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Animal Reproduction Science Mar 2022The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are...
The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are potential key factors involved in the proliferative and inflammatory regulation of the reproductive system in females. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of PNX and GPR173 by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to clinically healthy females. Additionally, PNX and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were analysed. The results showed a significantly lower expression levels of PNX and GPR173 (mRNA and protein production) in bitches with the CEH or pyometra groups compared to healthy animals. Immunofluorescence staining examination also confirmed a lower concentration of PNX and GPR173 signals in bitches with pathological uteri. Moreover, a lower concentration of PNX blood levels in bitches suffering from pyometra was observed. The PNX concentration was negatively correlated with P4 but only in healthy bitches. These results illustrate that the development of canine uterine disorders may cause a lower expression of PNX and its receptor GPR173.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrium; Female; Neuropeptides; Pyometra; Uterus
PubMed: 35121414
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106931 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2022Accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) was recently observed in pyometra-affected uteri. As data about their nature and function are missing we intended to compare the...
BACKGROUND
Accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) was recently observed in pyometra-affected uteri. As data about their nature and function are missing we intended to compare the localization, quality and quantity of LDs in canine healthy and pyometra-affected tissues and in an in vitro model.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We characterized LDs in healthy and pyometra uterine tissue samples as well as in canine endometrial epithelial cells (CEECs) in vitro by means of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, western blot, and RT-qPCR. Oil Red O (ORO) staining and quantification as well as p-phenylenediamine staining showed a higher number of LDs in epithelial cells of pyometra samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the amount of LDs coated by perilipin2 (PLIN2) protein was also higher in pyometra samples. Transmission electron microscopy showed an increase of LD size in surface and glandular epithelial cells of pyometra samples. In cell culture experiments with CEECs, supplementation with oleic acid alone or in combination with cholesterol lead to an increased LD accumulation. The expression of PLIN2 at protein and mRNA level was also higher upon oleic acid supplementation. Most LDs were double positive for ORO and PLIN2. However, ORO positive LDs lacking PLIN2 coating or LDs positive for PLIN2 but containing a lipid class not detectable by ORO staining were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
We found differences in the healthy and pyometra-affected endometrium with respect to LDs size. Moreover, several kinds of LDs seem to be present in the canine endometrium. In vitro studies with CEECs could show their responsiveness to external lipids. Since epithelial cells reacted only to oleic acid stimulation, we assume that the cyclic lipid accumulation in the canine endometrium is based mainly on triglycerides and might serve as energy provision for the developing early embryo. Further studies are necessary to verify the complex role of lipids in the healthy and pyometra-affected canine endometrium.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Endometrium; Female; Lipid Droplets; Oleic Acid; Pyometra; Uterus
PubMed: 35689217
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03321-5 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Mar 2022Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping... (Review)
Review
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE
Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping cats in smaller groups reduces stress and facilitates management.
CLINICAL CHALLENGES
Breeding cats is challenging in many ways. Group housing is a common scenario, and care should be taken not to have groups that are too large, because of the risk of stress and infectious diseases. Feline pregnancy and parturition both vary in length, which is one reason why it may be challenging to diagnose dystocia. In queens with pyometra, a vaginal discharge may not be evident due to their meticulous cleaning habits.
AUDIENCE
This review is aimed at clinicians in small animal practice, especially those in contact with cat breeders.
PATIENT GROUP
Reproductive emergencies occur in both intentionally and unintentionally bred cats, and more often in young or middle-aged queens. Pyometra tends to be a disease of older queens.
EVIDENCE BASE
Evidence is poor for many conditions in the breeding queen, and information is extrapolated from the dog or based on case reports and case series.
Topics: Animals; Breeding; Cat Diseases; Cats; Communicable Diseases; Dystocia; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pyometra; Reproduction
PubMed: 35209770
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X221079708 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Oct 2023Pyometra, characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in canines. While the disease often begins with... (Review)
Review
Pyometra, characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, is the most prevalent reproductive disease in canines. While the disease often begins with mild local symptoms, it can escalate into peritonitis, sepsis, and multi-organ dysfunction, thereby posing a significant threat to life. Despite the high incidence and recognized significance of canine pyometra, gaps persist in our understanding of its epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis. Recent studies have, however, broadened our comprehension of this disease, shedding light on potential new infection sources, etiologies, and the application of clinical predictive biomarkers and new therapeutic protocols. This study aimed to review the current understanding of canine pyometra, with particular emphasis on the latest research concerning its etiology and epidemiology. Furthermore, it addressed key research questions and proposed directions for future investigations into various facets of canine pyometra.
