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This study aimed to report a leiomyosarcoma associated with acute abdomen and uterine torsion in an 8-year-old, nulliparous, white-collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) kept under human care. The animal presented a two-day clinical history of abdominal bulging, vaginal discharge, and acute abdomen. Ultrasound findings indicated an intrabdominal tumor, and an exploratory laparotomy followed by an emergency ovariohysterectomy was performed to remove the tumor. Grossly, the right horn exhibited a firm, friable tumor measuring 23cm in diameter and weighing 9.3kg. On the cut surface, the tumor drained a foul-smelling fluid and bloody content. The tumor wall was 6cm thick, dark red, firm, and had a brittle, soft, yellow fibrillar material firmly adhered to its surface. Microscopically, the lesion consisted of malignant proliferation of leiomyocytes with necrosis and hemorrhage of the endometrium and myometrium. The cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells was strongly immunopositive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin but negative for cytokeratin and desmin. Leiomyosarcoma is uncommon in Tayassuidae, and its clinicopathological presentation may be concomitant with acute abdomen, uterine torsion, and pyometra. These conditions should be included in the differential diagnosis of reproductive diseases observed in female peccaries.

Este estudo teve como objetivo relatar um leiomiossarcoma associado a abdome agudo e torção uterina em uma cateta (Tayassu tajacu) de oito anos, nulípara, mantida sob cuidados humanos. O animal apresentou uma história clínica de dois dias de aumento de volume abdominal, secreção vaginal e abdome agudo. Achados de ultrassonografia indicaram um tumor intrabdominal, e uma laparotomia exploratória seguida de ovariohisterectomia de emergência foi realizada para remover o tumor. Macroscopicamente, o corno direito do útero exibia um tumor firme, friável medindo 23cm de diâmetro e pesava 9,3kg. Na superfície de corte, o tumor drenava um fluido de odor fétido e conteúdo sanguinolento. A parede do tumor tinha 6cm de espessura, era de cor vermelha escura e firme, e apresentava um material fibrilar amarelo, friável e macio aderido firmemente à sua superfície. Microscopicamente, a lesão consistia em proliferação maligna dos leiomiócitos acompanhada de necrose e hemorragia difusas de endométrio e miométrio. O citoplasma das células neoplásicas foi fortemente imunopositivo para vimentina e actina de músculo liso e negativo para citoqueratina e desmina. Leiomiossarcomas são raros em Tayassuidae e sua apresentação clinicopatológica pode ser concomitante com abdome agudo, torção uterina e piometra. Essas condições devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças reprodutivas observadas em catetas.

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In cattle, artificial insemination (AI) is a technique that allows breeding by depositing frozen-thawed and extended semen into the female reproductive tract. The semen contains sperm with various motility patterns including dead, progressive and hyperactivated. Sperm hyperactivation is high amplitude, asymmetrical beating of sperm tail which usually occurs in the oviduct as part of the capacitation process, but it can also be induced by cryopreservation. After insemination, sperm enter the uterine glands and trigger a pro-inflammatory response in the uterus. Hyperactivated sperm, stimulated by sperm-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), penetrates the mucus and uterine glands more efficiently and enhances the immune response. This facilitates the clearance of excess and dead sperm from the uterus. Some sperm escape the immune response and reach the oviduct either before or after the immune response is initiated. In the oviduct, sperm bind to the epithelium and form a reservoir. This triggers an anti-inflammatory response and preserves the fertilization potential of sperm. Hyperactivation facilitates sperm detaching from the epithelium, swimming through the viscous mucus and cumulus cells, and penetrating the egg's zona pellucida. Sperm-TLR2 activation enhances Ca2+-influx and acrosome reaction, which enables sperm to penetrate and fertilize oocytes during in vitro fertilization. Altogether, post-AI in cattle, sperm and maternal immunity interact differentially depending upon the site of sperm hyperactivation ­ whether it occurs within the uterus or oviduct. Specifically, hyperactivated sperm that enter the uterus after AI or are triggered via sperm-TLR2 activation or other stimuli contribute to sperm-induced uterine inflammation. Such hyperactivated sperm may impede their capacity to ascend to the oviduct. Conversely, sperm that become hyperactivated within the oviduct modulate their interactions with the oviduct and oocytes, which is pivotal during fertilization process. Indeed, the location and timing of sperm hyperactivation partially via TLR2 activation are critical determinants of their different influence on fertility.(AU)

