AUTHOR=Du Yazhuo , Zeng Yutian , Li Shuo , Wang Zhicheng , Su Changqi , Zhang Shilin , Ren Yan , Song Tianzeng , Zhang Ming TITLE=Mild infection induced by low-dose LPS does not impair follicular development and is beneficial to pregnancy in mice JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science VOLUME=9 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.1051433 DOI=10.3389/fvets.2022.1051433 ISSN=2297-1769 ABSTRACT=

The reproductive tract is susceptible to infection by a variety of bacteria, which can impair ovarian and uterine function. However, there is little known about whether mild infection can harm follicle development and embryo implantation. Here our results showed that the immune response to a mild infection simulated by low-dose LPS induced inflammatory factor IL-1b expression and decreased MMP2 expression involved in embryo implantation. LPS treatment also inhibited the ovulation process and reduced litter weight. Despite the immune response and the disturbed ovulation induced by treatment with low-dose LPS, the overall result was beneficial to mouse pregnancy. This research provides the necessary foundation for exploring the effects of mild bacterial infection on ovarian and uterine function in mammals.