First report about the mode of action of combined butafosfan and cyanocobalamin on hepatic metabolism in nonketotic early lactating cows

Use of organic phosphorous butafosfan and vitamin B12 combination in transition dairy cows

Phosphorus is critical for life and an indispensable element for biologically occurring organic molecules such as DNA, ATP, and phosphoproteomes. Butafosfan is a synthetically produced organic phosphorous (phosphonic acid) compound that contains 17.3% phosphorus. It does not belong to the group of biologically occurring organic phosphorous compounds. Butafosfan has been used in many animal species as a metabolic stimulant interfering with energy metabolism. Vitamin B12 (VB12) is a unique cobalt-containing vitamin. It functions as a cofactor for the enzymes methionine synthase and methyl-malonyl-CoA mutase. It is necessary for the conversion of propionate into succinyl-CoA in ruminants. A combination of butafosfan and VB12 (iBC) has been available for veterinary use since 1958 and the first publication appeared in the 1970s in cows. However, the first molecular biological studies about its mode of action appeared in early 2000s. Recent studies revealed that iBC has significant effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Investigations between 1970 and 1994 focused mainly on cows at risk of metabolic and reproductive disease in the dry period. Studies as of 2000 investigated its efficacy for the prevention and treatment of subclinical and secondary ketosis, adjunctive/supportive therapy for displaced abomasum operation, milk fever, improvement of postoperative rumen activity, uterus involution, and mastitis in transition dairy cows.

Effects of intravenous butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to late pregnant ewes on the metabolic indices around parturition and weight gain of their lambs after birth

Background

Management and control of metabolic disorders in sheep around parturition is important. and various researchers have suggested different managerial solutions. Butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin are widely used for curing metabolic disorders resulting from poor nutrition, inadequate management or diseases.

Objectives

It was hypothesised that butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin could improve the metabolism of ewes around parturition.

Methods

Twenty‐eight clinically healthy 3‐year‐old pregnant Afshari ewes from 21 days before parturition were enrolled into four equal groups: control (Ctrl), B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3. The Ctrl group only received intravenous normal saline and B+C1, B+C2 and B+C3 ewes, respectively, received an intravenous combination of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin at 2, 4 and 6 ml/ewe, on Days 19–21, 10–12 and 1–3 before parturition. Blood samples were taken from all the ewes on Days 21, 12 and 3 before lambing at parturition day and on days 3, 12 and 21 after parturition. A body condition score of all the ewes was assessed at blood sampling days, and lambs born from the ewes were weighed at birth and every 2 weeks up to 3 months. Serum concentrations of glucose, cortisol, non‐esterified fatty acids, beta‐hydroxy butyric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol, high‐, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoproteins, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured.

Results

This drug combination decreased circulating glucose, cortisol, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes via dose‐dependent manner, 6 ml of this drug compound/ewe was more potent than 4 and 2 ml/ewe. The lambs’ weight from mothers receiving 6 ml of this combination was significantly higher than those of the others.

Conclusions

It may be suggested that the intravenous administration of 6 ml/ewe of this combination for 3 consecutive days in three states before parturition had prophylactic effects on metabolic disorders of ewes and enhanced the lambs weight gain after birth.

STUDIES OF MAGNESIUM AND PHOSPHORUS COMBINED MEDICATION BASED ON CASEIN

Aim. The Department of Biochemistry and Physiology of Animals, named after Academician Guly NUBIP of Ukraine, developed magnesium and phosphorus combined medication based on casein. Our aim was to test its bioavailability based on the ability to be hydrolyzed by a mixture of pancreatic digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, also check the absence of cytotoxic effects on cell cultures. Methods. To assess bioavailability, we used hydrolysis of the medication with a mixture of trypsin and chymotrypsin, followed by detection of hydrolysis products by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A standard MTT-test performed on both MT-4 and Namalva cell lines was used to assess cytotoxic effects. Results. Based on electrophoresis data, it was found that despite chemical modifications of the natural casein, the medication based on it is characterized by a high ability to hydrolyze by digestive enzymes under the same conditions as casein. Also, an MTT-test demonstrates that the medication has no cytotoxic properties against cell lines MT-4 and Namalva. Conclusions. Since the negative effects of the drug associated with its digestibility and toxicity have not been observed, it is recommended to continue the study of its effects on living organisms.

