Martin Sheldon

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Martin Sheldon is a veterinarian and scientific researcher. He is Professor Emeritus [1] at Swansea University Medical School. [2]

Contents

Career

Born in Yorkshire, Sheldon studied at Bradford Grammar School and then at the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science. He graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1984. He spent 14 years in clinical veterinary practice in Carmarthen, West Wales, where he became a partner in 1986. Sheldon was awarded the Diploma in Bovine Reproduction from the University of Liverpool in 1992; became a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Specialist in 1993; [3] and, was awarded the Diploma in Cattle Health and Production from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1997. [4]

Sheldon joined the Royal Veterinary College in 1998 to teach veterinary reproduction, and he was awarded the James Bee Educator Prize twice. He completed a PhD with Professor Hilary Dobson in 2002 through the University of Liverpool. Research project funding from the Wellcome Trust and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) formed the foundation for his research. Whilst in London, Sheldon spent some time on an OECD fellowship at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, USA; as a visiting lecturer at the University of Bologna, Italy; and, on the Frontiers in Reproduction Course at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, USA. In 2006, Sheldon was awarded a 3-year BBSRC Research Development Fellowship [5] and in 2008 he moved from London to a new Personal Chair at the Institute of Life Science in Swansea University Medical School. [6] In 2013, Sheldon was a Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Florida. Sheldon has published more than 100 papers in academic journals; [7] and is on the editorial board of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. [8]

Sheldon works on infection and immunity. [1] His initial work was on bacterial infection of the female reproductive system, particularly postpartum metritis. [9] Using dairy cattle, he identified the bacteria that cause uterine disease, including novel strains of Escherichia coli that are adapted to the uterine environment. [10] In addition, Sheldon showed that the bacterium Trueperella pyogenes becomes a pathogen in the uterus by secreting a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin that damages stromal cells, once the epithelium is damaged after parturition. [11] Oxysterols, such as 25-hydroxycholesterol, are found in the reproductive tract and protect tissue cells against cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. [12] Sheldon uncovered the role for the innate immune system in the endometrium of the uterus, showing that epithelial and stromal cells, as well as the expected immune cells, have roles in host-pathogen interactions. [13] Sheldon was the first to show that infections in the uterus disrupt the structure and function of the mammalian ovary. [14] Sheldon also identified that ovarian cells sense and respond to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, leading to inflammation, and even damaging the oocyte. [15] Work on cholesterol-dependent cytolysins has led to discoveries about how host tissue cells can be protected against toxins. [16] [17]

Distinctions

Fellowship Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (2013) for meritorious contributions to understanding the mechanisms of infection and immunity in the female genital tract [18]

Schofield Medal: a prize given in honor of Frank Schofield, by Ontario Veterinary College, Canada (2015) [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endometrium</span> Inner mucous membrane of the mammalian uterus

The endometrium is the inner epithelial layer, along with its mucous membrane, of the mammalian uterus. It has a basal layer and a functional layer: the basal layer contains stem cells which regenerate the functional layer. The functional layer thickens and then is shed during menstruation in humans and some other mammals, including other apes, Old World monkeys, some species of bat, the elephant shrew and the Cairo spiny mouse. In most other mammals, the endometrium is reabsorbed in the estrous cycle. During pregnancy, the glands and blood vessels in the endometrium further increase in size and number. Vascular spaces fuse and become interconnected, forming the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrition to the embryo and fetus. The speculated presence of an endometrial microbiota has been argued against.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Menstrual cycle</span> Natural changes in the human female reproductive system

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone. The uterine cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the lining of the uterus (womb) to receive an embryo. These cycles are concurrent and coordinated, normally last between 21 and 35 days, with a median length of 28 days, and continue for about 30–45 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exotoxin</span> Toxin from bacteria that destroys or disrupts cells

An exotoxin is a toxin secreted by bacteria. An exotoxin can cause damage to the host by destroying cells or disrupting normal cellular metabolism. They are highly potent and can cause major damage to the host. Exotoxins may be secreted, or, similar to endotoxins, may be released during lysis of the cell. Gram negative pathogens may secrete outer membrane vesicles containing lipopolysaccharide endotoxin and some virulence proteins in the bounding membrane along with some other toxins as intra-vesicular contents, thus adding a previously unforeseen dimension to the well-known eukaryote process of membrane vesicle trafficking, which is quite active at the host–pathogen interface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corpus luteum</span> Temporary endocrine structure in ovaries

