1
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Zhang T, Hu R, Wang Y, Guo S, Wu Z, Liu J, Han C, Qiu C, Deng G. Extracellular matrix stiffness mediates uterine repair via the Rap1a/ARHGAP35/RhoA/F-actin/YAP axis. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:22. [PMID: 36691027 PMCID: PMC9869517 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrity of the structure and function of the endometrium is essential for the maintenance of fertility. However, the repair mechanisms of uterine injury remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that the disturbance of mechanical cue homeostasis occurs after uterine injury. Applying a multimodal approach, we identified YAP as a sensor of biophysical forces that drives endometrial regeneration. Through protein activation level analysis of the combinatorial space of mechanical force strength and of the presence of particular kinase inhibitors and gene silencing reagents, we demonstrated that mechanical cues related to extracellular matrix rigidity can turn off the Rap1a switch, leading to the inactivation of ARHGAP35and then induced activation of RhoA, which in turn depends on the polymerization of the agonist protein F-actin to activate YAP. Further study confirmed that mechanotransduction significantly accelerates remodeling of the uterus by promoting the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the dynamic regulatory mechanisms behind uterine remodeling and the function of mechanotransduction. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruiting Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Qiu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ganzhen Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Peralta M, Cainelli S, Stassi A, Angeli E, Rey F, Ortega H, Salvetti N, Velázquez M. Endometrial expression of members of the IL-1 family: their involvement in delayed conception of dairy cows. Theriogenology 2023; 195:168-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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3
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Pereira G, Guo Y, Silva E, Silva MF, Bevilacqua C, Charpigny G, Lopes-da-Costa L, Humblot P. Subclinical endometritis differentially affects the transcriptomic profiles of endometrial glandular, luminal, and stromal cells of postpartum dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6125-6143. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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4
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Cui L, Shao X, Sun W, Zheng F, Dong J, Li J, Wang H, Li J. Anti-inflammatory effects of progesterone through NF-κB and MAPK pathway in lipopolysaccharide- or Escherichia coli-stimulated bovine endometrial stromal cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266144. [PMID: 35476705 PMCID: PMC9045630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum uterine infection in dairy cows is commonly caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). Progesterone elicits immunosuppressive function within bovine endometrium, and has been suggested to be related to postpartum uterine infection. Endometrial stroma is exposed to bacteria due to the disruption of epithelium during parturition, but the effect and mechanism of progesterone on innate immune response of stromal cells has not been reported. This study evaluated the impact of progesterone on inflammatory response of primary endometrial stromal cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide or heat-killed E. coli. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that progesterone repressed mRNA induction of IL1B, IL6, TNF, CXCL8, NOS2, and PTGS2 in stromal cells in response to lipopolysaccharide or E. coli challenge. Consistently, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that progesterone suppressed lipopolysaccharide- or E. coli-induced MAPK and NF-κB activations characterized with decreased phosphorylations of ERK1/2, JNK, P38, IκBα, and P65, and inhibition of P65 nuclear translocation. In unstimulated stromal cells, progesterone alone did not affect the mRNA transcription for IL6, TNF, CXCL8, NOS2, and PTGS2, and the signaling cascade of MAPK and NF-κB, but decreased IL1B mRNA expression. These results revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of progesterone in lipopolysaccharide- or E. coli-challenged endometrial stromal cells was probably mediated through MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xinyu Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wenye Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Fangling Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- * E-mail: (HW); (JL)
| | - Jianji Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agriproduct Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- * E-mail: (HW); (JL)
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5
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Zhang S, Wang D, Yan Z. Increasing of matrix metalloproteinase 3 in bovine endometritis. Theriogenology 2021; 175:83-88. [PMID: 34547631 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), a key member of the MMPs family, is involved in the modulation of endometrial inflammation and innate immunity. However, the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis remains unknown. To investigate the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis, endometrial MMP3 expression were determined in uterine biopsies from twenty 40-60 days postpartum dairy cows, which six were healthy cows and fourteen were endometritic cows. Moreover, MMP3 expression were also detected at different intensity of inflammatory response, which was induced by graded concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10 μg/ml) of LPS in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) in vitro. RT-qPCR was used to test the mRNA levels of MMP3 in tissues or cells. Western blot was conducted to measure protein levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for TNF-α and IL-1β in cell supernatant. Results showed that MMP3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased and positive correlative with severity of endometritis in vivo. Likewise, MMP3 expression also positive correlative with intensity of LPS inflammatory response in BEECs in vitro. These results indicate that increasing of MMP3 directly correlates with bovine endometritis, and its increasing may contribute to progression of bovine endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shidong Zhang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou, 730050, PR China.
