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Cao Z, Wang S, Qi M, Zhang J, Liu R, Ren X, Wu Q, Cui Z, Dong H. Exploring the induction of endometrial epithelial cell apoptosis in clinical-type endometritis in yaks through the cyt-c/caspase-3 signaling axis. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106470. [PMID: 38043625 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a significant contributor to reduced productivity in yaks in Tibet, China. The Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial pathway that triggers cell apoptosis due to endogenous factors. In this study, we examined the endometrial epithelial tissue of yaks with endometritis using pathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, TUNEL staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The results indicated significant changes in the apoptotic factors of the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis. The expression levels of Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased. Immunohistochemistry results revealed significant increase in Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm compared to the healthy group, except for Bcl-2, which showed a significant decrease. Pathological section analysis demonstrated that clinical endometritis in yaks led to structural damage, bleeding, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the endometrial epithelium. Our study findings indicated that clinical endometritis in yaks can modulate apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells via the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in different levels of damage. This research is pioneering in exploring cell apoptosis induced by clinical endometritis in yaks, offering novel insights and potential strategies for the future prevention and treatment of endometritis in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Linzhi Agricultural and Rural Bureau (Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center), Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ruidong Liu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Xiaoli Ren
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Qingxia Wu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Zhonghua Cui
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China.
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Al-Sharif M, Marghani BH, Ateya A. DNA polymorphisms and expression profile of immune and antioxidant genes as biomarkers for reproductive disorders tolerance/susceptibility in Baladi goat. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2219-2230. [PMID: 35671246 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2082975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene expression of immune and antioxidant markers associated with reproductive disorders in Baladi goats. A total of one hundred adults Baladi does were allocated into two equal-sized groups: normal reproductive performance and does have a history of reproductive disorders. DNA sequencing of PRLR (304-bp), LTF (904-bp), TLR2 (420-bp), TLR4 (335-bp), CLA-DRB3.2 (285-bp), SOD3 (735-bp), CAT (1526-bp), GPX4 (782-bp), and GST (690-bp) revealed SNPs associated with reproductive disorders tolerance/susceptibility in investigated does. Nonetheless, DNA sequencing of beta defensin (483-bp), CCL5 (840-bp), and ATOX1 (374-bp) genes elicited a monomorphic pattern. Levels of PRLR, LTF, TLR2, TLR4, CLA-DRB3.2, beta defensin, and CCL5 genes were significantly up-regulated in does affect with reproductive disorders than tolerant ones; while SOD3, CAT, GPX4, GST and ATOX1 genes pattern elicited an opposite trend. The results herein confirmed the potential significance of SNPs in immune and antioxidant genes as genetic markers for reproductive disorders tolerance/susceptibility in Baladi does. The Gene expression profile of investigated genes could be also used as proxy biomarkers for the prediction of the most susceptible risk time for disease occurrence and for building up an effective management protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Al-Sharif
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma H Marghani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ateya
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Ateya A, Safhi FA, El-Emam H, Al-Ghadi MQ, Abdo M, Fericean L, Olga R, Mihaela O, Hizam MM, Mamdouh M, Abu El-Naga EM, Raslan WS. DNA Polymorphisms and mRNA Levels of Immune Biomarkers as Candidates for Inflammatory Postpartum Disorders Susceptibility in Italian Buffaloes. Vet Sci 2023; 10:573. [PMID: 37756095 PMCID: PMC10534879 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunological genes that may interact with inflammatory postpartum diseases in Italian buffaloes were examined in this study. A total number of 120 female Italian buffaloes (60 normal and 60 with inflammatory reproductive diseases) were employed. Each buffalo's jugular vein was pierced to get five milliliters of blood. To obtain whole blood and extract DNA and RNA, the blood was placed within tubes containing sodium fluoride or EDTA anticoagulants. The immunological (IKBKG, LGALS, IL1B, CCL2, RANTES, MASP2, HMGB1, and S-LZ) genes' nucleotide sequence differences between healthy buffaloes and buffaloes affected by inflammatory reproductive diseases were found by employing PCR-DNA sequencing. According to Fisher's exact test (p ˂ 0.01), there were noticeably different probabilities of all major nucleotide changes spreading among buffalo groups with and without reproductive problems. Buffaloes were significantly more likely to express the examined genes when they had inflammatory reproductive diseases. The outcomes might support the significance of these markers' nucleotide variations and gene expression patterns as indicators of the prevalence of inflammatory reproductive disorders and provide a workable buffalo management policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ateya
- Department of Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Fatmah A. Safhi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Huda El-Emam
- Department of Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Muath Q. Al-Ghadi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Animal Histology and Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo 11829, Egypt;
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
| | - Liana Fericean
- Department of Biology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Rada Olga
- Department of Biology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Ostan Mihaela
- Department of Biology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (L.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Manar M. Hizam
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Nasiriyah 64001, Iraq;
| | - Maha Mamdouh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt; (M.M.); (W.S.R.)
| | - Eman M. Abu El-Naga
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt;
| | - Walaa S. Raslan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt; (M.M.); (W.S.R.)
