Cytokine networks and the regulation of uterine function in pregnancy and parturition

Inflammatory shift alterations of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in unexplained recurrent miscarriage patients

This study aimed to investigate the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines status in the peripheral blood of uRM patients. The plasma pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β1, IL-10, and IL-4) cytokines of 25 patients with uRM were compared to 33 women with a successful pregnancy. It was concluded that patients with uRM have an excess pro-inflammatory cytokines status.

A multi-organ, feto-maternal interface organ-on-chip, models pregnancy pathology and is a useful preclinical extracellular vesicle drug trial platform

Pregnant women and their fetuses are often excluded from clinical trials due to missing drug-related pre-clinical trial information at the human feto-maternal interface (FMi). The two interfaces-placenta/decidua and fetal membranes/decidua are gatekeepers of drug transport; however, testing their functions is impractical during pregnancy. Limitations of current in-vivo/in-vitro models have hampered drug development and testing during pregnancy. Hence, major complications like preterm births and maternal and neonatal mortalities remain high. Advancements in organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms to test drug kinetics and efficacy and novel extracellular vesicle-based fetal drug delivery are expected to accelerate preclinical trials related to pregnancy complications. Here we report the development and testing of a humanized multi-organ fetal membrane/placenta (fetal)-decidua (maternal) interface OOC (FMi-PLA-OOC) that contains seven cell types interconnected through microchannels to maintain intercellular interactions as seen in-utero. Cytotoxicity, propagation, mechanism of action, and efficacy of engineered extracellular vesicles containing anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 (eIL-10) were evaluated to reduce FMi inflammation associated with preterm birth. A healthy and disease model (lipopolysaccharide-infectious inflammation) of the FMi-PLA-OOC was created and co-treated with eIL-10. eIL-10 propagated from the maternal to fetal side within 72-hours, localized in all cell types, showed no cytotoxicity, activated IL-10 signaling pathways, and reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation (minimized NF-kB activation and proinflammatory cytokine production). These data recapitulated eIL-10s' ability to reduce inflammation and delay infection-associated preterm birth in mouse models, suggesting FMi-PLA-OOC as an alternative approach to using animal models. Additionally, we report the utility of eIL-10 that can traverse through FMis to reduce inflammation-associated pregnancy complications.

Blastocyst-like Structures in the Peripheral Retina of Young Adult Beagles

In this immunohistological study on the peripheral retina of 3-year-old beagle dogs, excised retina specimens were immunostained with antibodies against nestin, Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, CDX2, cytokeratin 18 (CK 18), RPE65, and YAP1, as well as hematoxylin and DAPI, two nuclear stains. Our findings revealed solitary cysts of various sizes in the inner retina. Intriguingly, a mass of small round cells with scant cytoplasms was observed in the cavity of small cysts, while many disorganized cells partially occupied the cavity of the large cysts. The small cysts were strongly positive for nestin, Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, CDX2, CK18, and YAP1. RPE65-positive cells were exclusively observed in the tissue surrounding the cysts. Since RPE65 is a specific marker of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, the surrounding cells of the peripheral cysts were presumably derived from RPE cells that migrated intraretinally. In the small cysts, intense positive staining for nestin, a marker of retinal stem cells, seemed to indicate that they were derived from retinal stem cells. The morphology and positive staining for markers of blastocyst and RPE cells indicated that the small cysts may have formed structures resembling the blastocyst, possibly caused by the interaction between retinal stem cells and migrated RPE cells.

Association between birth-related factors and periodontitis in women: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018

AIM

Adult women experience several changes in physiological status, such as pregnancy and childbirth, during their life cycle. This study analyses the association between birth-related factors (the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages) and periodontitis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which represents Korean adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI and VII (2013-2018) and included 10,072 women 19 years or older, with no missing data on the variables assessed. Periodontitis was defined according to the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, household income, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, an oral examination within 1 year, daily tooth brushing frequency, hygiene products and self-perceived oral health as identified via logistic regression analyses, was performed to determine the association between birth-related variables and periodontitis.

RESULTS

In the crude model, the odds ratio (OR) showed a significantly increased risk of periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) and severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) based on the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages (p < .05). After covariate adjustment, periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) was associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-2.50; 2: OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.57-2.61; ≥3: OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.60-2.78). Furthermore, severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) was also associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24-4.38; 2: OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.62-5.52; ≥3: OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.79-6.21).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this large-scale, nationally representative study suggest that the number of childbirths is associated with the severity of periodontitis. However, the relationship between the number of abortions and miscarriages and periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) or severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) is not significant.

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor

The gestational period is an incredibly stressful time for a pregnant woman. Pregnant patients constantly seek effective and reliable compounds in order to achieve a healthy labor. Nowadays, increasing numbers of women use herbal preparations and supplements during pregnancy. One of the most popular and most frequently chosen herbs during pregnancy is the raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Raspberry extracts are allegedly associated with a positive effect on childbirth through the induction of uterine contractions, acceleration of the cervical ripening, and shortening of childbirth. The history of the consumption of raspberry leaves throughout pregnancy is vast. This review shows the current status of the use of raspberry leaves in pregnancy, emphasizing the effect on the cervix, and the safety profile of this herb. The majority of women apply raspberry leaves during pregnancy to induce and ease labor. However, it has not been possible to determine the exact effect of using raspberry extracts on the course of childbirth and the perinatal period. Additionally, it is unclear whether this herb has only positive effects. The currently available data indicate a weak effect of raspberry leaf extracts on labor induction and, at the same time, their possible negative impact on cervical ripening.

Role of intraluteal and intrauterine prostaglandin signaling in LH-induced luteolysis in pregnant rats

Luteal dysfunctions lead to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications. Normal luteal function is regulated by many factors, including luteinizing hormone (LH). The luteotropic roles of LH have been widely investigated but its role in the process of luteolysis has received little attention. LH has been shown to have luteolytic effects during pregnancy in rats and the role of intraluteal prostaglandins (PGs) in LH-mediated luteolysis has been demonstrated by others. However, the status of PG signaling in the uterus during LH-mediated luteolysis remains unexplored. In this study, we utilized the repeated LH administration (4×LH) model for luteolysis induction. We have examined the effect of LH-mediated luteolysis on the expression of genes involved in luteal/uterine PG synthesis, luteal PGF_2α signaling, and uterine activation during different stages (mid and late) of pregnancy. Further, we analyzed the effect of overall PG synthesis machinery blockage on LH-mediated luteolysis during late pregnancy. Unlike the midstage of pregnancy, the expression of genes involved in PG synthesis, PGF_2α signaling, and uterine activation in late-stage pregnant rats' luteal and uterine tissue increase 4×LH. Since the cAMP/PKA pathway mediates LH-mediated luteolysis, we analyzed the effect of inhibition of endogenous PG synthesis on the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, followed by the analysis of the expression of markers of luteolysis. Inhibition of endogenous PG synthesis did not affect the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. However, in the absence of endogenous PGs, luteolysis could not be activated to the full extent. Our results suggest that endogenous PGs may contribute to LH-mediated luteolysis, but this dependency on endogenous PGs is pregnancy-stage dependent. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular pathways that regulate luteolysis.

Immunological tolerance in the evolution of male pregnancy

The unique male pregnancy in pipefishes and seahorses ranges from basic attachment (pouch-less species: Nerophinae) of maternal eggs to specialized internal gestation in pouched species (e.g. Syngnathus and Hippocampus) with many transitions in between. Due to this diversity, male pregnancy offers a unique platform for assessing physiological and molecular adaptations in pregnancy evolution. These insights will contribute to answering long-standing questions of why and how pregnancy evolved convergently in so many vertebrate systems. To understand the molecular congruencies and disparities in male pregnancy evolution, we compared transcriptome-wide differentially expressed genes in four syngnathid species, at four pregnancy stages (nonpregnant, early, late and parturition). Across all species and pregnancy forms, metabolic processes and immune dynamics defined pregnancy stages, especially pouched species shared expression features akin to female pregnancy. The observed downregulation of adaptive immune genes in early-stage pregnancy and its reversed upregulation during late/parturition in pouched species, most notably in Hippocampus, combined with directionless expression in the pouch-less species, suggests immune modulation to be restricted to pouched species that evolved placenta-like systems. We propose that increased foeto-paternal intimacy in pouched syngnathids commands immune suppression processes in early gestation, and that the elevated immune response during parturition coincides with pouch opening and reduced progeny reliance. Immune response regulation in pouched species supports the recently described functional MHC II pathway loss as critical in male pregnancy evolution. The independent co-option of similar genes and pathways both in male and female pregnancy highlights immune modulation as crucial for the evolutionary establishment of pregnancy.