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Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

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We hypothesized that the hCG modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs in bovine endometrium during early pregnancy. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of hCG on IFNT-pathway signals and ISGs expression in endometrial cells. For this, 29 non-lactating cross-bread cows were used in the study and submitted to a 9-day fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. The day of the AI was considered Day 0 (D0), and five days (D5) after the FTAI, the cows were allocated into two groups: Control and hCG group, when a hCG group received a single dose of 2.500UI of hCG. On day 18 after FTAI (D18) cows were slaughtered and endometrial tissue samples were collected. There was no difference between the embryo recovery rate of the cows in C compared to the hCG. The hCG group increased the accessory corpus luteum formation rate. The hCG resulted in greater serum progesterone concentration in the hCG group compared to the C on Day 14. Only the expression of IFNAR2 and STAT1 were upregulated on pregnant cows of the hCG group compared to the C group. The pathway genes (JAK1, STAT2, and IRF9) were not regulated. The mRNA abundance of ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1 was upregulated in pregnant cows for hCG group, compared to C group. The results show that the administration of hCG, 5 days after AI, in addition to increasing the serum progesterone, modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs on bovine endometrium on Day 18 of pregnancy.(AU)

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This retrospective study evaluated the impact of the clinical presentation of pyometra on the morbidity and mortality of the affected bitches. The medical records of 47 bitches surgically treated for pyometra between May and December 2017 were evaluated. The admission data were analyzed to classify the animals according to the clinical presentation of pyometra, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and organic dysfunctions (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and hemostatic). The outcomes were recorded for up to 14 days. The overall mortality rate was 13%. Open and closed pyometra were identified in 62% (n= 29) and 38% (n= 18) of the cases, respectively. The SIRS was present in 44 (94%) bitches, and 27 (57%) had at least one organ dysfunction. The most prevalent dysfunction was hemostatic, followed by neurological, cardiovascular, and renal dysfunction. The clinical presentation of pyometra and the presence of SIRS did not correlate with each other, or with the presence of organ dysfunction and mortality. However, cumulative organ dysfunction (r=0.532, P=<0.001) and the presence of neurological (r= -0.371; P=0.012) and renal dysfunction (r=0.303; P=0.041) were correlated with mortality. Thus, the identification of organ dysfunction through physical examination and routine laboratory analysis proved to be more effective in identifying and predicting the critically ill patients than the SIRS criteria or clinical presentation of the disease.

O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar o impacto da apresentação clínica da piometra na morbimortalidade das cadelas afetadas. Foram avaliados os registros clínicos de 47 cadelas tratadas cirurgicamente para piometra entre maio e dezembro de 2017. Os dados recolhidos na admissão foram analisados para classificar os animais quanto à apresentação clínica da piometra, presença de critérios da Síndrome da Resposta Inflamatória Sistêmica (SRIS) e disfunções orgânicas - cardiovascular, neurológica, renal e hemostática. Foi registrado o desfecho durante 14 dias. A mortalidade global foi de 13%. Piometra aberta e fechada foram identificadas em 62% (n= 29) e 38% (n= 18) respectivamente. SRIS esteve presente em 44 (94%) cadelas e 27 (57%) tiveram pelo menos uma disfunção orgânica. A disfunção mais prevalente foi a hemostática, seguida da neurológica, cardiovascular e renal. A apresentação clínica da piometra e a presença de SRIS não se correlacionaram entre si ou com presença de disfunção orgânica e mortalidade. No entanto, a quantidade de disfunções orgânicas (r=0.532, P=<0.001) e a presença das disfunções neurológica (r= -0.371; P=0.012) e renal (r=0.303; P=0.041) foram correlacionados com mortalidade. Assim, a identificação de disfunções orgânicas através do exame físico e análises laboratoriais de rotina mostrou-se mais eficaz na identificação e previsão de pacientes críticos do que os critérios de SRIS ou a apresentação clínica da doença.