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LeBlanc SJ. Review: Postpartum reproductive disease and fertility in dairy cows. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100781. [PMID: 37567665 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews recent data and concepts on metritis, purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), and endometritis in dairy cows and the ways in which these diseases affect reproductive performance. Metritis is characterized by fetid discharge from the uterus, with or without fever. Purulent vaginal discharge describes exudate that is >50% pus that may be attributable to uterine infection or cervicitis. Endometritis is inflammation of the uterus diagnosed by endometrial cytology with a proportion of neutrophils (typically ≥5%) that is associated with impaired fertility. Metritis and PVD are associated with uterine bacterial dysbiosis: changes in the microbiota to lesser diversity and greater abundance of pathogens, especially Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, and Trueperella pyogenes in the case of PVD. Metritis is justifiably treated with approved antibiotics but criteria for more selective treatment without loss of performance are emerging. Purulent vaginal discharge is not synonymous with clinical endometritis, and greater precision in terminology is warranted. PVD is likely under-diagnosed and represents an opportunity for improved management in many herds. Endometritis seems in many cases to reflect persistent, dysregulated inflammation, for which the inciting cause is unclear. Postpartum uterine infection and inflammation have harmful effects on oocytes, embryo development, and the endometrium for at least three months, even if the disease is apparently resolved. Emerging concepts of the resolution and regulation of inflammation are promising for the improvement of prevention and therapy of endometritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J LeBlanc
- Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Barnes M, Kasimanickam R, Kasimanickam V. Effect of subclinical endometritis and flunixin meglumine administration on pregnancy in embryo recipient beef cows. Theriogenology 2023; 201:76-82. [PMID: 36842264 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Fertility of recipient beef cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE) that did or did not receive flunixin meglumine (FM) treatment were compared following transfer of d 7 embryo. The study population comprised of 600 Angus cross cows that expressed estrus following Select-Synch + CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) estrus synchronization protocol. At the time of embryo transfer, approximately 3 wk after sampling for subclinical endometritis, cows were randomly allocated either to receive FM treatment (500 mg of Banamine®; n = 300) or not (Control; n = 300). The effect of subclinical endometritis (at ≥ 1% PMN on endometrial cytology by cytobrush method) and FM treatment on pregnancy/embryo transfer (P/ET, %) were evaluated by mixed model. Of the 600 cows, 323 (53.8%) became pregnant; 55.0% (165/300) cows that received FM treatment vs. 52.7% (158/300) control cows (P > 0.1), and 55.9% (266/476) normal vs. 46.0% (57/124) subclinical endometritis cows (P < 0.05). There was a trend for treatment by subclinical endometritis for P/ET (P = 0.09). Pregnancy was recorded in 55.3% (134/242) of normal and 53.4% (31/58) of subclinical endometritis cows that received FM treatment, and in 56.4% (132/234) of normal and 39.4% (26/66) of subclinical endometritis cows that did not receive FM treatment (P = 0.09). In conclusion, subclinical endometritis in recipient beef cows resulted in lower P/ET. Though not significant in cows with subclinical endometritis, FM treatment resulted in 14.0% points more pregnancy compared with control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barnes
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - R Kasimanickam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - V Kasimanickam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Effect of retained placenta and clinical mastitis on reproduction parameters, immune response, and steroidogenic receptors gene expression in postpartum crossbred dairy cows. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:180. [PMID: 35522378 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retained placenta (RP) and clinical mastitis (CM) on the reproductive efficiency of crossbred dairy cows during the postpartum period and the effect in some innate immune system indicators. For this, two experiments were carried out. In the first, a total of 232 cows were evaluated and divided as: healthy control (n = 184), RP (n = 22), and CM (n = 26) groups. The RP and CM was evaluated until 30 days postpartum (DPP) and reproductive rates were measured. In experiment 2, cows were divided in control (n = 10), RP (n = 10), and CM (n = 30) groups. Between 40 and 50 DPP, clinical, gynecological examination and endometrial cytobrush were performed to evaluate subclinical endometritis (SE) and gene expression of interleukins 1β (IL-1β) and 6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), estrogen α (ESR1), and progesterone (PGR) receptors by qRT-PCR analysis. In experiment 1, the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) was lower in RP and CM groups and pregnancy rate at 150 days decreased in CM group. Calving-to-1st AI interval and days open were shorter in healthy cows. In experiment 2, the occurrence of SE was 26.7% and higher in RP and CM groups. The expression of IL-1β increased in RP and CM groups, while IL-6 was less expressed in RP group. The CCL5, ESR1, and PGR were similar between groups. In conclusion, cows with RP and CM had their reproductive efficiency negatively affected and had they initial pro-inflammatory response improved by the increase of IL-β.
