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Orellana-Guerrero D, Uribe-Salazar JM, El-Sheikh Ali H, Scoggin KE, Ball B, Daels P, Finno CJ, Dini P. Dynamics of the Equine Placental DNA Methylome and Transcriptome from Mid- to Late Gestation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087084. [PMID: 37108254 PMCID: PMC10139181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that is essential for the survival of the fetus, with a lifelong effect on the health of both the offspring and the dam. The functions of the placenta are controlled by its dynamic gene expression during gestation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the equine placental DNA methylome as one of the fundamental mechanisms that controls the gene expression dynamic. Chorioallantois samples from four (4M), six (6M), and ten (10M) months of gestation were used to map the methylation pattern of the placenta. Globally, methylation levels increased toward the end of gestation. We identified 921 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between 4M and 6M, 1225 DMRs between 4M and 10M, and 1026 DMRs between 6M and 10M. A total of 817 genes carried DMRs comparing 4M and 6M, 978 comparing 4M and 10M, and 804 comparing 6M and 10M. We compared the transcriptomes between the samples and found 1381 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing 4M and 6M, 1428 DEGs between 4M and 10M, and 741 DEGs between 6M and 10M. Finally, we overlapped the DEGs and genes carrying DMRs (DMRs-DEGs). Genes exhibiting (a) higher expression, low methylation and (b) low expression, high methylation at different time points were identified. The majority of these DMRs-DEGs were located in introns (48.4%), promoters (25.8%), and exons (17.7%) and were involved in changes in the extracellular matrix; regulation of epithelial cell migration; vascularization; and regulation of minerals, glucose, and metabolites, among other factors. Overall, this is the first report highlighting the dynamics in the equine placenta methylome during normal pregnancy. The findings presented serve as a foundation for future studies on the impact of abnormal methylation on the outcomes of equine pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Orellana-Guerrero
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Barry Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Ali HES, Scoggin K, Murase H, Norris J, Menarim B, Dini P, Ball B. Transcriptomic and histochemical analysis reveal the complex regulatory networks in equine Chorioallantois during spontaneous term labor. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1296-1310. [PMID: 35913756 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The equine chorioallantois (CA) undergoes complex physical and biochemical changes during labor. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling these changes are still unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to characterize the transcriptome of equine CA during spontaneous labor and compare it to that of normal preterm CA. Placental samples were collected postpartum from mares with normal term labor (TL group, n = 4) and from preterm not in labor mares (330 days GA; PTNL group, n = 4). Our study identified 4137 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (1820 upregulated and 2317 downregulated) in CA during TL as compared to PTNL. TL was associated with the upregulation of several pro-inflammatory mediators (MHC-I, MHC-II, NLRP3, CXCL8, and MIF). Also, TL was associated with the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9) with subsequent extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis, as reflected by upregulation of several apoptosis-related genes (ATF3, ATF4, FAS, FOS, and BIRC3). In addition, TL was associated with downregulation of 21 transcripts coding for collagens. The upregulation of proteases, along with the downregulation of collagens, is believed to be implicated in separation and rupture of the CA during TL. Additionally, TL was associated with downregulation of transcripts coding for proteins essential for progestin synthesis (SRD5A1 and AKR1C1) and angiogenesis (VEGFA and RTL1), as well as upregulation of prostaglandin synthesis-related genes (PTGS2 and PTGES), which could reflect the physiological switch in placental endocrinology and function during TL. In conclusion, our findings revealed the equine CA gene expression signature in spontaneous labor at term, which improves our understanding of the molecular mechanisms triggering labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Kirsten Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Harutaka Murase
- Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Jamie Norris
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Bruno Menarim
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Barry Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
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Fedorka CE, El-Sheikh Ali H, Scoggin KE, Loux SC, Ball BA, Troedsson MHT. Tumor necrosis factor signaling during equine placental infection leads to pro-apoptotic and necroptotic outcomes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103655. [PMID: 35716439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ascending placentitis is the leading cause of abortion in the horse. The pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an upstream regulator of this disease, but little is understood regarding its function in pregnancy maintenance or placental infection. To assess this, RNA sequencing was performed on chorioallantois and endometrium of healthy pregnant mares at various gestational lengths (n = 4/gestational age), in addition to postpartum chorioallantois, and diestrus endometrium to assess expression of TNF, TNFR-1, and TNFR-2. Additionally, ascending placentitis was induced via trans-cervical inoculation of S. equi spp. zooepidemicus in pregnant mares (n = 6 infected / n = 6 control) and tissues and serum were collected to evaluate TNF-related transcripts. IHC was performed to confirm protein localization of TNFR-1 and TNFR-2. In healthy pregnancy, TNFR-1 appears to be the predominant TNF-related receptor. Following induction of disease, TNF concentrations increased in maternal serum, but expression did not alter at the tissue level. While both TNFR-1 and TNFR-2 increased following induction of disease, alterations in downstream pathways indicate that TNFR-1 is the dominant receptor in ascending placentitis, and is primarily activated within the chorioallantois, with minimal signaling occurring within the endometrium. In conclusion, TNF appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of ascending placentitis. An increase in this cytokine during disease progression is believed to activate TNFR-1 within the chorioallantois, leading to various pro-apoptotic and necroptotic outcomes, all of which may signal for fetal demise and impending abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Theriogenology, Mansoura University, Dakahlia, Eqypt
