-
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 -
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 -
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 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Nov 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of sex steroid receptors and redox mediators in the uterus of domestic cats with pyometra.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of sex steroid receptors and redox mediators in the uterus of domestic cats with pyometra.
METHODS
Twelve cats were used and divided into groups: (1) non-gestational healthy diestrus (n = 7) and (2) pyometra (n = 5). The plasma profiles of estradiol and progesterone (P) as well as uterine expression levels of estradiol alpha (ERα), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptors, of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and of the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were evaluated.
RESULTS
Cats with pyometra showed higher plasma P levels and increased uterine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of ERα and PR, mainly in the glandular epithelium for ERα and in stromal and myometrial cells for PR. In addition, there was an increase in 8-OHdG immunostaining and GPX1 mRNA and protein expression in cats with pyometra compared with those in non-gestational diestrus, while catalase showed a reduction in endometrial immunostaining in cats with pyometra. There were no differences in uterine AR and SOD1 expression between the groups.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this study showed that pyometra is associated with oxidative stress in the uterus of domestic cats and alterations of the profile of sex steroid receptors, especially ERα and PR, and of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting that changes in these mediators may play a role with the etiopathogenesis of this disease.
Topics: Female; Cats; Animals; Receptors, Progesterone; Pyometra; Progesterone; Catalase; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Antioxidants; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Uterus; Estrogens; Estradiol; Oxidation-Reduction; RNA, Messenger; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38018511
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X231170159 -
Canadian Medical Association Journal Sep 1981Pyometra is a potentially lethal disease. Eighteen cases, all but one in postmenopausal women, were diagnosed at the Ottawa General and Ottawa Civic hospitals between...
Pyometra is a potentially lethal disease. Eighteen cases, all but one in postmenopausal women, were diagnosed at the Ottawa General and Ottawa Civic hospitals between 1974 and 1978 inclusive. A review of this series and of the literature demonstrates that a large proportion of cases (72% in this series) are associated with or follow radiotherapy for a malignant disease of the uterus and that anaerobic bacteria are frequently isolated from the uterine cavity (in 56% of the patients in this series). Because pyometra is potentially lethal (one patient in our series died) it should be considered as an abscess and treated promptly and vigorously by evacuation and continued drainage of the uterine cavity. Curettage of the cavity and the endocervical canal after dilatation is essential to rule out associated malignant disease as well as to debride the necrotic tissue. Antibiotics effective against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria should be given to all patients with signs of systemic infection. Once the infection is controlled, the underlying problem can be treated.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Ontario; Retrospective Studies; Suppuration; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Uterine Diseases
PubMed: 7284938
DOI: No ID Found -
German Medical Science : GMS E-journal 2022Pyometra is a rare gynecological condition and is characterized by pus accumulation in the uterine cavity. It occurs more frequently in postmenopausal women than...
BACKGROUND
Pyometra is a rare gynecological condition and is characterized by pus accumulation in the uterine cavity. It occurs more frequently in postmenopausal women than tubo-ovarian abscesses, which constitute a more common gynecological complication among premenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with lower abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever for the last three days. The laboratory results were indicative to sepsis. The clinical examination revealed sensitivity by palpation of the lower abdomen without any signs of acute abdomen. The gynecological assessment showed pus outflow through the cervix and a pus culture was done. The ultrasound examination found an enlarged uterus, full of hypoechoic fluid, unclear borders between endometrium-myometrium, a mixed echogenicity adnexal mass and no free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. A computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed the presence of pyometra and a tubo-ovarian abscess of the right adnexa.
METHOD
The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotic therapy. When the patient was hemodynamically stable and afebrile, she underwent ultrasound-guided dilatation and curettage of the cervical canal and the endometrium in order to exclude an underlying malignancy, under general anesthesia.
RESULTS
The patient responded promptly to the intravenous antibiotic therapy which was adapted to the pus culture result. The laboratory results withdrew to normal values and the patient was discharged after fifteen days of hospitalization in an afebrile and hemodynamically stable condition.
CONCLUSION
Pyometra and tubo-ovarian abscess in postmenopausal women could be a lethal complication of pelvic inflammatory disease. The key in treatment is the dilatation of the cervix and drainage of the pyometra. The administration of intravenous antibiotics and drainage through the cervix could be a suitable method of treatment for pyometra in older patients or those with poor performance status if only the histological examination is negative for malignancy.
Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Abscess; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; Humans; Oophoritis; Postmenopause; Pyometra; Salpingitis
PubMed: 35875245
DOI: 10.3205/000311 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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