The equine endometrium and its multiple connections, interrelationships and clinical effects in aged mares

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)

Biópsia endometrial na égua: importância no diagnóstico da subfertilidade e principais achados / Endometrial biopsy in the mare: importance in the diagnosis of subfertility and main findings

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)

The in vitro effects of n-3 fatty acids on immune response regulation of bovine ex vivo endometrial explants / Os efeitos in vitro dos ácidos graxos n-3 na regulação da resposta imune de explantes endometriais bovinos ex vivo

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)

Endometrial receptivity in cattle: the mutual reprogramming paradigm

Prior to implantation in cattle, the mucous medium contained in the uterine lumen serves as a working interface for molecular exchange and signaling between the lining endometrium and the embryo. The composition of this luminal fluid changes temporally according to the secretory and reabsorptive activities of the uterus and the embryo, which are under complex regulation. Via this interface, both the embryo and the endometrium reprogram each other's functions to support pregnancy continuation beyond the pre-implantation period. More specifically, the embryo receives elongation signals and the uterus receives anti-luteolytic stimuli. Here, characteristics of the luminal compartment as well as the regulation of its composition to determine the pregnancy outcome will be discussed.(AU)

Seminal plasma nerve growth factor signaling on the reproductive physiology of female llamas

The ovulation mechanism is one of the fascinating physiological processes in reproductive biology in mammals. From the reproductive point of view, the species have been classified as spontaneous or induced ovulators. Although the release of GnRH followed by the preovulatory LH surge is shared between both types of ovulation, the stimulus to initiate GnRH release varies between both categories. In spontaneous ovulators, ovulation depends on the systemic concentration of ovarian steroids, however, in induced ovulators, different stimuli such as copulation, environmental, and social cues can facilitate or induce ovulation regardless of the increases in systemic estradiol concentration. In this review, we document evidence that a male-derived protein is the main factor responsible for inducing ovulation and also modulating the ovarian function in the domestic South American camelid, the llama. The neurotrophin beta-Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) is the principal factor present in the semen of llamas responsible for inducing ovulation in this species. After the intrauterine deposit of semen during mating, β-NGF is absorbed through the endometrium to reach the circulatory system, where it reaches the hypothalamus and stimulates GnRH release. The potential site of action of this neurotrophin at the brain has not been elucidated, however, hypotheses are raised that the factor may cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate upstream neuronal networks that lead to the stimulation of GnRH-secreting neurons. It is possible that β-NGF could be sensed at the median eminence without crossing the blood-brain barrier. Finally, it has been observed that this factor is not only a powerful stimulator of ovulation but also has a luteotrophic effect, resulting in the development of a corpus luteum capable of secreting more progesterone when compared to other ovulation-stimulating analogues.(AU)

Altrenogest during early pregnancy modulates uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial growth factor expression at the time implantation in pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of supplying altrenogest from day 6-12 of pregnancy on the endometrial glandular epithelium, corpora lutea (CL) morphology, and endometrial and CL gene expression. A total of 12 crossbred females (Landrace × Large White) were used. The females were assigned to 4 treatments according to a random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two categories (sow or gilt) and two treatments (non-treated and treated with altrenogest). On day 6 of pregnancy, animals were allocated to one of the following groups: non-treated (NT, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts), and (T, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts) treated daily with 20 mg of altrenogest, from day 6-12 of pregnancy. All animals were euthanized on day 13 of pregnancy. All CLs were individually weighed, and their volume were determined. The endometrial glandular density (GD), mean glandular area (MGA), and vascular density (VD) were determined by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Endometrium samples were collected and analyzed by qRT-PCR to evaluate the abundance of transcripts for VEGF and IGF-I. Females in the T group had higher MGA (P < 0.05) compared to the NT group. There was no effect of treatment on GD or VD for both experimental groups. Sows in the T group had augmented expression of IGF-I (P < 0.05). Progestagen had no detrimental effect on CL morphology. In conclusion, altrenogest improves the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period in pigs without compromising corpora lutea development.

Alterações degenerativas no útero de éguas: Revisão de literatura / Degenerative alterations in the mare´s uterus: Literature review

As alterações degenerativas do útero das éguas representam um problema importante na criação de equinos. A endometrose é um processo degenerativo crônico caracterizado pelo desenvolvimento de fibrose no endométrio da égua, sendo uma das principais causas de subfertilidade ou infertilidade nestas fêmeas. Algumas outras alterações, tais como a má-diferenciação e as angiopatias, embora não tenham um diagnóstico tão frequente, também podem interferir no prognóstico reprodutivo destes animais. Baseado neste fato, esta revisão tem por objetivo descrever as principais alterações que ocorrem no endométrio das éguas.