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Piotrowska-Tomala KK, Jonczyk AW, Szóstek-Mioduchowska AZ, Żebrowska E, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ. The Effects of Prostaglandin E2 Treatment on the Secretory Function of Mare Corpus Luteum Depends on the Site of Application: An in vivo Study. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:753796. [PMID: 35242830 PMCID: PMC8885592 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.753796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on the secretory function of equine corpus luteum (CL), according to the application site: intra-CL injection vs. an intrauterine (intra-U) administration. Moreover, the effect of intra-CL injection vs. intra-U administration of both luteotropic factors: PGE2 and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a positive control, on CL function was additionally compared. Mares were assigned to the groups (n = 6 per group): (1) an intra-CL saline injection (control); (2) an intra-CL injection of PGE2 (5 mg/ml); (3) an intra-CL injection of hCG (1,500 IU/ml); (4) an intra-U saline administration (control); (5) an intra-U administration of PGE2 (5 mg/5 ml); (6) an intra-U administration of hCG (1,500 IU/5 ml). Progesterone (P4) and PGE2 concentrations were measured in blood plasma samples collected at −2, −1, and 0 (pre-treatment), and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h after treatments. Moreover, effects of different doses of PGE2 application on the concentration of total PGF2α (PGF2α and its main metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2α– PGFM) was determined. The time point of PGE2, hCG, or saline administration was defined as hour “0” of the experiment. An intra-CL injection of PGE2 increased P4 and PGE2 concentrations between 3 and 4 h or at 3 and 12 h, respectively (p < 0.05). While intra-U administration of PGE2 elevated P4 concentrations between 8 and 24 h, PGE2 was upregulated at 1 h and between 3 and 4 h (p < 0.05). An intra-CL injection of hCG increased P4 concentrations at 1, 6, and 12 h (p < 0.05), while its intra-U administration enhanced P4 and PGE2 concentrations between 1 and 12 h or at 3 h and between 6 and 10 h, respectively (p < 0.05). An application of PGE2, dependently on the dose, supports equine CL function, regardless of the application site, consequently leading to differences in both P4 and PGE2 concentrations in blood plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna K. Piotrowska-Tomala
- Department Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka W. Jonczyk
- Department Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Z. Szóstek-Mioduchowska
- Department Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewelina Żebrowska
- Department Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Graca Ferreira-Dias
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- *Correspondence: Dariusz J. Skarzynski
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Fedorka CE, Scoggin KE, El-Sheikh Ali H, Loux SC, Dini P, Troedsson MHT, Ball BA. Interleukin-6 pathobiology in equine placental infection. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13363. [PMID: 33098605 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Ascending placentitis is the leading cause of abortion in the horse. Interleukin (IL)-6 is considered predictive of placental infection in other species, but little is understood regarding its role in the pathophysiology of ascending placentitis. METHOD OF STUDY Sub-acute ascending placentitis was induced via trans-cervical inoculation of S zooepidemicus, and various fluids/serum/tissues collected 8 days later. Concentrations of IL-6 were detected within fetal fluids and serum in inoculated (n = 6) and control (n = 6) mares. RNASeq was performed on the placenta (endometrium and chorioallantois) to assess transcripts relating to IL-6 pathways. IHC was performed for immunolocalization of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in the placenta. RESULTS IL-6 concentrations increased in allantoic fluid following inoculation, with a trend toward an increase in amniotic fluid. Maternal serum IL-6 was increased in inoculated animals, while no changes were noted in fetal serum. mRNA expression of IL-6-related transcripts within the chorioallantois indicates that IL-6 is activating the classical JAK/STAT pathway, thereby acting as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-survival. The IL-6R was expressed within the chorioallantois, indicating a paracrine signaling pathway of maternal IL-6 to fetal IL-6R. CONCLUSION IL-6 plays a crucial role in the placental response to induction of sub-acute equine ascending placentitis, and this could be noted in amniotic fluid, allantoic fluid, and maternal serum. Additionally, IL-6 is acting as anti-inflammatory in this disease, potentially altering disease progression, impeding abortion signals, and assisting with the production of a viable neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Theriogenology, University of Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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6
