Quantitative analyses of insulin-like peptide 3 and sex steroid hormones in dominant follicles and corpora lutea during the estrus cycle and in follicular cysts in beef heifers

Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and sex steroids were measured in bovine dominant follicles and corpora lutea during the estrus cycle and in follicular cysts. Paired ovaries from beef heifers (n = 47) were classified, by their morphological features, either into four stages of the estrus cycle (Day 1 = day of ovulation, Day 20 = day of estrus) as Stage I (Days 1-4; n = 8), Stage II (Days 5-10; n = 10), Stage III (Days 11-17; n = 8), and Stage IV (Days 18-20; n = 11) or follicular cystic (n = 10). Cysts (n = 15) were subdivided into estrogen-active (n = 7) and estrogen-inactive (n = 8) cysts. INSL3, testosterone, and estradiol-17β concentrations in the dominant follicular fluid of Stage IV were higher than those in Stages II and III (P < 0.05). INSL3 concentrations in the cystic fluid were similar to those in dominant follicles at Stage IV, whereas testosterone and estradiol-17β concentrations were lower in cysts (P < 0.05). INSL3 content per estrogen-inactive cyst was higher than that of Stage IV (P < 0.05). INSL3 and progesterone concentrations in luteal tissue and contents per corpus luteum were higher in Stages II and III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, INSL3 secretion in bovine dominant follicles increased with maturation. Follicular cysts may retain the production of INSL3 during their formation but tend to lose the capacity for testosterone secretion. Estrogen-inactive cysts subjected to advanced atresia may accumulate more INSL3. INSL3 production in bovine corpora lutea is enhanced during maturation.

Changes in the ovary and the peripheral concentrations of sex hormones after the aspiration of follicular fluid from the spontaneous follicular cysts of dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to clarify the ovarian and hormonal dynamics after the aspiration of follicular fluid in cows with follicular cysts. Follicular fluid was aspirated from the follicular cysts and follicles that were fated to become cystic follicles and other coexisting normal follicles, respectively, in lactating cows (n = 3). After the aspiration procedure, new follicles developed and reached a diameter of 25 mm without ovulation within 13–19 days. The plasma concentrations of inhibin decreased and follicle-stimulating hormone increased rapidly after the aspiration procedure, and subsequently increased and decreased, respectively, as a new follicle grew. No luteal structures developed after the aspiration procedure, and the animals’ plasma progesterone levels remained low. The present study indicates that the cystic follicles are never luteinized by the aspiration of follicular fluid, and consequently, new follicular cysts are observed to repeatedly develop.

Sine Qua Non: Dentigerous Cyst

Dentigerous cysts, also known as follicular cysts, are among the most common developmental cysts of the gnathic bones. The majority of cases are clinically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on panographic radiographs during routine dental care. The cyst appears as a radiolucency, classically unilocular, associated with the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth. Usually diagnosed in the 2nd-3rd decade, third molars of the mandible are the most commonly affected teeth. Histologically, dentigerous cysts demonstrate a fibrous or fibromyxoid connective tissue wall lined by squamous epithelium, classically lacking rete ridges. Inflammation may introduce histologic changes, however. The differential diagnosis includes hyperplastic dental follicle, periapical or radicular cyst, unicystic ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, and other odontogenic cysts and tumors. While the findings are generally classic and pose no diagnostic dilemma, the diagnosis is best made in the context of the appropriate clinical and radiographic setting. Submitted tissue with a lack of history, to include a detailed relationship with the affected tooth, may result in misdiagnosis and subsequent confusion for the clinician. So, despite its simple features, dentigerous cysts are not uncommonly mischaracterized. Therefore a review of a classic case of dentigerous cyst is presented.

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of an Epidermoid Cyst in a Foot of a Horse

An 18-year-old Quarter Horse mare was evaluated because of moderate left forelimb lameness of 4 weeks' duration. The clinical evaluation and diagnostic perineural analgesia localized the lameness to the distal portion of the left forelimb. There was swelling on the dorsal and lateral aspect of the coronary band. Radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography of the foot revealed circumscribed well-capsulated soft tissue mass causing a focal deformation of the dorsolateral border of the middle phalanx. The treatment aimed to remove the mass surgically and stabilized the interphalangeal joint, but the owner elected human euthanasia before treatment attempt. Histopathology diagnosis was an epidermoid cyst, which was characterized by multilayers of keratin surrounded by stratified squamous epithelium. Although rare, an epidermoid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis for space-occupying mass in horses' foot that develops chronic lameness after trauma. This report describes the multimodality appearance of the epidermoid cyst.