Impact of prenatal COVID-19 vaccination on delivery and neonatal outcomes: Results from a New York City cohort

Research suggest prenatal vaccination against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is safe. However, previous studies utilized retrospectively collected data or examined late pregnancy vaccinations. We investigated the associations of COVID-19 vaccination throughout pregnancy with delivery and neonatal outcomes. We included 1,794 mother-neonate dyads enrolled in the Generation C Study with known prenatal COVID-19 vaccination status and complete covariate and outcome data. We used multivariable quantile regressions to estimate the effect of prenatal COVID-19 vaccination on birthweight, delivery gestational age, and blood loss at delivery; and Poisson generalized linear models for Caesarean delivery (CD) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Using the above methods, we estimated effects of trimester of vaccine initiation on these outcomes. In our sample, 13.7% (n = 250) received at least one prenatal dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination was not associated with birthweight (β = 12.42 g [-90.5, 114.8]), gestational age (β = 0.2 days [-1.1, 1.5]), blood loss (β = -50.6 ml [-107.0, 5.8]), the risks of CD (RR = 0.8; [0.6, 1.1]) or NICU admission (RR = 0.9 [0.5, 1.7]). Trimester of vaccine initiation was also not associated with these outcomes. Our findings suggest that there is no associated risk between prenatal COVID-19 vaccination and adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes in a cohort sample from NYC.

The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls

Introduction

High quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.

Methods

Mature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.

Results

All cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.

Discussion

Nutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.

Gene profiling reveals the role of inflammation, abnormal uterine muscle contraction and vascularity in recurrent implantation failure

Objective: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is now disturbing numerous infertile couples accepting assisted reproductive technology (ART). And the endometrial factors are crucial causes of recurrent implantation failure. However, its mechanism is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify altered biologic processes in endometrium that may contribute to recurrent implantation failure. Methods: We recruited two microarray datasets (GSE103465, GSE111974) from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), which contain endometrium from RIF and normal women during implantation period. Using the online tools GEO2R and Venny, we identified Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) of selected datasets, and obtained common DEGs. Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and BioCatar pathway enrichment were conducted with Enrichr platform, "ssgsea" and "ggplot2" package of RStudio. PPI networks and hub gene related TF-gene interaction and TF-miRNA co-regulation networks were built via online tools STRING and NetworkAnalyst. Immune infiltration analysis was performed by CIBERSORT platform. Recurrent implantation failure subgroup identification was achieved through "ConsensusClusterPlus," "tsne," "ssgsea", and "ggpubr" package in RStudio. Diagnostic characteristic ROC curves were constructed via "pROC" and "ggplot2" package of RStudio. Enrichr platform was utilized to find drugs targeting hub genes. Results: 26 common DEGs were confirmed. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes/BioCarta analysis determined common DEGs were mainly enriched in inflammation associated pathways including TNF, NF-κB, IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, and TGF-β signaling pathways. Five hub genes (PTGS2, VCAM1, EDNRB, ACTA2, and LIF) and related TF-gene and TF-miRNA interactions were identified. Immune infiltration analysis indicated the importance of macrophage M2 in recurrent implantation failure patients. Importantly, subgroup identification analysis highlighted that recurrent implantation failure patients can be divided into two subgroups with different phenotypes. Moreover, the ROC curves and drugs may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic thought for recurrent implantation failure.

Interleukin-7 enhances in vitro development and blastocyst quality in porcine parthenogenetic embryos

Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a vital factor that affects cell development, proliferation, and survival, plays an important role in oocyte maturation. However, its role in embryonic development remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of IL-7 supplementation on in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine embryos after parthenogenetic activation (PA) based on characteristics such as cleavage, blastocyst formation rate, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cleaved embryos, total cell number, apoptosis rate, and cell lineage specification in blastocysts. Immunofluorescence revealed that IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7Rα (IL-7R) localized in the cytoplasm of porcine parthenote embryos. By supplementing the IVC medium (PZM5) with various concentrations of IL-7, an optimal concentration that enhanced embryonic development, promoted intracellular GSH, and decreased ROS levels in the cleavage stage during porcine embryo IVC was determined. Investigation of mRNA expression patterns via qRT-PCR suggested that IL-7 possibly regulated maternal mRNA clearance and zygotic genome activation. Furthermore, IL-7 supplementation reduced blastocyst apoptosis, enhanced the expression of the inner cell mass marker SOX2, and phosphorylated STAT5 levels in the blastocysts. Moreover, it altered the transcription patterns of genes that regulate apoptosis, IL-7 signaling, and development. Thus, we demonstrated the localization of IL-7 and IL-7R in porcine preimplantation embryos in vitro for the first time. Furthermore, we suggest that IL-7 supplementation can be employed to enhance embryonic development and blastocyst quality based on the activation of the transcripts of genes that are involved in developmental competence and IL-7 signaling during in vitro porcine embryo development following PA.

Pathogenicity, colonization, and innate immune response to Pasteurella multocida in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) infection can cause a series of diseases in different animals and cause huge economic losses to the breeding industry. P. multocida is considered to be one of the most significant pathogens in rabbits. In order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism and innate immune response of P. multocida, an infection experiment was carried out in this study.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the clinical symptoms of rabbits were severe dyspnoea and serous nasal fluid. During the course of the disease, the deaths peaked at 2 days post infection (dpi) and mortality rate was 60%. The pathological changes of the lung, trachea, and thymus were observed. In particular, consolidation and abscesses appeared in lung. Histopathologic changes in rabbits showed edema, hemorrhage, and neutrophil infiltration in the lung. P. multocida can rapidly replicate in a variety of tissues, and the colonization in most of the tested tissues reached the maximum at 2 dpi and then decreased at 3 dpi. The number of P. multocida in lung and thymus remained high level at 3 dpi. Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 signaling pathways were activated after P. multocida infection. The expression of Il1β, Il6, Il8, and Tnf-α was significantly increased. The expression of most proinflammatory cytokines peaked at 2 dpi and decreased at 3 dpi, and the expression trend of cytokines was consistent with the colonization of P. multocida in rabbit tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The P. multocida can rapidly replicate in various tissues of rabbit and cause bacteremia after infection. TLRs signaling pathways were activated after P. multocida infection, significantly inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which is might the main cause of respiratory inflammation and septicemia.

The intrafollicular concentration of leptin as a potential biomarker to predict oocyte maturity in in-vitro fertilization

Oocyte maturity is critical to the development potential of the embryo and pregnancy outcomes in natural and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, oocyte maturity is typically evaluated using morphological criteria, although such assessment remains highly subjective. To identify reliable biomarkers of oocyte maturity, this study investigates the relationship between follicular cytokine concentrations and oocyte maturity in IVF patients with different ovarian reserves. In this prospective study, follicular fluid was collected during oocyte retrieval and the concentrations of cytokines involved in ovarian folliculogenesis were determined. Follicular fluid cytokine concentrations were compared between participants in three groups according to serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration, as follows: low AMH, < 2 ng/mL; normal AMH, 2-5 ng/mL; and high AMH, > 5 ng/mL. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis showed that the number of mature oocytes correlated positively and strongly with serum AMH level (r = 0.719; p < 0.01). The leptin concentration in follicular fluid was significantly higher in women with normal AMH level than in those with low or high levels. ROC curve analysis showed that the follicular fluid levels of leptin (area under ROC curve, 0.829; 95% confidence interval, 0.659-0.998; p < 0.01) and SCF (area under ROC curve, 0.706; 95% confidence interval, 0.491-0.921; p = 0.087) were the best predictors of oocyte maturity. At an optimal cut-off value of 16 ng/mL, leptin had positive predictive value (sensitivity) up to 70% and negative predictive value (specificity) of 91% for indicating oocyte maturity. The concentration of leptin in follicular fluid is closely related to ovarian reserve and may serve as a biomarker to predict oocyte maturity.