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Fedorka CE, El-Sheikh Ali H, Walker OF, Scoggin KE, Dini P, Loux SC, Troedsson MHT, Ball BA. The imbalance of the Th17/Treg axis following equine ascending placental infection. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 144:103268. [PMID: 33454392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ascending placentitis is a leading cause of abortion in the horse, but adaptive immune response to this disease is unknown. To evaluate this, sub-acute placentitis was experimentally-induced via trans-cervical inoculation of S. zooepidemicus, and endometrium and chorioallantois was collected 8 days later (n = 6 inoculated/n = 6 control). The expression of transcripts relating to Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg maturation was assessed via RNASeq. IHC of transcription factors relating to each subtype in the same tissues (Th1: TBX21, Th2: GATA3, Th17: IRF4, Treg: FOXp3). An immunoassay was utilized to assess circulating cytokines (Th1: IFNg, IL-2; Th2: IL-4, IL-5; Th17: IL-17, IL-6; Treg: IL-10, GM-CSF). An increase in Th1 and Th17-related transcripts were noted in the chorioallantois, although no alterations were seen in the endometrium. Th2 and Treg-related transcripts altered in a dysregulated manner, as some transcripts increased in expression while others decreased. Immunolocalization of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells was increased in diseased chorioallantois, while no Treg cells were noted in the diseased tissue. Secreted cytokines relating to Th1 (IFNg, IL-2), Th17 (IL-6), Th2 (IL-5), and Treg (IL-10) populations increased in maternal circulation eight days after inoculation. In conclusion, the Th1/Th17 response to ascending placentitis occurs primarily in the chorioallantois, indicating the adaptive immune response to occur in fetal derived placental tissue. Additionally, ascending placentitis leads to an increase in the helper T cell populations (Th1/Th17/Th2) while decreasing the Treg response. This increase in Th17-related responses alongside a diminishing Treg-related response may precede or contribute to fetal demise, abortion, or preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Fedorka
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA
| | - H El-Sheikh Ali
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA; University of Mansoura, Department of Theriogenology, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - O F Walker
- Lincoln Memorial University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Harrogate TN, USA
| | - K E Scoggin
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA
| | - P Dini
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA; University of California, Davis, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, Davis, CA, USA
| | - S C Loux
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA
| | - M H T Troedsson
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA
| | - B A Ball
- University of Kentucky, Department of Veterinary Sciences. Lexington KY, USA.
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El-Sheikh Ali H, Dini P, Scoggin K, Loux S, Fedorka C, Boakari Y, Norris J, Esteller-Vico A, Kalbfleisch T, Ball B. Transcriptomic analysis of equine placenta reveals key regulators and pathways involved in ascending placentitis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:638-656. [PMID: 33345276 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ascending equine placentitis holds the potential for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies to forestall placentitis-induced preterm labor. The current study characterized the equine placental transcriptome (chorioallantois [CA] and endometrium [EN]) during placentitis (placentitis group, n = 6) in comparison to gestationally-matched controls (control group, n = 6). Transcriptome analysis identified 2953 and 805 differentially expressed genes in CA and EN during placentitis, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed the central role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in triggering the inflammatory signaling, and consequent immune-cell chemotaxis. Placentitis was associated with the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9) and apoptosis-related genes such as caspases (CASP3, CASP4, and CASP7) in CA. Also, placentitis was associated with downregulation of transcripts coding for proteins essential for placental steroidogenesis (SRD5A1 and AKR1C1), progestin signaling (PGRMC1 and PXR) angiogenesis (VEGFA, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3), and nutrient transport (GLUT12 and SLC1A4), as well as upregulation of hypoxia-related genes (HIF1A and EGLN3), which could explain placental insufficiency during placentitis. Placentitis was also associated with aberrant expression of several placenta-regulatory genes, such as PLAC8, PAPPA, LGALS1, ABCG2, GCM1, and TEPP, which could negatively affect placental functions. In conclusion, our findings revealed for the first time the key regulators and mechanisms underlying placental inflammation, separation, and insufficiency during equine placentitis, which might lead to the development of efficacious therapies or diagnostic aids by targeting the key molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Pouya Dini
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kirsten Scoggin
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Shavahn Loux
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carleigh Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Yatta Boakari
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jamie Norris
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, USA
