Porphyromonas gingivalis infection induced reproductive abnormalities in mice / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To establish a pregnant mouse model infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), and investigate the relationship of P.g infection to prematurity and associated birth abnormalities. Methods Fifty two female mice were randomly divided into P.g infection group (n=26) and control group (n=26). Mice in P.g infection group were anesthetized, the pulp cavity of the first molar was opened and directly injected with W83 strain P.g, and the tooth was then filled. Six weeks after infection, the mice were mated with males and the formation of vagina plug was recorded as 0d. The P.g extracted from the granulation tissue in tooth root was cultivated. The pregnant days and the connatal body weight of infant mouse were recorded, the serum and placental tissue were collected to assess the systemic and local conditions during pregnancy. Results After periodontal P.g infection, the TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6 and IL-1 levels in peripheral blood sera increased significantly. The average gestation was shorter in P.g infection group (18.25d) than in control group (20.45d, P<0.01), and the connatal body weight of infant mouse was also less in the former than in the latter (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and PCR revealed the existence of P.g in placenta tissue. P.g infection caused premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, degeneration and necrosis of trophoblastic and endothelial cells; significantly increased the number of neutrophils and macrophages in placenta tissues, and increased the expression of local TNF-α and COX-2 inflammatory factors at the same time. In P.g infection group, the expressions of CD-31 in endothelial cells of placenta tissues and the apoptotic factor caspase-3 decreased, and the DNA oxidative damage index 8-OHdG increased. Conclusions P.g infection in female mice may cause premature birth and lower connatal body weight of infant mouse, and increase the expression of serous and local inflammatory factors in the placenta. It is suggested that timely removal of periodontitis or gingivitis can prevent some of reproductive abnormalities.

Quantification of vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in dairy cows in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Quantificação da transmissão vertical de Neospora caninum em vacas leiteiras de Minas Gerais, Brasil

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the rate of vertical transmission and to investigate horizontal transmission of Neospora caninum and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in seropositive dairy cows on two farms in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The frequency of cows seropositive for N.caninum according to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 39.4% (93/236) for Farm A and 31.4% (32/102) for the Farm B (p > 0.05). The mean vertical transmission rates for N. caninum were 29% and 9% for the herds of Farms A and B, respectively. No negative effects (p > 0.05) from infection by N.caninum were observed regarding milk production and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in herds A and B.

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi estimar a taxa de transmissão vertical e investigar a transmissão horizontal de Neospora caninum, e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas em vacas leiteiras soropositivas em duas fazendas no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A frequência de vacas soropositivas a N. caninum pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) foi de 39,4% (93/236) e 31,4% (32/102) para as fazendas A e B, respectivamente. A taxa média de transmissão vertical de N. caninum, respectivamente, foi de 29% e 9% para os rebanhos A e B. Não foi observado nenhum efeito negativo (p > 0,05) da infecção por N. caninum sobre a produção de leite e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas nos rebanhos A e B.

Combination of prenatal sonography and MRI in diagnosis of fetal urology reproductive system abnormalities / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of prenatal ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the abnormalities of fetal urinary reproductive system,and explore the value of combining prenatal ultrasound and MRI in diagnosis of fetal urinary and reproductive system abnormalities.MethodsTwenty-seven fetal abnormalities in urinary reproductive system detected by prenatal ultrasound received MRI examination within 24 hours after ultrasound,confirmed by autopsy or clinical follow-up.The results of prenatal ultrasound and MRI were analyzed retrospectively.Results Ultrasound,MRI,autopsy or after birth,postpartum follow-up confirmed 27 cases of Genitourinary system anomalies,including 2 cases of hydronephrosis,renal agenesis in 6 cases,14 cases of renal cystic disease,renal fusion in 3 cases,1 case of renal tumors,ovarian cyst in one case of crown .Fetal ultrasound can diagnose the majority of the genitourinary system anomalies (25/27),MRI can diagnose fetal anomalies of 26 cases of genitourinary system.Conclusion Ultrasound could diagnose the majority of fetal abnormalities in urology reproductive system accurately.However,combining ultrasound and MRI could establish more precise estimation in urology reproductive system,such as the level of obstruction of urinary system in hydronephrosis,the pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to urology system abnormalities,and location of cyst in the renal parenchyma or in the renal capsule.