Effects of intrauterine devices on proteins in the uterine lavage fluid of mares.

Intrauterine devices block luteolysis in cyclic mares, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. To clarify the mechanisms, the protein profile of the endometrial secretome was analyzed using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Twenty-seven mares were classified according to whether they were inseminated (AI) or had an intrauterine device (IUD), a water-filled plastic sphere, inserted into the uterus on Day 3 after ovulation. Uterine lavage fluids were collected on Day 15 from pregnant inseminated mares (AI-P; n = 8), non-pregnant inseminated mares (AI-N; n = 4), and mares with IUD (n = 15). The IUD group was further divided into prolonged (IUD-P; n = 7) and normal luteal phase (IUD-N; n = 8) groups on the basis of ultrasound examinations, serum levels of progesterone and PGFM on Days 14 and 15, and COX-2 results on Day 15. Four mares from each group were selected for the 2D-DIGE analyses. Ten proteins had significantly different abundance among the groups, nine of the proteins were identified. Malate dehydrogenase 1, increased sodium tolerance 1, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, prostaglandin reductase 1, albumin and hemoglobin were highest in pregnant mares; T-complex protein 1 was highest in non-pregnant mares; and annexin A1 and 6-phosphogluconolactonase were highest in IUD mares. The results suggest that the mechanism behind the intrauterine devices is likely related to inflammation.

Upregulation of alveolar levels of activin B, but not activin A, in lungs of west highland white terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse alveolar damage.

Activins, cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily, have an important role in inflammation and fibrosis. Activin A has been suggested to participate in the pathophysiology of human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but studies on the role of activin B are sparse. Canine IPF (CIPF) is an incurable interstitial lung disease occurring particularly in West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). During the disease course there are acute exacerbations (AEs) and the condition has a poor prognosis. Microscopically, AEs of CIPF are characterized by diffuse alveolar damage, which is also a key feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of this study was to study expression of activin A and B in lung tissue of WHWTs with CIPF and WHWTs with CIPF and concurrent AE, and dogs of various breeds with ARDS and to compare these findings with those of healthy WHWTs. In addition, western blot analysis of activin B from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from WHWTs with CIPF and healthy WHWTs was conducted. Activin B, but not activin A, was strongly expressed in the altered alveolar epithelium in the lungs of WHWTs with CIPF as well as in the lungs of dogs with ARDS. Activin B was detected in the BALF of WHWTs with CIPF, most notably in samples from dogs with AE, but activin B was not detected in BALF from healthy WHWTs. These findings suggest that activin B may be part of the pathophysiology of CIPF and might act as a marker of alveolar epithelial damage.

Clinical proteomics stretch goals: EuPA 2012 roundtable report.

The field of clinical proteomics is faced with multiple challenges which need to be overcome in order to improve our understanding of human diseases and provide management solutions. Researchers interested in clinical proteomics assembled for a roundtable discussion at the European Association for Proteomics (EuPA) conference held in Glasgow in July 2012, to discuss these challenges and highlight the key areas for successful clinical proteomic studies. This report shares topics of discussion and the resulting stretch goals of clinical proteomics for researchers to strive towards.