Impact of Oxidative Stress on Molecular Mechanisms of Cervical Ripening in Pregnant Women

Uterine cervix is one of the essential factors in labor and maintaining the proper course of pregnancy. During the last days of gestation, the cervix undergoes extensive changes manifested by transformation from a tight and rigid to one that is soft and able to dilate. These changes can be summarized as “cervical ripening”. Changes in the cervical tissue can be referred to as remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The entire process is the result of a close relationship between biochemical and molecular pathways, which is strictly controlled by inflammatory and endocrine factors. When the production of reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress occurs. A physiologic increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is observed through pregnancy. ROS play important roles as second messengers in many intracellular signaling cascades contributing to the course of gestation. This review considers their involvement in the cervical ripening process, emphasizing the molecular and biochemical pathways and the clinical implications.

Neuregulin-1 signaling regulates cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion in granulosa cell

BACKGROUND

Granulosa cells (GCs) are multilayered somatic cells within the follicle that provide physical support and microenvironment for the developing oocyte. In recent years, the role of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a member of the EGF-like factor family, has received considerable attention due to its neurodevelopmental and cardiac function. However, the exact physiological role of NRG1 in GC is mainly unknown. In order to confirm that NRG1 plays a regulatory role in rat GC functions, endogenous NRG1-knockdown studies were carried out in GCs using RNA interference methodology.

RESULTS

Knockdown of NRG1 in GCs resulted in the enhanced expression and secretion of the cytokines and chemokines. In addition, the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2 was significantly low in GCs under these experimental conditions. Moreover, in vitro experimental studies suggest that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) treatment causes the physical destruction of GCs by activating caspase-3/7 activity. In contrast, exogenous NRG1 co-treatment of GCs delayed the onset of TNFα-induced apoptosis and inhibited the activation of caspase-3/7 activity. Furthermore, current experimental studies suggest that gonadotropins promote differential expression of NRG1 and ErbB3 receptors in GCs of the antral follicle. Interestingly, NRG1 and ErbB3 were intensely co-localized in the mural and cumulus GCs and cumulus-oocyte complex of pre-ovulatory follicles in the estrus stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The present studies suggest that gonadotropins-dependent NRG1-signaling in GCs may require the balance of the cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion, ultimately which may be supporting the follicular maturation and oocyte competence for ovulation and preventing follicular atresia.

Systemic inflammation and sympathetic activation in gestational diabetes mellitus with obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

Although some evidence suggests an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), its consequences still remain largely unknown. We sought to determine whether OSA is associated with higher inflammation and sympathetic levels in GDM, and to relate them with insulin resistance and perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

OSA was identified by polysomnography and defined as an apnea-hypopnea index of ≥ 5 h^-1. Plasma cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), metanephrine, and normetanephrine were determined by immunoassays.

RESULTS

We included 17 patients with GDM and OSA and 34 without OSA. Women with GDM and OSA had higher normetanephrine concentrations [81 IQR (59-134) vs. 68 (51-81) pg/mL]. No differences in the inflammatory profile were found, while IL-1β was higher in patients with mean nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturation ≤ 94%. We found positive correlations between increased sympathetic activation and IL-1β, with obstructive apneas, while time in REM showed an inverse relationship with IL-1β and metanephrine. Furthermore, IL-10 was inversely related with time in sleep stages 1-2, and with the arousal index, and it was positively related with time in slow-wave sleep. Significant correlations were also found between IL-1β and insulin resistance. There were no significant differences in neonatal characteristics; however, we found inverse relationships between IL-10 and birth weight (BW), and percentile of BW.

CONCLUSIONS

OSA increased sympathetic activity, and IL-1β concentration was higher in patients with GDM with lower nocturnal oxygenation, all of which were related with obstructive events, and time in REM. Moreover, IL-1β was related with insulin resistance, and IL-10 inversely correlated with neonatal BW.

Extracellular vesicles in low volume uterine lavage and serum: novel and promising biomarker for endometritis in Arabian mares

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF_2α and PGE₂). Mares were divided into 30 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 20 fertile (controls). Serum and LVL was collected for EV isolation, and determination of serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Characterization and visualization of EVs were done by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and flow cytometry.

Results

Serial ultracentrifugation of LVL and use of a commercial kit for serum were strategies for EVs isolation. Mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs. The EVs from mares with endometritis differentially expressed CD9 and CD63, compared to controls. Mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators.

Conclusions

Thus, EVs could be used for a better understanding the regulatory mechanisms associated with developing endometritis in mares.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03137-3.

Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Systemic Inflammation in Pregnancy

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in pregnancy and it is associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight. Maternal systemic inflammation is proposed to be one of the main intermediate mechanisms. However, the effects of OSA on systemic inflammation are unknown in normal pregnancy.

Methods: Women in the 3rd trimester underwent hospital polysomnography to evaluate whether OSA increases systemic inflammation in normal pregnancy and its potential association with adverse fetal outcomes. OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥ 5 h⁻¹. Plasma cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined by multiple immunoassays.

Results: We included 11 patients with OSA and 22 women with AHI < 5 h⁻¹, who were homogeneous in age, and body mass index (BMI). Women with OSA had significant higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10. We found significant correlations between AHI during REM and TNF-α (r = 0.40), IL-1β (r = 0.36), IL-6 (r = 0.52), IL-8 (r = 0.43), between obstructive apnea index and TNF-α (r = 0.46) and between AHI and IL-1β (r = 0.43). We also found that CT90% was related to IL-8 (r = 0.37). There were no significant differences in neonatal characteristics; however, we found inverse correlations between TNF-α and IL-8 with birth weight (both r = −0.48), while IL-8 showed a significant inverse relationship with neonatal gestational age (r = −0.48).

Conclusions: OSA in our normal pregnancy population was associated with higher systemic inflammation, which was related to obstructive events, especially during REM sleep. Moreover, systemic inflammation was inversely correlated with neonatal birth weight and age.

Decidual Inflammation Drives Chemokine-Mediated Immune Infiltration Contributing to Term Labor

Infiltration of maternal peripheral leukocytes into the uterine tissues is a critical event occurring before, during, and after term labor (TL). In this article, we investigate the contribution of uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) and pregnant endometrium (decidua) to the inflammatory process during human TL. We hypothesize that labor-related physiological inflammation is orchestrated by uterine-secreted cytokines, which dually activate the uterine vascular endothelium and maternal leukocytes to promote their adhesion and infiltration into the uterus. Using Luminex and ELISA assays, we examine a full range of cytokines (45 proteins) in media conditioned by primary decidual and myometrial cells from TL and term not in labor (TNL) women. The effect of conditioned media on the activation of human uterine microvascular endothelial cells was measured by qPCR and on peripheral leukocytes by flow cytometry. Transendothelial migration of calcein-labeled primary leukocytes toward media was assessed by fluorometry. Stromal decidual cells secrete significantly higher levels of multiple cytokines compared with myometrial cells (p < 0.05) and significantly more cytokines during TL than TNL. These cytokines activate uterine microvascular endothelial cells through the upregulation of cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and peripheral leukocytes by upregulation of CD11b. Furthermore, multiple cytokines secreted from the TL decidua and myometrium significantly increase migration of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes compared with TNL (p < 0.05), which was blocked by a broad-spectrum chemokine inhibitor (FX125L). These data reveal the critical role for decidual- and myometrial-secreted cytokines in the activation of inflammatory pathways leading to labor. We suggest that these pathways represent targets for therapeutic intervention during preterm labor.

