Uterine Health Research Articles

Unraveling shared and unique genetic causal relationship between gut microbiota and four types of uterine-related diseases: Bidirectional Mendelian inheritance approaches to dissect the "Gut-Uterus Axis"

BackgroundThe gut microbiota has emerged as a pivotal factor in the etiology of uterine-related diseases. This study aims to elucidate the genetic causal link between gut microbiota composition and these conditions, focusing on the systemic impact and uterine pathology to better understand the "Gut-Uterus Axis." MethodsWe utilized pooled data from two different GWAS databases, including data from 209 gut microbiota traits and data from four uterus-related diseases. Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approaches, incorporating Bayesian weighting and traditional inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods, were employed to explore causal relationships. The robustness of findings was ensured through sensitivity analyses, outlier testing, and MR-PRESSO analysis. ResultsSeventeen significant associations were identified between gut microbiota traits and uterine-related diseases, suggesting potential causal links. These associations were consistent across sensitivity analyses, affirming the reliability of our results. Conversely, reverse MR analyses did not reveal statistically significant associations between uterine diseases and bacterial traits, indicating a unidirectional influence of gut microbiota on uterine health. These findings highlight the complex interplay within the "Gut-Uterus Axis." ConclusionThis research establishes a causal relationship between gut microbiota and uterine diseases, advocating for targeted interventions to mitigate associated risks. It underscores the interconnectedness of gut and reproductive health, promoting a holistic approach to management and treatment within the "Gut-Uterus Axis".

Chlorpyrifos and dimethoate exposure impairs female fertility by deregulating WNT signaling pathway & uterine receptivity

The study assessed histological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and molecular parameters to evaluate the consequences of Chlorpyrifos and Dimethoate exposure on uterine health in female rats. Despite showing no obvious signs of toxicity apart from minor clinical symptoms in DM-exposed rats, both pesticides caused degenerative changes in uterine tissue. This study demonstrates that pesticides induce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in rats, by NF-κB activation and altering antioxidant enzyme levels. Besides, CPF and DM exposure disrupted gene expression of HOXA10, HOXA11, and WNT and reduced activation of β-catenin in the uterus, which is crucial for implantation and reproductive function. These findings suggest that pesticide exposure may impair reproductive health and fertility in females, highlighting potential implications for human health.

First detection and impact of bovine herpesvirus type 4 on dairy cattle reproduction in Thailand

Background and Aim: Postpartum reproductive tract infections pose significant challenges to dairy farms, leading to economic losses due to reduced fertility associated with uterine inflammation. In veterinary practice, numerous research groups have explored the underlying causes of subfertility in cows, including surveying endemic viral infections related to endometritis in local areas. This study investigated bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) infection in Thai dairy herds and assessed its impact on endometritis and subsequent reproductive outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study analyzed BoHV-4 DNA in various samples, including milk, blood, and endometrial tissue, from 44 Holstein-Friesian cows 21–47 days postpartum across five dairy herds in Central Thailand. BoHV-4 glycoprotein B and thymidine kinase DNA sequences were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR, with sequence comparisons made to GenBank data for phylogenetic analysis. The endometritis status was diagnosed through vaginal mucus examination and endometrial cytology, with reproductive performance monitored up to the subsequent calving. Results: BoHV-4 DNA was identified in blood and endometrial tissues (15.91%) but not in milk samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the local BoHV-4 strains are similar to those identified in Brazil and Japan. Notably, the presence of BoHV-4 was correlated with reduced postpartum reproductive performance, particularly extending the interval from calving to the first service. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of integrating BoHV-4 genomic surveys and uterine health assessments to refine reproductive management strategies within the dairy industry. Keywords: bovine herpesvirus-4, dairy cattle, endometritis, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive performance, Thailand.

A Study of the Impact of Surgical Correction of Left Abomasal Displacement on Fertility Parameters in Lactating Holstein Cows

The left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) is a common condition in dairy cows that can significantly impact their welfare, productivity, and fertility. This study was carried out in Greek dairy farms over a period of 3 years. To ensure early detection, the farmers were trained to accurately identify the disease. The reproductive performance and milk production of 306 cows was assessed by considering the time to the first estrus, the calving-to-conception interval, and the number of artificial inseminations required for the establishment of pregnancy. Uterine health status, the timing of disease diagnosis, and the season of the year were also evaluated. In a separate study, the outcomes of 26 cases where cows suffered LDA and underwent surgical treatment with a delay of at least one week from disease onset, were compared to those of cases promptly treated. The results indicate that even early identification and treatment of LDA affects fertility and milk yield; these impacts worsen with the co-existence of uterine infections of affected. However, in late-treated cases, all reproductive and production indices show significant deterioration. Our findings suggest that timely diagnosis of the disease, preferably by the farmer, ensures minimal losses in cows affected by LDA.

