Acute-phase proteins, oxidative stress and enzyme activities of blood serum and peritoneal fluid in cattle with abomasal displacement

Investigation of gastrointestinal injury-related biomarkers in dairy cattle with displaced abomasum

BACKGROUND

Displaced abomasum (DA) is one of the most important metabolic disorders of dairy cattle. In DA, ischaemic damage may occur as a result of impaired perfusion due to abomasal displacement, which may result in gastrointestinal mucosal damage.

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of gastrointestinal tissue damage in cattle with right displacement of the abomasum (RDA) and left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) using intestinal-related biomarkers.

METHODS

Forty-eight DA (24 LDA, 24 RDA) and 15 healthy Holstein dairy cows were enrolled between March 2021 and July 2022. Serum biomarkers including gamma-enteric smooth muscle actin (ACTG-2), liver-fatty acid binding proteins (L-FABP), platelet activating factor (PAF), trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), leptin, claudin-3 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations were measured from venous blood samples.

RESULTS

L-FABP concentrations in the LDA group and TFF-3 concentrations in the RDA group were lower than in the control group. The leptin concentration of the RDA group was higher than that of the other groups. There was a negative correlation between lactate, leptin and IL-8 concentrations. There was a negative correlation between lactate and TFF-3, whereas leptin and lactate were positively correlated. Leptin was the more reliable biomarker for discriminating between RDA and LDA cases.

CONCLUSION

Changes in serum L-FABP, TFF-3 and leptin concentrations in cattle with DA may reflect acute intestinal injury and the subsequent repair phase. However, these biomarkers had poor diagnostic performance in discriminating between healthy and cattle with DA, while leptin emerged as the most useful marker in differentiating LDA from RDA cases.

Investigation of cattle plasma proteome in response to pain and inflammation using next generation proteomics technique, SWATH-MS

Pain assessment in farm animals has primarily relied on a combination of behavioral and physiological responses, although these are relatively subjective and difficult to quantify. It is essential to develop more effective biomarkers of pain in production animals since they are frequently exposed to routine surgical husbandry procedures. More effective biomarkers of pain would improve welfare, limit the loss of productivity associated with pain and permit better assessment of analgesics. This study aimed to investigate the use of a modern mass spectrometry data independent acquisition strategy, termed Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS), to detect candidate protein biomarkers that are known to associate with nociceptive and inflammatory processes in cattle, which could then be used to assess the efficacy of potential analgesics. Calves were randomly divided into two groups that were either surgically dehorned or subjected to restraint stress, without provision of anaesthesia or analgesia in accordance with current industry standards. Samples were analysed before and after dehorning at multiple timepoints. Significant changes in protein concentrations were detected predominantly at 24 and 96 h following dehorning, including kininogens, proteins associated with the coagulation and complement cascades and serine protease inhibitors. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the identified candidate biomarkers were associated with stress, wound healing, immune response, blood coagulation and the inflammatory and acute phase responses, which could be expected following surgical damage to tissues, but can now be more objectively assessed. These results offer more definitive and quantitative monitoring of response to tissue injury induced pain and inflammation.

Blood Biochemical Variables Found in Lidia Cattle after Intense Exercise

Simple Summary

There are limited published data in cattle on blood biological variables in response to intense work or after significant physical exertion. Stress should be considered in addition to exercise in the Lidia breed due to their agonistic behavioral characteristics. Therefore, changes in blood biological variables in response to intense exercise and stress were evaluated. Specifically, 438 bulls of the Lidia breed were sampled after a bullfight in order to determine the concentrations of different blood variables. We found that most of the measured blood variables clearly increased. Thus, severe hyperglycemia and an increase in various enzymes (LDH, AST, GGT, ALT, and particularly CK) were observed. The increase in all these variables is justified by the mobilization of energy sources, tissue and muscle damage, and dehydration, due to intense exercise and stress.

