Messenger RNA Expression of Selected Factors at Different Sites of the Bovine Endometrium Associated With Uterine Health

Abstract

Recent studies have elucidated the role of several pro-inflammatory factors as mediators of inflammatory processes in the bovine endometrium. Only few studies, however, have analyzed samples collected from different regions of the uterus of the same animal. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that on a molecular level, clinical endometritis is characterized by inflammatory responses spread over the entire endometrium. Furthermore, we assume that subclinical endometritis is described by an inflammation of local regions of the uterus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the mRNA expression of uterus-associated pro-inflammatory factors at five pre-defined endometrial sites, i.e., corpus uteri, left horn base, left horn tip, right horn base, and right horn tip, in cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis and in healthy controls. We analyzed the mRNA expression of interleukin 1 alpha, interleukin 1 beta, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C, carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1, and mucin 4 and 16. Based on vaginoscopy and endometrial cytology (≥ 5% polymorphonuclear neutrophils) between 28 to 34 days in milk, 18 Simmental cows were categorized in clinical endometritis group (n = 7), subclinical endometritis group (n = 4), and healthy group (n = 7). In general, the analyses revealed a great variation of mRNA expression between sites and animals. Differences were found between different uterine health statuses, but the variation between the sampling sites within the groups was not significant (P > 0.05). This indicates that inflammatory processes at the end of the postpartum period can be regarded as multi-focal or spread throughout the uterus independent from the uterine health status.

Investigating Polymorphisms and Expression Profile of Immune, Antioxidant, and Erythritol-Related Genes for Limiting Postparturient Endometritis in Holstein Cattle

“…Additionally, C3 , C2 , LTF , PF4 , and TRAPPC13 had unique mRNA expression patterns in the blood and endometrial tissue of dairy cows with subclinical endometritis [ 49 ]. In contrast to control cows, cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis displayed a significant change in the mRNA expression of uterus-associated proinflammatory markers, according to Pothmann et al [ 50 ]. In the endometrium of repeat breeding cows with and without subclinical endometritis, there were significantly more transcript levels of tumor necrosis factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase [ 51 ].…”

Exploring the microbiome of two uterine sites in cows

“…The distinctions between UB and UH have not been fully delineated 44 . However, a study conducted by Pothmann, et al 44 demonstrated a significant mRNA expression of Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 1 alpha, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand in UH.…”

“…The distinctions between UB and UH have not been fully delineated 44 . However, a study conducted by Pothmann, et al 44 demonstrated a significant mRNA expression of Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 1 alpha, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand in UH. Additionally, UH creates an environment that is less favorable for bacterial growth and colonization due to the presence of antimicrobial substances 45 and ciliary movement 46 , which aids in the elimination of potential pathogens.…”

Beneficial Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Animal Reproduction Function

“…When bacterial infection causes severe or prolonged endometrial inflammation, it develops uterine disorders [ 53 ]. In addition, proinflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins and cytokines, such as interleukin 1A (IL1A), interleukin 1B (IL1B), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), were elevated in cows with preclinical and clinical endometritis [ 54 ].…”