Degenerative changes in the mare’s uterus is an important problem in the horse breeding. The endometrosis is a chronic degenerative process characterized by the development of fibrosis in the endometrium of the mare, being one of the main causes of subfertility or infertility in these females. Some alterations, such as maldifferentiation and angiopathies, although they do not have such a frequent diagnosis, may also interfere with the reproductive prognosis of these animals. Based on this fact, this review aims to describe the main changes that occur in the endometrium of mares.

Altrenogest during early pregnancy modulates uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial growth factor expression at the time implantation in pigs

This study evaluated the effects of supplying altrenogest from day 6-12 of pregnancy on the endometrial glandular epithelium, corpora lutea (CL) morphology, and endometrial and CL gene expression. A total of 12 crossbred females (Landrace × Large White) were used. The females were assigned to 4 treatments according to a random design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two categories (sow or gilt) and two treatments (non-treated and treated with altrenogest). On day 6 of pregnancy, animals were allocated to one of the following groups: non-treated (NT, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts), and (T, n = 6; 3 sows and 3 gilts) treated daily with 20 mg of altrenogest, from day 6-12 of pregnancy. All animals were euthanized on day 13 of pregnancy. All CLs were individually weighed, and their volume were determined. The endometrial glandular density (GD), mean glandular area (MGA), and vascular density (VD) were determined by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Endometrium samples were collected and analyzed by qRT-PCR to evaluate the abundance of transcripts for VEGF and IGF-I. Females in the T group had higher MGA (P < 0.05) compared to the NT group. There was no effect of treatment on GD or VD for both experimental groups. Sows in the T group had augmented expression of IGF-I (P < 0.05). Progestagen had no detrimental effect on CL morphology. In conclusion, altrenogest improves the uterine environment during the peri-implantation period in pigs without compromising corpora lutea development.(AU)

Ozonioterapia no tratamento auxiliar de éguas inférteis: Potencial angiogênico e antimicrobiano / Ozone therapy in the supporting treatment of infertile mares: Angiogenic and antimicrobial actions

A endometrite infecciosa é considerada uma das principais causas de infertilidade em éguas. Por sua vez, alterações degenerativas endometriais interferem diretamente na hemodinâmica uterina, podendo comprometer a fertilização e a manutenção da gestação. Por serem poderosos agentes oxidantes nãoespecíficos, o gás ozônio (O3) e os óleos vegetais ozonizados tem sido utilizados como alternativas às terapias antimicrobianas convencionais. Além de apresentar ação germicida frente a forma livre de fungos e bactérias, a ozonioterapia possui marcante potencial antibiofilme. Adicionalmente, o preenchimento da cavidade uterina de éguas com gás O3 estimula a angiogênese local sem apresentar efeitos deletérios ao endométrio. Dessa forma, os potencias antimicrobianos e angiogênicos fazem da ozonioterapia uma promissora alterativa para o tratamento adjuvante de endometrites crônicas em éguas.

Infectious endometritis is considered one of the main causes of infertility in mares. Similarly, endometrial degenerative changes directly affect the uterine hemodynamics, compromising the fertilization and the maintenance of pregnancy. Based on their powerful non-specific oxidizing action, ozone (O3) and ozonized vegetable oils have been used as alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapies. In addition to the germicidal effect against the free-living cells of fungi and bacteria, O3 therapy has showed unspecific anti-biofilm potential. Additionally, the insufflation of the uterine cavity of mares with O3 stimulates local angiogenesis without inducing deleterious effects on the endometrium. Therefore, the antimicrobial and angiogenic potentials make O3 therapy a promising alternative for the adjuvant treatment of persistent endometritis in mares.

Effects of a systemic high urea concentration on the endometrial and embryonic transcriptome of mares / Efeitos de concentrações sistêmicas elevadas de ureia no transcriptoma do endométrio e embriões de éguas

It has been shown in ruminants that increased dietary protein leading to elevated blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) can be a factor in decreased survival of early embryos. This work is a review of the effects of elevated BUN on endometrium and embryos from mares. An experimental model was used to elevate BUN with intravenous urea infusion, acute treatment, or oral urea, chronic treatment. After the acute urea treatment there was a decrease in uterine pH and changes in genes related to cell pH and ion homeostasis. After the chronic urea treatment there was no difference in uterine pH but genes related to necrosis and cellular movement had a different expression. The effect of high BUN was also evaluated on equine embryo transcriptome, with a positive correlation between plasma BUN and blastocoele fluid urea nitrogen concentration. Additionally, the expression of genes related to survival of organism and adhesion were different. Lastly, using mares from private farms, lower pregnancy rate was seen when embryos were collected from mares with higher BUN concentrations. In conclusion, these novel results show that high BUN results in endometrial and embryonic alterations, suggesting that it might lead to decreased fertility.

