Determination of ceruloplasmin, some other acute phase proteins, and biochemical parameters in cows with endometritis

Diagnostic utility of acute phase proteins and their ability to guide antibiotic usage in pigs, horses, and cattle: a mapping review

To mitigate the use of antibiotics for many of the multifactorial diseases seen in pigs, horses and cattle, new diagnostic tools are needed. Acute phase protein (APP) measurements can, in humans, be used to guide antibiotic treatment initiation, evaluate treatment efficacy, and make a prognosis. The aim of this review is to collect evidence on the clinical functionality of APP measurements as a tool to guide antibiotic treatment in pigs, horses, and cattle. Literature was retrieved using Medline, CAB Abstracts and Google Scholar. The acute phase response has been investigated for a plethora of diseases and clinical signs and the major acute phase proteins are elevated in diseased compared to healthy animals. Few studies correlated acute phase response with aetiology, antibiotic treatment efficacy, prognosis, or severity of disease. The existing research does not support that APP can be used to guide antibiotic treatment, but the reported studies indicate that C-reactive protein (CRP) might be able to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial causes of disease in pigs. Serum amyloid A (SAA) might reflect underlying aetiology in horses and infectious or non-infectious cases of mastitis in cows.

A systematic review of predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic biomarkers for detecting reproductive diseases in cattle using traditional and omics approaches

Reproductive diseases and illnesses pose significant challenges in cattle farming, affecting fertility, milk production, and overall herd health. In recent years, the integration of various omics approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics, miRNAomics, and metabolomics, has revolutionized the study of these conditions. This systematic review summarised the findings from studies that investigated reproductive disease biomarkers in both male and female cattle. After extracting 6137 studies according to exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 60 studies were included in this review. All studies identified were associated with female cattle and none were related to reproductive diseases in bulls. The analysis highlights specific biomarkers, metabolic pathways, and microbial compositions associated with bovine reproductive disease conditions, providing valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-8, IL-4, IL-6, TNFα and acute-phase response proteins such as SAA and HP have been identified as promising biomarkers for bovine reproductive diseases. However, further research is needed to validate these markers clinically and to explore potential strategies for improving cow reproductive health. The role of bulls as carriers of venereal diseases has been underestimated in the current literature and therefore needs more attention to understand their impact on infectious reproductive diseases of female cattle.

Association of results of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test with plasma acute phase protein concentrations and hematologic findings in hospitalized cows

Introduction

The glutaraldehyde test (GAT) allows for animal-side semi-quantitative estimation of fibrinogen and gamma-globulin concentrations in blood samples of adult cattle and therefore detection of inflammatory disease conditions. However, the test has potential limitations, especially due to the latency period until sufficiently high fibrinogen and/or gamma-globulin concentrations are reached. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the association between results of GAT with other inflammatory markers including hematologic variables, fibrinogen, plasma haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations.

Methods

For the purpose of this prospective observational study, a convenience sample of 202 cows with a broad range of inflammatory and non-inflammatory clinical conditions was included. The GAT was run on EDTA blood, fibrinogen was measured using the Clauss and the heat precipitation method, and commercially available ELISA tests were used for determination of plasma haptoglobin and SAA concentrations.

Results

Shortened GAT coagulation times were more closely correlated to serum globulin (rs  = -0.72) than to plasma fibrinogen concentrations measured with the heat precipitation (rs  = -0.64) and the Clauss method (rs  = -0.70). Cows with a markedly (≤3 min) or moderately (4-6 min) shortened coagulation time had higher (p < 0.001) plasma haptoglobin and SAA concentrations than cows with a negative test result. Total leukocyte, monocyte and neutrophil concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. An identified cut-off for the GAT coagulation time of ≤14 min had a sensitivity and specificity of 54.4 and 100%, respectively, for the prediction of an inflammatory state based on clinical findings and/or increased plasma haptoglobin or SAA concentrations.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates considerable diagnostic agreement between positive GAT results and increased plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and SAA. Despite high specificity, the test lacks sensitivity in case of acute inflammatory conditions indicating that plasma acute phase protein concentrations and hematologic findings can provide additional diagnostic information if the GAT is negative.