Development of a rapid test to determine endometritis of cows after calving.

Postpartum uterine disease, such as endometritis, is widespread in highly productive dairy cows, leading to fertility problems and economic losses. Despite existing diagnostic methods, early and effective detection of uterine infections remains problematic due to the subclinical nature of some conditions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid diagnostic test for endometritis in cows on different days postpartum (PP). The study was carried out on dairy Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 121) kept on farms in northern Kazakhstan. The study included both clinically normal cows and those diagnosed with endometritis, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic methods across different stages of uterine health. The following laboratory tests were performed to diagnose and evaluate the presence and severity of endometritis in the cows: Nagorny-Kalinovsky test, Whiteside test, Katerinov test, Gavrish silver nitrate test, peroxide test, and clinical tests (rectal and vaginal examination). These tests were specifically chosen to identify inflammatory processes in the uterus, particularly focusing on detecting endometritis. From day 21 to 30 PP, rectal and vaginal examinations were 32% and 28% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test and the Whiteside test. From day 61 postpartum, the Whiteside test was 37.5% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test. Comparatively, among laboratory diagnostic methods from days 10 to 110 PP, the peroxide test showed the greatest effectiveness in identifying 80.9% of sick animals. In sick animals from day 10 to 20 PP, during the interaction of the cervicovaginal mucus with 10%, 20%, and 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an 8.1 ± 1.9-8.8 ± 1.6 cm foam column was formed within 4-5 min. The experiment showed that a 10% H2O2 solution yielded better results. Using H2O2 as a diagnostic agent for endometritis in cows has several advantages, including ease of use, it does not require special laboratory conditions and provides a visual reading of the reaction within 4-5 min. A limitation of this study is the focus on H2O2 without exploring other potential reagents that may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Future research could explore the long-term stability of cervicovaginal mucus samples and investigate the integration of additional substances that may expedite the detection of subclinical endometritis and improve the clarity of diagnostic results.

Intra-uterine injection of amnion-derived acellular bioscaffold product in mares, a description of systemic and intra-uterine effects over 21 days

Amnion-derived acellular bioscaffold (ADABP) products demonstrate interesting anti-inflammatory and healing properties which could be beneficial for intrauterine use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of intrauterine injection of ADABP on systemic and uterine health. The study design randomly assigned subjects to one of two groups, control mares (n = 3) which received 3 mL injection of sterile saline in the base of each uterine horn, and treatment mares (n = 9) which received 3 mL of ADABP in the base of one uterine horn and 3 mL injection of sterile saline in the base of the other uterine horn. The leukogram had no significant effect of group and no group by day interaction. The serum biochemistry panel had no effect of group on any of the parameters examined. There were no significant differences in uterine culture or uterine biopsy results. The data suggests intrauterine injection of ADABP has no negative systemic or uterine effects.

Connections between Endometrial Health Status, Fatty Liver and Expression of Endocannabinoid System Genes in Endometrium of Postpartum Dairy Cows.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in reproductive health, but its function in postpartum dairy cows remains poorly understood. This study investigated the expression patterns of ECS-related genes in the endometrium of postpartum dairy cows and their associations with endometrial health and the presence of fatty liver. Endometrial biopsies were collected from 22 Holstein Friesian cows at 4 and 7 weeks postpartum. Gene expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR, focusing on key ECS components including CNR2, MGLL, FAAH1, NAAA, NAPEPLD, PADI4 and PTGDS. The results reveal dynamic changes in ECS gene expression associated with endometritis and fatty liver. MGLL expression was significantly upregulated in cows with endometritis at 7 weeks postpartum, while NAAA expression was consistently downregulated in cows with fatty liver. CNR2 showed a time-dependent pattern in endometritis, and PTGDS expression was elevated in clinical endometritis at 4 weeks postpartum. The presence of fatty liver was associated with altered expression patterns of several ECS genes, suggesting a link between metabolic stress and endometrial ECS function. These findings indicate a potential role for the ECS in postpartum uterine health and recovery, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive disorders in dairy cows and paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.