Evaluation of corpus luteum vascularization in recipient mares by using color Doppler ultrasound

Background: Embryo transfer is one of the most commonly used reproductive biotechnique. The success of embryotransfer is also affected by the synchrony of estrus and ovulation between donor and recipient animals. In horse reproduction, ultrasonography has been used, among other purposes, to diagnose early pregnancy. However, only the color Dopplerimaging mode makes it possible to evaluate the vascular architecture and the hemodynamic aspects of the vessels in severalorgans, especially the corpus luteum. The objective of this study was to evaluate, based on the color Doppler ultrasound,the corpus luteum vascularization and function from recipient mares at embryo transfer timing.Materials, Methods & Results: Mangalarga Machador mares from 5 to 10-year-old and a range of live weights of between350 to 450 kg were used for this experiment, kept in pasture-based on mombaça grass (Panicum maximum) and were givenad libitum access to water and mineral supplementation. The animals (n = 15) were gynecologically examined and uterineconsistency was evaluated by rectal palpation the same operator using an ultrasound system (SonoScape®) with a lineartransducer, and operating frequency ranging from 5 to 10 Mhz. The uterine tone was classified between grades 1 and 4 andsubjected to ovulation induction. The objective and subjective vascular perfusion of the corpus luteum was evaluated bycolor Doppler ultrasound on the day of embryo transfer and endometrium. The determination progesterone concentrationon the day of the embryo transfer was performed by direct chemiluminescence assay. The arcsine (√P/100) transformation was applied to the percentage data, and the results were expressed as mean (.) ± standard error of the mean (SEM).Further, the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity were verified, respectively, based on the Shapiro-Wilk and...

Evaluation of corpus luteum vascularization in recipient mares by using color Doppler ultrasound

Background: Embryo transfer is one of the most commonly used reproductive biotechnique. The success of embryotransfer is also affected by the synchrony of estrus and ovulation between donor and recipient animals. In horse reproduction, ultrasonography has been used, among other purposes, to diagnose early pregnancy. However, only the color Dopplerimaging mode makes it possible to evaluate the vascular architecture and the hemodynamic aspects of the vessels in severalorgans, especially the corpus luteum. The objective of this study was to evaluate, based on the color Doppler ultrasound,the corpus luteum vascularization and function from recipient mares at embryo transfer timing.Materials, Methods & Results: Mangalarga Machador mares from 5 to 10-year-old and a range of live weights of between350 to 450 kg were used for this experiment, kept in pasture-based on mombaça grass (Panicum maximum) and were givenad libitum access to water and mineral supplementation. The animals (n = 15) were gynecologically examined and uterineconsistency was evaluated by rectal palpation the same operator using an ultrasound system (SonoScape®) with a lineartransducer, and operating frequency ranging from 5 to 10 Mhz. The uterine tone was classified between grades 1 and 4 andsubjected to ovulation induction. The objective and subjective vascular perfusion of the corpus luteum was evaluated bycolor Doppler ultrasound on the day of embryo transfer and endometrium. The determination progesterone concentrationon the day of the embryo transfer was performed by direct chemiluminescence assay. The arcsine (√P/100) transformation was applied to the percentage data, and the results were expressed as mean (.) ± standard error of the mean (SEM).Further, the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity were verified, respectively, based on the Shapiro-Wilk and...(AU)

Histomorphometric and vascular changes in equine endometrium after the infusion of conceptus fragments

This experiment aimed to verify if the proteins present in a 13th day conceptus induce changes in the equine endometrial ultra-structure, histology, and vascularization, two days after its infusion. Ten healthy cyclic mares were used. Once estrus was confirmed, mares were examined daily to detect ovulation (day 0). After ovulation, mares were examined daily until day seven by transrectal palpation and B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. In this first cycle, intrauterine biopsies were collected at day seven after ovulation, constituting the Cyclic group (n = 10). In the second cycle, the same mares daily were examined until ovulation was detected. After ovulation, mares were examined daily by transrectal palpation and B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography until day 7. On day 5, after ovulation, fragments from previously collected 13-day-old concepti were infused into the uterus of each mare. Intrauterine biopsies were collected at day 7 in all mares (n = 10), constituting the Fragment group. The percentage of ciliated and flattened cells decreased in the Fragment group. Protruded cells, superficial and intraglandular secretion, glandular lumen and diameter, blood vessel diameter, endometrial vascularization, and immune cells were higher in the Fragment group than in the Cyclic group. In summary, proteins of 13th day equine conceptus fragments infused at day five after ovulation signaled histological and vascular changes in the endometrium at the 7th day after ovulation.