Analytical Validation of Two Assays for Equine Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase Activity Assessment

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) assessment in biological samples exploits the oxidase activity of this enzyme against several substrates, such as p-phenylenediamine (p-P), o-dianisidine (o-D) and, most recently, ammonium iron(II) sulfate (AIS). Once developed in humans, these assays are often used in veterinary medicine without appropriately optimizing in the animal species of interest. In this study, two assays using AIS and o-D as substrates have been compared and validated for Cp oxidase activity assessment in horse's plasma. The optimization of the assays was performed mainly by varying the buffer pH as well as the buffer and the substrate molar concentration. Under the best analytical conditions obtained, the horse blood serum samples were treated with sodium azide, a potent Cp inhibitor. In the o-D assay, 500 µM sodium azide treatment completely inhibits the enzymatic activity of Cp, whereas, using the AIS assay, a residual analytical signal was still present even at the highest (2000 µM) sodium azide concentration. Even though the analytical values obtained from these methods are well correlated, the enzymatic activity values significantly differ when expressed in Units L-1. A disagreement between these assays has also been detected with the Bland-Altman plot, showing a progressive discrepancy between methods with increasing analytical values.

Development of a New Colorimetric, Kinetic and Automated Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase Activity Measurement Method

Background: Ceruloplasmin plays an important role in the regulation of iron metabolism. Ceruloplasmin is an acute-phase protein known to have many metabolic effects. Its activity increases during infection, inflammation, and compensation of oxidation. In the current study, our aim is to develop a new method for the measurement of ferroxidase activity without requiring any chromogen. Methods: Venous blood samples were collected into serum separator tubes. Ferric iron ions formed by the enzyme ferroxidase were measured, both manually and fully automatically, at the 415 nm wavelength without using chromogen. These results were compared to conventional ferroxidase measurement methods and to the immunoturbidimetric ceruloplasmin measurement method. Results: The detection limit of the new assay was 14.8 U/L. The upper limit of the linearity was 1380 U/L. Precision values were calculated for high, medium, and low levels of ferroxidase activity in serum pool. The coefficient of variation was <5% for each level. Conclusion: In the present method, chromogens are not used. With its considerably low cost and short reaction time, this method is able to provide fast results, can be performed easily, and makes accurate measurements.

Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Endometritis: Exploiting Knowledge Gained in Mares and Cows

The etiopathogenesis of endometritis in mares and cows differs significantly; this could depend on a different sensitivity and reactivity of the uterus but also on endocrine and rearing factors and different stress sources. In both species, microorganisms and the immune system play a primary role in the generation of this pathology. Microbiological and cytological tests support clinical examination and significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. For both species, during the inflammation, immune cells invade the endometrium and release bioactive substances to contrast primary or secondary pathogen contamination. These molecules are traceable to cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), collectively known as RONS. The RONS-mediated oxidation causes morphological and functional alterations of macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, with the consequent production of derivative compounds capable of playing harmful effects. These bioactive molecules and by-products, which have recently become increasingly popular as diagnostic biomarkers, enter the bloodstream, influencing the functionality of organs and tissues. This review has collected and compared information obtained in cows and mares related to the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers that are assessed by using different methods in samples from either blood plasma or uterine fluid.

Serum Amyloid A as a Promising Biomarker in Domestic Animals’ Reproduction: Current Knowledge and Future Perspective

Simple Summary

Acute phase proteins (APPs) are useful markers which can be evaluated in animals to assess health status and characterize inflammation, infection, and trauma. Among APPs, serum amyloid A (SAA) has been widely investigated in pets and food-producing species as a possible biomarker of inflammatory and infective conditions, especially in the field of animal reproduction. The aims of this paper are to review the literature available on the use of SAA for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory reproductive disease in animals, critically appraising the usefulness of such marker and summarizing the current state of knowledge.