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In beef cattle operations that conduct embryo transfer, the overall success depends on the pregnancy outcome that results from every pregnancy opportunity. In this review, we dissected the main components that determine if a recipient will sustain the pregnancy after embryo transfer up to calving. Specifically, we describe the effect of the uterus on its ability to provide a receptive environment for embryo development. We then discuss the capacity of the embryo to thrive after transfer, and especially the contribution of the sire to embryo fitness. Finally, we review the interaction between the uterus and the embryo as an integrated unit that defines the pregnancy.(AU)

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Purpose: Osteoporosis is a bone disease which commonly occurred in postmenopausal women. Almost 10 percent of world population and approximately 30% of women (postmenopausal) suffer from this disease. Alternative medicine has great success in the treatment of osteoporosis disease. Bryodulcosigenin, a potent phytoconstituent, already displayed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. In this study, we made effort to analyze the antiosteoporosis effect of bryodulcosigenin against ovariectomy (OVX) induced osteoporosis in rats. Methods: Swiss albino Wistar rats were grouped into fIve groups and given an oral dose of bryodulcosigenin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Body weight, uterus, bone mineral density, cytokines, hormones parameters, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and its ratio were estimated. Results: Bryodulcosigenin significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed the body weight and enhanced the uterine weight and significantly (p < 0.001) increased the bone mineral density in whole femur, caput femoris, distal femur and proximal femur. Bryodulcosigenin significantly (P < 0.001) altered the level of biochemical parameters at dose dependent manner, significantly (P < 0.001) improved the level of estrogen and suppressed the level of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Bryodulcosigenin significantly (P < 0.001) improved the level of OPG and suppressed the level of RANKL. Conclusions: Bryodulcosigenin reduced the cytokines level and suppressed the TGF-ß and IGF. We concluded that bryodulcosigenin is an antiosteoporosis medication based on the findings.

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This study explored the migration of follicular fluid (FF)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) of the uterine environment to the bloodstream and their interaction with neutrophils in vivo and in vitro. For the in vivo experiment, six Nellore heifers (Bos indicus) received an intrauterine infusion seven days after ovulation with 1X PBS only (sham group; n=1), 1X PBS stained with lipophilic dye PKH26 (control group; n=2), or FF-derived EVs stained with PKH26 (treated group; n=3). Plasma was collected at 0, 10, 30, 60-, 180-, 360-, 720-, and 1440-min post-infusion to obtained EVs for analysis by nano flow cytometry. Labeled EVs were present in the bloodstream at 30- and 60-min post-infusion in the treatment group. Additionally, plasma derived-EVs from all groups were positive for Calcein-AM, Alix, Syntenin, and Calnexin, which confirm the presence of EVs. The second experiment utilized the plasma-derived EVs from the heifers from 30 and 60 min timepoints to evaluate if neutrophils can uptake EVs in vitro. As results, it was possible to observe the presence of labeled EVs in neutrophils treated with plasma derived-EVs from the treatment group. In summary, our results suggest that labeled EVs can migrate from the uterine environment rapidly and interact with circulating immune cells in bovine.(AU)

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The oviduct and uterus provide an optimal environment for early embryo development, where effective communication between the embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is crucial for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Oviductal and uterine-derived EVs play pivotal roles in this maternal-embryonic communication and in facilitating early embryo development. However, despite the ability of in vitro culture methods to produce viable embryos, the lack of exchange between the embryo and the mother often results in lower-quality embryos than those derived in vivo. Therefore, there is a pressing need to increase our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying embryo interaction with the oviduct and endometrium through EVs and to develop models capable of mimicking the in vivo environment. This review aims to provide up-to-date insights into the communication between the mother and pre-implantation bovine embryo, exploring their applications and perspectives in the field.(AU)

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Blood samples from 200 female dogs divided into 6 groups (diestrus, mucometra, pyometra) were evaluated, with the pyometra group categorized according to the ASA classification (American Society of Anesthesiologists), that is, from ASA II to V, totaling six groups. Aiming to analyze the acute phase proteins (APP), hematological and serum biochemical profiles of the female dogs in the study, establishing the differential diagnosis and prognosis according to the group. The SDS-PAGE method was used for protein fractionation, complete blood count using an automated hematological analyzer and histogram, biochemical tests performed using a semi-automatic spectrophotometer and measurement of serum concentrations of sodium and ionic calcium using the selective ion method. The results showed that female dogs with pyometra categorized in the ASA II to V classification revealed biochemical alterations between the study groups, as well as the acute phase proteins, presented variations according to the systemic involvement, degree of inflammatory response and ASA classification of the female dogs with pyometra, in which ceruloplasmin (p=0.07) and transferrin (p=0.07) did not show statistical significance, but showed an increase in their concentration according to the inflammatory evolution, albumin (p<0.0001), IgGCP (p <0.0001), haptoglobin (p<0.0001), alpha acid glycoprotein (p<0.0001), IgGCL (p<0.0001) and the one identified by its atomic weight 23,000 Da (p=0.0031), enabling the assessment of the acute phase response and aiding in the early detection of the systemic inflammatory response and better therapeutic guidance for the patient.