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou, 730050, PR China
| | - Zuoting Yan
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou, 730050, PR China; Key Lab of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, 730050, PR China
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6
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Andrade JDS, Moreira EM, da Silva GM, Schneider A, Nunes VRR, da Silva RR, Pfeifer LFM. Uterine health and fertility of timed AI postpartum Nelore beef cows raised in the Amazon biome. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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7
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Horlock AD, Piersanti RL, Ramirez-Hernandez R, Yu F, Ma Z, Jeong KC, Clift MJD, Block J, Santos JEP, Bromfield JJ, Sheldon IM. Uterine infection alters the transcriptome of the bovine reproductive tract three months later. Reproduction 2021; 160:93-107. [PMID: 32422601 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infection of the postpartum uterus with pathogenic bacteria is associated with infertility months later in dairy cattle. However, it is unclear whether these bacterial infections lead to long-term changes in the reproductive tract that might help explain this infertility. Here we tested the hypothesis that infusion of pathogenic bacteria into the uterus leads to changes in the transcriptome of the reproductive tract 3 months later. We used virgin Holstein heifers to avoid potential confounding effects of periparturient problems, lactation, and negative energy balance. Animals were infused intrauterine with endometrial pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes (n = 4) and compared with control animals (n = 6). Three months after infusion, caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium, isthmus and ampulla of the oviduct, and granulosa cells from ovarian follicles >8 mm diameter were profiled by RNA sequencing. Bacterial infusion altered the transcriptome of all the tissues when compared with control. Most differentially expressed genes were tissue specific, with 109 differentially expressed genes unique to caruncular endometrium, 57 in intercaruncular endometrium, 65 in isthmus, 298 in ampulla, and 83 in granulosa cells. Surprisingly, despite infusing bacteria into the uterus, granulosa cells had more predicted upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes than all the other tissues combined. In conclusion, there were changes in the transcriptome of the endometrium, oviduct and even granulosa cells, 3 months after intrauterine infusion of pathogenic bacteria. These findings imply that long-term changes throughout the reproductive tract could contribute to infertility after bacterial infections of the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel L Piersanti
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Fahong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Zhengxin Ma
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - KwangCheol C Jeong
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Martin J D Clift
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jeremy Block
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - José E P Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - I Martin Sheldon
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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8
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Scott MA, Woolums AR, Swiderski CE, Perkins AD, Nanduri B, Smith DR, Karisch BB, Epperson WB, Blanton JR. Comprehensive at-arrival transcriptomic analysis of post-weaned beef cattle uncovers type I interferon and antiviral mechanisms associated with bovine respiratory disease mortality. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250758. [PMID: 33901263 PMCID: PMC8075194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite decades of extensive research, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the most devastating disease in beef cattle production. Establishing a clinical diagnosis often relies upon visual detection of non-specific signs, leading to low diagnostic accuracy. Thus, post-weaned beef cattle are often metaphylactically administered antimicrobials at facility arrival, which poses concerns regarding antimicrobial stewardship and resistance. Additionally, there is a lack of high-quality research that addresses the gene-by-environment interactions that underlie why some cattle that develop BRD die while others survive. Therefore, it is necessary to decipher the underlying host genomic factors associated with BRD mortality versus survival to help determine BRD risk and severity. Using transcriptomic analysis of at-arrival whole blood samples from cattle that died of BRD, as compared to those that developed signs of BRD but lived (n = 3 DEAD, n = 3 ALIVE), we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and associated pathways in cattle that died of BRD. Additionally, we evaluated unmapped reads, which are often overlooked within transcriptomic experiments. Results 69 DEGs (FDR<0.10) were identified between ALIVE and DEAD cohorts. Several DEGs possess immunological and proinflammatory function and associations with TLR4 and IL6. Biological processes, pathways, and disease phenotype associations related to type-I interferon production and antiviral defense were enriched in DEAD cattle at arrival. Unmapped reads aligned primarily to various ungulate assemblies, but failed to align to viral assemblies. Conclusion This study further revealed increased proinflammatory immunological mechanisms in cattle that develop BRD. DEGs upregulated in DEAD cattle were predominantly involved in innate immune pathways typically associated with antiviral defense, although no viral genes were identified within unmapped reads. Our findings provide genomic targets for further analysis in cattle at highest risk of BRD, suggesting that mechanisms related to type I interferons and antiviral defense may be indicative of viral respiratory disease at arrival and contribute to eventual BRD mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Scott