Abstract

The investigation of acute phase proteins in veterinary medicine has opened the doors towards the identification and use of new markers for a timely assessment of health status in both companion and food-producing animals. The aim of this paper is to review the literature available on the use of serum amyloid A (SAA), an acute phase protein, for the diagnosis and monitoring of reproductive disorders in animals. This review critically appraises the usefulness of such marker in clinical practice and summarizes the current state of knowledge. Recent advances in the diagnosis and monitoring of reproductive diseases are presented, highlighting where SAA evaluation may enhance early diagnostic tools for dogs, cats, cattle, and equines.

Integrated Metabolomics and Proteomics Dynamics of Serum Samples Reveals Dietary Zeolite Clinoptilolite Supplementation Restores Energy Balance in High Yielding Dairy Cows

Dairy cows can suffer from a negative energy balance (NEB) during their transition from the dry period to early lactation, which can increase the risk of postpartum diseases such as clinical ketosis, mastitis, and fatty liver. Zeolite clinoptilolite (CPL), due to its ion-exchange property, has often been used to treat NEB in animals. However, limited information is available on the dynamics of global metabolomics and proteomic profiles in serum that could provide a better understanding of the associated altered biological pathways in response to CPL. Thus, in the present study, a total 64 serum samples were collected from 8 control and 8 CPL-treated cows at different time points in the prepartum and postpartum stages. Labelled proteomics and untargeted metabolomics resulted in identification of 64 and 21 differentially expressed proteins and metabolites, respectively, which appear to play key roles in restoring energy balance (EB) after CPL supplementation. Joint pathway and interaction analysis revealed cross-talks among valproic acid, leucic acid, glycerol, fibronectin, and kinninogen-1, which could be responsible for restoring NEB. By using a global proteomics and metabolomics strategy, the present study concluded that CPL supplementation could lower NEB in just a few weeks, and explained the possible underlying pathways employed by CPL.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene expression and serum profile of immune and antioxidant markers associated with postpartum disorders susceptibility in Barki sheep

The objective of this study was to explore the immunological and antioxidant alterations associated with ovine postpartum disorders. Blood samples were collected from 90 adult Barki ewes and allocated into three equal-sized groups (30 ewes each): control group (CG), inflammatory postpartum disorders group (IPG) and non-inflammatory postpartum disorders group (NIPG). PCR-DNA sequencing approach was carried out for TLR4 (256-bp) and SOD (456-bp) genes, and nucleotide sequence variations were noticed to be associated with postpartum disorders resistance/susceptibility. Gene expression profile was also evaluated and levels of IL5, IL6, IL1-ß, TNF alpha, TLR4 and Tollip were significantly up-regulated in ewes affected with postpartum disorders than resistant ones, while SOD and CAT genes pattern elicited an opposite trend. Exploring serum profile also showed a significant increase of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA and NO in IPG compared to their correspond values in NIPG and CG. However, serum levels of IL-10, CAT, GSH and GPx were significantly decreased. This study highlights that SNPs in TLR4 and SOD genes could be genetic markers for postpartum disorders resistance/susceptibility in Barki ewes. Gene expression alongside serum profiles of antioxidant markers could also be used to follow-up the immune status of ewes to build up an effective management protocol.

Genetic Regulation of Biomarkers as Stress Proxies in Dairy Cows

Stress in livestock reduces productivity and is a welfare concern. At a physiological level, stress is associated with the activation of inflammatory responses and increased levels of harmful reactive oxygen species. Biomarkers that are indicative of stress could facilitate the identification of more stress-resilient animals. We examined twenty-one metabolic, immune response, and liver function biomarkers that have been associated with stress in 416 Italian Simmental and 436 Italian Holstein cows which were genotyped for 150K SNPs. Single-SNP and haplotype-based genome-wide association studies were carried out to assess whether the variation in the levels in these biomarkers is under genetic control and to identify the genomic loci involved. Significant associations were found for the plasma levels of ceruloplasmin (Bos taurus chromosome 1-BTA1), paraoxonase (BTA4) and γ-glutamyl transferase (BTA17) in the individual breed analysis that coincided with the position of the genes coding for these proteins, suggesting that their expression is under cis-regulation. A meta-analysis of both breeds identified additional significant associations with paraoxonase on BTA 16 and 26. Finding genetic associations with variations in the levels of these biomarkers suggests that the selection for high or low levels of expression could be achieved rapidly. Whether the level of expression of the biomarkers correlates with the response to stressful situations has yet to be determined.