Foram avaliadas amostras de sangue de 200 cadelas, divididas em seis grupos (diestro, mucometra, piometra), sendo o grupo piometra categorizado de acordo com a classificação ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists), ou seja, de ASA II a V, totalizando seis grupos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as proteínas de fase aguda (APP), os perfis hematológicos e bioquímicos séricos das cadelas do estudo, estabelecendo-se o diagnóstico diferencial e o prognóstico de acordo com o grupo. O método SDS-PAGE foi utilizado para fracionamento de proteínas. Foi feito hemograma completo com analisador hematológico automático e histograma, exames bioquímicos com espectrofotômetro semiautomático e medição das concentrações séricas de sódio e cálcio iônico pelo método de íons seletivos. Os resultados mostraram que cadelas com piometra categorizadas na classificação ASA II a V revelaram alterações bioquímicas entre os grupos de estudo, assim como as proteínas de fase aguda apresentaram variações de acordo com o envolvimento sistêmico, o grau de resposta inflamatória e a classificação ASA das cadelas com piometra, nas quais a ceruloplasmina (P=0,07) e a transferrina (P=0,07) não apresentaram significância estatística, mas apresentaram aumento em sua concentração conforme a evolução inflamatória, albumina (P<0,0001), IgGCP (P<0,0001 ), haptoglobina (P<0,0001), glicoproteína alfa ácida (P<0,0001), IgGCL (P<0,0001) e aquela identificada pelo seu peso atômico 23.000 Da (P=0,0031), o que possibilitou a avaliação da resposta de fase aguda e auxiliou na detecção precoce da resposta inflamatória sistêmica e na melhor orientação terapêutica para o paciente.

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For the first time, on the basis of complex research, scientifically based and experimentally proven zootechnical feasibility of using the Prevention-N-A biologics developed by us based on the polysaccharide complex of yeast cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the aminoglycoside group bactericidal preparation in the technology of obtaining and growing calves in comparison with the previously approved PS-2 preparation. It is proved that three-time intramuscular injection of PS-2 and Prevention-N-A biologics to down-calvers 45-40, 25-20 and 15-10 days before calving in a dose of 10 ml prevents gynecological diseases and increases reproductive function. Under the influence of preparations in cows, the time of separation of the fetal membranes was reduced by 6.0 and 6.4 hours, retention of placenta, post-parturient complications and breast diseases were prevented. The risk of subinvolution of the uterus and endometritis in the first case decreased by 3.0 and 2.0 times, respectively, and in the second ­ was excluded (P<0.05). Against the background of immunocorrection in cows, the time of onset of heat by 11.6 and 14.2 days, the insemination index by 1.6 and 1.8 times, the service period by 22.4 and 28.4 days, and fertilization in 1 oestrus increased by 2.5 and 3.0 times (P<0.05-0.01). It was found that twice intramuscular injection of PS-2 and Prevention-N-A to calves on 2...3rd and 7... 9th day of life in a dose of 3 ml stimulates their growth and development, reduces the incidence. By the end of the growing period, the animals of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups were superior in live weight to control peers by 4.6 and 7.0 kg, rearing - 13.8 and 17.0 kg, and fattening - by 19.4 and 24.2 kg, respectively (P<0.05-0.01). A similar pattern occurred in the nature of changes in exterior measurements and the growth coefficient of animals of the compared groups. In calves of the experimental groups, the incidence of respiratory and digestive organs decreased by 2.3 and 7.0 times, the recovery time - by 1.3 and 4.3 days, respectively, compared to the control (P<0.05).