Abstract

There are limited published data in the bovine species on blood biological variables in response to intense work or after significant physical exertion. Lidia cattle, in addition to their exercise components, have some behavioral agonistic features that make them more susceptible to stress. The bullfight involves stress and exercise so intense that it causes significant changes in some metabolic variables. The study objective was to evaluate changes in blood biological variables in response to intense exercise and stress. After the fight in the arena, and once the bulls were dead (n = 438), blood samples were taken, and some biochemical and hormonal variables were determined in venous blood. A descriptive analysis was performed using the Statistica 8.0. computer program. The mean (±s.d.) results obtained were: total protein (85.8 ± 10.8 g/dL), albumin (3.74 ± 4.3 g/dL), triglycerides (39.65 ± 0.16 mg/dL), cholesterol (2.44 ± 0.03 mmol/L), glucose (22.2 ± 9.6 mmol/L), uric acid (340 ± 80 µmol/L), creatinine (236.9 ± 0.4 µmol/L), urea (5.93 ± 1.27 mmol/L), LDH (2828 ± 1975 IU/L), CK (6729 ± 10,931 IU/L), AST (495 ± 462 IU/L), ALP (90 ± 33 IU/L), GGT (50 ± 34 IU/L), ALT (59 ± 35 IU/L), cortisol (117.5 ± 46.6 nmol/L), and testosterone (20.2 ± 23.8 nmol/L). Most of the measured variables clearly increased; thus, we found severe hyperglycemia and increases in LDH, AST, GGT, and ALT enzymes, particularly in CK. The increases in all these variables are justified by the mobilization of energy sources, tissue/muscle damage, and dehydration due to continued stress and intense exercise.

Changes in serum biomarkers of inflammation in bovine besnoitiosis

Background

Acute and chronic besnoitiosis in extensive natural-service herds can have relevant effects in the health of bulls and negative consequences in their productive performance. Recent progress has been made in order to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. In this context, the study of biomarkers of inflammation in serum would contribute to gaining knowledge about the physiopathology of bovine besnoitiosis. Serological biomarkers could help in early diagnosis and prognosis, as seropositive bulls may have mild or severe testicular lesions.

Methods

Herein, we have investigated the diagnostic and/or prognostic value of a panel of serum (serological) biomarkers related to inflammation, including total protein, globulin and albumin, haptoglobin (Hp), adenosine deaminase (ADA) paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in naturally and experimentally B. besnoiti-infected males classified according to different clinical phases of the disease (acute, chronic and subclinical besnoitiosis).

Results

Results showed a similar response pattern in these biomarkers for naturally and experimentally infected cattle, with a few relevant variations. Most significant changes occurred during the acute phase of infection, although significant changes in a few biomarkers were also observed during the chronic infection. Haptoglobin, albumin, PON-1 and ADA were identified as the biomarkers that showed changes of higher magnitude in the acute phase of the infection, whereas high total protein and globulin values were found in chronically infected cattle. We have described the changes of a panel of inflammatory biomarkers of acute and chronic bovine besnoitiosis.

Conclusions

In summary, several biomarkers with promising diagnostic value have been identified. The biomarkers associated with acute infection are related to previously reported molecular biomarkers in testicular parenchyma of infected bulls and could help in the diagnosis of early infections and complement results from specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection.

Graphical abstract

Potential hemo-biological identification markers to the left displaced abomasum in dairy cows

Background

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) occurs at high frequency in the early postpartum period and can affect production performance of dairy cows. Clinical diagnosis of LDA is usually done by abdominal auscultation and percussion. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential applicability of blood biomarkers for early warning and diagnosis of LDA in dairy cows.

Results

Twenty early postpartum healthy cows and thirty early postpartum LDA cows of similar parity were used. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method was used to analyze the sensitivity of hematological biomarkers to LDA including energy balance metabolic biomarkers, liver/kidney function biomarkers, and minerals. A cut-off point was defined for each of the selected hematological biomarkers deemed sensitive markers of LDA. Compared with healthy cows, body condition score (BCS), dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production were lower in LDA cows. Among energy metabolism markers, serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), insulin (INS), and revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI) levels were lower while serum glucagon (GC) was greater in LDA cows. Among the liver/kidney function biomarkers, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the ratio of AST/ALT and levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and total protein (TP) were greater in LDA cows. Among minerals analyzed, serum Cl, Ca, and K were lower in LDA cows. After ROC analysis, it was determined that serum Ca, INS, RQUICKI, ALT, GGT, and creatinine are potential indicators for early warning and diagnosis of LDA for early postpartum dairy cows.

