Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Graduate Theses and Dissertations Dissertations 2021 Understanding biological factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse in late gestation sows Zoe E. Kiefer Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd Recommended Citation Kiefer, Zoe E., "Understanding biological factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse in late gestation sows" (2021). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 18526. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/18526 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Understanding biological factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse in late gestation sows by Zoë Elizabeth Kiefer A thesis submitted to the graduate faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Major: Animal Physiology (Reproductive Physiology) Program of Study Committee: Jason W. Ross, Major Professor Aileen F. Keating Stephan Schmitz-Esser The student author, whose presentation of the scholarship herein was approved by the program of study committee, is solely responsible for the content of this thesis. The Graduate College will ensure this thesis is globally accessible and will not permit alterations after a degree is conferred. Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 2021 Copyright © Zoë Elizabeth Kiefer, 2021. All rights reserved. ii DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis to everyone who has encouraged and supported me throughout this journey. To my family, friends, colleagues and mentors, thank you for helping me become the scientist I am today. To the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science thanks for a great experience and excellent education. LOYAL ● FOREVER ● TRUE iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF FIGURES .........................................................................................................................v LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... vi NOMENCLATURE ..................................................................................................................... vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................. ix ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................................................x CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................1 References ................................................................................................................................. 2 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW .........................................................................................4 Sow Reproduction ..................................................................................................................... 4 Onset of Puberty ................................................................................................................... 4 Estrous Cycle ........................................................................................................................ 5 Gilt Development ................................................................................................................. 6 Sow Mortality in the U.S. Swine Industry ................................................................................. 7 Reproductive Tract Dysfunction Overview ............................................................................... 7 Reproductive Disease in Humans......................................................................................... 8 Reproductive Disease in Cattle ............................................................................................ 9 Physiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse ................................................................................. 10 Vaginal Microbiota Overview ................................................................................................. 11 Vaginal Microbiota of Humans .......................................................................................... 12 Vaginal Microbiota of Cattle .............................................................................................. 14 Vaginal Microbiota of Swine ............................................................................................. 15 Role of the Vaginal Microbiota in the Immune System ..................................................... 16 Immune and Inflammatory Response ...................................................................................... 17 Steroid Hormone Changes During Late Gestation .................................................................. 20 Steroidogenesis ................................................................................................................... 20 Steroid Hormone Effects on the Immune Response .......................................................... 21 Steroid Hormones and their Potential Influence on the Microbiota ................................... 22 Summary .................................................................................................................................. 23 References ............................................................................................................................... 24 CHAPTER 3. VAGINAL MICROBIOME AND SERUM METABOLITE DIFFERENCES IN LATE GESTATION COMMERCIAL SOWS AT RISK FOR PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE .33 Abstract .................................................................................................................................... 33 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 34 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 35 Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 38 Materials and Methods ............................................................................................................ 43 iv Statistical analyses ................................................................................................................... 47 Data availability ....................................................................................................................... 49 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 49 Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................... 50 Authors contributions .............................................................................................................. 50 References ............................................................................................................................... 50 CHAPTER 4. VAGINAL MICROBIOTA VARIATION DURING LATE GESTATION COMMERCIAL SOWS A RISK FOR PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE ......................................63 Abstract .................................................................................................................................... 63 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 64 Materials and Methods ............................................................................................................ 66 Results ..................................................................................................................................... 71 Discussion ................................................................................................................................ 75 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 81 Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................... 81 Authors contributions .............................................................................................................. 81 References ............................................................................................................................... 82 CHAPTER 5. CIRCULATING BIOMARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH PELVIC ORGAN PROLASPE RISK IN LATE GESATION SOWS ........................................................................98 Abstract .................................................................................................................................... 98 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 99 Materials and Methods .......................................................................................................... 101 Results ................................................................................................................................... 104 Discussion