Evaluation of different acute-phase proteins for herd health diagnostics in early postpartum Holstein Friesian dairy cows

This research communication describes (1) the comparison of acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in transition dairy cows on different farms using both pooled and individual blood samples, and (2) the association among different APP and clinical health parameters. The first hypothesis was that early postpartum dairy cows from different farms differ in the level of inflammation, which might be determined using APP assays in both pooled and individual blood samples. The second hypothesis was that the APP haptoglobin (Hp) might be the most sensitive parameter to detect cows at risk of excessive postpartum inflammation concomitant with systemic disease. Serum concentrations of Hp, serum amyloid-A (SAA), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), coeruloplasmin (Cp) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 100 fresh lactating cows (within 0-8 d postpartum) from 10 farms were compared and associated to clinical health parameters (rectal body temperature, vaginal discharge (Metricheck™ score), rumen fill, vulvovaginal laceration) using both pooled and individual blood samples. Mean serum concentrations of Hp, SAA and TP revealed significant differences among farms. Pooled serum samples of farms showed high correlations with the mean of individual samples. Only Hp was significantly positively correlated to both body temperature and Metricheck™ score. In conclusion, Hp differentiates dairy farms regarding the inflammatory state of transition cows using individual and pooled serum samples within the first week postpartum. It also mirrors the individual degree of inflammation, thus proving to be a diagnostic parameter of high interest during the periparturient period.

Heart rate variability in dairy cows with postpartum fever during night phase

Autonomic nervous function evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV) and blood characteristics were compared between Holstein Friesian cows that developed postpartum fever (PF; n = 5) and clinically healthy (CH; n = 6) puerperal cows in this case-control study. A cow was defined as having PF when its rectal temperature rose to ≥39.5°C between 1 and 3 days postpartum. We recorded electrocardiograms during this period using a Holter-type electrocardiograph and applied power spectral analysis of HRV. Comparisons between the groups were analyzed by t test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the relationship between rectal temperature and each parameter was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Heart rate was higher in PF cows than in CH cows (Mean ± SE, 103.3 ± 2.7 vs. 91.5 ± 1.7 bpm). This result suggested that PF cows had a relatively dominant sympathetic nervous function. Total (44,472 ± 2,301 vs. 55,373 ± 1,997 ms) and low frequency power (24.5 ± 3.8 vs. 39.9 ± 5.3 ms) were lower in PF cows than in CH cows. These findings were possibly caused by a reduction in autonomic nervous function. The total white blood cell count (54.3 ± 5.1 vs. 84.5 ± 6.4 ×10²/μL) and the serum magnesium (2.1 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 mg/dL) and iron (81.5 ± 8.0 vs. 134.4 ± 9.1 μg/dL) concentrations were lower and the serum amyloid A concentration (277 ± 33 vs. 149 ± 21 μg/mL) was higher in PF cows than in CH cows. These results imply that more inflammation was present in PF cows than in CH cows. Multiple regression analysis showed that both of low frequency power and concentration of serum iron were associated with rectal temperature. We found differences in changes in hematologic results, biochemical findings, and HRV patterns between PF cows and CH cows.

