Investigation of the usability of kisspeptin and oxidative stress parameters in the early diagnosis of asymptomatic cystic endometrial hyperplasia in dogs.

This study aimed to investigate the differences in oxidative stress index (OSI) and kisspeptin levels in clinically asymptomatic dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) compared to healthy and pregnant dogs, and to determine the usability of the obtained results in the diagnosis of asymptomatic CEH. The study comprised three groups; a healthy (n = 8), a pregnant (n = 10) and a CEH (n = 10). All dogs in the three groups were included in the study at the 30 ± 3th day after estrus, and blood samples were collected for analysis of kisspeptin, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and some biochemical parameters (TSH; thyroid stimulating hormone, ALT; alanine aminotransferase, AST; aspartate aminotransferase, ALP; alkaline phosphatase, LDH; lactate dehydrogenase, CRE; creatine and BUN; blood urea nitrogen). In addition, OSI value was calculated. P4 and ALT and BUN levels were significantly lower and higher in CEH group than the pregnant group, respectively (p < .05). While kisspeptin and TAS levels were significantly lower in CEH group compared to the healthy and pregnant groups (p < .01), OSI level increased dramatically. In conclusion, it was confirmed that CEH clearly affected kisspeptin and OSI levels, and it is thought that these parameters may be an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection of CEH after further studies.

The evaluation of superoxide dismutase activity, neutrophil function, and metabolic profile in cows with retained placenta.

The present study aimed to determine the alterations in pre- and postpartum immune function, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and serum metabolite changes in Brown Swiss cows with or without retained placenta (RP). Peripheral blood was sampled at -10 ±â€¯4 days antepartum and 10 ±â€¯4 days postpartum for the assessment of neutrophil phagocytic and oxidative burst activities by using flow cytometry. SOD activity, beta hydroxybutiric acid (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), calcium (Ca), phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, cholesterol, glucose, urea, albumin, total protein, and triglyceride concentrations were also measured from serum samples collected at -10 ±â€¯4, 3 ±â€¯1, 10 ±â€¯4, and 30 ±â€¯4 days relative to parturition. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SPSS. Neutrophil phagocytic and oxidative burst activities, phagocytic and oxidative fluorescence intensity, and phagocytic and oxidative indexes were similar among the groups (P > 0.05). However, serum SOD activity was 30 ±â€¯4 IU/ml and 17 ±â€¯2 IU/mL for cows that subsequently developed RP and healthy cows at -10 ±â€¯4 days antepartum, respectively (P < 0.05). Body condition scores were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). All investigated serum metabolic parameters varied significantly over time (P < 0.001). Cows affected with RP had subclinical hypocalcemia (8.06 ±â€¯0.3 mg/dl) and had significantly higher BHB levels (1027 ±â€¯137.9 mmoL/l) at 3 ±â€¯1 days postpartum. Furthermore, these cows had greater AST and NEFA concentrations around calving (P < 0.05). In conclusion, retained placenta had no prolonged effect on the measures of neutrophil function during the postpartum period. On the other hand, increased antepartum SOD activity might be a predisposing factor and can be used as a predictive biomarker for retained placenta.

Impact of Prepartum Body Condition Score Loss on Metabolic Status During the Transition Period and Subsequent Fertility in Brown Swiss Dairy Cows.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to determine the role of a fall in pre-calving body condition score (BCS) in postpartum metabolic status and reproductive outcomes, and gauge the indicativeness of blood metabolites during the transition period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cows were grouped based on BCS loss between days -14 ±3 and 0 relative to calving. Cows that lost no BCS were the BCS control group (BCS-C), cows that lost 0.25 BCS points the low BCS loss group (BCS-L), and those that lost 0.5 points or more the high BCS loss (BCS-H) group. Blood was taken on days -14 ±3, 3, 14, and 30 ±4 for determination of comprehensive metabolic panel biomarker levels. Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) levels were quantified on postpartum examination days. Vaginal discharge scores, ovarian activity on day 30 ±4, and subsequent fertility parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The BCS-H cows had lower mean Ca concentrations before calving and on day 3, when the group's BHBA and CK were higher (P < 0.05); on day 14 they had higher AST concentrations (P < 0.05). The BCS-L cows had greater bilirubin levels (P < 0.05). The BCS-H cows had lower cyclicity and higher endometritis rates. First service pregnancy rates were 50%, 50%, and 61.9%, open days 96.8, 95.75, and 89.2, and overall pregnancy rates 56.25%, 65%, and 80.95 % in the BCS-H, BCS-L, and BCS-C groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prepartum BCS loss of ≥ 0.5 points could be associated with Brown Swiss cow low Ca and BHBA concentrations early postpartum, and with subsequent uterine health and overall pregnancy rate. Prepartum Ca concentration might be a prognostic biomarker for postpartum metabolic status and reproductive outcomes.

MDA and GSH-Px Activity in Transition Dairy Cows Under Seasonal Variations and their Relationship with Reproductive Performance.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels under seasonal variations in dairy cows during transition period, and to assess the relationship between chosen reproductive parameters, GSH-Px, and MDA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Holstein cows calving in January were assigned into winter group (n = 42), while cows calving in August were assigned into summer group (n = 42). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein 21, 14, and 7 days before calving, at calving (0 day), and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Reproductive parameters obtained from farm records were evaluated. RESULTS: In both groups of cows, GSH-Px activity decreased from 21 days before calving to day 0, and it gradually continued to increase until 21 days after calving. GSH-Px activity was higher in winter group compared to summer group during the transition period (P < 0.05). MDA levels in both groups increased over time starting from 21 days before calving to 0 day, but it gradually decreased thereafter. MDA levels were higher in summer group compared to winter group during the transition periods (P < 0.05). Summer group of cows showed higher intervals of calving-to-oestrus, calving-to-conception, and higher insemination index (P < 0.01). Negative correlation was recorded between GSH-Px and MDA during all examination days (P < 0.01). MDA levels correlated with calving to conception interval on day 21 before calving and day 0 (P < 0.01) and insemination index on day 0 and 21 days after calving (P < 0.01). GSH-Px activity was negatively correlated with calving to conception interval on day 21 before calving, day 0, and 21 days (P < 0.01) after calving. Negative correlation on day 21 before calving and day 0 was also determined between GSH-Px and insemination index (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study showed that blood oxidant and antioxidant levels have affected the fertility parameters in cows under seasonal variations.