Histomorphometric and vascular changes in equine endometrium after the infusion of conceptus fragments

This experiment aimed to verify if the proteins present in a 13th day conceptus induce changes in the equine endometrial ultra-structure, histology, and vascularization, two days after its infusion. Ten healthy cyclic mares were used. Once estrus was confirmed, mares were examined daily to detect ovulation (day 0). After ovulation, mares were examined daily until day seven by transrectal palpation and B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. In this first cycle, intrauterine biopsies were collected at day seven after ovulation, constituting the Cyclic group (n = 10). In the second cycle, the same mares daily were examined until ovulation was detected. After ovulation, mares were examined daily by transrectal palpation and B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography until day 7. On day 5, after ovulation, fragments from previously collected 13-day-old concepti were infused into the uterus of each mare. Intrauterine biopsies were collected at day 7 in all mares (n = 10), constituting the Fragment group. The percentage of ciliated and flattened cells decreased in the Fragment group. Protruded cells, superficial and intraglandular secretion, glandular lumen and diameter, blood vessel diameter, endometrial vascularization, and immune cells were higher in the Fragment group than in the Cyclic group. In summary, proteins of 13th day equine conceptus fragments infused at day five after ovulation signaled histological and vascular changes in the endometrium at the 7th day after ovulation.(AU)

Complimentary diagnostic tools for endometrosis in biopsies of mares with clinical subfertility

Background: Endometrosis is a multifactorial disease and one of the main causes of infertility in mares, its etiologyand pathogenesis are not completely understood. It is defined as peri glandular and/or stromal endometrial fibrosis withglandular alterations. Due to the few clinical symptoms, besides anamnesis and fertility data, endometrosis requires histological confirmation. The histo-morphology and immune histochemical characteristics of the endometrium vary amongindividuals according to the disease progression. The aim of this research was to combine histology with new immune andhistochemical tools for a more precise detection of fibrotic changes of mares with endometrosis.Materials, Methods & Results: The endometrium of forty thoroughbred mares aged 5-18 years, that did not become pregnant during the last two breeding seasons in a Chilean commercial equine breeding center were biopsied. Samples weresubjected to conventional histopathology with hematoxylin-eosin as well as to specific histological staining using specifictechniques such as Alcian blue and Masson Fontana, aimed to ascertain what types of mucopolysaccharides were presentin those samples. In order to have a deeper picture of the progression of the pathology, immune histochemical methods forthe detection of vimentin, cytokeratin, progesterone receptor and lymphocyte marker CD3 were used. Finally in order todetect fibrillar collagen we used second harmonic generation (SHG) technique with detects fibrillar collagen without staining, due to intrinsic hyperpolarization ability of this type of collagen, which can be detected by atomic force microscopy. Asa result of our research samples were categorized according to the scale of Keeney and Doig into categories I, IIa, IIb andIII (45, 42, 7.5 and 5% respectively). These samples also were characterized by the methods listed earlier and a result wefound specific staining in 15 samples coming from higher endometrial damage using Masson-...

Complimentary diagnostic tools for endometrosis in biopsies of mares with clinical subfertility

Background: Endometrosis is a multifactorial disease and one of the main causes of infertility in mares, its etiologyand pathogenesis are not completely understood. It is defined as peri glandular and/or stromal endometrial fibrosis withglandular alterations. Due to the few clinical symptoms, besides anamnesis and fertility data, endometrosis requires histological confirmation. The histo-morphology and immune histochemical characteristics of the endometrium vary amongindividuals according to the disease progression. The aim of this research was to combine histology with new immune andhistochemical tools for a more precise detection of fibrotic changes of mares with endometrosis.Materials, Methods & Results: The endometrium of forty thoroughbred mares aged 5-18 years, that did not become pregnant during the last two breeding seasons in a Chilean commercial equine breeding center were biopsied. Samples weresubjected to conventional histopathology with hematoxylin-eosin as well as to specific histological staining using specifictechniques such as Alcian blue and Masson Fontana, aimed to ascertain what types of mucopolysaccharides were presentin those samples. In order to have a deeper picture of the progression of the pathology, immune histochemical methods forthe detection of vimentin, cytokeratin, progesterone receptor and lymphocyte marker CD3 were used. Finally in order todetect fibrillar collagen we used second harmonic generation (SHG) technique with detects fibrillar collagen without staining, due to intrinsic hyperpolarization ability of this type of collagen, which can be detected by atomic force microscopy. Asa result of our research samples were categorized according to the scale of Keeney and Doig into categories I, IIa, IIb andIII (45, 42, 7.5 and 5% respectively). These samples also were characterized by the methods listed earlier and a result wefound specific staining in 15 samples coming from higher endometrial damage using Masson-...(AU)