Prevalence and risk factors of reproductive health problems in dairy cows in Southern Ethiopia

Reproductive disorders are the leading cause of economic loss in the cattle industry, as they reduce the reproductive efficiency and lifetime productivity of cows. In Ethiopian dairy, without proper preventive measures, these disorders can have a severe impact on productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the extent of these issues and the factors contributing to them in order to improve the health and productivity of dairy cows. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, type, and potential risk factors for reproductive health problems in dairy farms in Hawassa city and Wolaita Sodo town. We observed 391 pregnant and postpartum cows for reproductive disorders and used a logistic regression model to identify risk factors. The study found that 165 cows (41.6%; 95% CI: 36.8-46.5%) had at least one reproductive issue. The most common disorders included retained fetal membrane (11.6%), dystocia (10.5%), metritis (7.2%), abortion (5.6%), stillbirth (2.6%), uterine/vaginal prolapse (2.3%), endometritis (2.1%), and pyometra (0.5%). The risk of dystocia significantly increased with male calf deliveries (OR=2.9; p=0.004) and larger farm sizes (OR=2.1; p=0.039). Cows experiencing dystocia were 5.3 times more likely to have retained fetal membrane (p<0.001). Heifers were significantly more likely to develop metritis (OR=5.1; p=0.001), as were cows with retained fetal membrane (OR=11.6; p<0.001). The incidence of abortion was significantly elevated in cows from semi-intensive farms (OR= 5.3; p<0.001). The study concludes that these reproductive health issues can significantly impact future uterine health, resulting in prolonged uterine involution. It is crucial to raise awareness among dairy farmers about effective herd health management practices to minimize losses.

Surface-Conjugated Galactose on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibers: An Innovative Scaffold for Uterine Tissue Engineering.

The uterus, a vital organ in the female reproductive system, nurtures and supports developing embryos until maturity. This study focuses on addressing uterine related problems by creating a nanofibrous scaffold to regenerate uterine myometrial tissue, closely resembling the native extracellular matrix (ECM) for enhanced efficacy. To achieve this, we utilized polycaprolactone (PCL) as a biomaterial and employed an electrospinning technique to generate PCL nanofibers in both random and aligned orientations. Due to the inherent hydrophobic nature of PCL nanofibers, a two-step wet chemistry surface modification technique is used, involving the conjugation of galactose onto them. Galactose, a lectin-binding sugar, was chosen to enhance the scaffold's hydrophilicity, thereby improving cell adhesion and fostering l-selectin-based interactions between the scaffold and uterine cells. These interactions, in turn, activated uterine fibroblasts, leading to ECM remodeling. The optimized electrospinning process successfully generated random and aligned nanofibers. Subsequent surface modification was carried out, and the modified scaffold was subjected to various physicochemical characterization, such as the ninhydrin assay, enzyme-linked lectin assay techniques that revealed successful galactose conjugation, and mechanical characterization to assess any changes in material bulk properties resulting from the modification. The tensile strength of random galactose-modified PCL fibers reached 0.041 ± 0.01 MPa, outperforming random unmodified PCL fibers (0.026 ± 0.01 MPa), aligned unmodified PCL fibers (0.011 ± 0.001 MPa), and aligned modified PCL fibers (0.016 ± 0.002 MPa). Cytocompatibility studies with human uterine fibroblast cells showed enhanced viability and proliferation on the modified scaffolds. Initial pilot studies were attempted in the current study involving subcutaneous implantation in the dorsal area of Wistar rats to assess biocompatibility and tissue response before proceeding to intrauterine implantation indicated that the modification did not induce adverse inflammation in vivo. In conclusion, our study introduces a surface-modified PCL nanofibrous material for myometrial tissue engineering, offering promise in addressing myometrial damage and advancing uterine health and reproductive well-being.