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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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Elshalofy A, Wagener K, Weber K, Blanco M, Bauersachs S, Bollwein H. Identification of genes associated with susceptibility to persistent breeding-induced endometritis by RNA-sequencing of uterine cytobrush samples. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100577. [PMID: 34883452 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE). Cytobrush samples were collected from 81 broodmares 1-3 days before artificial insemination (AI). Susceptibility to PBIE was evaluated by the presence of ≥ 2 cm of intrauterine fluid 24 h after AI, besides the fertility was determined by a sonographic pregnancy diagnosis 2 weeks after ovulation. RNA expressions were compared between susceptible non-pregnant (SNP) mares (n=9) and resistant pregnant (RP) mares (n=9) as well as between susceptible pregnant (SP) mares (n=9) and susceptible non-pregnant (SNP) mares. 66 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between SNP and RP mares and 60 DEGs between SP and SNP mares. In SNP compared to RP mares, transcript levels of genes regulating steroid hormone metabolism and neutrophil chemotaxis were lower, while higher for genes participating in uterine inflammation.Transcripts of genes related to extracellular matrix degradation, tissue adhesions, and fibrosis were lower in SP mares than in SNP mares, while higher for genes related to uterine cell proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis in SP mares than SNP mares. In conclusion, increased transcript levels of apolipoprotein E (APOE) and roundabout 2 (ROBO2), cluster domain 44 (CD44), integrin beta 3 (ITGB3), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are possible biomarkers for susceptibility to PBIE. While higher expression of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), kinase domain receptor (KDR), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 16, collagen type V alpha 2 (COL5A2) and fibronectin (FN1) are suggested indicators of fertility in susceptible mares if they receive proper breeding management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Elshalofy
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Karen Wagener
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Weber
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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Darwish A, Ebissy E, Ateya A, El-Sayed A. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene expression and serum profile of immune and antioxidant markers associated with postpartum disorders susceptibility in Barki sheep. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:327-339. [PMID: 34406916 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1964984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the immunological and antioxidant alterations associated with ovine postpartum disorders. Blood samples were collected from 90 adult Barki ewes and allocated into three equal-sized groups (30 ewes each): control group (CG), inflammatory postpartum disorders group (IPG) and non-inflammatory postpartum disorders group (NIPG). PCR-DNA sequencing approach was carried out for TLR4 (256-bp) and SOD (456-bp) genes, and nucleotide sequence variations were noticed to be associated with postpartum disorders resistance/susceptibility. Gene expression profile was also evaluated and levels of IL5, IL6, IL1-ß, TNF alpha, TLR4 and Tollip were significantly up-regulated in ewes affected with postpartum disorders than resistant ones, while SOD and CAT genes pattern elicited an opposite trend. Exploring serum profile also showed a significant increase of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA and NO in IPG compared to their correspond values in NIPG and CG. However, serum levels of IL-10, CAT, GSH and GPx were significantly decreased. This study highlights that SNPs in TLR4 and SOD genes could be genetic markers for postpartum disorders resistance/susceptibility in Barki ewes. Gene expression alongside serum profiles of antioxidant markers could also be used to follow-up the immune status of ewes to build up an effective management protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Darwish
- Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Ebissy
- Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ateya
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Sayed
- Department of Animal Health and Poultry, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center (DRC), Cairo, Egypt
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Sang L, Ortiz W, Xiao Y, Estrada-Cortes E, Jannaman EA, Hansen PJ. Actions of putative embryokines on development of the preimplantation bovine embryo to the blastocyst stage. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:11930-11944. [PMID: 33041033 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Once it enters the uterus at d 4 to 5 after ovulation, the preimplantation bovine embryo is controlled in its development by regulatory signaling molecules from the mother called embryokines. Here, several cell-signaling molecules whose genes are expressed in the endometrium during d 5 to 7 after estrus were tested for the ability to affect the competence of the embryo for further development and the characteristics of the resultant blastocysts. Molecules tested were C-natriuretic peptide (CNP), IL-8, bovine morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), IL-6, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). None of the cell-signaling molecules tested improved the competence of the embryo to become a blastocyst; in fact, BMP-4 decreased development. All molecules modified attributes of the blastocyst formed in culture. In particular, CNP increased the number of cells in the ICM, whereas IL-8 decreased inner cell mass cell numbers and tended to increase the proportion of blastocysts that were hatching or hatched. In addition, BMP-4 decreased the proportion of blastocysts that were hatching. Interleukin-6 and, to a lesser extent, LIF activated the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the inner cell mass, and LIF increased the percent of cells in the blastocyst that were positive for both NANOG and phosphorylated (activated) STAT3. In conclusion, our results indicate that CNP, IL-8, IL-6, LIF, and BMP-4 can modify embryonic development of the cow in a manner that affects characteristics of the resultant blastocyst. Further research is required to understand how these changes in characteristics of the blastocyst would affect competence of the embryo to establish and maintain pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sang
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910; Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350013, China
| | - W Ortiz
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - Y Xiao
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - E Estrada-Cortes
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910; Campo Experimental Centro Altos de Jalisco, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, México 47600
| | - E A Jannaman
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910.
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