Ovários policisticos epidermóides e hipoplasia uterina em uma vaca bovina / Epidermoid polycystic ovaries and uterine hypoplasia in a cow

Background: Ovarian cysts originate from mature follicles that do not ovulate within the predicted time according to the oestrous cycle. Dermoid cysts are structures lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, without adjacent epidermal structures, filled by keratinic debris and amorphous proteinaceus material. They are small, located below the cortex, near the hilus. There is controversy regarding the teratogenicity of the dermoid cyst. Some authors use the nomenclature of benign cystic ovarian teratoma, others, reports that although the fibrous wall and histological features are similar to teratomas, it is not associated with this germ cell-derived neoplasia. Case: Ovaries and uterus were received from a female, adult bovine, Nelore, from a slaughterhouse. The left ovary measured 6.5x5.0x3.9 cm and weighed 80 g; the right ovary measured 5.7x3.7x3.0 cm and weighed 60 g. Grossly, the ovaries were similar, presenting floating consistency, multilobulated and pointed aspect, and at the cut surface, there was extravasation of mucopurulent content of whitish colour. Regarding to the uterus, macroscopically, the uterine horns were infantile and decrease in the diameter. Fragments of the tissues were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination and the staining of the slides was done with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopically, in the ovaries, it was observed rare vestigial elements of ovary identifying an atresic follicle. Polycystic formation with cysts exhibiting partial or total coating of a keratinized squamous epithelium was also observed. In the lumen abundant keratinous material was present. The uterine microscopy revealed compact endometrium with areas variably infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasmocytes and occasional neutrophils. Areas devoid of endometrial glands were observed

Ovários policisticos epidermóides e hipoplasia uterina em uma vaca bovina / Epidermoid polycystic ovaries and uterine hypoplasia in a cow

Background: Ovarian cysts originate from mature follicles that do not ovulate within the predicted time according to the oestrous cycle. Dermoid cysts are structures lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, without adjacent epidermal structures, filled by keratinic debris and amorphous proteinaceus material. They are small, located below the cortex, near the hilus. There is controversy regarding the teratogenicity of the dermoid cyst. Some authors use the nomenclature of benign cystic ovarian teratoma, others, reports that although the fibrous wall and histological features are similar to teratomas, it is not associated with this germ cell-derived neoplasia. Case: Ovaries and uterus were received from a female, adult bovine, Nelore, from a slaughterhouse. The left ovary measured 6.5x5.0x3.9 cm and weighed 80 g; the right ovary measured 5.7x3.7x3.0 cm and weighed 60 g. Grossly, the ovaries were similar, presenting floating consistency, multilobulated and pointed aspect, and at the cut surface, there was extravasation of mucopurulent content of whitish colour. Regarding to the uterus, macroscopically, the uterine horns were infantile and decrease in the diameter. Fragments of the tissues were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination and the staining of the slides was done with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopically, in the ovaries, it was observed rare vestigial elements of ovary identifying an atresic follicle. Polycystic formation with cysts exhibiting partial or total coating of a keratinized squamous epithelium was also observed. In the lumen abundant keratinous material was present. The uterine microscopy revealed compact endometrium with areas variably infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasmocytes and occasional neutrophils. Areas devoid of endometrial glands were observed…(AU)

Endometrite em éguas: diagnóstico e tratamentos convencionais e/ou alternativos / Endometritis in mares: diagnosis and conventional and/or alternative treatments