PubMed: 37958065
DOI: 10.3390/ani13213310 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Canine pyometra frequently occurs in middle-aged to older intact bitches, which seriously affects the life of dogs and brings an economic loss to their owners. Hence,...
Canine pyometra frequently occurs in middle-aged to older intact bitches, which seriously affects the life of dogs and brings an economic loss to their owners. Hence, finding a key metabolite is very important for the diagnosis and development of a new safe and effective therapy for the disease. In this study, dogs with pyometra were identified by blood examinations, laboratory analyses and diagnostic imaging, and fifteen endometrium tissues of sick dogs with pyometra and fifteen controls were collected and their metabolites were identified utilizing a UHPLC-qTOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach. The results indicated that the elevated inflammatory cells were observed in dogs with pyometra, suggesting that sick dogs suffered systemic inflammation. In the untargeted metabolic profile, 705 ion features in the positive polarity mode and 414 ion features in the negative polarity mode were obtained in endometrium tissues of sick dogs with pyometra, with a total of 275 differential metabolites (173 in positive and 102 in negative polarity modes). Moreover, the multivariate statistical analyses such as PCA and PLS-DA also showed that the metabolites were significantly different between the two groups. Then, these differential metabolites were subjected to pathway analysis using Metaboanalyst 4.0, and Galactose metabolism, cAMP signaling pathway and Glycerophospholipid metabolism were enriched, proving some insights into the metabolic changes during pyometra. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curves further confirmed kynurenic acid was expected to be a candidate biomarker of canine pyometra. In conclusion, this study provided a new idea for exploring early diagnosis methods and a safe and effective therapy for canine pyometra.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dogs; Animals; Pyometra; Dog Diseases; Metabolomics; Inflammation; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36430638
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214161 -
Veterinary Sciences Mar 2022We aimed to investigate the occurrence, phylogeny, and virulence of in the uterine contents and urine of female dogs with pyometra, through the presence of virulence...
We aimed to investigate the occurrence, phylogeny, and virulence of in the uterine contents and urine of female dogs with pyometra, through the presence of virulence genes and their genetic similarity. Uterine secretions and urine samples from 52 female dogs with pyometra were collected and cultured. Strains identified as from 25 uterine and 7 urine samples were tested for virulence genes by PCR. Genetic similarity between the isolates was studied using RAPD-PCR. was observed in 48.07% uterine samples with pyometra and 20.0% urine samples. The strains showed high percentages for the presence of virulence genes: 96.9% had the gene , 59.4% 46.9% , 53.1% , and 68.75% . Even with the high prevalence of virulence genes, the samples were not submitted to DNA sequencing to confirm the results. Analysis showed high genetic diversity in however, strains isolated from the same animal indicate that cystitis and pyometra could be related. Our study indicated the association between in dogs with pyometra and cases of urinary tract infection and the pathogenic potential of strains increasing with animal age.
PubMed: 35448656
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040158 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2021Pyometra is a life-threatening infectious disease that frequently affects bitches and queens. Although histopathological patterns of pyometra have been extensively...
Pyometra is a life-threatening infectious disease that frequently affects bitches and queens. Although histopathological patterns of pyometra have been extensively explored, the microbiological aspects, such as bacteria pathogenicity, have not been correlated to microscopy endometrial lesions so far. In this study, these two pathological aspects of pyometra were analysed and correlated. Uterus fragments and intrauterine content samples were collected from pets diagnosed with pyometra (30) and submitted to histopathology analysis and bacterial culture, respectively. The degree of endometrial histopathological lesions in pyometra cases were classified as mild, moderate and severe. Thirty different bacteria isolates were identified from intrauterine content culture. () was pure isolated in 57.7% and highly related to severe endometrial lesions. Immunohistochemistry assay revealed the adhesion and invasion of this bacteria agent to the injured endometrium. Virulence aspects of these strains were explored, demonstrating biofilm formation ability and a set of virulence genes in most isolates. These results support the adaptive genetic and phenotypic advantages of for uterus infection, and justify the high frequency of this agent involved in pyometra cases.
