Canine cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra may downregulate neuropeptide phoenixin and GPR173 receptor expression

• Published in: Animal reproduction science Vol. 238; p. 106931
• Main Authors: Rybska, Marta, Billert, Maria, Skrzypski, Marek, Kubiak, Magdalena, Woźna-Wysocka, Magdalena, Łukomska, Anna, Nowak, Tomasz, Błaszczyk-Cichoszewska, Joanna, Pomorska-Mól, Małgorzata, Wąsowska, Barbara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-03-2022
• Subjects: Animals; Canine; Dog Diseases - pathology; Dogs; Endometrial Hyperplasia - genetics; Endometrial Hyperplasia - pathology; Endometrial Hyperplasia - veterinary; Endometrium - metabolism; Female; GPR173 receptor; Neuropeptides - genetics; Phoenixin; Pyometra - pathology; Pyometra - veterinary; Uterine diseases; Uterus - metabolism; Uterine diseases; GPR173 receptor; Phoenixin; Canine
• ISSN: 0378-4320; 1873-2232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106931

The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are potential key factors involved in the proliferative and inflammatory regulation of the reproductive system in females. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of PNX and GPR173 by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to clinically healthy females. Additionally, PNX and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were analysed. The results showed a significantly lower expression levels of PNX and GPR173 (mRNA and protein production) in bitches with the CEH or pyometra groups compared to healthy animals. Immunofluorescence staining examination also confirmed a lower concentration of PNX and GPR173 signals in bitches with pathological uteri. Moreover, a lower concentration of PNX blood levels in bitches suffering from pyometra was observed. The PNX concentration was negatively correlated with P4 but only in healthy bitches. These results illustrate that the development of canine uterine disorders may cause a lower expression of PNX and its receptor GPR173.
•Phoenixin is downregulated in the canine uterus in CEH and pyometra.•The expression of GPR173 is decreased in the canine endometrium in CEH and pyometra.•Phoenixin may be useful biomarker for the identification of uterine disorders.