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Amelia R Woolums
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Cyprianna E Swiderski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Andy D Perkins
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Bindu Nanduri
- Department of Basic Sciences, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - David R Smith
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - Brandi B Karisch
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - William B Epperson
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
| | - John R Blanton
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, United States of America
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9
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Campos-Múzquiz LG, Méndez-Olvera ET, Martínez MP, Martínez-Gómez D. Campylobacter fetus Induced Proinflammatory Response in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cells. Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:99-106. [PMID: 33815531 PMCID: PMC8008763 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-009] [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: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus is the causal agent of sporadic abortion in bovines and infertility that produces economic losses in livestock. In many infectious diseases, the immune response has an important role in limiting the invasion and proliferation of bacterial pathogens. Innate immune sensing of microorganisms is mediated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and induces the secretion of several proinflammatory cytokines, like IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8. In this study, the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ in bovine endometrial epithelial cells infected with C. fetus and Salmonella Typhimurium (a bacterial invasion control) was analyzed. The results showed that expression levels of IL-1β and IL-8 were high at the beginning of the infection and decreased throughout the intracellular period. Unlike in this same assay, the expression levels of IFN-γ increased through time and reached the highest peak at 4 hours post infection. In cells infected with S. Typhimurium, the results showed that IL8 expression levels were highly induced by infection but not IFN-γ. In cells infected with S. Typhimurium or C. fetus subsp. fetus, the results showed that TNF-α expression did not show any change during infection. A cytoskeleton inhibition assay was performed to determine if cytokine expression was modified by C. fetus subsp. fetus intracellular invasion. IL-1β and IL-8 expression were downregulated when an intracellular invasion was avoided. The results obtained in this study suggest that bovine endometrial epithelial cells could recognize C. fetus subsp. fetus resulting in early proinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Estela Teresita Méndez-Olvera
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, México
| | - Monika Palacios Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, México
| | - Daniel Martínez-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Agropecuaria, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, México
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10
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Brewer A, Cormican P, Lim JJ, Chapwanya A, O'Farrelly C, Meade KG. Qualitative and quantitative differences in endometrial inflammatory gene expression precede the development of bovine uterine disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18275. [PMID: 33106520 PMCID: PMC7588428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptome of the endometrium early postpartum was profiled to determine if inflammatory gene expression was elevated in cows which subsequently developed uterine disease. Endometrial cytobrush samples were collected at 7 days postpartum (DPP) from 112 Holstein–Friesian dairy cows, from which 27 were retrospectively chosen for RNA-seq on the basis of disease classification [ten healthy and an additional 17 diagnosed with cytological endometritis (CYTO), or purulent vaginal discharge (PVD)] at 21 DPP. 297 genes were significantly differentially expressed between cows that remained healthy versus those that subsequently developed PVD, including IL1A and IL1B (adjusted p < 0.05). In contrast, only 3 genes were significantly differentially expressed in cows which subsequently developed CYTO. Accounting for the early physiological inflammatory status present in cows which do not develop disease enhanced the detection of differentially expressed genes associated with CYTO and further expression profiling in 51 additional cows showed upregulation of multiple immune genes, including IL1A, IL1B and TNFA. Despite the expected heterogeneity associated with natural infection, enhanced activation of the inflammatory response is likely a key contributory feature of both PVD and CYTO development. Prognostic biomarkers of uterine disease would be particularly valuable for seasonal-based dairy systems where any delay to conception undermines sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Brewer
