Investigation of omentin-1 and metabolic parameters in periparturient cows

We aimed to determine the level of omentin-1 hormone and other in periparturient period of dairy cows. It was also aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between omentin-1, glucose, Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TG) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Blood samples were taken a month before parturition (PreP30), two weeks before parturition (PreP14), at parturition (P), two weeks after parturition (PostP14) and a month after parturition (PostP30). Concentrations of serum omentin-1 at P, serum glucose at P, PostP14, and PostP30, serum NEFA at P, serum TG PreP30 and PreP14, and serum BHB at P were statistically significantly higher than at other times. A positive correlation was observed between omentin-1 and glucose, NEFA and BHB, glucose and NEFA and BHB, and NEFA and BHB. A negative correlation was found between TG and omentin-1, glucose, NEFA and BHB. In conclusion, findings of the present study shows that omentin-1 may play an important role in the periparturient period. A positive correlation of omentin-1 with energy fuels NEFA, glucose, and BHB suggests that omentin-1 plays a role in energy metabolism like other adipokines. The fact that omentin-1 levels increase during delivery, when the fetus needs energy most, supports this hypothesis.

Parity and Periparturient Period Affects Galectin Gene Expression in Holstein Cow Blood

The periparturient period in dairy cows is a crucial time influencing health, milk production and fertility. Galectins are receiving interest as therapeutic targets because of their roles in immune signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and modulation of galectin genes in periparturient cows with different parities. Twelve periparturient Holstein Friesian cows were grouped into 3 parities (1st parity, 2nd parity, 3rd parity) (N=4). Blood was taken during the periparturient period including 2 weeks close to parturition (close-up), and 7 days after parturition(c+7) in Paxgene tubes. Total RNA was isolated, reverse-transcribed to cDNA. With the use of Primer 3 online tool, specific primers (forward and reverse) for cow galectins LGALS- 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, GAPDH and β-actin were designed. Transcription of galectins was evaluated using Real-time PCR. Fold change in transcript abundance was calculated using the Livak method. GAPDH and β-actin served as internal controls. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA) was used to detect and determine the concentrations of Galectins(Gal) in the plasma. All galectins tested were differentially expressed. LGALS1 and LGALS15 were transcribed only during late gestation, but undetected postpartum regardless of parity. Gal-1, -2,-4,-8 and -9 concentrations in plasma were high in periparturient cows compared to far-off cows. Gal9 concentration increased postpartum. Gal-2, Gal-3 and –Gal-12 concentrations were reduced in plasma postpartum compared to far-off cows. This study supports the idea that galectin signatures may be useful biomarkers and drug targets in dairy cows, especially during the periparturient period.

Metabolic and mineral conditions of retained placenta in highly productive dairy cows: pathogenesis, diagnostics and prevention – a review

The time around calving in highly productive dairy cows is a critical period in terms of their metabolism, which is connected with high demands of the foetus as well as with the onset of lactation. Retained placenta in cows may have multifactorial aetiology, but in herds which are free from infectious diseases, the most important reasons are; periparturient metabolic changes and disturbances to the internal balance and stress. During the periparturient period, the most important factor causing immune suppression and hypotony of uterus in cows is metabolic stress due to hormonal and nutritional factors, including metabolic fluctuations, negative energy balance, as well as shortage of proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. This metabolic stress as a result of an imbalance in the internal metabolic homeostasis activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) and increases serum corticosterid (cortisol) concentration, especially on the day of calving. Cortisol is a powerful immune suppressive factor that causes depression of leukocyte proliferation and their functions. The periparturient metabolic stress may also stimulate the production of catecholamines, especially adrenalin. Elevated levels of adrenalin activate adrenoreceptors of the myometrium, which in turn cause hypotony or atony of the uterus at calving in cows. Elevated levels of cortisol and adrenalin may significantly inhibit the rejection and expulsion of foetal membranes in cows, resulting in an increased incidence of their retention. These important mechanisms for placental retention in highly productive dairy cows often have primary nutritional metabolic aetiology, but they also occur during secondary metabolic disturbances and metabolic stress during calving. This metabolic and immunological aetiology and pathogenesis of retained placenta usually occur in highly productive periparturient cows on dairy farms in the absence of bovine infectious diseases, which can couse placentitis, stillbirth and the infectious origin of foetal membrane retention. The paper presents the most important metabolic, mineral and immunological disturbances as conditions for retained placenta in dairy cows. It also shows different methods of herd monitoring, important examples of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, and methods of nutritional and veterinary prevention of this health problem in dairy cows.