PubMed: 34357983
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070833 -
BioMed Research International 2023Canine pyometra, which is accompanied by bacterial contamination of the dog uterus, is defined as a complex disease associated with the activation of several systems,...
Canine pyometra, which is accompanied by bacterial contamination of the dog uterus, is defined as a complex disease associated with the activation of several systems, including the immune system. This study uses text mining and microarray data analysis methods to discover some existing targeted gene drugs and expand potential new drug indications. Text mining ("canine pyometra") and microarray data analysis (GSE99877) were used to obtain a common set of genes. These genes and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed using Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Then, the important genes clustered in the PPI network were selected for gene-drug interaction analysis to provide evidence for potential drug discovery. Through text mining and data analysis, we obtained 17,544 text mining genes (TMGs) and 399 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. There were 256 repeat genes between TMGs and DEGs, including 70 upregulated genes and 186 downregulated genes. Thirty-seven genes clustered in three significant gene modules. Eight of the 37 genes can target 23 existing drugs. In conclusion, the discovery of 8 immune response-related genes (, , , , , , , and ) targeting 23 existing drugs may expand the drug indications for pyometra-related diseases in dogs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Animals; Dogs; Gene Expression Profiling; Pyometra; Microarray Analysis; Gene Regulatory Networks; Protein Interaction Maps; Data Mining; Computational Biology; Gene Ontology
PubMed: 37101686
DOI: 10.1155/2023/7839568 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jan 2018We investigated the effect of pyometra on kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG). Eighteen client-owned dogs with pyometra and 8 healthy spayed dogs were recruited....
We investigated the effect of pyometra on kaolin-activated thromboelastography (TEG). Eighteen client-owned dogs with pyometra and 8 healthy spayed dogs were recruited. TEG parameters and packed cell volume were determined. Results from spayed females and from intact females with pyometra were compared using a Student t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Bitches with pyometra were hypercoagulable compared to spayed bitches as evidenced by elevated maximum amplitude, G, and alpha angle. There were no significant group differences in R time, K time, or clot lysis at 30 or 60 min. Dogs with pyometra should be anticipated to have hypercoagulable TEG variables, and this should be addressed when planning surgical and medical therapy.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Kaolin; Pyometra; Thrombelastography
PubMed: 29059018
DOI: 10.1177/1040638717737349 -
BMC Veterinary Research Sep 2023Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early...
BACKGROUND
Sepsis is a condition characterized by organic dysfunction, leading to hemodynamic instability and high morbidity and mortality rates in humans and animals. Early identification of perfusion changes and appropriate management of sepsis are crucial for improving patient prognosis. Currently, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores are widely studied for sepsis identification and evaluation of organ dysfunction. However, these scores do not assess gastrointestinal involvement, which is common in this condition. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and Doppler have been considered promising diagnostic techniques for detecting changes in vascularization and microcirculation in a non-invasive and safe manner, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. This study aimed to evaluate duodenal perfusion using CEUS, as well as abdominal aortic and cranial mesenteric artery blood flow using Doppler ultrasound, and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) in 17 bitches with pyometra and in 10 healthy animals.
RESULTS
The variables were compared between the pyometra and control groups, as well between patients with and without sepsis determined by the SOFA or SIRS scores. Pyometra was found to cause a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow volume, aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistivity index as evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Patients with sepsis according to the SOFA criteria only presented lower SAP. In contrast, sepsis animals identified by the SIRS score exhibited lower SAP, aortic peak systolic velocity, aortic blood flow volume, and aortic resistivity index and additionally, higher peak intensity of contrast in the duodenal wall.
CONCLUSIONS
Pyometra causes a reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow, which is more pronounced in animals with sepsis identified by the SIRS criteria. These animals also exhibited a decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in duodenal perfusion, as evident by CEUS. However, these changes were not observed in patients with sepsis identified by the SOFA criteria. The alterations in intestinal perfusion observed in animals with sepsis indicate the presence of inflammation or dysfunction. In this regard, CEUS proves to be a valuable technique for detecting subtle changes in tissue hemodynamics that may not be apparent in conventional exams.
Topics: Female; Humans; Animals; Dogs; Pyometra; Sepsis; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Prognosis; Perfusion; Retrospective Studies; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37777757
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03747-5