Evaluating the influence of vitamin E and selenium on the uterine health of adult female goats: a histological study

Evaluating the influence of vitamin E and selenium on the uterine health of adult female goats: a histological study

Reproductive physiological outcomes of dairy cows with different genomic merit for fertility: Biomarkers, uterine health, endocrine status, estrus features, and response to ovarian synchronization

Reproductive physiological outcomes of dairy cows with different genomic merit for fertility: Biomarkers, uterine health, endocrine status, estrus features, and response to ovarian synchronization

Risk factors of clinical endometritis in an Iranian dairy farm

Clinical endometritis is one of the most common causes of declining reproductive performance in dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of some factors including cow’s parity, milk yield, dystocia, retained placenta, calf sex, calving season, abortion, and stillbirth on the incidence of clinical endometritis and the effect of clinical endometritis on open days in an Iranian dairy farm. Uterine health of 557 dairy cows was evaluated by rectal palpation and ultrasonography during 30-35 days after calving. The presence of mucopurulent secretions in the vagina and vulva as well as the ultrasonographic observation of echogenic secretions in the uterine lumen were considered endometritis. The effect of the mentioned factors on the incidence of clinical endometritis was then analyzed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The chance of developing clinical endometritis in the low-producing cows was 27.2% higher than that of the high-producing cows (p=0.06). Other parameters had no significant effect on the incidence of endometritis. The incidence of clinical endometritis in the studied herd was 49.5%. Based on the results of this study, the low milk yield may be a risk factor for developing clinical endometritis in the studied herd's condition, while parameters of the parity, dystocia, retained placenta, calf sex, calving season, abortion, and stillbirth was not effective in the occurrence rate of endometritis. There was no association between clinical endometritis and days open in the studied herd.

Specificity of two peripartum blood markers for early lactation acute uterine inflammation in pasture-fed, seasonal-calving dairy cows.

A delayed recovery of the reproductive tract from natural inflammatory processes associated with postpartum involution will compromise further reproductive function. Following a literature review, we selected serum amyloid A (SAA) and α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AGP) to assess as potential circulating markers of acute uterine inflammation, as concentrations of these 2 acute phase proteins were reported to be elevated early postpartum in dairy cows with active uterine infection. Convenience serum samples from an induced model of uterine infection were used to measure concentrations of these markers. Infection was induced by infusing either 107 or 109 cfu of Trueperella pyogenes (n = 9 cows each; bacteria group n = 18) or saline as a control (n = 18) into the uterus at 48 d postpartum. Although infection stimulated an increase in uterine polymorphonuclear neutrophils, SAA and α1-AGP concentrations in serum were not different between infusion groups. Cows were subsequently classified into uterine health groups based on the presence of endometritis, with or without the presence of T. pyogenes in uterine culture in response to uterine infusion. Mean SAA concentrations were greater in cows that were either endometritis negative – infection positive (n = 9), endometritis positive – infection negative (n = 5), or endometritis positive – infection positive, compared with the endometritis negative – infection negative (n = 11) cows. There was no difference between uterine health groups for α1-AGP concentrations. Mean SAA and α1-AGP concentrations changed over time, reaching maximum concentrations on d 3 and 7 post-infusion, respectively, before decreasing thereafter to d 17 post-infusion.

Harnessing Vaginal Probiotics for Enhanced Management of Uterine Disease and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows: A Conceptual Review.

Uterine disease in cattle impairs reproductive performance and profitability and increases antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Thus, probiotics offer a promising alternative therapy. This review presents conceptual findings on the efficacy of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and fertility in cows. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. individually or as composite formulations are known to improve fertility. Strategic intravaginal administration of these formulations would likely enhance uterine immunity, particularly during the postpartum period. While current findings on the benefits to uterine health are encouraging, there is still significant knowledge missing, including a lack of empirical information from large-scale field trials. This review underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines for probiotics, such as genomic selection of formulations, targeted delivery, or potential synergy with other interventions. Future research should address these gaps to maximize the potential of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and enhancing the reproductive health of dairy cattle.

FATE OF MILK YIELD AND FERTILITY PARAMETERS IN HOLSTEIN DAIRY COWS SIMULTANEOUSLY EXPOSED TO ZEARALENONE, DEOXYNIVALENOL AND FUMONISIN B1 MYCOTOXICITY