Serum biochemical profile in buffalo endometritis and impact of treatment with PGF2α and intrauterine gentamicin infusion on postpartum reproductive performance

Improving reproductive performance of repeat breeder buffalo cows due to clinical endometritis is crucial in overcoming infertility problems in buffalo cows. The aim of the present study was to use PGF2α and/or gentamicin 10% for treatment of endometritis and to determine biochemical parameters in serum that could be used to diagnose endometritis in buffalo cows. A total of 64 anestrous buffalo cows were assigned into one of five treatment groups: group one (n = 9) buffalo cows were physiological normal cows and served as a control group; group 2 buffalo cows had endometritis, but were not treated (n = 10); group 3 buffalo cows had endometritis and were treated with intrauterine delivery of 100 ml of a 10% gentamicin sulfate solution in three times within 1 week (n = 15); group 4 buffalo cows received two I.M. doses of PGF2α (2 ml Estrumate IM) at the time of corpus luteum dominance (n = 15) (treatment 4 does not make sense as you stated that the cows were in anestrus) on the ovary; group 5 buffalo cows received two IM doses of PGF2α at an 11 day interval and the 10% gentamicin solution as described for group 3. Serum samples were collected from control, pre-treated, and post-treated buffalo cows with endometritis to evaluate the diagnostic biochemical parameters. The days to first estrus (DFE), number of services per conception (S/C), days open (DO), and pregnancy rate (Preg) were the measures for determining reproductive performance for the buffalo cows. The buffalo cows treated by gentamicin and PGF2 exhibited their first estrus earlier than cows in the other four groups of cows. The number of days open for control cows was greater (P < 0.05) than for the other groups and the control cows, as were the number of services per conception (P < 0.05) and pregnancy rate (30%: P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify biochemical parameters in serum to predict endometritis. Creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and concentrations of total bilirubin and immunoglobulins in serum were greater (P < 0.05), while serum albumin values were lower (P < 0.05) in serum of buffalo cows with endometritis. From the ROC analyses, CK was the most predictable biomarker for endometritis with an area under the curve of 0.889, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 100% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the use of gentamicin and PGF2 for treatment of endometritis improves the reproductive performance of buffalo cows, and concentrations of CK serve as an aid for diagnosing endometritis.Graphical abstract.

Dietary starch concentration alters reticular pH, hepatic copper concentration, and performance in lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows receiving added dietary sulfur and molybdenum

To test the hypothesis that Cu metabolism in dairy cows is affected by dietary starch concentration and additional sulfur S and Mo, 60 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows that were [mean ± standard error (SE)] 33 ± 2.5 days postcalving and yielding 41 ± 0.9 kg of milk/d were fed 1 of 4 diets in a 2 × 2 factorial design experiment over a 14-wk period. The 4 diets had a Cu concentration of approximately 15 mg/kg of dry matter (DM), a grass silage-to-corn silage ratio of 1:1, a dietary starch concentration of either 150 g/kg of DM (low starch, LS) or 220 g/kg of DM (high starch, HS), and were either unsupplemented (-) or supplemented (+) with an additional 0.8 g of S/kg of DM and 4.4 mg of Mo/kg of DM. We found an effect of dietary starch concentration on mean reticular pH, which was 0.15 pH units lower in cows fed the high starch diets. The addition of S and Mo decreased intake by 1.8 kg of DM/d, an effect that was evident beginning in wk 1 of the study. Mean milk and fat yields were 37.0 and 1.51 kg/d, respectively, and were not affected by dietary treatment. We found an effect of dietary starch concentration on milk protein concentration, protein yield, and urea nitrogen, which were increased by 2.8 g/kg, 0.09 kg/d, and 2.1 mg/dL, respectively, in cows fed the high starch diets. We found no effect of dietary treatment on either cow live weight or body condition. Mean plasma Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations were 15.3, 42.1, and 14.4 µmol/L, respectively, and were not affected by dietary treatment. In contrast, we found an interaction between dietary starch concentration and Cu antagonists on plasma Mo, where feeding additional S and Mo increased plasma Mo to a greater extent when cows were offered the high versus low starch diet. We also found that increasing dietary starch concentration increased serum ceruloplasmin activity, but serum haptoglobin concentration was not affected by dietary treatment. The addition of S and Mo decreased hepatic Cu concentration, whereas in cows fed the higher dietary starch concentration, hepatic Cu concentration was increased over the period of our study. We concluded that increasing dietary starch concentration decreases rumen pH and increases milk protein yield and hepatic Cu concentration, whereas feeding additional S and Mo decreases intake and hepatic Cu concentration.

