annual losses of hundreds of millions of pounds in the UK alone. To address this, accurate monitoring of reproductive status and early detection of fertility issues in individual cows is essential. The aim of this study was to gather farmer and veterinarian opinions on current practices and perceived gaps related to diagnosis of fertility issues and pregnancy testing in UK dairy farms. Using online questionnaires, data were collected and analyzed from a total of 40 farmers and 59 veterinarians. The results showed that non-seen bulling checks and ultrasound were the most frequent tools to detect fertility issues, and that most farmers tested post-calving, and often again before or during mating. Most farmers believed that current tests did not meet their expectations, with half of those being willing to pay more than they were currently paying for fertility testing. In regard to pregnancy testing, ultrasound was most commonly used, at 30–50 days post-insemination either in individual or groups of cows. Again, most farmers believed that current tests did not meet their expectations, and a majority would consider paying a higher cost for a test that was better than those currently available. In addition, a majority of farmers would consider using a test that could detect pregnancy within 2 weeks post-insemination, if such test existed, because they believed it would help improve their herds' reproductive performance. Overall, the opinions of farmers and veterinarians indicate that there is significant scope for improving dairy herd fertility monitoring practices in the UK, through development of improved assays that can diagnose pregnancy and infertility earlier, are less disruptive to farm operations and are more cost effective than available tools. They also provide useful information to guide the future development and implementation of better diagnostics for improving reproductive performance of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tzelos
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Cristina L Esteves
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim J Byrne
- AbacusBio International Ltd., Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair I Macrae
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francesc X Donadeu
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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49
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Kasimanickam RK, Kasimanickam VR. IFNT, ISGs, PPARs, RXRs and MUC1 in day 16 embryo and endometrium of repeat-breeder cows, with or without subclinical endometritis. Theriogenology 2020; 158:39-49. [PMID: 32927199 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-τ (IFNT), IFN stimulated genes (ISG15, CTSL1, RSAD2, SLC2A1, CXCL10, and SLC27A6), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARA, D, and G), Retinoic acid receptors (RXRA, B, and G), and Mucin-1 (MUC1) play decisive roles in embryo elongation. The objective was to elucidate expressions of these genes in day 16 embryo [tubular (n = 4) vs. filamentous (n = 4)] and corresponding endometrium [without (n = 4) vs. with subclinical endometritis (SCE; n = 4)] of repeat breeder Holstein cows (2 × 2 factorial design). Results showed that the mRNA abundances (except PPARA and RXRB) were greater (P < 0.05) in filamentous embryo and endometrium without SCE compared with tubular embryo and endometrium with SCE, respectively. Overall, the mRNA abundances (except RSAD2, PPARA and RXRA) in filamentous embryo and corresponding endometrium of cows without SCE were greater (P < 0.05) than tubular embryo and corresponding endometrium of cows with SCE. Proteins IFNT, ISGs, PPARs and RXRs (except RXRB) were greater (P < 0.05) and protein MUC1 was lower (P < 0.01) in filamentous embryo and corresponding endometrium of cows without SCE compared to tubular embryo and corresponding endometrium of cows with SCE. On pairwise comparison, mRNA and protein abundances of MUC1 significantly differed between tubular embryo in uterus with or without SCE, and corresponding endometrium with or without SCE (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the mRNA and protein abundances of IFNT, ISG15, CXCL10, PPARG and MUC1 differed among filamentous and tubular conceptuses, and endometrium with or without SCE of repeat breeder cows on Day 16, indicating that these genes and their downstream signaling cascades play important roles in embryo elongation. Perhaps, interruptions in cross-talk between endometrium and conceptus impaired conceptus elongation in repeat breeder cows with SCE. In addition to disrupted signaling, the tubular conceptus (compared to filamentous conceptus) was unable to downregulate MUC1 (anti-adhesive glycocalyx) in repeat breeder cows with or without SCE, resulting in early embryonic demise.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - V R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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50
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Michel-Regalado NG, Ayala-Valdovinos MÁ, Galindo-García J, Duifhuis-Rivera T, Sánchez-Chiprés DR, Valencia-Posadas M. Effect of COQ9 and STAT5A polymorphisms on reproductive performance in a Holstein cow herd in Mexico. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200039. [PMID: 33029215 PMCID: PMC7534564 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme Q9 (COQ9), a coenzyme Q (CoQ) precursor, is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain that drives adenosine triphosphate production. COQ9 polymorphism 18:25527339 is characterized by substitution of guanine (allele G) for adenine (allele A), which modifies the function of the protein encoded by the gene. In Holsteins, allele A has been associated with better reproductive performance in terms of the conception rate, number of services per conception (SPC) and days open (DO). The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein is a transcription factor activated in the presence of cytokines and growth factors. STAT5A polymorphism 19:42407732 in exon 8 has been associated with higher fertility and embryonic survival rates. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of COQ9 and STAT5A polymorphisms with reproductive parameters [calving to first heat interval (CFHI), DO and SPC]. Blood samples were taken from 112 lactating Holstein from a herd in México for allele genotyping by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). To estimate the association between reproductive parameters and genotypes, a linear mixed-effect model was performed. The COQ9 AG genotype was associated significantly with lower SPC (P<0.05) but not with DO or CFHI. No significant association with any reproductive parameter was found for STAT5A. Our findings suggest that the COQ9 18:25527339 polymorphism is a useful molecular marker for improvement of reproductive performance in dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Gerardo Michel-Regalado
- Departamento de Producción Animal, División de Ciencias Veterinarias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Miguel Ángel Ayala-Valdovinos
- Departamento de Producción Animal, División de Ciencias Veterinarias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Jorge Galindo-García
- Departamento de Producción Animal, División de Ciencias Veterinarias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Theodor Duifhuis-Rivera
- Departamento de Producción Animal, División de Ciencias Veterinarias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - David Román Sánchez-Chiprés
- Departamento de Producción Animal, División de Ciencias Veterinarias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Mauricio Valencia-Posadas
- Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Guanajuato, Campus Irapuato Salamanca, Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
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