Intravenous Administration of Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin Combination to Late-Pregnant Dairy Cows Reduces Their Insulin Resistance After Calving

Dairy cows suffer insulin resistance following parturition and lactogenesis. Several researchers attempted to reduce insulin resistance via dietary and parenteral supplementations of different substances to promote metabolic performance of dairy cows. Due to mechanisms of actions of butaphosphan in combination with cyanocobalamin, we hypothesized that this compound may reduce insulin resistance of dairy cows following parturition; hence, the effects of the intravenous administration of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to prepartum dairy cows on their insulin resistance after calving were evaluated. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows were enrolled 3 weeks prior to parturition and divided into four equal groups, including control (Ctrl) and butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (B+C) 1, 2, and 3. Ctrl cows received 15 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution and B+C 1, 2, and 3 groups intravenously received 2, 4, and 6 mL/100 kg BW of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin combination over three periods of 3 consecutive days, including 21-19, 12-10, and 3-1 days before calving, respectively. Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed weekly 1, 2, and 3 weeks after parturition to evaluate the insulin resistance phenomenon. Circulating levels of glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were assessed 1, 2, and 3 weeks after calving. Ctrl cows were the most insulin-resistant group, and B+C1 group was the most insulin-sensitive, followed by B+C2 and B+C3 groups. The NEFA and BHBA levels in the B+C3 group were significantly lower than those in the other groups. In conclusion, intravenous administration of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin to the late-pregnant dairy cows may reduce their insulin resistance after calving.

Aspects of transition cow metabolomics-Part I: Effects of a metaphylactic butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin treatment on the metabolome in liver, blood, and urine in cows with different liver metabotypes

Dairy cows in modern production systems are at risk to develop metabolic disorders during the transition period. Reasons for individual differences in susceptibility, as well as the underlying pathomechanisms, are still only partially understood. The development of metaphylactic treatment protocols is needed. In this context, an on-farm prospective 3-fold blinded randomized study involving 80 German Holstein cows was performed throughout 1 yr. The trial involved a thorough recording of the production and clinical traits, clinical chemistry, and liver biopsies and blood and urine sampling at d 14 (mean: 12 d, range: 1-26 d) antepartum (AP), and d 7 (7, 4-13) and 28 (28, 23-34) postpartum (PP) for metabolomics analyses. Two groups received a treatment with butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BCC) at either the dosage recommended by the manufacturer or the double dosage (5 or 10 mL/100 kg of body weight 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin (Catosal, Bayer Animal Health), n = 20 in each group, parity: 4.2 ± 2.0 and 3.4 ± 1.3, respectively (mean ± SD)] and one group a placebo treatment (NaCl 0.9%, n = 40, parity: 4.0 ± 1.9). The animals were treated at 6 time points (7, 6, and 5 d AP, and 1, 2, and 3 d PP) via intravenous injection. Mass spectroscopy-based targeted metabolomics analysis of blood plasma and liver samples were performed using the AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences), whereas the urine samples were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate [partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)] and univariate methods (linear mixed model). Multivariate data analysis (PLS-DA plots) of the liver metabolome revealed 3 different metabotypes (A = medium, B = minor, C = large alterations in liver metabolome profile between AP and PP status). Metabotype B animals were characterized by higher PP lipomobilization (stronger PP body condition decrease and higher blood bilirubin, fatty acids, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and triglyceride levels) and a higher occurrence of transition cow diseases, compared with the animals in metabotype C. Analysis of the feeding data showed that the period of metabotype B animals (calving in a distinct time frame) was characterized by a decreased grass silage quality. The PP liver metabolome of the metabotype C animals was characterized by higher concentrations of AA, acylcarnitines, lysoPC and sphingomyelins compared with metabotype B. For the metaphylactic treatment with BCC a dose-dependent effect was confirmed, differing between the metabotypes. In all matrices and metabotypes at various time points significant treatment effects were observed, with different profiles in clinical chemistry and as well in metabolomics data. The most clear-cut treatment effect was observed in metabotype B in the liver at 7 d PP, characterized by an increase in several acylcarnitines and phosphatidylcholines, indicating a more efficient influx and oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria and thereby an increase in energy supply and more efficient triglyceride export in the liver. The results from the liver metabolomics analysis support the application of an indication-based metaphylactic treatment with BCC.

Combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina no metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras após o parto

RESUMO A hipótese deste estudo é de que o uso da combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina pode melhorar a resistência periférica à insulina, aumentar a quantidade de glicose disponível para a glândula mamária e a produção de leite. Assim, o objetivo foi investigar os efeitos combinados de butafosfan e cianocobalamina sobre o metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no período pós-parto. Vinte e uma vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle (CON, n= 11), que recebeu cinco aplicações de solução salina (20mL / animal 0,9% NaCl), e grupo Catosal(r) (ABC, n= 10), que recebeu cinco aplicações de 20mL de uma solução contendo as substâncias butafosfan e cianocobalamina (B12 Catosal(r), 100mg da substância butafosfan e 50µg de cianocobalamina por mL). As aplicações foram realizadas por via intramuscular, nos dias sete, 12, 17, 22 e 27 pós-parto. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a avaliação das concentrações plasmáticas de fósforo, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), albumina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e creatina quinase (CK). Nos dias oito e 28 pós-parto, os animais foram pesados e submetidos aos testes de tolerância à glicose e à insulina. O tratamento promoveu perda de peso (ABC 40,4kg, CON 10,73kg, P<0,05) e aumento da AST (ABC 62,92 ±3,31U/L, CON 53,11±3,49 U / L, P<0,05) e dos níveis de CK (ABC 134,09± 19,08U / L, CON 79,43 ± 18,27U / L). Os grupos não diferiram quanto ao metabolismo (área sob a curva) da glicose nos dias oito e 28, porém os animais tratados tiveram um aumento na glicemia (P<0,05) no dia 28 pós-parto (97,54 ± 8,54mg / dL), após a administração de insulina, em comparação ao dia oito (83,01 ± 8,54mg / dL). Assim, pode-se concluir que a combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina melhora a adaptação do metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no início da lactação.