A Peripheral Immune Signature of Labor Induction

Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women in the United States undergo labor induction. The onset and establishment of labor, particularly induced labor, is a complex and dynamic process influenced by multiple endocrine, inflammatory, and mechanical factors as well as obstetric and pharmacological interventions. The duration from labor induction to the onset of active labor remains unpredictable. Moreover, prolonged labor is associated with severe complications for the mother and her offspring, most importantly chorioamnionitis, uterine atony, and postpartum hemorrhage. While maternal immune system adaptations that are critical for the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy have been previously characterized, the role of the immune system during the establishment of labor is poorly understood. Understanding maternal immune adaptations during labor initiation can have important ramifications for predicting successful labor induction and labor complications in both induced and spontaneous types of labor. The aim of this study was to characterize labor-associated maternal immune system dynamics from labor induction to the start of active labor. Serial blood samples from fifteen participants were collected immediately prior to labor induction (baseline) and during the latent phase until the start of active labor. Using high-dimensional mass cytometry, a total of 1,059 single-cell immune features were extracted from each sample. A multivariate machine-learning method was employed to characterize the dynamic changes of the maternal immune system after labor induction until the establishment of active labor. A cross-validated linear sparse regression model (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, LASSO) predicted the minutes since induction of labor with high accuracy (R = 0.86, p = 6.7e-15, RMSE = 277 min). Immune features most informative for the model included STAT5 signaling in central memory CD8⁺ T cells and pro-inflammatory STAT3 signaling responses across multiple adaptive and innate immune cell subsets. Our study reports a peripheral immune signature of labor induction, and provides important insights into biological mechanisms that may ultimately predict labor induction success as well as complications, thereby facilitating clinical decision-making to improve maternal and fetal well-being.

Inflammasomes in the Pathophysiology of Maternal Obesity: Potential Therapeutic Targets to Reduce Long-Term Adverse Health Outcomes in the Mother and Offspring

Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically worldwide, with an increase in occurrence among women in their reproductive age. Obesity during pregnancy is associated with significantly increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In addition to the short-term adverse health outcomes, both mother and the child are prone to develop cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological disorders. Although associations between obesity during pregnancy and adverse maternalfetal health outcomes are clear, the complex molecular mechanisms underlying maternal obesity remain largely unknown. This review describes multimeric self-assembling protein complexes, namely inflammasomes, as potential molecular targets in the pathophysiology of maternal obesity. Inflammasomes are implicated in both normal physiological and in pathophysiological processes that occur in response to an inflammatory milieu throughout gestation. This review highlights the current knowledge of inflammasome expression and its activity in pregnancies affected by maternal obesity. Key discussions in defining pharmacological inhibition of upstream as well as downstream targets of the inflammasome signaling cascade; and the inflammasome platform, as a potential therapeutic strategy in attenuating the pathophysiology underpinning inflammatory component in maternal obesity are presented herein.

Alterations in the Expression Profile of Serum miR-155, miR-223, miR-17, miR-200a, miR-205, as well as Levels of Interleukin 6, and Prostaglandins during Endometritis in Arabian Mares

So far the intimate link between serum microRNA (miRNA) and uterine inflammation in mares is unknown. We aimed (I) to investigate expression profile of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 (II) and to measure concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF_2α and PGE₂) in serum of mares with healthy and abnormal uterine status (endometritis). This study was conducted on 80 Arabian mares: young (4–7 years), and old (8–14 years). Mares were divided into 48 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 32 fertile (control) at stud farms. Serum was collected for measuring IL-6, PGF_2α, and PGE₂, as well as miRNA isolation and qRT-PCR. Concentrations of IL-6, PGE₂, and PGF_2α were higher in mares with endometritis compared to control. Age of mares had a remarkable effect on IL-6, PGE₂, and PGF_2α concentrations. Relative abundance of eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 was higher in both young and old mares with endometritis. We noticed that eca-miR-155, eca-miR-223, eca-miR-200a, and eca-miR-205 revealed higher expression level in old than young mares with endometritis. This is the first study that has revealed the changes in cell free miRNA and serum inflammatory mediators during endometritis, and these findings could be used for a better understanding the pathophysiology mechanisms of endometritis in equine.

Maternal supplementation of organic selenium during gestation improves sows and offspring antioxidant capacity and inflammatory status and promotes embryo survival

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in humans and sows, having a biological function mediated in part by its incorporation into selenoproteins. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA), an organic Se source, on reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory status of sows and their offspring. Forty-three Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to receive one of the following three diets during gestation: control diet (control, basal diet, n = 15), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) supplemented diet (Na2SeO3, basal diet + Na2SeO3 at 0.3 mg Se per kg, n = 13), and HMSeBA supplemented diet (HMSeBA, basal diet + HMSeBA at 0.3 mg Se per kg, n = 15). Blood samples of sows and piglets, placentas and piglet liver samples were analyzed for selenium status, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory cytokines. Results showed that, as compared to the control group, HMSeBA supplementation increased the number of born alive piglets and plasma concentrations of total selenium and selenoprotein P in both sows and piglets. Besides, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the blood of sows, umbilical cord and piglets, placentas and piglets' liver were increased by dietary HMSeBA supplementation as compared to the control group, while malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05) was decreased in the blood of sows, umbilical cord and newborn piglets. In addition, maternal HMSeBA intake during gestation up-regulated antioxidant-related selenoprotein gene expression in the placenta (GPx2, GPx3, p < 0.05) and in the liver of newborn piglets (GPx1, GPx2, GPx3, TXNRD2, p < 0.05). Moreover, as compared to the control group, sows and newborn piglets in the Na2SeO3 and HMSeBA groups had a lower serum interleukin-6 (p < 0.05) concentration, and placentas in the HMSeBA group had lower IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal supplementation of HMSeBA during pregnancy improved antioxidant capacities and reduced the inflammation level in mater, placenta, and fetus. This finding may highlight the important role of selenoproteins (especially GPXs) in preventing negative consequences of over-production of free radicals and inflammatory cytokines during gestation and at births.

Maternal HIV, antiretroviral timing, and spontaneous preterm birth in an urban Zambian cohort: the role of local and systemic inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To assess plasma and vaginal inflammation in three antenatal groups (HIV-uninfected women, HIV-infected women entering care on preconceptional ART, and HIV-infected women not on preconceptional ART) and whether these measures are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB).

DESIGN

Case--control study nested within a pregnancy cohort in Lusaka, Zambia.

METHODS

We analyzed 11 pro-inflammatory and two anti-inflammatory markers in 207 women with paired plasma and vaginal specimens collected between 16 and 20 gestational weeks. Among 51 HIV-infected women, we repeated the assays in 24-34-week samples. We used confirmatory factor analysis to create inflammation scores and compared them among the three groups.

RESULTS

At baseline, HIV-infected women not on ART had higher vaginal pro-inflammatory scores than HIV-uninfected women [mean 0.37 (95% CI -0.06 to 0.80) vs. -0.02 (-0.32 to 0.27), P = 0.02]. In repeat testing, women not on preconceptional ART had an increase in vaginal inflammation between the baseline and 24-34-week visits compared with those continuing preconceptional ART [mean 0.62 (95% CI -0.80 to 4.20) vs. -0.07 (-2.78 to 2.11), P = 0.04]. In multivariate analyses, baseline vaginal inflammation predicted sPTB (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.3; P = 0.02). Plasma inflammation did not differ by HIV or ART exposure and was not associated with sPTB.

CONCLUSION

Women not receiving ART at entry into pregnancy care had more vaginal inflammation than women entering on treatment. They also experienced an increase in vaginal inflammation between the two sampling timepoints, possibly as a consequence of ART initiation. Vaginal (but not systemic) inflammation was associated with sPTB and offers a potential mechanistic insight into this important adverse birth outcome.

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

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.