Pela primeira vez, fundamentado em pesquisas complexas, apresentamos a viabilidade zootécnica com base científica e experimentalmente comprovada do uso dos produtos biológicos Prevention-N-A desenvolvidos por nós a partir do complexo polissacarídeo de células de levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae, em conjunto com a solução bactericida do grupo aminoglicosídeo para a tecnologia de obtenção e criação de bezerros em comparação com a solução PS-2 previamente aprovada. Está provado que a aplicação da injeção tripla dos produtos biológicos PS-2 e Prevention-N-A em parturientes 45-40, 25-20 e 15-10 dias antes do parto em uma dose de 10 ml por via intramuscular previne doenças ginecológicas e aumenta a função reprodutiva. Sob a influência desta substância, o tempo de ruptura das membranas foi reduzido em 6,0 e 6,4 horas, prevenindo a retenção de placenta, complicações pós-parto e doenças mamárias nas vacas testadas no presente estudo. O risco de subinvolução uterina e endometrite no primeiro caso diminuiu 3,0 e 2,0 vezes, respectivamente e, no segundo, foi eliminado (P<0,05). No contexto da imunocorreção em vacas, foi observado um aumento de 11,6 e 14,2 dias em relação ao tempo de início do cio, 1,6 a 1,8 vezes na taxa de inseminação, 22,4 e 28,4 dias no período de serviço, e a fertilização em 1 estro aumentou 2,5 e 3,0 vezes (P<0,05-0,01). Verificou-se que a injeção dupla de PS-2 e Prevention-N-A em bezerros após 2-3 e 7-9 dias de vida na dose de 3 ml por via intramuscular estimula o crescimento e desenvolvimento, reduzindo a incidência de doenças. Ao final do período de crescimento, os animais do 1º e 2º grupos experimentais apresentaram ganhos de peso em carcaça superiores aos grupo de controle em 4,6 e 7,0 kg, assim como um aumento relacionado à recria - 13,8 e 17,0 kg e engorda - em 19,4 e 24,2 kg, respectivamente (P <0,05-0,01). Um padrão semelhante ocorre na natureza das mudanças de medidas externas e no coeficiente de crescimento dos animais dos grupos estudados. Nos bezerros dos grupos experimentais, a incidência de órgãos respiratórios e digestivos diminuiu 2,3 e 7,0 vezes, e o tempo de recuperação reduziu em 1,3 e 4,3 dias, respectivamente, em comparação ao grupo de controle (P<0,05).

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The aim of this study was to investigate uterine involution using ultrasonography techniques during postpartum. Postpartum ultrasonography evaluation (B-mode, color Doppler and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastography) of the uterus was performed by transabdominal approach at immediate after birth and sequentially every 48 hours, during 30 days. The uterine echotexture did not present significant variations (P >0.05) being homogeneous in most evaluations; echogenicity of the uterus increased along the evaluation period (P =0.0452). Progressive and remarkable decrease of the total uterine diameter (UD) were observed (P <0.0001), especially during the first days postpartum. The thickness of uterine wall gradually decreased, as well the endometrial, myometrium and lumen diameters (P <0.0001). Uterine blood flow was assessed by Doppler and decreased during postpartum period, being significantly lower (P=0.0225) on the 30th day of postpartum. Uterine parenchyma presented as homogeneous dark areas (not deformable) on qualitative ultrasound elastography and the means shear velocity values of the uterine wall on quantitative elastography did not differ. This is the first study that evaluate the stiffness of uterine wall in healthy ewes, providing baseline data about quantitative and qualitative stiffness of the normal uterus, and it may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of uterine alterations during the postpartum period, using the reference parameter established for the assessment of uterine integrity during postpartum period.(AU)

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A biópsia endometrial na égua é uma técnica simples e bastante antiga. É uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico de patologia no endométrio nesta espécie utilizada para determinar o estágio do ciclo estral, para detectar a presença de inflamações agudas ou crônicas e para determina a possibilidade do útero levar a gestação a termo. Mais recentemente outras alterações tais como a má-diferenciação e as angiopatias, também estão sendo avaliadas em amostras de biópsia endometrial em éguas, uma vez que também podem interferir no prognóstico reprodutivo destas fêmeas. Esta revisão tem por objetivo descrever a avaliação da biópsia endometrial e as principais alterações que ocorrem no endométrio das éguas.(AU)

Endometrial biopsy in the mare is a simple and quite old technique. It is an important tool for the diagnosis of pathology in the endometrium in this species, used to determine the stage of the estrous cycle, to detect the presence of acute or chronic inflammation and to determine the possibility of the uterus carrying the pregnancy to term. More recently, other alterations, such as poor differentiation and angiopathies, are also being evaluated in endometrial biopsy samples in mares, since they may also interfere with the reproductive prognosis of these females. This review aims to describe the evaluation of the endometrial biopsy and the main changes that occur in the endometrium of mares.(AU)