Conclusions

Dairy cows with LDA were under severe negative energy balance (NEB), had signs of liver damage and potentially lower insulin sensitivity. A combination of multi-hematological biomarkers including Ca, INS, RQUICKI, ALT, GGT and creatinine has the potential to help identify cows at risk of LDA in the early postpartum period.

Changes in oxidative stress parameters in healthy and diseased Holstein cows during the transition period in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

We investigated changes in oxidative stress markers during the transition period in healthy Holstein cows and those with postpartum diseases. Transition control (TC) Holstein cows (n=9) were evaluated for longitudinal changes during the transition period and postpartum diseased (PD) cows with ketosis (n=10), abomasal displacement (n=9), and acute mastitis (n=10) were evaluated in comparison to control cows (n=10). In the TC group, blood samples were collected at 2 weeks prepartum and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postpartum. Milk yield and composition were measured at 2 and 4 weeks postpartum. In the PD group, blood samples were collected at the first day of examination during the 60 days postpartum. Peripheral oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, MDA; potential antioxidant capacity, PAO; and glutathione peroxidase) were measured, and biochemical analyses were performed. In the TC group, MDA increased significantly postpartum and was correlated with milk yield, blood glucose (Glu), free fatty acid (FFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), and aspartate aminotransferase. Compared to the control cows, PD cows with ketosis had significantly higher MDA and significantly lower PAO. Moreover, MDA was significantly correlated with Glu, FFA, and BHB. Postpartum increase in MDA might interact with milk yield and Glu, FFA, and BHB in the TC cows, and postpartum diseases, especially ketosis, might signify its increase and interaction with Glu, FFA, and BHB.

Biomarcadores sanguíneos e no líquido peritoneal de bovinos acometidos com enfermidades intestinais e reticulites traumáticas

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar simultaneamente biomarcadores no sangue e no líquido peritoneal (LP) de bovinos com enfermidades intestinais (GI n=14) e reticulites traumáticas (GII n=13). O exame clínico e a coleta de sangue e de LP foram realizadas e, posteriormente, análise física e citológica do LP, bem como as determinações bioquímicas no sangue e no LP. Empregou-se a análise de variância ao nível de 5% de probabilidade comparando os grupos e comparando o sangue e o LP. Em ambos os grupos foram evidenciados sinais de apatia, desidratação e hipomotilidade reticuloruminal, porém os animais do GI apresentaram alterações clínicas mais expressivas. À análise citológica do LP No sangue as concentrações de PT, globulina, colesterol e GGT foram superiores no GII (P<0,05), e a relação A/G foi maior no GI (P<0,05). No LP a albumina e a CK foram superiores no GI (P<0,05). Na comparação entre o sangue e LP, destacou-se o aumento significativo do lactato L no LP de ambos os grupos (P<0,05), caracterizando a gravidade das alterações presentes na cavidade abdominal. Recomendase a avaliação simultânea no sangue e no LP do lactato L como informação de auxílio diagnóstico e prognóstico das enfermidades digestivas dos bovinos.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows with Left Displacement of Abomasum

Simple Summary

The present study evaluated oxidative and antioxidant status in dairy cows with Left Displacement of the Abomasum (LDA), an economically important postpartum disease in cattle. The oxidant capacity of plasma measured with a test fo reactive oxygen metabolites, the d-ROMs test, was significantly higher and the plasma biological antioxidant potential (BAP), measured with the BAP test was lower in the LDA group compared with the control group. Oxidative status was assessed using an arbitrary index obtained from the ratio between d-ROMs and BAP and the results showed that cows with LDA experience an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants.