Efficacy of ovulation synchronization with timed artificial insemination in treatment of follicular cysts in dairy cows

The efficacy of five ovulation-synchronization protocols with FTAI in treatment of cows diagnosed with follicular cysts was investigated in a nonrandomized study in a single herd. Cows identified with follicular structures >25 mm on two subsequent ultrasonographic (USG) examinations 7-10 days apart (n = 552) were assigned to one of the five treatment regimens on the day of the second USG examination. Treatment regimens were Ovsynch (GnRH-7d-PGF2α-56 h-GnRH-16 h-FTAI), New-CIDR (as Ovsynch with a new CIDR insert being fitted between days 0 and 7), Reused-CIDR (as New-CIDR but the CIDR insert was previously used for 7 days in another cow), G-New CIDR (Pre-GnRH on day 0 with the New-CIDR regimen being initiated 7 days later), and RG-Ovsynch (Pre-GnRH on day 0 and then every 7 days until detection of a luteal structure upon USG examination; at that point the Ovsynch was initiated). A subset of cows was subjected to ovarian USG examination at the time of PGF_2α administration, at insemination, and 8-10 days post-insemination. Progesterone-releasing ability of new and reused CIDR inserts were evaluated in cows diagnosed with severe ovarian inactivity (n = 16). The data were analyzed using logistic regression with pregnancy per AI on days 30 (P/Al 30) and 70 (P/AI 70) post-insemination were included as outcome measures. Compared with Ovsynch, RG-Ovsynch improved the P/AI 30 (OR = 2.6, P = 0.03) and the P/AI 70 (OR = 2.5, P = 0.05). New-CIDR and G-New CIDR were associated with non-significant increase in P/AI 30 (OR = 2.1, P = 0.09 and OR = 2.3, P = 0.07, respectively) and P/AI 70 (OR = 2.01, P = 0.09 and OR = 2.2, P = 0.09, respectively). Reused-CIDR was not associated with improvement in P/AI (P = 0.93 and 0.79 for P/AI 30 and P/AI 70, respectively). RG-Ovsynch had a longer diagnosis-to-FTAI interval (median 24, IQR 17,31). The dominant ovarian structures and the presence of a cyst or a luteal structure at PGF_2α administration or at insemination were not associated with P/AI. The new and re-used CIDR inserts produced comparable concentrations of serum progesterone 3 h, 3 days and 7 days post CIDR insertion. In conclusion, the RG-Ovsynch improved the P/AI whereas the New-CIDR and the G-New CIDR regimens tended to increase the P/AI compared with Ovsynch. Marginal differences in P/AI between RG-Ovsynch, New-CIDR, and G-New-CIDR together with prolonged diagnosis-to-FTAI in RG-Ovsynch should be considered if to evaluate the economic value of these regimens.

Marsupialization of a dentigerous cyst followed by orthodontic traction of two retained teeth: A case report

This case report discussed a combined surgical-orthodontic rescue of two impacted teeth in a large dentigerous cyst by the means of fixed orthodontic appliances. After careful evaluation of the 3D radiographic exams, extraction of the deciduous elements was carried out, followed by marsupialization and orthodontic traction of the impacted teeth. Surgical procedures, pre- and posttreatment records and orthodontic biomechanical evaluations are discussed.

Macrophage polarization differs between apical granulomas, radicular cysts, and dentigerous cysts

OBJECTIVES

Apical periodontitis can appear clinically as apical granulomas or radicular cysts. There is evidence that immunologic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of both pathologies. In contrast to radicular cysts, the dentigerous cysts have a developmental origin. Macrophage polarization (M1 vs M2) is a main regulator of tissue homeostasis and differentiation. There are no studies comparing macrophage polarization in apical granulomas, radicular cysts, and dentigerous cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-one apical granulomas, 23 radicular cysts, and 23 dentigerous cysts were analyzed in this study. A tissue microarray (TMA) of the 87 consecutive specimens was created, and CD68-, CD11c-, CD163-, and MRC1-positive macrophages were detected by immunohistochemical methods. TMAs were digitized, and the expression of macrophage markers was quantitatively assessed.

RESULTS

Radicular cysts are characterized by M1 polarization of macrophages while apical granulomas show a significantly higher degree of M2 polarization. Dentigerous cysts have a significantly lower M1 polarization than both analyzed periapical lesions (apical granulomas and radicular cysts) and accordingly, a significantly higher M2 polarization than radicular cysts. Macrophage cell density in dentigerous cysts is significantly lower than in the periapical lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of apical periodontitis towards apical granulomas or radicular cysts might be directed by macrophage polarization. Radicular cyst formation is associated with an increased M1 polarization of infiltrating macrophages. In contrast to radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts are characterized by a low macrophage infiltration and a high degree of M2 polarization, possibly reflecting their developmental rather than inflammatory origin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

As M1 polarization of macrophages is triggered by bacterial antigens, these results underline the need for sufficient bacterial clearance during endodontic treatment to prevent a possible M1 macrophage-derived stimulus for radicular cyst formation.