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.,School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Joseph J Lim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland. .,School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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11
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Miller BA, Brewer A, Nanni P, Lim JJ, Callanan JJ, Grossmann J, Kunz L, de Almeida AM, Meade KG, Chapwanya A. Characterization of circulating plasma proteins in dairy cows with cytological endometritis. J Proteomics 2019; 205:103421. [PMID: 31233901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of endometritis in dairy cattle is currently requires invasive techniques and specialist expertise. The goal of this study is to utilize a gel-free mass-spectrometry based proteomics approach to compare the plasma proteome of dairy cattle with cytological endometritis to those without. Blood samples were collected from cows (N = 112) seven days postpartum (DPP). Plasma samples from a cohort of 20 animals with cytological endometritis (n = 10) and without (n = 10) as classified 21 DPP were selected for proteomic analysis. Differential abundances of proteins between the two animal groups were determined using both fold change (≥1.5 fold change) and statistical significance threshold (p < .05). A total of 181 non-redundant proteins were quantified, and 25 proteins were found with differential abundance. These include 4 binding protein alpha and mannose binding lectin 2 involved in immune responses. Differentially abundant proteins between the animals were then processed using PANTHER for gene ontology. Gene ontology included associations with innate immune processes, acute phase responses and immune regulation. A potential marker for disease identified here is the "uncharacterized protein G5E513," a protein previously defined by RNA-transcripts. These proteins may form the basis for endometritis prognosis, the development of which is proceeded by systemic changes in immune function. SIGNIFICANCE: Endometritis is a costly reproductive disease of lactating dairy cows that warrants timely diagnosis. We utilized a gel-free mass-spectrometry based proteomics approach to compare the plasma proteome of dairy cattle with cytological endometritis to those without, for the characterization of changes in the proteomic profile associated with uterine disease postpartum. Furthermore, we compared the plasma proteome of healthy and affected cows in the same physiological status of production to better understand the relationship between changes in expression of circulating proteins and to unravel essential biological mechanisms involved in bovine cytological endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A Miller
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Amy Brewer
- Animal and Bioscience Research Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Ireland
| | - Paolo Nanni
- Functional Genomics Centre of Zurich, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph J Lim
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - John J Callanan
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jonas Grossmann
- Functional Genomics Centre of Zurich, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Kunz
- Functional Genomics Centre of Zurich, University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal and Bioscience Research Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Ireland
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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12
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Delayed differentiation of vaginal and uterine microbiomes in dairy cows developing postpartum endometritis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0200974. [PMID: 30629579 PMCID: PMC6328119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial overgrowth in the uterus is a normal event after parturition. In contrast to the healthy cow, animals unable to control the infection within 21 days after calving develop postpartum endometritis. Studies on the Microbial Ecology of the bovine reproductive tract have focused on either vaginal or uterine microbiomes. This is the first study that compares both microbiomes in the same animals. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism of the 16S rRNA gene showed that despite large differences associated to individuals, a shared community exist in vagina and uterus during the postpartum period. The largest changes associated with development of endometritis were observed at 7 days postpartum, a time when vaginal and uterine microbiomes were most similar. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing of the vaginal microbiome at 7 days postpartum showed at least three different microbiome types that were associated with later development of postpartum endometritis. All three microbiome types featured reduced bacterial diversity. Taken together, the above findings support a scenario where disruption of the compartmentalization of the reproductive tract during parturition results in the dispersal and mixing of the vaginal and uterine microbiomes, which subsequently are subject to differentiation. This differentiation was observed early postpartum in the healthy cow. In contrast, loss of bacterial diversity and dominance of the microbiome by few bacterial taxa were related to a delayed succession at 7DPP in cows that at 21 DPP or later were diagnosed with endometritis.