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Animals that exhibited estrus had greater pregnancy success compared to animals that did not exhibit estrus before fixed-time AI (FTAI). Estradiol is synthesized in bovine ovarian follicles under gonadotropin regulation and can directly and indirectly regulate the uterine receptivity and luteal function. Estradiol concentrations at FTAI impacted oviductal gene expression and has been reported to play an important role in establishing the timing of uterine receptivity. These changes have been reported to impact uterine pH and sperm transport to the site of fertilization. After fertilization, preovulatory estradiol has been reported to improve embryo survival likely by mediating changes in uterine blood flow, endometrial thickness and changes in histotroph. Cows with greater estradiol concentrations at the time of GnRH-induced ovulation also had a larger dominant follicle size and greater circulating progesterone concentrations on day 7. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately determine the individual benefit of greater estradiol concentrations prior to ovulation and greater progesterone concentrations following ovulation to pregnancy establishment, as these two measurements are confounded. Research has indicated an importance in the occurrence and timing of increasing preovulatory concentrations of estradiol, but increasing estradiol concentrations by supplementation may not be sufficient to increase fertility. Increased production of estradiol by the preovulatory follicle may be required to enhance fertility through the regulation of sperm transport, fertilization, oviductal secretions, the uterine environment, and embryo survival.(AU)

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A endometrite é uma afecção muito presente na pecuária, sobretudo leiteira, acarretando impactos econômicos para o sistema e para a saúde pública devido ao uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos no tratamento, principalmente as bases comuns à medicina humana. Nesse relato foi proposto um tratamento alternativo com plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) em dois animais (01 e 02) da raça Girolando, com 22 e 28 dias em lactação (DEL) e administrado plasma pobre em plaquetas (PPP) em um animal da mesma raça (03) com DEL 25, a fim de se compararem os resultados e a eficácia do PRP. O diagnóstico positivo para endometrite foi obtido através de citologia endometrial, ultrassonografia e cultura bacteriana. Após realização do método de dupla centrifugação do sangue total de um bovino doador, foi obtido um PRP com concentração final de 698 x 10³ plaquetas/ ml que foi ativado por meio de congelamento e descongelamento, em nitrogênio líquido. Cada animal recebeu 10 mL de infusão intrauterina do PRP ativo ou PPP; repetindose as avaliações clínicas após 14 dias da infusão. Observou-se diminuição da secreção intrauterina e do percentual de neutrófilos na citologia endometrial, variação na espessura endometrial e menor crescimento bacteriano. Nesse trabalho, o PRP mostrou-se potencialmente eficaz para controlar inflamações e infecções intrauterinas em vacas com endometrite.(AU)

Endometritis is a prevalent condition in livestock, especially dairy cattle, causing economic impacts on the system and public health due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in treatment, mainly those common to human medicine. In this report, an alternative treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was proposed in two animals (01 and 02) of the Girolando breed, with 22 and 28 days in lactation (DEL), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) was administered in one animal of the same breed (03) with DEL 25, in order to compare the results and efficacy of PRP. Positive diagnosis for endometritis was obtained through endometrial cytology, ultrasonography, and bacterial culture. After performing the double centrifugation method of total blood from a donor bovine, a PRP with a final concentration of 698 x 10³ platelets/ml was obtained, which was activated by freezing and thawing in liquid nitrogen. Each animal received 10 mL of intrauterine infusion of active PRP or PPP, with clinical evaluations repeated after 14 days of infusion. A decrease in intrauterine secretion and percentage of neutrophils in endometrial cytology was observed, as well as variation in endometrial thickness and reduced bacterial growth. In this study, PRP proved to be potentially effective in controlling intrauterine inflammation and infections in cows with endometritis.(AU)