A endometrite é a principal causa de redução da fertilidade em éguas, além de gerar grandes transtornos econômicos e produtivos dentro do mercado do cavalo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre o tema, abordando sua etiologia e principais consequências, o estado senil dos animais acometidos assim como seus mecanismos próprios de defesa uterina quer sejam mecânicos e/ou quimiotáticos. Avaliamos ainda os principais microrganismos envolvidos na endometrite bem como sua virulência e resistência antimicrobiana, um dos problemas mais graves e preocupantes que nos deparamos nos dias atuais. A virulência está relacionada à existência de genes que participam de processos fisiológicos necessários para a sobrevivência, encontrados em microrganismos patogênicos e não patogênicos. Dentre os fatores de virulência relacionados a microrganismos patogênicos do útero equino, a formação de biofilme, é um tema de grande relevância visto que a maioria dos microrganismos encontrados são capazes de produzir biofilme in vitro. Tentamos delinear os tratamentos utilizados (convencionais ou alternativos), incluindo a combinação de medicações anti-inflamatórias e antimicrobianas associada à correção de defeitos anatômicos. Esses tratamentos vão desde a limpeza física do endométrio, ao uso de drogas antimicrobianas, ecbólicas, mucolíticas, bem como imunomoduladores, concentrado de proteínas de caráter biológico (PRP), células tronco e Ozonioterapia.

Endometritis is the main cause of reduced fertility in mares, in addition to generating major economic and productive disorders within the horse market. The objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review on the subject, addressing its etiology and main consequences, the senile state of the affected animals as well as their own uterine defense mechanisms, whether mechanical and/or chemotactic. We also evaluated the main microorganisms involved in endometritis as well as their virulence and antimicrobial resistance, one of the most serious and worrying problems that we face today. Virulence is related to the existence of genes that participate in physiological processes necessary for survival, found in pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Among the virulence factors related to pathogenic microorganisms in the equine uterus, biofilm formation is a topic of great relevance since most of the microorganisms found are capable of producing biofilm in vitro. We tried to outline the treatments used (conventional or alternative), including the combination of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial medications associated with the correction of anatomical defects. These treatments range from physical cleaning of the endometrium, to the use of antimicrobial, ecbolic, mucolytic drugs, as well as immunomodulators, biological protein concentrate (PRP), stem cells and ozone therapy.

Endometrite em éguas: diagnóstico e tratamentos convencionais e/ou alternativos / Endometritis in mares: diagnosis and conventional and/or alternative treatments

A endometrite é a principal causa de redução da fertilidade em éguas, além de gerar grandes transtornos econômicos e produtivos dentro do mercado do cavalo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre o tema, abordando sua etiologia e principais consequências, o estado senil dos animais acometidos assim como seus mecanismos próprios de defesa uterina quer sejam mecânicos e/ou quimiotáticos. Avaliamos ainda os principais microrganismos envolvidos na endometrite bem como sua virulência e resistência antimicrobiana, um dos problemas mais graves e preocupantes que nos deparamos nos dias atuais. A virulência está relacionada à existência de genes que participam de processos fisiológicos necessários para a sobrevivência, encontrados em microrganismos patogênicos e não patogênicos. Dentre os fatores de virulência relacionados a microrganismos patogênicos do útero equino, a formação de biofilme, é um tema de grande relevância visto que a maioria dos microrganismos encontrados são capazes de produzir biofilme in vitro. Tentamos delinear os tratamentos utilizados (convencionais ou alternativos), incluindo a combinação de medicações anti-inflamatórias e antimicrobianas associada à correção de defeitos anatômicos. Esses tratamentos vão desde a limpeza física do endométrio, ao uso de drogas antimicrobianas, ecbólicas, mucolíticas, bem como imunomoduladores, concentrado de proteínas de caráter biológico (PRP), células tronco e Ozonioterapia.(AU)

Endometritis is the main cause of reduced fertility in mares, in addition to generating major economic and productive disorders within the horse market. The objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review on the subject, addressing its etiology and main consequences, the senile state of the affected animals as well as their own uterine defense mechanisms, whether mechanical and/or chemotactic. We also evaluated the main microorganisms involved in endometritis as well as their virulence and antimicrobial resistance, one of the most serious and worrying problems that we face today. Virulence is related to the existence of genes that participate in physiological processes necessary for survival, found in pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Among the virulence factors related to pathogenic microorganisms in the equine uterus, biofilm formation is a topic of great relevance since most of the microorganisms found are capable of producing biofilm in vitro. We tried to outline the treatments used (conventional or alternative), including the combination of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial medications associated with the correction of anatomical defects. These treatments range from physical cleaning of the endometrium, to the use of antimicrobial, ecbolic, mucolytic drugs, as well as immunomodulators, biological protein concentrate (PRP), stem cells and ozone therapy.(AU)