Characterization of immunological, biochemical and inflammatory response of clinical and subclinical endometritis in ewes in the subtropics

Pluriparus Ossimi (n = 50) ewes were used to investigate the immune profile of the affected ewes to accurately diagnose clinical and subclinical endometritis and associations with biochemical variables. Ewes were slaughtered and animals were classified into control (no fertility problems), subclinical endometritis (SCE) and clinical endometritis (CE) groups based on pre-slaughter determinations of conception failure. Serum was collected from ewes to estimate concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) as well as nitric oxide (NO) concentration. The results from immunological evaluations indicated there were greater (P < 0.001) serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and NO in ewes classified with SCE and CE as compared to ewes of the control group. Furthermore, values for concentrations of TNF-α were positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations in ewes of the SCE and CE groups. In ewes classified with CE and SCE there were greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of blood glucose, ALT, AST, urea and creatinine than in ewes of the control group. It is concluded that serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α are diagnostic markers for CE and SCE in ewes and serve as a criterion for different inflammatory complications in ewes classified as having CE or SCE.

Prevalence of endometritis diagnosed by vaginal discharge scoring or uterine cytology in dairy cows and herds

Endometritis, diagnosed either by assessing the proportion of nucleated cells that are neutrophils (PMN%) following cytology of the endometrium or by assessing the degree of purulent material within the vagina (purulent vaginal discharge or PVD score), is prevalent among dairy cows. However, limited data exist as to the degree of variation among herds in the prevalence of endometritis diagnosed by these 2 methods. Thus, we undertook a study involving uterine cytological and vaginal sampling at a median of 41 d in milk of 1,807 cows from 100 seasonally breeding dairy herds in New Zealand. The optimal cut-point for PMN% was determined by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using conception to first artificial insemination (AI) as the outcome variable. The prevalence of disease was then calculated at the cow and herd levels, and an estimate of the effect of clustering of cow within a herd was calculated. Reproductive outcomes were collated and associations between endometritis and reproductive outcomes assessed using multivariable models. The optimal PMN% cut-point was ≥2%. The correlation of results for cows within a herd (the intraclass correlation) was 0.03, which was significant; hence, subsequent modeling accounted for this clustering. The cow-level prevalence of PMN% ≥2% was 27.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 25.0 to 29.1%], whereas the mean within-herd prevalence of PMN% ≥2% was 27.1% (95% CI: 24.7 to 29.6%; range: 5.0 to 63.6%), and the prevalence among herds varied significantly. An elevated PMN% (≥2%) was significantly associated with a reduction in the proportion of cows conceiving to first AI (45.8 vs. 54.5%), a reduced proportion of cows submitted for AI in the first 3 wk of the seasonal breeding program (83.7 vs. 89.3%), and a lower proportion pregnant in the first 3 (44.4 vs. 55.4%) and 6 wk (67.5 vs. 76.4%) of the breeding program relative to cows with a low PMN% (i.e., <2%). A total of 24.6% of cows had a PVD score ≥2. The herd mean prevalence of PVD score ≥2 was 25.1% (95% CI: 22.5 to 27.7%; range: 5.0 to 65.0%) and varied significantly among herds. The level of agreement (kappa) between the PVD score and PMN% was low (16.8%) and nonsignificant. The effects of PVD score and PMN% on reproductive outcomes were independent. The within-herd median prevalence of endometritis based on combining both diagnostic tests and using a Bayesian latent class model was 22.9% (Bayesian 95% CI: 10.4 to 40.1%). We conclude that more than one-fifth of dairy cows have endometritis diagnosed either by PMN% or PVD in seasonal breeding herds when assessed at an average of 41 DIM, which was, on average, 30 d before the start of the seasonal breeding program. There is large and unexplained variation in prevalence of endometritis among herds. The 2 diagnostic methods were both associated with reproductive outcomes but have low levels of agreement between them and their effects appear to be independent.

