1
|
Tsogtgerel M, Murase H, Moriyama H, Sato F, Nambo Y. Plasma activin A concentrations during late gestation in Thoroughbred mares with abnormal pregnancies. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 120:104184. [PMID: 36470514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Late-term fetal loss in horses is a major problem in the horse-breeding industry globally. Abnormal pregnancies should be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent abortions and other gestational problems. According to our previous longitudinal study in healthy pregnant mares, the plasma activin A concentration increases as pregnancy progresses. The aim of the present study was to compare plasma activin A concentrations in healthy pregnant Thoroughbred mares (n=40) with those in pregnant mares that suffered fetal loss or showed abnormal symptoms (n=30) during late gestation. This field study found that plasma activin A concentrations were higher in the abnormal group (pregnancy loss, red bag delivery, premature udder development, and vaginal discharge) than the normal group (P < 0.001; cutoff value: ≥ 138.2 pg/mL; sensitivity, 74.4%; specificity, 77.5%). More specifically, plasma activin A concentrations in the "symptom" and "abnormal delivery" subgroups were higher than those in gestational-age-matched normal groups (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the plasma activin A concentration in the "normal delivery" subgroup was not different from that in the "abnormal delivery" subgroup in samples collected within 10 days before delivery. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate a significantly earlier increase in plasma activin A concentration in abnormal pregnancies of Thoroughbred mares during late gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munkhtuul Tsogtgerel
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, 057-0171, Japan
| | | | - Fumio Sato
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dhakal P, Tsunoda N, Nambo Y, Taniyama H, Nagaoka K, Watanabe G, Taya K. Circulating activin A during equine gestation and immunolocalization of its receptors system in utero-placental tissues and fetal gonads. J Equine Sci 2021; 32:39-48. [PMID: 34220270 PMCID: PMC8240525 DOI: 10.1294/jes.32.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although equine gestation is unique from the standpoint of fetal gonadal enlargement and
regression, the activator of this process is still unknown. The present study aimed to
show a possible role of activin during equine gestation. In the first experiment, weekly
plasma samples from six pregnant mares were used to measure activin A. In the second
experiment, eight pregnant mares carrying female (gestational days 110, 140, 180, and 270)
and male fetuses (gestational days 120, 180, 225, and 314) were used for
immunohistochemistry of activin receptors (IA, IB, IIA, IIB), and their intracellular
mediators (Smad2, Smad3, Smad4). Activin A levels in maternal circulation remained low
until fourth weeks of gestation, thereafter, started to increase, and peaked first at 11
weeks of gestation. The second significant peak was observed on the day of parturition.
Activin receptors type IA, IB, IIA, and IIB were immunostained in interstitial and germ
cells of fetal ovaries and testes along with utero-placental tissues. Smad2, Smad3, and
Smad4 were also immunolocalized in all these organs. These results demonstrated the
activin-producing capacity of utero-placental tissues, and also evidenced the existence of
activin receptors and functional signaling molecules in these organs. The first increment
in circulating activin A in maternal circulation coinciding with the timing of initiation
of fetal gonadal enlargement suggests that activin from the utero-placental tissues may
have a stimulatory role in fetal gonad enlargement and utero-placental development in
mares, whereas the second peak could be important to follicular development in the
maternal ovary for foal heat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Dhakal
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, MO 65211, U.S.A
| | | | - Yasuo Nambo
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Taniyama
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences (Doctoral Program), Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences (Doctoral Program), Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,Shadai Corporation, Hokkaido 059-1432, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Appiah Adu-Gyamfi E, Tanam Djankpa F, Nelson W, Czika A, Kumar Sah S, Lamptey J, Ding YB, Wang YX. Activin and inhibin signaling: From regulation of physiology to involvement in the pathology of the female reproductive system. Cytokine 2020; 133:155105. [PMID: 32438278 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activins and inhibins - comprising activin A, B, AB, C and E, and inhibin A and B isoforms - belong to the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily. They regulate several biological processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation and invasiveness, to enhance the formation and functioning of many human tissues and organs. In this review, we have discussed the role of activin and inhibin signaling in the physiological and female-specific pathological events that occur in the female reproductive system. The up-to-date evidence indicates that these cytokines regulate germ cell development, follicular development, ovulation, uterine receptivity, decidualization and placentation through the activation of several signaling pathways; and that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the numerous diseases, including pregnancy complications, that disturb reproduction. Hence, some of the isoforms have been suggested as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the management of some of these diseases. Tackling the research directions highlighted in this review will enhance a detailed comprehension and the clinical utility of these cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Francis Tanam Djankpa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - William Nelson
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sanjay Kumar Sah
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jones Lamptey
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KCCR, Ghana.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kimura Y, Sasaki M, Watanabe K, Dhakal P, Sato F, Taya K, Nambo Y. Expression of activin receptors in the equine uteroplacental tissue: an immunohistochemical analysis. J Equine Sci 2018; 29:33-37. [PMID: 29991920 PMCID: PMC6033615 DOI: 10.1294/jes.29.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin is secreted from equine uterine glands and plays important roles in establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mares. This study aimed to localize activin receptors (ActRs) IA/B and IIA/B using immunohistochemistry in the uteroplacental tissues of seven pregnant Thoroughbred mares. At the time of tissue collection, the mares were at the following days of pregnancy: 88, 120, 161, 269, 290, 313, and 335 days. We fixed the uteroplacental tissues in 4% paraformaldehyde and obtained serial sections that were subsequently stained for analysis. All four isoforms of ActR were expressed in the uteroplacental tissues, including the endometrial epithelium, uterine glands, trophoblasts, and myometrium, throughout pregnancy. Our results suggested the potential role of activin in the uteroplacental tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kimura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kenichi Watanabe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.,Present address: Animal Science Research Center, Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, U.S.A
| | - Fumio Sato
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Refaat B. Role of activins in embryo implantation and diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:116. [PMID: 25421645 PMCID: PMC4254208 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a major prerequisite for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Ectopic implantation outside the intrauterine cavity and the development of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and occasionally mortality during the first trimester. EP may be induced by failure of tubal transport and/or increased tubal receptivity. Activins, their type II receptors and follistatin have been localised in the human endometrial and tubal epithelium and they are major regulators of endometrial and tubal physiology during the menstrual cycle. Pathological expression of activins and their binding protein, follistatin, was observed in tissue and serum samples collected from EP. Several studies with different designs investigated the diagnostic value of a single measurement of serum activin-A in the differentiation between normal intrauterine and failing early pregnancy and the results are controversial. Nevertheless, the diagnostic value of activins in EP, including the other activin isoforms (activin-B and -AB) and follistatin, merits further research. This review appraises the data to date researching the role of activins in the establishment of normal pregnancy and, pathogenesis and diagnosis of tubal EP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, PO Box 7607, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|