Expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Isoforms in Canine Endometrium with Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia-Pyometra Complex.

Marta Rybska,Marek Skrzypski,Magdalena Kubiak,Jędrzej M Jaśkowski,Barbara Wąsowska,Anna Łukomska,Beata Błaszak,Tomasz Nowak,Magdalena Woźna-Wysocka

doi:10.3390/ani11061844

Abstract

Simple SummaryPathomorphological changes and functional disorders of the uterus have long been a significant problem in the reproduction of dogs. The most commonly identified uterine disorders leading to permanent loss of fertility in dogs include cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. These diseases may occur jointly as a CEH–pyometra complex. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of this disease remains unclear. TGF-β is considered to be one of the key factors in pathophysiological uterine disorders. The results indicate the significant expression of TGF-β1 in endometrial tissues in bitches affected by CEH–pyometra complex. Consequently, among all TGF-β isoforms, TGF-β1 is a potential biomarker involved in the regulation of a dog’s endometrium with proliferative and degenerative changes.Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra are the most frequently diagnosed uterine diseases affecting bitches of different ages. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been classified in females as a potential regulator of many endometrial changes during the estrous cycle or may be involved in pathological disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or a CEH–pyometra complex compared to clinically healthy females (control group; CG). A significantly increased level of TGF-β1 mRNA expression was observed in the endometrium with CEH–pyometra compared to CEH and CG. Protein production of TGF-β1 was identified only in the endometrium of bitches with CEH–pyometra. An increase in TGF-β3 mRNA expression was observed in all the studied groups compared to CG. The expression of TGF-β2 mRNA was significantly higher in CEH and lower in CEH–pyometra uteri. The results indicate the presence of TGF-β cytokines in canine endometrial tissues affected by proliferative and degenerative changes. However, among all TGF-β isoforms, TGF-β1 could potentially be a key factor involved in the regulation of the endometrium in bitches with CEH–pyometra complex.

Highlights

The most frequently diagnosed uterine disease complex affecting bitches of all ages is cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) or pyometra, diseases which together can create “CEH–pyometra complex”[1]
The results showed that TGF-β1 protein production occurred only in the endometrium of CEH–pyometra bitches
The results showed that TGF-β1 protein production occurred onlygroup in theor endometrium

Summary

Introduction

The most frequently diagnosed uterine disease complex affecting bitches of all ages is cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) or pyometra, diseases which together can create “CEH–pyometra complex”[1]. These diseases are the most common reproductive disorders in older bitches, have been reported in middle-age diestrus females [1,2,3]. Multifunctional polypeptides that have various effects on cells include the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family. Involved in the regulation of gene expression, these molecules play an important role in the processes of cell growth and differentiation [8]. All three TGF-β isoforms are encoded by different genes. These genes show 80% similarity with sequences and are located on different chromosomes, both in dogs and humans [9]

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