Validation of an automated assay for measurement of bovine plasma ceruloplasmin

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) plays an important role in copper transport and iron metabolism, as well as Cp is also an indicator for the health status of dairy cows. The present study reports the validation of an automated assay to assess the plasma Cp in dairy cows. Plasma Cp levels were determined in 40 Holstein cows and intra- and inter-assay precision, accuracy, detection limit, and clinical validation of the assay were determined. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were < 2% and < 7%, respectively. The results were linear when serial sample dilutions were tested (r = 0.999, P < 0.001). The detection limit was lower than what could be measured in plasma from healthy cows. Increased plasma Cp levels were found in cows with inflammatory diseases. The method validated in this study is precise, simple, and fast and can be easily adapted to biochemical automated analysers. Furthermore, the promising results obtained with this protein will contribute to a wider use of Cp determination in bovine practice.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress with uterine health in dairy cows with different dry period lengths

Earlier studies indicated that the inflammatory status of dairy cows in early lactation could not be fully explained by the negative energy balance (NEB) at that moment. The objective of the present study was to determine relationships between inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress with uterine health in dairy cows after different dry period lengths. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were assigned to one of three dry period lengths (0-, 30-, or 60-d) and one of two early lactation rations (glucogenic or lipogenic ration). Cows were fed either a glucogenic or lipogenic ration from 10-d before the expected calving date. Part of the cows which were planned for a 0-d dry period dried themselves off and were attributed to a new group (0 → 30-d dry period), which resulted in total in four dry period groups. Blood was collected (N = 110 cows) in weeks -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 4 relative to calving to determine biomarkers for inflammation, liver function, and oxidative stress. Uterine health status (UHS) was monitored by scoring vaginal discharge (VD) based on a 4-point scoring system (0, 1, 2, or 3) in weeks 2 and 3 after calving. Cows were classified as having a healthy uterine environment (HU, VD score = 0 or 1 in both weeks 2 and 3), nonrecovering uterine environment (NRU, VD score = 2 or 3 in week 3), or a recovering uterine environment (RU, VD score = 2 or 3 in week 2 and VD score= 0 or 1 in week 3). Independent of dry period length, cows with NRU had higher plasma haptoglobin (P = 0.05) and lower paraoxonase levels (P < 0.01) in the first 4 weeks after calving and lower liver functionality index (P < 0.01) compared with cows with HU. Cows with NRU had lower plasma albumin (P = 0.02) and creatinine (P = 0.02) compared with cows with a RU, but not compared with cows with HU. Independent of UHS, cows with a 0 → 30-d dry period had higher bilirubin levels compared with cows with 0-, 30-, or 60-d dry period (P < 0.01). Cows with RU and fed a lipogenic ration had higher levels of albumin in plasma compared with cows with NRU and fed a lipogenic ration (P < 0.01). In conclusion, uterine health was related to biomarkers for inflammation (haptoglobin and albumin) and paraoxonase in dairy cows in early lactation. Cows which were planned for a 0-d dry period, but dried themselves off (0 → 30-d dry period group) had higher bilirubin levels, which was possibly related to a more severe NEB in these cows. Inflammatory biomarkers in dairy cows in early lactation were related to uterine health in this period.

Mechanistic evaluation of anti-arthritic activity of β-methylphenylalanine in experimental rats

Arthritis is a common chronic joint disorder, with general symptoms including stiffness and joint pain. β-methylphenylalanine is a well-known non-proteogenic unnatural amino acid. This study analyzes the anti-arthritic activity of β-methylphenylalanine in experimental rats. The experimental groups were as follows: group I, sham; group II, control; group III, 100 mg/kg of β-methylphenylalanine; and group IV, 200 mg/kg of β-methylphenylalanine. Lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), ceruloplasmin, zinc, copper, mRNA, and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were determined. Supplementation with β-methylphenylalanine significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, copper, PGE₂ and MMP-3 levels, whereas GSH, Gpx, catalase, SOD and zinc levels were increased. Supplementation with β-methylphenylalanine significantly reduced NF-κB mRNA expression by 26% and 47.8% in groups III and IV, respectively (P < 0.045), while iNOS mRNA expression was reduced by 14.3 and 47.6% in groups III and IV, respectively. NF-κB and iNOS protein expression increased by 160% and 120% respectively, in the control rats compared to the sham rats. However, supplementation with β-methylphenylalanine significantly reduced NF-κB protein expression by 27% and 50% in groups III and IV, respectively, while iNOS protein expression was reduced by 22.7% and 45.4% in groups III and IV, respectively. Taken together, our data show that supplementation of β-methylphenylalanine was effective against arthritis in a rat model.

