Modulation of NF-κB and TLR Signaling Pathways and Complement Components in Ovine Maternal Thyroid During Early...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• Endocrinology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Pregnancy requires maternal immune tolerance, involving thyroid gland modulation.
• Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), IκB family, toll-like receptors (TLRs), and complement pathways are potential regulators of maternal thyroid immunity.
• The impact of early pregnancy on these specific signaling pathways in the maternal thyroid remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of early pregnancy on the expression of NF-κB subunits, IκB family, TLRs, and complement components in the ovine maternal thyroid.
• To analyze gene and protein level changes in these signaling pathways during early gestation in ewes.

Main Methods:

• Ovine thyroid tissues were collected from non-pregnant (N16) and pregnant ewes (P13, P16, P25).
• Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were quantified using RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
• Analysis focused on NF-κB subunits, IκB family, TLRs, and specific complement factors (C1q, C1r, C2, C4a, C5b, C9, C1s, C3).

Main Results:

• Expression of NF-κB subunits, IκB family, and TLRs peaked at day 16 of pregnancy (P16).
• Complement components C1q, C1r, C2, C4a, C5b, and C9 also showed peak expression at P16.
• Specific patterns were observed for C1s and C3 expression across different stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Early pregnancy significantly modulates the expression of NF-κB, IκB, TLRs, and complement pathways in the ovine thyroid at both mRNA and protein levels.
• These molecular adaptations are likely essential for maternal thyroid function during pregnancy.
• Findings suggest a role for these pathways in preventing pregnancy-related thyroid disorders in ewes.