Gamma/Delta T Cells in the Course of Healthy Human Pregnancy: Cytotoxic Potential and the Tendency of CD8 Expression Make CD56+ γδT Cells a Unique Lymphocyte Subset

To date, pregnancy is an immunological paradox. The semi-allogenic fetus must be accepted by the maternal immune system, while defense against pathogens and immune surveillance cannot be compromised. Gamma/delta T cells are believed to play an important role in this immunological puzzle. In this study, we analyzed peripheral blood CD56+ γδT cells from pregnant women (1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd trimester) and non-pregnant women by multicolor flow cytometry. Interestingly, γδT cells represent almost half of CD3+/CD56+ cells. Among γδT cells, the CD56+ population expands in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimester. CD56+ γδT cells maintained a predominantly CD4–/CD8– or CD8+ phenotype, while CD56– γδT cells were in similar rates CD4–/CD8– or CD4+ during pregnancy. Investigation of the lysosomal degranulation marker CD107a revealed a preserved elevated rate of potentially cytotoxic CD56+ γδT cells in pregnancy, while their cytotoxic strength was reduced. Furthermore, CD56+ γδT cells continuously showed a higher prevalence of PD-1 expression. CD56+ γδT cells’ rate of PD-1 increased in the 1^st trimester and decreased hereafter back to normal level. We correlated the cytotoxic potential and the expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD-1 and were able to demonstrate that highly cytotoxic cells within this CD56+ γδT population tend to express PD-1, which might allow the inhibition of these cells after binding its ligand in the placenta. These findings should support the understanding of the complex processes, which ensure the maintenance of pregnancy.

Description of the Follicular Fluid Cytokine and Hormone Profiles in Human Physiological Natural Cycles

PURPOSE

Exogenous gonadotrophins administration during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles could significantly alter the endogenous follicular regulation system and could influence oocyte quality. The analysis of the follicular fluid (FF) cytokine and hormone profiles in physiological natural cycles is crucial to appreciate the role of FF milieu on follicle development. So far, the FF cytokine profile has been analyzed only in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles and in modified natural cycles. Our study defines, in physiological natural cycles, the cytokine and hormone profiles of individual FF aspirated from antral follicles.

METHODS

A total of 203 FFs obtained from 83 women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation were analyzed: 115 FFs from Group 1 (10 to 29 years of age) and 88 FFs from Group 2 (30 to 40 years of age). In individual FF, 27 cytokines were measured with xMAP technology, and progesterone, estrone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

FF hormone profiles were not different in follicular and luteal phase, suggesting that FF hormones are regulated independently of the endogenous gonadotrophins-possibly because 74% of the punctured follicles, which were ≤6 mm, did not require cyclic pituitary function. The follicle size was influenced not only by the FF cytokine profile but also by the FF hormone profile, both of which are dependent on age.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

In physiological natural cycles, FF hormones seems to be regulated independently of the endogenous gonadotropins. Age influences FF hormone and cytokine profiles and the compelling relationship between FF hormones and FF cytokines could influence the follicle development.

Pregnant Women Infected with Zika Virus Show Higher Viral Load and Immunoregulatory Cytokines Profile with CXCL10 Increase

BACKGROUND

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy usually shows only mild symptoms and is frequently subclinical. However, it can be vertically transmitted to the fetus, causing microcephaly and other congenital defects. During pregnancy, the immune environment modifications can alter the response to viruses in general and ZIKV in particular.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the role of pregnancy in the systemic pro- and anti-inflammatory response during symptomatic ZIKV infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multiplex assay was used to measure 25 cytokines, chemokines, and receptors in 110 serum samples from pregnant and nonpregnant women with and without ZIKV infection with and without symptoms. Samples were collected through an epidemiological surveillance system.

RESULTS

Samples from pregnant women with ZIKV infection showed a higher viral load but had similar profiles of inflammatory markers as compared with nonpregnant infected women, except for CXCL10 that was higher in infected pregnant women. Notably, the presence of ZIKV in pregnancy favored a regulatory profile by significantly increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10, receptors IL-1RA, and IL-2R, but only those pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 that are essential for the antiviral response. Interestingly, there were no differences between symptomatic and weakly symptomatic ZIKV-infected groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed a systemic anti-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine profile that could participate in the control of the virus. The anti-inflammatory response in pregnant women infected with ZIKA was characterized by high CXCL10, a cytokine that has been correlated with congenital malformations.

Maternal regulation of inflammatory cues is required for induction of preterm birth

Infection-driven inflammation in pregnancy is a major cause of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Both systemic infection and bacterial ascension through the vagina/cervix to the amniotic cavity are strongly associated with PTB. However, the contribution of maternal or fetal inflammatory responses in the context of systemic or localized models of infection-driven PTB is not well defined. Here, using intraperitoneal or intraamniotic LPS challenge, we examined the necessity and sufficiency of maternal and fetal Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling in induction of inflammatory vigor and PTB. Both systemic and local LPS challenge promoted induction of inflammatory pathways in uteroplacental tissues and induced PTB. Restriction of TLR4 expression to the maternal compartment was sufficient for induction of LPS-driven PTB in either systemic or intraamniotic challenge models. In contrast, restriction of TLR4 expression to the fetal compartment failed to induce LPS-driven PTB. Vav1-Cre-mediated genetic deletion of TLR4 suggested a critical role for maternal immune cells in inflammation-driven PTB. Further, passive transfer of WT in vitro-derived macrophages and dendritic cells to TLR4-null gravid females was sufficient to induce an inflammatory response and drive PTB. Cumulatively, these findings highlight the critical role for maternal regulation of inflammatory cues in induction of inflammation-driven parturition.

Blastocyst-Bearing Sows Display a Dominant Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profile Compared to Cyclic Sows at Day 6 of the Cycle

Simple Summary

A proper uterine environment is basic for obtaining optimal embryo transfer outputs in domestic species, including the pig. However, scarce information is available about the uterine immune response of recipient (uninseminated) sows when receiving embryos during embryo transfer. Endometrial cytokine profile is among the main factors regulating uterine receptivity to embryos. In this study, using Luminex MAP^® technology, we found important differences in the endometrial production in most of the 16 cytokines analyzed between recipient sows and embryo-bearing (inseminated) sows six days after estrus, with a predominant cytokine anti-inflammatory environment in the embryo-bearing endometria. These observations suggest that insemination components and/or early embryos induce an endometrium immune-tolerant cytokine profile at Day 6 of the cycle. The findings could contribute importantly to design strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after embryo transfer in swine.

Abstract

In the context of porcine embryo transfer (ET) technology, understanding the tightly regulated local uterine immune environment is crucial to achieve an adequate interaction between the transferred embryos and the receiving endometrium. However, information is limited on the uterine immune status of cyclic-recipient sows when receiving embryos during ET. The present study postulated that the anti- and proinflammatory cytokine profile 6 days after the onset of estrus differs between endometria from uninseminated cyclic sows and blastocyst-bearing sows. On Day 6 of the cycle, endometrial explants were collected from sows inseminated or not inseminated during the postweaning estrus and cultured for 22 h. The culture medium was then analyzed for the contents of a total of 16 cytokines using Luminex MAP^® technology. The results showed important differences in the endometrial production of most cytokines between the sow categories, with a predominant anti-inflammatory environment displayed by the blastocyst-bearing endometria. These findings suggest that sperm, seminal plasma (SP) and/or early embryos modify the uterine environment by inducing an immune-tolerant cytokine profile already visible at Day 6. Whether the SP or some of its active components may help to develop strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after ET needs further investigation.

Association of bisphenol A or bisphenol S exposure with oxidative stress and immune disturbance among unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion women

Human exposure to environmental chemicals might play a role in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) have been suggested to affect reproductive health. However, the mechanism remains unclear. To explore the association between BPA and BPS exposure and oxidative stress and immune homeostasis, we conducted a cross-sectional study and revealed BPA and BPS levels in relation to these two factors which were supposed to be implicated in miscarriage. 111 URSA patients were recruited and we analyzed urinary BPA and BPS concentrations, oxidative stress biomarkers (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane) and serum immune balance biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ). Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the correlation between bisphenols exposure and outcome biomarkers. After adjustment for age, BMI, menstrual cycle, and parity history, creatinine-adjusted BPA was significantly associated with increases in 8-isoprostane (β = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.07, 1.41; p = 0.031) and IFN-γ (β = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.36; p = 0.046). No statistical correlation between BPS and biomarkers of oxidative stress or immune balance was observed when all participants were analyzed. Further analysis revealed that in the subgroup of BPS > limit of detection (0.01 ng/ml), creatinine-adjusted BPS was significantly associated with increases in IL-10 (β = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.45; p = 0.048). Our findings suggested that BPA and BPS exposure might be related to oxidative stress and immune imbalance in URSA patients. Overall, our work might suggest potential pathogenic and aetiological associations among the bisphenols, biomarkers and URSA, which offers hypotheses for further studies.