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Barry Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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El-Sheikh Ali H, Scoggin K, Linhares Boakari Y, Dini P, Loux S, Fedorka C, Esteller-Vico A, Ball B. Kinetics of placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8) in equine placenta during pregnancy and placentitis. Theriogenology 2020; 160:81-89. [PMID: 33189077 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8) is one of the placenta-regulatory genes which is highly conserved among eutherian mammals. However, little is known about its expression in equine placenta (chorioallantois; CA and endometrium; EN) during normal and abnormal pregnancy. Therefore, the current study was designed to 1) elucidate the expression of PLAC8 in equine embryonic membranes during the preimplantation period, 2) characterize the expression profile of PLAC8 in equine CA (45d, 4mo, 6mo, 10 mo, 11 mo and postpartum) and EN (14d, 4mo, 6mo, 10 mo, and 11 mo) obtained from pregnant mares (n = 4/timepoint), as well as, d14 non-pregnant EN (n = 4), and 3) investigate the expression profile of PLAC8 in ascending placentitis (n = 5) and in nocardioform placentitis (n = 6) in comparison to normal CA. In the preimplantation period, PLAC8 mRNA was not abundant in the trophectoderm of d8 equine embryo and d14 conceptus, while it was abundant later in d 30, 31, 34, and 45 chorion. In normal pregnancy, PLAC8 mRNA expression in CA at 45 d gradually decline to reach nadir at 6mo before gradually increasing to its peak at 11mo and postpartum CA. The mRNA expression of PLAC8 was significantly upregulated in CA from mares with ascending and nocardioform placentitis compared to control mares. Immunohistochemistry revealed that PLAC8 is localized in equine chorionic epithelium and immune cells. Our results revealed that PLAC8 expression in equine chorion is dynamic during pregnancy and is regulated in an implantation-dependent manner. Moreover, PLAC8 is implicated in the immune response in CA during equine ascending placentitis and nocardioform placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA; Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516, Egypt
| | - Kirsten Scoggin
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Yatta Linhares Boakari
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium
| | - Shavahn Loux
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Carleigh Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Barry Ball
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA.
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Fedorka CE, Murase H, Loux SC, Loynachan AT, Walker OF, Squires EL, Ball BA, Troedsson MHT. The Effect of Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction on Histologic, Immunologic, and Clinical Parameters of Postpartum Involution in the Mare. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 90:103013. [PMID: 32534779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining yearly foal production is important for the economic success of the broodmare, and this requires breeding to occur as quickly postpartum as possible. The initial postpartum estrus occurs within 5-20 days postpartum, whereas the uterus is still undergoing repair from tissue alterations during pregnancy and parturition, a process known as involution. Attempts have been made to hasten this process, but with minimal success. Mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) is an immunomodulator that has been shown to reduce bacterial growth and alter aspects of the immune response to breeding, but it is unknown if MCWF hastens the process of involution. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of MCWF on tissue remodeling, (2) assess the effect of MCWF on the local immune system of the uterus, and (3) determine the optimal treatment interval needed for these processes to occur. We hypothesize that repeated treatments of MCWF postpartum will hasten the process of involution. To study this, 16 pregnant mares of mixed breeds were evaluated postpartum. Control mares (n = 4) received 1.5 mL lactated Ringer's solution intravenously on Day 1 (Day 0 = day of parturition) postpartum and again on Day 7, whereas treated mares either received 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and Day 7 (TX1; n = 6) or 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and then every 3 days until ovulation was detected (TX2; n = 6) and then evaluated until 15 days postpartum. Mares were assessed every 3 days for clinical, immunologic, and histologic parameters. Clinical parameters were assessed with transrectal ultrasonography and included ovarian activity, uterine fluid retention, and measurement of the uterine diameter, in addition to endometrial culture. Immunologic parameters included endometrial biopsies for quantitative polymerase chain reaction for expression of various cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-1RN, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interferon [IFN]-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) in addition to endometrial cytology. Formalin-fixed endometrial biopsies were histologically assessed for the retention of microcaruncles, dilation of endometrial glands, and inflammation of the mucosa, stratum compactum, and spongiosum. Statistics were performed using SAS 9.4, using a mixed model for repeated measures with mare and treatment as a random effect. All post-hoc analysis was done using a Tukey's honestly significant difference test. Involution was considered complete by Day 15 postpartum in all mares, and the day postpartum had a significant effect on almost all parameters investigated, indicating the immunologic process of involution. Treatment with MCWF decreased the magnitude of bacterial growth in addition to time to negative culture. In addition, MCWF increased the expression of IL-1β, IFNγ, and TNF. Although minimal treatment effect was noted histologically, a decrease in mucosal inflammation was seen in MCWF-treated mares. In conclusion, involution appears to be influenced by the immune system. In addition, MCWF appears to have a bactericidal effect on the postpartum mare, and this may be because of an increase in proinflammatory cytokines. It is unknown if this bactericidal property will improve fertility on the first estrous cycle postpartum, and future studies are needed to determine this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh E Fedorka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
| | - Harutake Murase
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY; Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Alan T Loynachan
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Olivia F Walker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN
| | - Edward L Squires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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