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Mares, which make up 90% of animals requiring reproductive assistance in commercial equine production systems, are subjected to strong breeding and reproductive efficiency pressure throughout their lives, but the effects of aging on overall and reproductive systems in particular; it often means that we are forcing the natural homeostasis mechanisms under pressure over time. The objective of this brief communication is to summarize some concepts related to the role and importance of equine endometrium, particularly in old mares, the most challenged category to achieve productive and efficiency goals established by humans. Endometritis is one of the most frequent and recurrent pathologies in equine gynecology and is responsible for enormous economic losses in the industry. Alterations of the microbiota, molecular signals and uterine endocrine microenvironment can lead to infertility, but degenerative phenomena associated with age and parity can lead to endometriosis altering maternal recognition of pregnancy and pregnancy maintenance. Maintaining horses in an adequate nutrition status and environment is essential to achieve pregnancy but also to obtain healthy offspring.(AU)

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O objetivo deste artigo é revisar o efeito da melatonina na viabilidade embrionária e ambiente uterino em ovinos, tanto in vivo quanto in vitro, considerando as vias pelas quais esse hormônio pode ter influência no embrião ou o mecanismo de reconhecimento materno e estabelecimento de gravidez em ovelhas.(AU)

The aim of this article is to review the effect of melatonin on embryo viability and uterine environment in sheep, both in vivo and in vitro, considering the pathways by which this hormone could have influences at the embryo or the mechanism of maternal recognition and establishment of pregnancy in sheep.(AU)

Resumo

The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy that goes to term is sine qua non for the long-term sustainability of dairy and beef cattle operations. The oocyte plays a critical role in providing the factors necessary for preimplantation embryonic development. Furthermore, the female, or maternal, environment where oocytes and embryos develop is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy to term. During folliculogenesis, the oocyte must sequentially acquire meiotic and developmental competence, which are the results of a series of molecular events preparing the highly specialized gamete to return to totipotency after fertilization. Given that folliculogenesis is a lengthy process in the cow, the occurrence of disease, metabolic imbalances, heat stress, or other adverse events can make it challenging to maintain oocyte quality. Following fertilization, the newly formed embryo must execute a tightly planned program that includes global DNA remodeling, activation of the embryonic genome, and cell fate decisions to form a blastocyst within a few days and cell divisions. The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies creates an additional layer of complexity to ensure the highest oocyte and embryo quality given that in vitro systems do not faithfully recreate the physiological maternal environment. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular factors and events known to be crucial for proper oocyte development and maturation, as well as adverse events that may negatively affect the oocyte; and the importance of the uterine environment, including signaling proteins in the maternal-embryonic interactions that ensure proper embryo development. We also discuss the impact of assisted reproductive technologies in oocyte and embryo quality and developmental potential, and considerations when looking into the prospects for developing systems that allow for in vitro gametogenesis as a tool for assisted reproduction in cattle.(AU)

Resumo

Retained placenta, metritis, and clinical endometritis are prevalent diseases on dairy farms; they lead to economic losses and reduce the longevity of dairy cows in dairy production systems. Hence, it is important to investigate potential predisposing factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between perineal hygiene during calving and the incidence of retained placenta, metritis, and clinical endometritis, and their effect on reproductive efficiency in crossbred dairy cows. At two farms, pre-calving cows (n = 101) were evaluated for perineal dirtiness before calving by visual observation. They received a score of 1, free of feces and a dry perineum; a score of 2, slight presence of feces and a moist perineum; or a score of 3, a mild-wet perineum covered by feces (over 10% of the surface). After calving, cows were subjected to visual observation and gynecological evaluation to identify retained placenta, metritis, and clinical endometritis. Cows with a hygiene score of 2 or 3 showed higher rates of retained placenta (41.9% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.0049), metritis (32.5% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.0191), and clinical endometritis (42.5% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.0061) compared with cows with a score of 1. There were no effects on reproductive efficiency. The findings indicate that the degree of perineal dirtiness in prepartum crossbred dairy cows is associated with the occurrence of uterine puerperal disorders.(AU)