Endometrial expression of the acute phase molecule SAA is more significant than HP in reflecting the severity of endometritis

This study investigated the correlation between endometrial local expressions of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) and severity of endometritis in 20 Chinese Holstein dairy cows at 40-60 days postpertum, aged 3-6, and 2-5 parities. Endometrial biopsies were collected and categorized into normal, mild endometritis, and severe endometritis based on clinical signs and histopathology. The protein and mRNA expression of SAA and Hp in endometrial tissue were measured using western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. Furthermore, bovine endometrial epithelial cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. The protein and mRNA expression of SAA and Hp were also determined in the cells treated with increasing concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0, 1, 5, 10 μg/ml). The results showed that both of protein and mRNA of SAA was increased in endometritis or in LPS-stimulated cells, and the increases were positively correlated with severity of endometritis in vivo or LPS stimulation strength in vitro. Meanwhile, protein expression of Hp were also increased in endometritis or in LPS-stimulated cells, but the increases were negatively correlative with severity of inflammation as well as mRNA expression of Hp in vivo or in vitro. Therefore, our results suggest that endometrial local expression of SAA is more significant than Hp as a potential biomarker to assess severity of endometritis in cows.

Investigation of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and some biochemical parameters in calves with omphalitis

Aim:

In this study, it was aimed to determine the concentration of some important acute phase proteins (APPs) and some biochemical parameters pre-operative and post-operative in calves with omphalitis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 20 calves were used in the study and they consist of 10 clinically healthy calves that were used as a control and 10 calves with omphalitis were used as the treatment group. Blood samples were collected from Vena jugularis of animals to tubes with anticoagulant (sodium citrate) and without anticoagulants, pre-operative (day 0), and post-operative (day 7). Samples were used to determine the concentration of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin (Cp), fibrinogen, glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, total bilirubin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations.

Results:

While the Hp, SAA, Cp, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALP, and GGT concentrations were statistically and significantly increasing rather than the control group during the pre-operative period for calves with omphalitis, they decreased to the post-operative period. Moreover, an insignificant increase in the glucose, total protein, and AST concentrations and an insignificant decrease in the albumin, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations were statistically determined.

Conclusion:

We have the opinion that the assessment of biochemical parameters and especially APP levels in calves with the omphalitis together with the clinical findings may be important in terms of the treatment and prognosis.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in caprine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pneumonic and normal lungs

Research in the area of oxidative stress in pneumonic pathology still requires attention in small ruminants especially with the use of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) which may be a more sensitive indicator of respiratory diseases than blood. This investigation evaluates the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of caprine pneumonia using BAL fluid (BALf) from healthy and pneumonic goats. A BALf from 192 goats (whose pneumonic histopathology had been characterized using standard techniques) was biochemically assayed for anti-oxidants and pro-oxidants. Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide generation (H₂O₂), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were measured to assess free radical activity in the BALf. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione transferase (GST) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were also determined colourimetrically. There were significant increases in the BALf supernatant of MDA, H₂O₂ and MPO with decreases in GSH level and SOD activity in the pneumonic goats (P < 0.05). There was also significant correlation of BALf oxidative assay to the type and severity of pneumonia. The levels of MDA, H₂O_2, and MPO increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bronchopneumonia and bronchointerstitial pneumonia than other pneumonic conditions and normal lungs. The management of caprine pneumonia should often incorporate antioxidant supplementation to correct the imbalance in pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant levels.