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13
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Dadarwal D, González-Cano P, Dickinson R, Griebel P, Palmer C. Characterization of cytokine gene expression in uterine cytobrush samples of non-endometritic versus endometritic postpartum dairy cows. Theriogenology 2018; 126:128-139. [PMID: 30551019 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To better understand uterine inflammation in postpartum dairy cows we collected sequential cytobrush samples at 29-35 and at 49-55 d in milk (DIM). Based on the uterine cytology, cows were classified as Non-endometritic (n = 23; <18% neutrophils) or Endometritic (n = 12; ≥18% neutrophils) at 29-35 DIM and Non-endometritic (n = 17; <10% neutrophils) or Endometritic (n = 9; ≥10% neutrophils) at 49-55 DIM. Cows defined as Sham Controls (n = 6) were examined by vaginoscopy at 29-35 DIM and identified as Non-endometritic (<10% neutrophils) at 49-55 DIM. Cytokine gene expression in cytobrush samples was assessed using qRT-PCR. Sham Controls did not differ significantly (P > 0.17) from Non-endometritic cows at 49-55 DIM and these data were combined (n = 23). Uterine cytology-based classification using the aforementioned thresholds effectively separated cows into groups with Endometritic cows having significantly higher expression of pro-inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A CSF-1; P < 0.01) and regulatory (IL-1RA and IL-10; P < 0.03) cytokines, relative to Non-endometritic cows. Furthermore, Non-endometritic cows showed a significant decline (P < 0.03) in the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8) and regulatory (IL-10) cytokine genes as the postpartum period progressed; whereas Endometritic cows exhibited a sustained elevation in transcript abundance throughout the sample period for both pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine genes. Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) genes was more complex with TGF-β3 expression significantly (P < 0.01) lower at 29-35 DIM and TGF-β1 gene expression significantly (P < 0.03) increased at 49-55 DIM in Endometritic versus Non-endometritic cows. Expression of TGF-β2 gene was 2.7-fold higher (P < 0.01) at 29-35 DIM in cows that remained Endometritic when compared to cows recovering by 49-55 DIM. Some Non-endometritic cows (n = 4) at 29-35 DIM were reclassified as Endometritic at 49-55 DIM. The sampling procedures at 29-35 DIM did not alter either the cellular response (P > 0.43) or cytokine gene expression (P > 0.17) at 49-55 DIM. In conclusion, normal uterine involution is characterized by a progressive decline in pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine gene expression, while cows with endometritis show a dysregulated inflammatory process characterized by a sustained elevation in pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokine gene expression. This analysis also shows that decreased TGF-β2 gene expression at 29-35 DIM may be an indicator of recovery from endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dadarwal
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - P González-Cano
- Instituto de Farmacobiología, Universidad de la Cañada, Oaxaca, CP.68540, Mexico
| | - R Dickinson
- Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - P Griebel
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-InterVac, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E3, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2Z4, Canada
| | - C Palmer
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Adnane M, Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) - an accessible source of immunologically informative biomolecules. Vet Res Commun 2018; 42:255-263. [PMID: 30117040 PMCID: PMC6244541 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-018-9734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM), the product of epithelial cells lining the uterus, cervix and vagina, is secreted to facilitate uterine lubrication and microbial clearance. Predominantly composed of water and mucins, CVM also contains high levels of immuno-active proteins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and lysozyme which protect against infection by blocking adhesion and mediating microbial killing. The repertoire of cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides is predominantly generated by the secretions of endometrial epithelial cells into the uterine lumen and concentrated in the CVM. The quantity and relative proportions of these inflammatory biomarkers are affected by diverse factors including the estrus cycle and health status of the animal and therefore potentially provide important diagnostic and prognostic indicators. We propose that measuring molecular signatures in bovine CVM could be a useful approach to identifying and monitoring genital tract pathologies in beef and dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology & School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Tiaret, Algeria
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology & School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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15