Abstract

Left Displacement of the Abomasum (LDA) is a condition that occurs in high-producing postpartum dairy cows and it causes economic losses. Studies performed in the last decade indicate that adult dairy cows experience oxidative stress. Increasing interest in the role of oxidative status in ruminant medicine has emphasized the need to develop reliable methods to assess it. A few studies have evaluated the relationship between LDA and oxidative status, mostly through the determination of single parameters of oxidation and the determination of antioxidant status separately, with contrasting results. The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative status by the measurement of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites with d-ROMs and Biological Antioxidant Potential BAP and the calculation of the Oxidative Status index in 74 multiparous dairy cows with LDA. Each case was matched with a control herdmate. The amount of free oxygen radicals in plasma samples was determined using the d-ROMs test, the concentration of antioxidants was measured using the BAP test and the Oxidative Status index was also calculated. The concentration of d-ROMs was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (179 ± 37.7 U CARR and 158 ± 23.0 U CARR, respectively), while the concentration of BAP was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (2156 ± 98.1 µmol/L vs. 2558 ± 108.5 µmol/L). The Oxidative Status index value was significantly higher in cows with LDA than in healthy cows (8.3 ± 1.51 vs. 6.2 ± 0.76). The results of this study indicated that an inbalance between oxidants and antioxidants occurred in cattle with LDA.

Abomasal displacement in neonatal dairy calves: Review of recent literature with special emphasis on abomasal torsion

Aim:

This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological and necropsy findings in neonatal dairy calves affected with right torsion of the abomasum.

Materials and Methods:

The history and findings of clinical examination, hematology and serum biochemical analyses and necropsy were described in six neonatal Holstein calves with a confirmed diagnosis of right torsion of the abomasum. Furthermore, a review of the literature was carried out using internet search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar concerning abomasal displacement in calves. Only published papers in scientific and refereed journals were reviewed.

Results:

Six neonatal Holstein calves (four females and two males) aged between 7 and 21 days were diagnosed with right torsion of the abomasum during necropsy. The calves were presented with peracute signs of anorexia, dehydration, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension. Hematology and serum biochemical analyses revealed hemoconcentration and azotemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia.

Conclusion:

Abomasal torsion in neonatal calves must be placed on the deferential diagnostic list of calves suffering from peracute signs of abdominal pain and distension. Although the underlying etiopathological factors are not fully known, correction of nutritional mismanagement is required to prevent the condition.

Acute-phase responses in cattle infected with hydatid cysts and microbial agents

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydatid cysts and microbial agents on the acute-phase response in cattle. Twenty-seven cattle with hydatid cysts and eight apparently healthy cattle comprised the study and control groups, respectively. Parasitological, microbiological, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the liver and lungs were undertaken, and 49 of these organs were infected with cysts. In 14 of 31 (45.1%) livers and 10 of 18 (55.5%) lungs microbial growth was observed. The most frequent species occurring in the liver were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium spp. and Campylobacter spp., whereas in the lungs the most common species was Candida spp., followed by Streptococcus spp., Mannheimia haemolytica, Corynebacterium spp., Micrococcus spp. and S. aureus. The concentration of serum interleukin (IL-6) in infected cattle, 455.35 ± 39.68 pg/ml, was significantly higher than that of 83.02 ± 17.87 pg/ml in the control group (P0.05). The highest concentrations of IL-6 were detected in serum of the cattle where microbial growth had been detected, followed by cattle infected with bacteria + Trichostrongylus sp. (P< 0.001). Consequently, SAA showed an important increase in the group infected with hydatid cysts, whereas haptoglobin level decreased. It was noticed that IL-6, like SAA, had a significant role in hydatid cyst infection. Therefore IL-6 and SAA appear to be major markers in the detection of infection of cattle with hydatid cysts.

Factors associated with survival in the herd for dairy cows following surgery to correct left displaced abomasum