Mitochondrial-related effects of pentabromophenol, tetrabromobisphenol A, and triphenyl phosphate on murine BV-2 microglia cells

The predominant reliance on bromated flame retardants (BFRs) is diminishing with expanded use of alternative organophosphate flame retardants. However, exposure related issues for susceptible populations, the developing, infirmed, or aged, remain given environmental persistence and home-environment detection. In this regard, reports of flame retardant (FR)-related effects on the innate immune system suggest process by which a spectrum of adverse health effects could manifest across the life-span. As representative of the nervous system innate immune system, the current study examined changes in microglia following exposure to representative FRs, pentabromophenol (PBP), tetrabromobisphenol A (2,2',6,6',-tetrabromo-4,4'-isopropylidine diphenol; TBBPA) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP). Following 18hr exposure of murine BV-2 cells, at dose levels resulting in ≥80% viability (10 and 40 μM), limited alterations in pro-inflammatory responses were observed however, changes were observed in mitochondrial respiration. Basal respiration was altered by PBP; ATP-linked respiration by PBP and TBBPA, and maximum respiration by all three FRs. Basal glycolytic rate was altered by PBP and TBBPA and compensatory glycolysis by all three. Phagocytosis was decreased for PBP and TBBPA. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed using BV-2-ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) reporter cells to visualize aggregate formation. PBP, showed a direct stimulation of aggregate formation and properties as a NLRP3 inflammasome secondary trigger. TBBPA showed indications of possible secondary triggering activity while no changes were seen with TPP. Thus, the data suggests an effect of all three FRs on mitochondria metabolism yet, different functional outcomes including, phagocytic capability and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Circulating Cytokines Associated with Poor Pregnancy Outcomes in Beninese Exposed to Infection with Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria during pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity as well as fetal and neonatal mortality. Previous studies, including our own, suggested that placental and peripheral cytokine and chemokine levels measured at delivery can be used as biomarkers for pregnancy outcomes. However, the timing of malaria infection during pregnancy matters, and these studies do not address the effect of different cytokines in peripheral blood plasma samples taken at early and midpregnancy and at delivery. Here, we aimed to investigate whether peripheral plasma cytokine levels were associated with pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of 400 Beninese pregnant women. Using a high-sensitivity cytometry-based method, we quantified the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in peripheral plasma samples taken at two time points during pregnancy and at delivery in various groups of pregnant women identified with Plasmodium falciparum infection, with anemia, with preterm births, or giving birth to babies who are small for their gestational age. We found that, consistently at all time points, elevated levels of IL-10 were strongly and significantly associated with P. falciparum infection, while the levels of IFN-γ at inclusion and delivery were weakly but also significantly associated. Low levels of IL-5 at delivery were associated with a greater risk of both preterm births and small-for-gestational-age babies. The immunosuppressive effects of IL-10 likely affect the overall cytokine equilibrium during pregnancy in women harboring P. falciparum infections. Our findings highlight the peripheral signature of pregnancy outcomes and strengthen the idea of using cytokines as diagnostic or prognostic markers.

Duration of labor among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; A Swedish register cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia is a severe obstetric complication affecting 2-8% of pregnancies. There is a common belief that women with preeclampsia experience a shorter duration of labor, where it is thought that increased inflammation that occurs with the disease facilitates labor. However, little evidence exists to support or refute this. Thus, we undertook a register-based cohort study investigating the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and labor duration.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a Swedish register-based cohort study of nulliparous women with spontaneous or induced onset of labor at >34 weeks of gestation with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation. Information of duration of labor was retrieved from electronic birth records and compared between women with hypertensive disorders and normotensives pregnancies. Data was represented as mean adjusted difference in hours (adjusted for pre-gestational disorders, maternal characteristics and mode of delivery) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR), with an event defined as vaginal birth and women with intrapartum caesarean section censored. An aHR >1 indicated shorter duration of labor.

RESULTS

Among 101,531 women, 5548 (5.5%) developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The overall mean duration of labor was 9.43 (SD 5.32) hours. Women with hypertensive disorders experienced a shorter duration of labor compared to normotensive women, with an adjusted mean difference of -0.68 h (95% CI -0.90, -0.47) for gestational hypertension and -1.53 h (95% CI -1.72, -1.35) for preeclampsia. This corresponded to an aHR of 1.05 (95% CI 1.01, 1.10) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.08, 1.17), respectively. However, when we confined the analysis to those who labored spontaneously, the presence of hypertensive disorders did not alter duration of labor (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95,1.01). Only women who were induced and also had hypertensive disorders experienced a shorter duration of labor (aHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04,1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertensive disorders did not alter labor duration among women with spontaneous onset of labor, however an association was observed among women who were induced.

Interleukins' expression profile changes in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles during the postpartum period in dairy cows

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Interleukin (IL) 4 expression was significantly altered during the postpartum period.

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IL8 and IL15 were the most significantly induced during the postpartum period.

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Correlation between increased BHB levels and induction of proinflammatory cytokines.

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Interleukins analyzed were differentially regulated during follicular development.

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ILs induced during the post-partum period were also induced 24 h post-hCG injection.

The postpartum period in dairy cows is associated with a state of temporary negative energy balance and could induce functional changes into ovarian granulosa cells (GC) resulting in significant impact on the ovarian function and fertility. Yet, the regulation of interleukin receptors (ILRs) in GC as well as ILs expression profile during the postpartum period have not been fully investigated. We hypothesized that the postpartum period is associated with changes in ILs expression profile that could affect follicular development and ovulation rate. First, we aimed to investigate the expression and regulation of different IL and IL receptors in GC at different stages of follicular development and then analyse the changes in target ILs expression profile induced during the postpartum period. In the first objective, normal cycling cows were selected and GC were collected from small follicles (SF), dominant follicles at day 5 of the estrous cycle (DF), and ovulatory follicles, 24 h following hCG injection (OF). In the second objective, dairy cows between 50 and 70 days postpartum were randomly selected, and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were measured in blood samples in order to assign cows to the BHB⁺ group (>1.4 mmol/L) or BHB⁻ group (<1.2 mmol/L). GC were collected from preovulatory follicles by transvaginal aspiration. Total RNA was extracted from GC of all groups for analysis of target ILs and ILRs expression. Steady-state mRNA levels of IL4R was strongest in the DF, while IL15R expression was greatest in the OF, and IL21R showed increased steady-state mRNA levels in the corpus luteum as compared to the different groups of follicles. Overall, expression of IL1A, IL1B, IL8, IL15, IL23 and TNFα was stronger in OF as compared to DF, while IL4 and IL10 expression was stronger in SF than in DF. Similarly, expression of IL1A, IL1B, IL8, IL15, IL23, and TNFα were significantly stronger in GC of BHB⁺ cows than in the control, while IL4 expression was significantly reduced in BHB⁺ as compared to control cows. We have established an IL expression profile, which suggest a correlation with BHB levels during the postpartum period. Additionally, we have demonstrated a differential regulation of target ILRs in GC at different stages of follicular development. Overall, these data provide a better understanding of the changes that could affect follicular development and ovulation during the postpartum period and lay the ground for further investigations.