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Machado Pfeifer LF, de Souza Andrade J, Moreira EM, Reis da Silva R, Araújo Neves PM, Moreira da Silva G, Lemos IC, Schneider A. Uterine inflammation and fertility of beef cows subjected to timed AI at different days postpartum. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 197:268-277. [PMID: 30195943 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the uterine health and fertility of postpartum beef cows subjected to timed AI (TAI) protocols at different days from calving. Lactating Nelore cows (Bos indicus; n = 244) were used in this study. The TAI protocols were initiated between 20 and 60 days postpartum (DPP). Cows were subjected to an estradiol-progesterone based TAI protocol. The cows were divided into three groups according to the days postpartum at the time the hormonal treatment was initiated: 1) Early (n = 64), cows between 20 and 30 DPP; 2) Middle (n = 115), cows between 31 and 45 DPP; and 3) Late (n = 65), cows between 46 and 60 DPP. At Day 0 of the protocol, endometrial cytobrush samples were collected. Slides for polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell counting were prepared and cytobrush was used for RNA extraction and analysis of relative abundance of il1, il6, il8, and tnf mRNA. Cows from the Early group had less (P < 0.05) pregnancies per AI (P/AI) than cows from Middle and Late groups; 29.7% (19/64), 45.2% (52/115), and 52.31% (34/65), respectively. Accordingly, the Early group had a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of PMN cells in the uterus than Middle and Late groups; 9.0%, 3.8%, and 2.2%, respectively. Relative abundances of il1 and il8 mRNA were greater (P < 0.05) in the Early group than Middle and Late groups. These results indicate that beef cows subjected to TAI protocols early postpartum (< 30 DPP) are less likely to become pregnant, which is associated with increased inflammation and relative abundance of mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokines il1 and il8.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jéssica de Souza Andrade
- Bionorte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, CEP 76815-800, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Reis da Silva
- Embrapa, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, CEP 76815-800, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Paulo Marcos Araújo Neves
- UNIR, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, CEP 76940-000, Rolim de Moura, RO, Brazil
| | - George Moreira da Silva
- UNIR, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, CEP 76815-800, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Izabela Cristina Lemos
- UNIR, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional e Meio Ambiente, CEP 76815-800, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schneider
- UFPel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-610, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Dadarwal D, Palmer C, Griebel P. Mucosal immunity of the postpartum bovine genital tract. Theriogenology 2017; 104:62-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Zhang SD, Dong SW, Wang DS, Oguejiofor CF, Fouladi-Nashta AA, Yang ZQ, Yan ZT. Differential proteomic profiling of endometrium and plasma indicate the importance of hydrolysis in bovine endometritis. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9324-9337. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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McGettigan PA, Browne JA, Carrington SD, Crowe MA, Fair T, Forde N, Loftus BJ, Lohan A, Lonergan P, Pluta K, Mamo S, Murphy A, Roche J, Walsh SW, Creevey CJ, Earley B, Keady S, Kenny DA, Matthews D, McCabe M, Morris D, O'Loughlin A, Waters S, Diskin MG, Evans ACO. Fertility and genomics: comparison of gene expression in contrasting reproductive tissues of female cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:11-24. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare gene expression among bovine tissues, large bovine RNA-seq datasets were used, comprising 280 samples from 10 different bovine tissues (uterine endometrium, granulosa cells, theca cells, cervix, embryos, leucocytes, liver, hypothalamus, pituitary, muscle) and generating 260 Gbases of data. Twin approaches were used: an information–theoretic analysis of the existing annotated transcriptome to identify the most tissue-specific genes and a de-novo transcriptome annotation to evaluate general features of the transcription landscape. Expression was detected for 97% of the Ensembl transcriptome with at least one read in one sample and between 28% and 66% at a level of 10 tags per million (TPM) or greater in individual tissues. Over 95% of genes exhibited some level of tissue-specific gene expression. This was mostly due to different levels of expression in different tissues rather than exclusive expression in a single tissue. Less than 1% of annotated genes exhibited a highly restricted tissue-specific expression profile and approximately 2% exhibited classic housekeeping profiles. In conclusion, it is the combined effects of the variable expression of large numbers of genes (73%–93% of the genome) and the specific expression of a small number of genes (<1% of the transcriptome) that contribute to determining the outcome of the function of individual tissues.
