Transcriptional assessment of pro-inflammatory and immune markers in the endometrium of bitches affected with CEH-Pyometra

The canine cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra is one of the prevalent uterine pathological conditions associated with infertility and often turn fatal. The study aimed to investigate pro-inflammatory and immune mediator transcripts in endometrium along with haematological and histopathological evaluation in healthy and clinically diagnosed CEH-pyometra conditions. The current study involved total 20 bitches from various breeds, weighing between 25 and 45 kg and aged 2–6 years. Animals under study were categorised in 3 different groups, HC group (n = 10) as healthy, CP group (n = 6) closed cervix CEH-pyometra and OP group (n = 4) as open cervix CEH-pyometra. Each animal in the study received a standardised clinical evaluation, followed by an ultra-sonographic assessment and vaginal cytology for tentative diagnosis. Blood samples were collected on the day of diagnosis. Endometrial samples were obtained by incising both uterine horns, followed by scraping endometrial part through forceps and subsequently used in evaluation of transcriptional profile. Similarly, uterine samples intended for histopathological examinations were collected by cutting 1 cm² full-thickness area. Significant (P < 0.05) elevations in total leukocyte counts and neutrophilia were reported in the CP group compared to HC group. Histopathological examination revealed marked endometrial glandular hyperplasia, luminal exudation, and neutrophilic infiltration in CEH-pyometra cases, with greater severity in closed-cervix conditions. Endometrial transcript of IL 6, IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β1 gene in CP group animals were upregulated in significant (p < 0.001) manner as compared with HC group. The elevated transcripts of pro inflammatory and immune mediators, in particular, highlight their potential roles in the inflammatory response associated with closed cervix CEH-pyometra condition. Notable variation in immunological activity based on cervical patency was evident in our study. The lack of significant rise in these pro-inflammatory markers in open cervix-pyometra condition further indicates possibility of more controlled and resolved inflammatory environment.