Inflammasomes-A Molecular Link for Altered Immunoregulation and Inflammation Mediated Vascular Dysfunction in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder and is associated with maladaptation of the maternal cardiovascular system and abnormal placentation. One of the important characteristics in the pathophysiology of PE is a dysfunction of the placenta. Placental insufficiency is associated with poor trophoblast uterine invasion and impaired transformation of the uterine spiral arterioles to high capacity and low impedance vessels and/or abnormalities in the development of chorionic villi. Significant progress in identifying potential molecular targets in the pathophysiology of PE is underway. The human placenta is immunologically functional with the trophoblast able to generate specific and diverse innate immune-like responses through their expression of multimeric self-assembling protein complexes, termed inflammasomes. However, the type of response is highly dependent upon the stimuli, the receptor(s) expressed and activated, the downstream signaling pathways involved, and the timing of gestation. Recent findings highlight that inflammasomes can act as a molecular link for several components at the syncytiotrophoblast surface and also in maternal blood thereby directly influencing each other. Thus, the inflammasome molecular platform can promote adverse inflammatory effects when chronically activated. This review highlights current knowledge in placental inflammasome expression and activity in PE-affected pregnancies, and consequently, vascular dysfunction in PE that must be addressed as an interdependent interactive process.

The impact of progesterone and RU-486 on classic pro-labour proteins & contractility in human myometrial tissues during 24-hour exposure to tension & interleukin-1β

Increased expression of pro-labour genes that encode cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), oxytocin receptor (OTR) and connexin-43 (Cx43) at parturition is often attributed to P4 functional withdrawal, based on findings from animal models and human primary myometrial cells. However, the cause of reduced myometrial P4 responsiveness that promotes contractions at labour is not fully determined. Uterine stretch occurs with advancing gestation but most in vitro experimental models do not take this into consideration. We aimed to examine whether tissue-level myometrial stretch influences the ability of P4 to regulate pro-labour protein abundance by using myometrial biopsies from term gestation pregnant women to assess the impact of 24 h exposure to combinations of (i) stretch-mediated tension, (ii) P4 (100 nM) and (iii) an anti-progestin, RU-486 (1 μM). Firstly, we observed baseline COX-2 and Cx43 protein levels increased, whereas P4 content along with calponin-1 and progesterone receptor (PR) protein abundance decreased, in vehicle-treated tissues. P4 supplementation subtly reduced COX-2 levels in un-stretched tissues. Spontaneous and oxytocin-augmented contractility were unchanged by tissue culture exposure to P4 and/or RU-486. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 1 ng/ml) enhanced COX-2 protein and PGE₂ content in un-stretched tissues. Overall, tissue stretch may, in part, regulate P4-sensitive pro-labour protein levels, but this is likely to be reliant on interaction with other in utero factors that were absent in our tissue cultures. More complex culture conditions should be evaluated in future to aid further development of a physiologically relevant model to improve our understanding of in utero myometrial P4 responsiveness.

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity in Foetal Membranes from Term and Spontaneous Preterm Births

The reduction of telomere length, the protective cap structures of chromosomes, is one of the biomarkers of senescence (a mechanism of ageing), and ageing of foetal gestational tissues is associated with both term and preterm parturition. A mechanism regulating telomere length is the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that adds telomere fragments during DNA replication and cell division; however, its role in regulating telomere length is not well studied in gestational tissues. The objective of this study is to correlate telomere length and telomerase activity in foetal membranes from term and spontaneous preterm births. Foetal membrane samples were collected from pregnant women experiencing term labour (TL), term not in labour (TNL), preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) and spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) with intact membranes (n = 20/group). Telomere length and telomerase activity were analyzed by relative quantification (T/S), real-time PCR and PCR-based fluorometric detection, respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Demographic variables were not statistically different among the groups. Foetal membranes from the TL group showed telomere length reduction compared with those from the others (p < 0.0002). Telomerase activity did not change in foetal membranes irrespective of pregnancy outcome. Telomere shortening in foetal membranes is suggestive of senescence associated with triggering of labour at term; however, this is likely independent of telomerase activity, while prematurity may be associated with senescence, but due to other mechanisms than telomere length reduction in foetal membranes.

Female Unexplained Infertility: A Disease with Imbalanced Adaptive Immunity

Unexplained infertility (UI) among women consists of only 10-17% of infertile females. Unexplained or idiopathic infertility is a condition, in which couples are not able to conceive without any definite causes. The presence of the decidual immune system (innate or adaptive) is essential for a successful pregnancy and fertility that is mediated by T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper, CD8+ CD28− T, and regulatory T cells, as well as autoantibodies such as antiphospholipid antibody, antithyroid antibody, antiovarian antibody, cytokines, and chemokines. Therefore, altered proportions or levels of the mentioned compartments of the adaptive immune system may cause pregnancy failure and infertility, especially in UI. Consequently, a deep understanding of immunological compartments in females with UI may help us to define the causes of this disease with regard to immunology. This review will discuss immunological factors, including cellular, molecular components, and transcription factors that are involved in the etiology of UI.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha regulates the expression of the immune response mediators in the porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

PROBLEM

Cytokines are immune response mediators that play an important role in the regulation of reproductive functions. An association between cytokines and peroxisome proliferator receptors (PPARs) has been reported in various tissues, including the endometrium. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of PPARα ligands on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and LIF) in the porcine endometrium in different reproductive stages.

METHODS OF STUDY

Endometrial slices were collected from gilts on days 10-12 or 14-16 of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Endometrial tissue explants were incubated in vitro in the presence or absence of PPARα agonist WY-14643 and antagonist MK886. Expression of mRNA and protein for NF-ĸB and selected cytokines was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunoblot.

RESULTS

PPARα agonist WY-14643 decreased the mRNA expression of NF-κB in most of the analyzed stages (excluding days 10-12 of the estrous cycle), but increased the expression of NF-κB protein (excluding days 14-16 of pregnancy). The WY-14643 increased expression of IL-1β and IL-6 proteins, and the mRNA expression of IL-8 and LIF, decreased IL-4 expression, and did not affect the mRNA and protein expression of IL-10.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results demonstrate that PPARα is involved in the regulation of NF-κB and cytokine expression in the porcine endometrium. PPARα ligands exert a varied influence on immune system components, which could be attributed to differences in the receptivity of porcine endometrial tissue during the reproductive cycle.

Pregnancy-Related Immune Changes and Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System

Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system comprise a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders characterized by myelin loss with relative sparing of axons occurring on a background of inflammation. Some of the most common demyelinating diseases are multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Besides showing clinical, radiological, and histopathological features that complicate their diagnosis, demyelinating diseases often involve different immunological processes that produce distinct inflammatory patterns. Evidence of demyelination diseases derives mostly from animal studies of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model that relies on direct antibody–antigen interactions induced by encephalitogenic T cells. Pregnancy is characterized by non-self-recognition, immunomodulatory changes and an altered Th1/Th2 balance, generally considered a Th2-type immunological state that protects the mother from infections. During pregnancy, the immune response of patients with autoimmune disease complicated with pregnancy is different. Immune tolerance in pregnancy may affect the course of some diseases, which may reach remission or be exacerbated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the immune status during pregnancy and discuss the relationship between pregnancy-related immune changes and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.

Trophoblasts promote induction of a regulatory phenotype in B cells that can protect against detrimental T cell-mediated inflammation

PROBLEM

A successful outcome to pregnancy is critically dependent on the initiation of maternal immune tolerance before embryo implantation. Cells of embryonic origin that come in contact with the uterine microenvironment can exert influence over the phenotype and function of immune cells to facilitate robust implantation; however, what influence they may have on B cells remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the effect of human trophoblast cells on B-cell phenotype and the subsequent effect on peri-implantation events.

METHOD OF STUDY

We cultured purified human B cells with the first-trimester human trophoblast cell line Swan 71 to investigate trophoblast-B-cell interactions and utilized trophoblast spheroids in an in vitro implantation model of migration and invasion.