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) is a common problem in dairy cows. There have been numerous studies focused on predicting prognosis for right displaced abomasal corrective surgery, but a paucity of studies exist focused on more common LDA surgeries. Our objective was to determine if survival to 60 d or 1 yr after surgery could be predicted from the physical exam findings, periparturient disease status, and a biochemical profile from a blood sample obtained at the time of LDA diagnosis. Blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were measured immediately using a hand-held meter. Data obtained from CanWest DHI (Guelph, ON, Canada) for all of the study subjects (n=179 cases, by 24 veterinarians from 4 clinics), including cull date, cull reason, and test-day milk production. Cows were classified based on whether or not they were culled within 60 d or 1 yr of surgery. Based on logistic regression, cows that had dystocia [odds ratio (OR)=13, 95% confidence interval (CI)=7-26] or were not ketotic (blood BHBA<1.2 mmol/L; OR=3, 95% CI=1.03-9) at the time of corrective surgery were more likely to be culled within 60 d. Higher serum concentrations of BHBA (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.92-0.98), nonesterified fatty acids (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.75-0.88), and Mg (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.35-0.68) all had a protective effect against culling within 1 yr of LDA surgery. Based on survival analysis, longevity in the herd for 365 d following corrective surgery was associated with higher BHBA and Mg at the time of LDA diagnosis before surgery, as well as milk production following surgery.

Inflammatory cytokine and acute phase protein concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis in the late postpartum period

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and acute phase proteins (APPs)—haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in serum and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis, and compare them to healthy animals. The study was performed on 24 cows on day 60 after delivery. The cows were divided into two groups based on the results of cytological tests: 12 cows with subclinical endometritis and 12 healthy cows. Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines in the study material were determined with ELISA: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA. The results show that the levels of TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in the serum of cows with subclinical endometritis compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in the experimental cows compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in the concentration of cytokines and APP between cows with subclinical endometritis and healthy cows, in both the serum and uterine washings, may suggest the usefulness of these parameters in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in cows in the late postpartum period.

The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins in the peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows with pyometra

The development of pyometra in cows depends largely on the state of local immunity of the uterus. The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentration of the following proinflammatory cytokines: tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); anti-inflammatory cytokine: interleukin-10 (IL-10); and acute-phase proteins (APPs): haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), in serum and uterine washings in cows with pyometra and healthy animals. The study was performed on 20 cows divided into two groups based on the results of cytological and ultrasonographic tests: a pyometra and a healthy group (10 cows per group). Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA, in the study material were determined by ELISA. The results showed that the values of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in serum of cows with pyometra compared to controls (p < 0.001). The uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in pyometra cows compared to the control (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that it is possible to monitor the course of pyometra in cows based on the evaluation of the concentration of cytokines and Hp in the serum and uterine washings. Simultaneous evaluation of selected indicators of antagonistic interaction can be helpful in determining the current status of local immunity of the uterus. On this basis, it could be possible to properly select an adjunctive therapy in the form of immunomodulating preparations.

Inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterus of cows that developed endometritis during early postpartum

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10 [IL-10]), and acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin [Hp] and serum amyloid A [SAA]) in serum and uterine washings in cows that developed endometritis during the early postpartum period. The study was carried out on 40 cows. The experimental group consisted of 20 cows with subclinical endometritis and the control group of 20 cows without endometritis. Analyses in both groups of cows were carried out at 5, 22, and 40 days postpartum (DPP). Experimental material consisted of the blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and acute-phase proteins: Hp and SAA were determined using ELISA. Our study reported that the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, Hp, and SAA at 22 DPP were higher in cows with subclinical endometritis (P < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α (P = 0.01), IL-6 and IL-10 (P = 0.001), and Hp (P < 0.001) at 40 DPP were higher in cows with subclinical endometritis compared to healthy cows. The level of IL-10 in uterine washings at 5 DPP was higher (P = 0.001), whereas of SAA was lower (P = 0.01) in cows with subclinical endometritis. At 22 DPP, the levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp were higher (P < 0.001) in cows with endometritis. At 40 DPP, the level of TNF-α was lower, whereas these of IL-10 and Hp were elevated (P < 0.001) in cows with endometritis compared to healthy cows. The results indicate that the evaluation of the levels of cytokines and Hp in serum, but primarily in uterine washings, can be an important diagnostic indicator in cows that developed subclinical endometritis. High levels of IL-10 in cows with subclinical endometritis may contribute to the weakening of local resistance mechanisms of the uterus and lead to the persistence of the inflammation in the postpartum period. The present study also shows that the simultaneous examination of selected parameters of antagonistic interactions allows for better assessment of the current state of local immunity in the uterus.