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure in female ovaries involved in the production of relatively high levels of progesterone, and moderate levels of estradiol, and inhibin A. It is the remains of the ovarian follicle that has released a mature ovum during a previous ovulation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pyometra</span> Medical condition

Pyometra or pyometritis is a uterine infection. Though it is most commonly known as a disease of the unaltered female dog, it is also a notable human disease. It is also seen in female cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, cats, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, rats and guinea pigs. Pyometra is an important disease to be aware of for any dog or cat owner because of the sudden nature of the disease and the deadly consequences if left untreated. It has been compared to acute appendicitis in humans, because both are essentially empyemas within an abdominal organ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adenomyosis</span> Extension of endometrial tissue into the myometrium

Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of cells that proliferate on the inside of the uterus (endometrium) atypically located among the cells of the uterine wall (myometrium), as a result, thickening of the uterus occurs. As well as being misplaced in patients with this condition, endometrial tissue is completely functional. The tissue thickens, sheds and bleeds during every menstrual cycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hysteroscopy</span> Medical procedure

Hysteroscopy is the inspection of the uterine cavity by endoscopy with access through the cervix. It allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology and serves as a method for surgical intervention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human reproductive system</span> Organs involved in reproduction

The human reproductive system includes the male reproductive system which functions to produce and deposit sperm; and the female reproductive system which functions to produce egg cells, and to protect and nourish the fetus until birth. Humans have a high level of sexual differentiation. In addition to differences in nearly every reproductive organ, there are numerous differences in typical secondary sex characteristics.

The estrous cycle is a set of recurring physiological changes induced by reproductive hormones in females of mammalian subclass Theria. Estrous cycles start after sexual maturity in females and are interrupted by anestrous phases, otherwise known as "rest" phases, or by pregnancies. Typically, estrous cycles repeat until death. These cycles are widely variable in duration and frequency depending on the species. Some animals may display bloody vaginal discharge, often mistaken for menstruation. Many mammals used in commercial agriculture, such as cattle and sheep, may have their estrous cycles artificially controlled with hormonal medications for optimum productivity. The male equivalent, seen primarily in ruminants, is called rut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endometritis</span> Medical condition

Endometritis is inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). Symptoms may include fever, lower abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. It is the most common cause of infection after childbirth. It is also part of spectrum of diseases that make up pelvic inflammatory disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bovine viral diarrhea</span> Significant economic disease of cattle caused by two species of Pestivirus

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine viral diarrhoea or mucosal disease, previously referred to as bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), is an economically significant disease of cattle that is found in the majority of countries throughout the world. Worldwide reviews of the economically assessed production losses and intervention programs incurred by BVD infection have been published. The causative agent, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is a member of the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Implantation (embryology)</span> First stage of pregnancy

Implantation, also known as nidation, is the stage in the mammalian embryonic development in which the blastocyst hatches, attaches, adheres, and invades into the endometrium of the female's uterus. Implantation is the first stage of gestation, and, when successful, the female is considered to be pregnant. An implanted embryo is detected by the presence of increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a pregnancy test. The implanted embryo will receive oxygen and nutrients in order to grow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Decidualization</span> Physiological process in the endometrium

Decidualization is a process that results in significant changes to cells of the endometrium in preparation for, and during, pregnancy. This includes morphological and functional changes to endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), the presence of decidual white blood cells (leukocytes), and vascular changes to maternal arteries. The sum of these changes results in the endometrium changing into a structure called the decidua. In humans, the decidua is shed during childbirth.

Streptolysins are two homogenous exotoxins from Streptococcus pyogenes. Types include streptolysin O, which is oxygen-labile, and streptolysin S, which is oxygen-stable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metritis</span> Inflammation of the wall of the uterus

Metritis is inflammation of the wall of the uterus, whereas endometritis is inflammation of the functional lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The term pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often used for metritis.

Uterine serpins are members of the A clade of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily of proteins and are encoded by the SERPINA14 gene. Uterine serpins are produced by the endometrium of a restricted group of mammals under the influence of progesterone or estrogen. These proteins appear to be inactive protease inhibitors and may function during pregnancy to regulate immune function or participate in transplacental transport.

Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium). It occurs on a regular basis in uninseminated sexually reproductive-age females of certain mammal species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uterine microbiome</span>

The uterine microbiome is the commensal, nonpathogenic, bacteria, viruses, yeasts/fungi present in a healthy uterus, amniotic fluid and endometrium and the specific environment which they inhabit. It has been only recently confirmed that the uterus and its tissues are not sterile. Due to improved 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques, detection of bacteria that are present in low numbers is possible. Using this procedure that allows the detection of bacteria that cannot be cultured outside the body, studies of microbiota present in the uterus are expected to increase.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bovine vaginal prolapse</span>

Bovine vaginal prolapse is a medical condition in cattle, characterised by an abnormally positioned (prolapsed) vagina. In most cases the bovine vaginal prolapse occurs near the time of calving, yet there are some examples of the vaginal prolapse in younger and non-pregnant animals. Another, but less common and more severe reproductive prolapse in cattle is so-called bovine uterine prolapse, where a uterus is the one being abnormally positioned.

References

  1. 1 2 "Professor Martin Sheldon". sites.google.com. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  2. ↑ "Professor Martin Sheldon". www.swansea.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  3. ↑ "2013 AMCB Distinquished[sic] Lecturer: Martin Sheldon" (PDF). Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program. Eleventh Annual Research Symposium. University of Florida.
  4. ↑ "Biography - Professor Martin Sheldon - Swansea University". sites.google.com. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  5. ↑ "Annual Report 2005-06" (PDF). Royal Veterinary College, London.
  6. ↑ "Speakers' biographies". European Society for Reproductive Immunology. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  7. ↑ "I Martin Sheldon FRCVS - Google Scholar Citations". scholar.google.co.uk. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  8. ↑ American Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Editorial Board - Wiley Online Library
  9. ↑ Sheldon IM, Cronin J, Goetze L, Donofrio G, Schuberth HJ (December 2009). "Defining postpartum uterine disease and the mechanisms of infection and immunity in the female reproductive tract in cattle". Biology of Reproduction. 81 (6): 1025–32. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.109.077370. PMC   2784443 . PMID   19439727.
  10. ↑ Sheldon IM, Rycroft AN, Dogan B, Craven M, Bromfield JJ, Chandler A, et al. (February 2010). "Specific strains of Escherichia coli are pathogenic for the endometrium of cattle and cause pelvic inflammatory disease in cattle and mice". PLOS ONE. 5 (2): e9192. Bibcode:2010PLoSO...5.9192S. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009192 . PMC   2820550 . PMID   20169203.
  11. ↑ Amos MR, Healey GD, Goldstone RJ, Mahan SM, Düvel A, Schuberth HJ, Sandra O, Zieger P, Dieuzy-Labaye I, Smith DG, Sheldon IM (March 2014). "Differential endometrial cell sensitivity to a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin links Trueperella pyogenes to uterine disease in cattle". Biology of Reproduction. 90 (3): 54. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115972 . PMID   24478394.
  12. ↑ Ormsby TJ, Owens SE, Horlock AD, Davies D, Griffiths WJ, Wang Y, Cronin JG, Bromfield JJ, Sheldon IM (October 2021). "Oxysterols protect bovine endometrial cells against pore-forming toxins from pathogenic bacteria". FASEB Journal. 35 (10): e21889. doi: 10.1096/fj.202100036R . PMC   9272411 . PMID   34569656.
  13. ↑ WalesOnline (22 September 2010). "Welsh success in battle to stop causes of infertility". walesonline. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  14. ↑ Sheldon IM, Noakes DE, Rycroft AN, Pfeiffer DU, Dobson H (June 2002). "Influence of uterine bacterial contamination after parturition on ovarian dominant follicle selection and follicle growth and function in cattle". Reproduction. 123 (6): 837–45. doi: 10.1530/rep.0.1230837 . PMID   12052238.
  15. ↑ Price JC, Bromfield JJ, Sheldon IM (September 2013). "Pathogen-associated molecular patterns initiate inflammation and perturb the endocrine function of bovine granulosa cells from ovarian dominant follicles via TLR2 and TLR4 pathways". Endocrinology. 154 (9): 3377–86. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1102 . PMID   23825132.
  16. ↑ Preta G, Lotti V, Cronin JG, Sheldon IM (April 2015). "Protective role of the dynamin inhibitor Dynasore against the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin of Trueperella pyogenes". FASEB Journal. 29 (4): 1516–28. doi: 10.1096/fj.14-265207 . PMC   4396600 . PMID   25550455.
  17. ↑ Griffin S, Healey GD, Sheldon IM (October 2018). "Isoprenoids increase bovine endometrial stromal cell tolerance to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin from Trueperella pyogenes". Biology of Reproduction. 99 (4): 749–760. doi:10.1093/biolre/ioy099. PMC   6203874 . PMID   29688258.
  18. ↑ "Celebration and change at RCVS Day 2013". RCVS. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  19. ↑ "Iamnews.co.uk".
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