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Foley C, Chapwanya A, Callanan JJ, Whiston R, Miranda-CasoLuengo R, Lu J, Meijer WG, Lynn DJ, O' Farrelly C, Meade KG. Integrated analysis of the local and systemic changes preceding the development of post-partum cytological endometritis. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:811. [PMID: 26482908 PMCID: PMC4617749 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regulation of endometrial inflammation has important consequences for the resumption of bovine fertility postpartum. All cows experience bacterial influx into the uterus after calving; however a significant proportion fail to clear infection leading to the development of cytological endometritis (CE) and compromised fertility. We hypothesised that early immunological changes could not only act as potential prognostic biomarkers for the subsequent development of disease but also shed light on the pathogenesis of endometritis in the postpartum dairy cow. METHODS Endometrial biopsy RNA was extracted from 15 cows at 7 and 21 days postpartum (DPP), using the Qiagen RNeasy(®) Plus Mini kit and quality determined using an Agilent 2100 bioanalyser. Disease status was determined by histpathology based on inflammatory cell infiltrate. RNA-seq of both mRNA and miRNA libraries were performed on an Illumina® HiSeq(™) 2000. Paired reads were aligned to the bovine genome with Bowtie2 and differentially expressed genes were identified using EdgeR. Significantly over-represented Gene Ontology terms were identified using GO-seq, and pathway analysis was performed using KEGG. Quanititative real-time PCR was also performed for validation (ABI 7500 fast). Haematology was assessed using an automated ADVIA 2120 analyser. Serum proteins were evaluated by ELISA and metabolite analysis was performed using a Beckman Coulter AU 400 clinical analyser. Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used to obtain fingerprints of the microbial communities present. RESULTS Next-generation sequencing from endometrial biopsies taken at 7 DPP identified significant induction of inflammatory gene expression in all cows. Despite the common inflammatory profile and enrichment of the Toll-like receptor and NFκB pathways, 73 genes and 31 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between healthy cows (HC, n = 9) and cows which subsequently developed CE at 7 DPP (n = 6, FDR < 0.1). While significant differential expression of 4197 genes in the transcriptome of healthy cows between 7 and 21 DPP showed the transition from a proinflammatory to tissue profliferation and repair, only 31 genes were differentially expressed in cows with CE (FDR < 0.1), indicating the arrest of such a transition. A link betwene the dysregulated inflammatory response and the composition of the uterine microbial communities was suggested by the presence of significant differences in uterine bacterial tRFLP profiles between HC and CE groups. Furthermore, inflammatory activity was not confined to the uterus; decreased circulating granulocytes and increased Acute Phase Protein (SAA and HP) expression levels were detected in plasma at 7 DPP in cows that developed CE. CONCLUSION Our data suggests that the IL1 and IL17 inflammatory cascade activated early postpartum is resolved thereby restoring homeostasis in healthy cows by 21 DPP, but this transition fails to occur in cows which develop CE. Despite a common early inflammatory profile, elevated and differential expression of specific immune genes may identify cows at risk of prolonged inflammation and the development of CE postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathriona Foley
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.,Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Dominica
| | - John J Callanan
- Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, West Indies, Dominica.,UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ronan Whiston
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.,Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Raúl Miranda-CasoLuengo
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research. University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Junnan Lu
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research. University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Wim G Meijer
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research. University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David J Lynn
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.,South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Flinders, 5042, SA, Australia
| | - Cliona O' Farrelly
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.
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Aungier S, Roche J, Diskin M, Crowe M. Risk factors that affect reproductive target achievement in fertile dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:3472-87. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2013-7404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Narciandi F, Lloyd A, Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. A novel subclass of bovine β-defensins links reproduction and immunology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:769-77. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are effector molecules of the innate immune system, found in many diverse species. Their presence in invertebrates as well as vertebrates suggests highly conserved functional roles. Most β-defensins are believed to act as antimicrobial agents at epithelial surfaces, although additional functions have also been described, including immune regulatory activity, wound repair and a role in coat-colour determination. High expression of β-defensins have been found in testis and epididymidal epithelium as well as in the seminal fluid of humans, macaque, rat, mouse and cow. Human and macaque β-defensins have recently been shown to affect sperm motility while a mutation in β-defensin 126 is associated with reduced fertility in men. Genetic variation in bovine defensin genes may explain the increased incidence of low fertility in cattle. Here, we present a summary of the known functions of β-defensins as well as their emerging role in reproduction and their potential to improve fertility in cattle.
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