This study was planned to investigate the effect of zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and Fumonisin B1 (FB1) on blood metabolites, milk yield, estrous activity, pregnancy rate and uterine health in 486 heads of Holstein dairy cows. For this purpose, the data collected from the animals were divided into the four periods as follows: feeding with non-contaminated diet for 30 days (pre-contamination period), contaminated diet for 60 days (contamination period), contaminated diet supplemented with mycotoxin adsorbent for 30 days (adsorbent period) and the diet after removing the contaminated feedstuffs for 30 days (non-contamination period). Each feedstuff was analysed in contamination period and at the beginning of the non-contamination period to determine the presence or absence of ZEA, DON and FB1 in the diet. The blood metabolic profile was assessed in 21 animals in 1-10 days in milk, selected through cluster random sampling method while milk yield, estrous activity, pregnancy rate and prevalence of metritis/endometritis were compared among all four periods. The milk yield (P≤0.001) and milk fat (P≤0.05) in the contaminated period were low as compared to other periods. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (p≤0.001), non-esterified fatty acids (P≤0.05), gamma-glutamyl transferase (P≤0.05), and blood urea nitrogen (P≤0.001) parameters were significantly higher, while the glucose (P≤0.001) and triglycerides (P≤0.05) were lower in the contamination period, as compared to adsorbent and non-contamination periods. The pregnancy rate through artificial insemination decreased significantly during the contamination period (P≤0.05) as compared to pre-contamination period. The overall pregnancy rate in the pre-contamination period was also significantly decreased as compared to the adsorbent and non-contamination periods (P≤0.001). The percentage of type III anestrus were significantly lower during the non-contamination period (P≤0.05). The percentages of cows with metritis during the non-contamination period was significantly lower (p≤0.05) as compared to the contamination period. It was concluded that the routine feed analysis was necessary to determine the presence of ZEA, DON and FB1. Moreover, mycotoxin binder supplementation and/or removing contaminated feedstuffs from the diet under mycotoxicosis conditions may prevent the severe negative energy balance and improve the milk yield and fertility parameters. Keywords: DON, ZEA, Fuminosins, Metabolic Parameters, Milk Yield, Fertility, Holstein

The impact of health literacy on uterine fibroid awareness, diagnosis, and treatment in the United States: a mini literature review.

Limited health literacy is a social health determinant leading to poor health outcomes. General and health literacy correlate and can impact diagnosis and treatment understanding. Limited literacy can lead to women receiving more significant rates of invasive surgical treatment, including hysterectomies. This review explores the impact of health literacy levels on uterine fibroid awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. PubMed, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier searched articles published between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022. The keywords uterine fibroids, fibroids, myomas, leiomyomas, and health literacy were used. A total of four articles were returned. Increased rates of hysterectomies were found among participants with low income and education, as well as those with limited health literacy. Hysterectomies are the removal of the uterus and thus removes a woman's right to have children. While increased efforts are needed to understand the impact of health literacy levels on disparities and inequities in uterine fibroid diagnosis and treatment, there is still a need for targeted patient education and community-based education that ensures patient understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options for uterine fibroids.

Ultrasonography of the neotropical primate female reproductive system.

The Neotropical (e. g., Aotus sp., Callithrix jacchus, Saguinus sp., Saimiri sp., and Sapajus sp.) primates are important models for biomedical research and studies on reproductive physiology and biotechnology. Consequently, studies about gynecological and obstetric ultrasonography are crucial. B-mode ultrasonography is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time bidimensional or three-dimensional/four-dimensional B-mode images. In association with Doppler ultrasonography, B-mode ultrasonography can also be used to monitor the mammalian blood flow to the reproductive tract during important events such as ovulation and gestation. Thus, gynecological and obstetric ultrasonography is essential for establishing the female reproductive anatomical and physiological ovarian and uterine health status, gestational diagnosis, and fetal growth monitoring. For instance, the paper presents and discusses the state-of-the-art gynecological and obstetric ultrasonography in the Neotropical primates, species that are models for biomedical research, and some recent studies on species targets for conservation strategies for wild animal populations.

Mastitis impact on high-yielding dairy farm's reproduction and net present value.

Poor udder health can have a negative impact on milk production and reproductive performance, which reduces the net present value (NPV) of dairy farms. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the relationship between clinical mastitis and NPV and the financial impact of impaired reproductive function. For this purpose, 473 dairy cows were included in our study, 146 cows with clinical mastitis (CM group) and 327 clinically healthy cows (CH group) from a high-yielding dairy farm in Romania, milking approximately 780 dairy cows with an average milk production of 46 kg milk/day. We found that, in contrast to CH cows, CM cows had a significantly lower conception rate at first service (58.2% vs. 41.7%, p < 0.05), third service (45.3% vs. 30.2%, p < 0.05), and total services (49.2% vs. 36.4%, p < 0.05). However, this positive effect was not observed for the average days open, which were significantly lower in CM cows than in CH cows (112 ± 4.3 days vs. 142 ± 3.1 days, p < 0.05). The fact that the non-pregnant CH cows had higher somatic cell counts (>400,000 SCC/mL) in their milk around artificial insemination (AI) and 1 month earlier than the pregnant cows (<250,000 SCC/ml) supports the idea that poor uterine health affects the reproductive activity of high-yielding cows. However, by using the UW-DairyRepro$ decision support tool, we found that despite the impairment of reproductive function in dairy cows, the largest negative impacts on NPV are still the cost of milk loss (US$14,439.4/farm/year) and treatment costs (US$4,380/farm/year). We considered the costs associated with poor reproductive function in the CM group (US$3,577/farm/year) as an additional cost of mastitis. Finally, it appears that the impact of mastitis on reproduction is associated with a lower chance of conception than it is with a daily risk of services.