Retenção de placenta, metrite e endometrite clínica são distúrbios presentes nas fazendas leiteiras, levando a perdas econômicas e reduzindo a longevidade das vacas nos sistemas de produção, dessa forma, é importante investigar os possíveis fatores predisponentes. Objetivou-se avaliar a relação entre higiene perineal antes do parto e a ocorrência de retenção de placenta, metrite, endometrite clínica e sua influência na eficiência reprodutiva de vacas leiteiras mestiças. Em duas propriedades, vacas no pré-parto (n=101) foram avaliadas quanto ao grau de sujidade perineal antes do parto, por observação visual e classificadas em escore 1 - livre de fezes e períneo seco; escore 2 - presença sutil de fezes e períneo úmido; escore 3 - períneo moderadamente molhado, coberto por fezes (acima de 10% da superfície). Após o parto, as vacas foram avaliadas por observação visual e avaliação ginecológica para diagnosticar retenção de placenta, presença de metrite e endometrite clínica. Vacas com escores de higiene 2 ou 3 tiveram maior incidência de retenção de placenta (41,9% x 14,0%, P = 0,0049), metrite (32,5% x 14,0%, P = 0,0191) e endometrite clínica (42,5% x 15,8%, P = 0,0061) se comparadas a vacas com escore 1. Não foram observados efeitos na eficiência reprodutiva. Esses achados indicam que o grau de sujidade perineal de vacas leiteiras mestiças no pré-parto está relacionado com a ocorrência de desordens uterinas pós-parto.(AU)

Resumo

Fatty acids are considered metabolic intermediaries, although new facts indicate they also work as signaling molecules with different roles in the immune response. Based on that, in this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (LNA) in ex vivo bovine endometrial explants. For this, two groups were formed: (1) LPS-challenged and (2) control, both to evaluate the accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines as interleukin 1ß (IL1B) and interleukin 6 (IL6). To develop the study, bovine female reproductive tracts from non-pregnant Angus heifers without evidence of reproductive diseases were selected. Endometrial explants were processed and treated for 24 h with EPA, DHA, and LNA in five different concentrations (0µM, 50µM, 100 µM, 200µM and 400 µM) and then, challenged with LPS for 24 h. Supernatants were collected to evaluate the concentration of IL1B and IL6 by ELISA. Explants treated with EPA from control groups reduced the concentrations of ILB (200µM) and IL6 (400 µM), and IL6 (50 µM; 100 µM) from the LPS-challenged group. DHA decreased the accumulation of IL1B and IL6 at 200 µM on explants from the LPS-challenged group, and 200 µM reduced IL6 from the control group. In contrast, explants treated with LNA only reduced the accumulation of IL1B to 400µM (from both groups). In conclusion, the EPA acid is the best anti-inflammatory option to decrease the concentration of both pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1B and IL6) from LPS-challenged and control groups in bovine endometrial explants; while LNA evidence to be the last option to promote an anti-inflammatory response.(AU)

Os ácidos graxos são considerados intermediários metabólicos, embora novos fatos indiquem que eles também atuem como moléculas sinalizadoras com diferentes papéis na resposta imune. Dessa forma, este estudo investigou os efeitos anti-inflamatórios de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados n-3 (PUFAs) como ácido eicosapentaenóico (EPA), ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e ácido α-linolênico (LNA) em explantes endometriais ex vivo de bovinos. Para tal, o experimento foi divido em dois grupos: (1) Desafiado-LPS e (2) Controle, para que então pudesse avaliar o acúmulo de citocinas pró-inflamatórias como interleucina 1ß (IL1B) e interleucina 6 (IL6). Foram selecionados tratos reprodutivos de fêmeas bovinas de novilhas Angus não prenhes sem evidência de doenças reprodutivas. Explantes endometriais foram processados e tratados por 24h com EPA, DHA e LNA em cinco concentrações diferentes (0µM, 50µM, 100 µM, 200µM e 400 µM) e, em seguida, desafiados com LPS por mais 24h. Os sobrenadantes foram colhidos para avaliar a concentração de IL1B e IL6 pelo teste de ELISA. Os explantes tratados com EPA dos grupos de controle reduziram as concentrações de ILB (200 µM) e IL6 (400 µM) e no grupo desafiado com LPS houve redução das concentrações de IL6 (50 µM; 100 µM). Nos explantes do grupo desafiado com LPS, o DHA diminuiu o acúmulo de IL1B e IL6 nas concentrações de 200 µM, e no grupo controle reduziu IL6 nas concentrações de 200 µM, enquanto os explantes tratados com LNA reduziram apenas o acúmulo de IL1B a 400 µM (de ambos os grupos). Em conclusão, o ácido EPA provou ser a melhor opção anti-inflamatória para diminuir a concentração de ambas as citocinas pró-inflamatórias (IL1B e IL6) de grupos desafiados com LPS e controle em explantes endometriais bovinos; enquanto o LNA evidencia ser a opção menos viável para promover uma resposta anti-inflamatória.(AU)