Effect in dedicator of cytokinesis 6 (DOCK6) on steroid production in theca cells of follicular cysts

Ovarian follicular cysts are one of the most common causes of reproductive failure in mammals. A comparative gene expression approach may aid in elucidating the causes of ovarian cyst disease. In the present study, the differential display technique was used to identify mRNA sequences that accumulate preferentially in theca cells of bovine cystic follicles. Dedicator of cytokinesis 6 (Dock6) expression was observed in the theca cells of cystic follicles. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of Dock6 increased progesterone (P4) production and StAR expression in theca cells of high-estrogen follicular cysts, but did not affect androstenedione (A4) production. We propose that Dock6 may be a marker associated with the development of follicular cysts. Additionally, Dock6 may be involved in the development of cystic follicles by suppressing P4 production rather than increasing A4 production in theca cells.

Post-treatment sequential ultrasound imaging of follicular cyst in a crossbred dairy cow

Several studies in dairy cattle have investigated the final outcome of different treatment regimens in follicular cyst condition. However, sequential monitoring of the response of follicular cysts to these treatments is rather scanty. In this paper, we present the response of a large follicular cyst in a pluriparous crossbred dairy cow with prolonged conception failure to human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG (3,000 IU; day 0) and cloprostenol (500 μg; day 9) treatment. Using transrectal ultrasonography (USG), reproductive tract was imaged daily beginning day 0 until day 11. The follicular cyst showed a consistent regression to a very small anechoic area on day 7 and was undetectable thereafter. Concurrently, there was development of a new dominant follicle that was first detected on day 4 and showed progressive growth to preovulatory stage. The cow was inseminated and ovulation occurred, as diagnosed by the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) 7 days later, but conception did not occur. The animal was re-inseminated after estrus detection in the estrous cycle that immediately followed. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on 30 and 60 days post-insemination (DPI) and the cow was confirmed to be pregnant. This paper underscores the importance of diagnostic ultrasound in veterinary medicine, especially in the management of reproductive problems.

Association of inhibin-α gene polymorphisms with follicular cysts in large white sows

Ovarian follicular cysts are anovulatory follicular structures that have been identified in sows and are known to cause infertility. The pathogenesis of follicular cysts remains poorly understood. Hormones play key roles in the formation and persistence of cysts. The hormone inhibin is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and is named for its negative regulation of FSH, another hormone that controls follicular recruitment and growth. In the present study, 48 sows with follicular cysts and 60 normal sows with no cysts were screened for mutations in the inhibin-α gene to examine the association of inhibin-α gene polymorphisms with the presence of follicular cysts. The results show that the c.-42G>A and c.3222G>A polymorphisms are significantly associated with follicular cysts and that sows with c.-42GG and c.3222GG genotypes have lower risk of developing cysts. Our findings may provide novel biological biomarkers and promising gene therapy candidates for follicular cyst formation in sows, which would greatly benefit pig breeding programs.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in bovine follicular cystic ovaries

Follicular cystic ovary (FCO) is one of the most frequently diagnosed ovarian diseases and is a major cause of reproductive failure in mammalian species. However, the mechanism by which FCO is induced remains unclear. Genetic alterations which affect the functioning of many kinds of cells and/or tissues could be present in cystic ovaries. In this study, we performed a comparison analysis of gene expression in order to identify new molecules useful in discrimination of bovine FCO with follicular cystic follicles (FCFs). Normal follicles and FCFs were classified based on their sizes (5 to 10 mm and ≥25 mm). These follicles had granulosa cell layer and theca interna and the hormone 17β-estradiol (E(2))/ progesterone (P(4)) ratio in follicles was greater than one. Perifollicular regions including follicles were used for the preparation of RNA or protein. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) that showed greater than a 2-fold change in expression were screened by the annealing control primer (ACP)-based PCR method using GeneFishing™ DEG kits in bovine normal follicles and FCFs. We identified two DEGs in the FCFs: ribosomal protein L15 (RPL15) and microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) based on BLAST searches of the NCBI GenBank. Consistent with the ACP analysis, semi-quantitative PCR data and Western blot analyses revealed an up-regulation of RPL15 and a down-regulation of MAP1B in FCFs. These results suggest that RPL15 and MAP1B may be involved in the regulation of pathological processes in bovine FCOs and may help to establish a bovine gene data-base for the discrimination of FCOs from normal ovaries.