RESULTS

Trophoblast-educated B cells or TE-B cells were found to consist of B cells in committed lineages such as plasmablasts and memory B cells, as well as increased proportions in subsets of CD24^hi CD27⁺ regulatory B cells and CD19⁺ IL-10⁺ B cells. Conditioned media from the TE-B cells showed reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that influenced the T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Using trophoblast spheroids, we assessed the role of TE-B cells in trophoblast invasion and migration. Our results demonstrate a protective effect of TE-B-conditioned media against deleterious inflammation as evidenced by survival of the trophoblast spheroid in the presence of an immune assault and promotion of a migratory phenotype.

CONCLUSION

We posit that trophoblast-mediated education of B cells leads to their acquisition of properties capable of modulating inflammation in the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period.

LPS Induces Preeclampsia-Like Phenotype in Rats and HTR8/SVneo Cells Dysfunction Through TLR4/p38 MAPK Pathway

Accumulating evidence has shown that preeclampsia (PE) was associated with an aberrant maternal-fetal inflammatory response. In the present study, we first found that in human PE placentas levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1 were significantly upregulated. Next, we demonstrated a notable increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and proteinuria in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated pregnant rats and concomitant high levels of TLR4 and p-p38 in these PE-like rat placentas, which led to aberrant overexpression of both IL-6 and MCP-1, as well as deficient trophoblast invasion and spiral artery (SA) remodeling, and these abnormalities were ameliorated by SB203580, a reported inhibitor of p38. In vitro we further confirmed that LPS triggered the activation of TLR4/p38 signaling pathway, which promoted trophoblast apoptosis and damaged trophoblastic invasion via downstream effectors IL-6 and MCP-1; these mutations were rectified by silencing this signaling pathway. These findings elaborated potential mechanisms that aberrant TLR4/p38 signaling might contribute to PE and LPS-induced PE-like symptom by damaging trophoblast invasion and SA remodeling via activating inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and MCP-1.

Follicular structures of cows with cystic ovarian disease present altered expression of cytokines

Ovulation is considered an inflammatory, cytokine-mediated event. Cytokines, which are recognized as growth factors with immunoregulatory properties, are involved in many cellular processes at the ovarian level. In this sense, cytokines affect fertility and are involved in the development of different ovarian disorders such as bovine cystic ovarian disease (COD). Because it has been previously demonstrated that ovarian cells represent both sources and targets of cytokines, the aim of this study was to examine the expression of several cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-1RI, IL-1RII, IL-4 and IL-8, in ovarian follicular structures from cows with spontaneous COD. The protein expression of these cytokines was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-8 concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In granulosa and theca cells, IL-1RI, IL-1RII, IL-1RA and IL-4 expression levels were higher in cystic follicles than in the control dominant follicles. The serum and FF concentrations of IL-1β and IL-4 showed no differences between groups, whereas IL-8 concentration was detected only in FF of cysts from cows with COD. The FF and serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-8 showed no significant differences, whereas IL-4 concentration was higher in FF than in serum in both the control and COD groups. These results evidenced an altered expression of cytokines in ovaries of cows with COD that could contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Membrane protein CD9 is repositioned and released to enhance uterine function

Tetraspanin CD9 is essential for sperm-egg fusion and also contributes to uterine repair through microexosome formation. Microexosomes share CD9 with exosomes and are released from eggs and uterine epithelial cells. However, the mechanism for the formation of microexosomes remains unknown. To address this issue, we examined membrane localization and extracellular release of CD9 proteins using uterine epithelial cells and secretions in mice and humans. In mice, CD9 localized predominantly on the basal region of the plasma membrane and relocated to the apical region upon embryo implantation. Furthermore, extracellular CD9 proteins were detected in uterine secretions of mice and women undergoing infertility treatment, but were below detectable levels in supernatants of pluripotent stem cells. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that membrane projections were shortened and the number of mitochondria was reduced in uterine epithelial cells lacking Cd9 genes. Our results suggest that CD9 repositioning and release affect both membrane structures and mitochondrial state in the uterus, and contribute to female fertility.

Cytokine Changes in Maternal Peripheral Blood Correlate With Time-to-Delivery in Pregnancies Complicated by Premature Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes

Premature prelabor rupture of the membranes (PPROM) causes one-third of preterm births worldwide and is most likely caused by subclinical intrauterine infection and/or inflammation. We proposed that women with systemic inflammation at the time of PPROM would have shorter latency. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 20 singleton pregnant women with PPROM between 23 ± 1 and 33 ± 6 weeks. The first sample was drawn within 48 hours of admission, followed by weekly blood draws until delivery. Pregnancies complicated with acute chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, obesity, substance abuse, and chronic maternal disease were excluded. Twenty uncomplicated, gestational age-matched pregnancies served as controls. Plasma concentration of 39 cytokines was measured longitudinally using Luminex assays to investigate their value as predictive biomarkers of latency. Women with PPROM exhibited significantly lower plasma concentration of interferon-γ-inducible protein 10-Chemokine (c-x-c motif; IP10/CXCL10), Chemokine (c-x-c motif) Ligand 9 (MIG/CXCL9), Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGFbb), and cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine, also known as CCL27/CCL27 than controls at admission but significantly elevated interleukin (IL)1RA, tumor necrosis factor α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1/CCL2 at delivery compared to admission. Women with PPROM who delivered within 7 days had significantly lower plasma concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL1RA than those with latency periods >7 days. The IL1RA and endotoxin activity in conjunction with clinical parameters results in excellent prediction of latency to delivery (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve = 0.91). We concluded that higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in women with PPROM were associated with increased latency until delivery, likely due to counterbalancing of proinflammatory load. When used in conjunction with other predictive characteristics of time until delivery, cytokines may further assist clinical decision-making and optimize pregnancy outcomes in women with PPROM.

Association between periodontitis and spontaneous abortion: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is a complication of pregnancy which can severely affect women both physically and psychologically. We investigated the associations of periodontitis and periodontopathic bacteria with spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

We conducted a matched case-control study in two tertiary hospitals in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Cases were 85 women with spontaneous abortion at <20 weeks of gestation matched to 85 controls on age, gestational age, and hospital. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were performed. Periodontitis was defined as at least one site with probing depth ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level ≥2 mm at the same site. Subgingival plaque samples were collected to determine the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using real time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The cases were significantly more likely to have periodontitis (50.6%) than the controls (21.2%; P = 0.007). Conditional logistic regression revealed a crude odds ratio (OR) of 4.1 for the association between periodontitis and spontaneous abortion (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-8.9, P = 0.001). The OR decreased, but was still significant, after controlling for previous miscarriage (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.4-7.8, P = 0.006). There was no significant association between the levels of periodontopathic bacteria and spontaneous abortion. Increased levels of P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were associated with periodontitis in both case and control groups. Association between increased T. forsythia levels and periodontitis was observed only in the case women.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis was more common in women with spontaneous abortions as compared with matched controls. Levels of periodontopathic bacteria was not associated with spontaneous abortion in this population.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands affect NF-kB and cytokine synthesis in the porcine endometrium-An in vitro study

PROBLEM

Cytokines, mediators of the immune response, are involved in the regulation of female reproductive processes during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of selected peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and selected cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, -4, -6, -8, -10, and the leukemia inhibitory factor, in the porcine endometrium on days 10-12 and 14-16 of the estrous cycle (mid- and late luteal phase, respectively) or pregnancy (maternal recognition of pregnancy and beginning of implantation, respectively).

METHOD OF STUDY

Endometrial slices were incubated in vitro in the presence of PPARγ agonists, 15-deoxy-Δ12, 14-prostaglandin J₂ or rosiglitazone, and PPARγ antagonist T0070907. mRNA and protein levels in tissues were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

On days 10-12 of the estrous cycle and days 14-16 of pregnancy, PPARγ ligands enhanced the expression of NF-κB, mRNA cytokines, and/or proteins. During the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle (days 14-16) and maternal recognition of pregnancy (days 10-12), PPARγ ligands inhibited the expression of NF-κB, and they differentially affected the expression of mRNA and proteins of cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that PPARγ is engaged in the endometrial synthesis of NF-κB and selected cytokines in pigs. The influence of PPARγ ligands on the tested components of the immune system varied subject to the physiological status of females, and it could be associated with differences in endometrial receptivity.