Progesterone-independent endometrial mRNA expression in dairy cows with clinical or subclinical endometritis

Up to 50 % of dairy cows fail to resolve uterine involution and develop chronic clinical (CE) or subclinical endometritis (SE) 21 days after calving. Clinical endometritis is associated with purulent discharge, while SE is not associated with overt clinical signs. Along with numerous knowledge gaps related to its pathogenesis, SE does not allow for a straightforward and effective therapy. Therefore, it is crucial to unravel differences in the expression of genes among healthy, CE, and SE cows. This might contribute to the discovery of new drug candidates and, in consequence, a potentially effective treatment. In the present study, cows between 21 and 28 days postpartum (PP) were examined using vaginoscopy for the presence of vaginal discharge and endometrial cytology for the determination of the endometrial polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) percentage. Next, an endometrial biopsy sample was taken to investigate the expression of 13 selected candidate genes by qPCR. Uterine health status was assigned to healthy (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and ≤5 % PMN, n = 13), SE (absence of abnormal vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 30), and CE (mucopurulent or purulent vaginal discharge and >5 % PMN, n = 9). At the same time, a blood sample was collected to assess serum progesterone concentration and to categorize cows as low (≤1 ng/mL) or high (>1 ng/mL) in progesterone. High expression of IL1B, IL6, IL17A, CXCL8, PTGES, PTGS1, PTGS2, and INHBA genes and low expression of FST was noted in the endometrium of CE compared to healthy cows. Increased endometrial INHBA expression was observed in both SE and CE compared to healthy cows. Interestingly, greater expression of PTGES and PRXL2B genes and lower expression of PTGS2 were characteristic of SE versus CE or healthy. Among cows with no overt clinical symptoms of uterine disease (healthy and SE), the endometrial expression of IL1 B, CXCL8, and PTGES was greater in cows with high versus low serum progesterone. Several genes were differentially expressed among healthy, SE, and CE cows indicating different pathways for the development of different uterine diseases. In conclusion, we found progesterone-independent SE markers, which suggests that low endometrial PTGS2 expression may be indicative of an inadequate immune response and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of SE.

Use of milk haptoglobin concentration as an indicator in animal health monitoring of dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between elevated haptoglobin concentrations in milk and clinical as well as laboratory parameters in early lactating dairy cows. Furthermore, cut-off values should be identified for the differentiation of healthy and affected animals. 1462 dairy cows between 5.-65. days in milk were examined on 68 Bavarian farms. Milk and blood samples were taken once a week for a 7-week period per farm and body-condition-scoring, backfat thickness measurement and Metricheck examination, to evaluate uterine health, were performed. Milk samples were analysed for milk fat, milk protein, lactose, urea, ß-hydroxybutyrate and non-esterified fatty acids (indirect measurement, based on IR spectra), cell count, and milk haptoglobin. Blood samples were analysed for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, and blood haptoglobin.Cluster analyses were performed to determine cut-off values for haptoglobin. Besides milk haptoglobin (µg/ml) and blood haptoglobin (µg/ml), cell count (cells/ml milk), milk fat (%), milk protein (%), non-esterified fatty acids in blood (mmol/l), lactation number, days in milk, breed, season, and milk yield (kg) were included as significant input variables (p<0.005) in the cluster analyses. Cluster analysis, using k-means resp. k-prototypes algorithms, resulted in 5 (clusters 1-5 M1) resp. 4 different clusters (clusters 0-3 M2 and 0-3 B).A cut-off value of 0.5 µg/ml haptoglobin in milk was determined for the differentiation of healthy and affected animals. As milk is an easily available substrate, routine determination of haptoglobin in milk might be a suitable parameter for animal health monitoring. Using the detected cut-off value, apparently healthy animals with subclinical inflammatory diseases can be identified more quickly.