Effect of combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid on hepatic metabolism in high-yielding dairy cow

The aim of the study reported in this Research Communication was to investigate the effect of a combined acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin and α-lipoic acid treatment, on some metabolic parameters of early lactating high-yielding dairy cows. Thirty cows were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG, n = 20) and control group (CG, n = 10). EG received 20 ml of treatment and CG received 20 ml of placebo. The treatments were administered for seven times every 2 d. Blood samples were collected from all cows at 3 time points: 10 ± 2, 30 ± 2 and 50 ± 2 d postpartum. Glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), total proteins (TP), globulins, albumin and urea concentrations were determined. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was applied. Significant differences in the values of glucose, BHB, NEFA, triglycerides, TC, AST and urea were found between EG and CG. Moreover, the increased glucose, TC, ALT, GGT, TP and globulins, and the reduced BHB, NEFA, AST, triglycerides, TB, CB and urea concentrations were evident in both groups, but the changes were more pronounced in EG. Our findings indicate that our treatment positively influenced liver metabolism in high-yielding dairy cows.

Altered plasma lipidome profile of dairy cows with fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a common health problem of dairy cows occurring during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. It is a direct response to fat mobilization due to negative energy balance. Accumulation of lipids in the liver occurs if the uptake of non-esterified fatty acids by the liver exceeds the capacity of lipid oxidation or secretion by the liver. Currently, the diagnosis of fatty liver disease requires confirmation through biopsies to determine the hepatic lipid content. In view of this lack of a practical diagnostic tool, we compared the plasma lipidome of diseased dairy cows using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Multivariate data analysis yielded 20 m/z values that were able to distinguish between dairy cows with no hepatic lipidosis and those exhibiting different stages of the disease. Based on the chromatography retention time and m/z ratios, we identified phosphatidylcholines with reduced plasma abundances in cows with fatty liver disease. The abundances of different bile acids tended to be increased. In addition, we detected two metabolites related to inflammation, resolvin E1 and palmitoyl-ethanolamine (PEA), which need to be further investigated in cattle. These results indicate that the measurement of specific representatives of phosphatidylcholines in plasma may provide a novel diagnostic biomarker of fatty liver disease in dairy cows.

Pharmacokinetics of butafosfan after intravenous and intramuscular administration in piglets

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of butafosfan in piglets were investigated following intravenous and intramuscular administration at a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Plasma concentration-time data and relevant parameters were best described by noncompartmental analysis after intravenous and intramuscular injection. The data were analyzed through WinNolin 6.3 software. After intravenous administration, the mean pharmacokinetic parameters were determined as T_1/2λz of 3.30 h, Cl of 0.16 L kg/h, AUC of 64.49 ± 15.07 μg h/mL, V_ss of 0.81 ± 0.44/kg, and MRT of 1.51 ± 0.27 h. Following intramuscular administration, the C_max (28.11 μg/mL) was achieved at T_max (0.31 h) with an absolute availability of 74.69%. Other major parameters including AUC and MRT were 48.29 ± 21.67 μg h/mL and 1.74 ± 0.29 h, respectively.

Liver condition affects bovine oocyte qualities by changing the characteristics of follicular fluid and plasma

The liver is an important organ that contributes to milk production in dairy cows. The aim of this study was to examine whether liver conditions affect the characteristics of blood plasma and follicular fluid (FF) and whether supplementing in vitro maturation medium with FF from either cows with damaged livers (DL) or those with healthy livers (HL) affects oocyte developmental competence. Biochemical characteristics of FF were significantly correlated with those in plasma. As such, the characteristics of both plasma and FF were similarly affected by liver conditions in that the concentrations of total protein and inorganic phosphorus were higher for the DL cow group than for the HL cow group, whereas the concentrations of albumin, lactate dehydrogenase and calcium were lower for DL cows than for HL cows. In addition, supplementing the medium with DL-FF retarded the progression of the nuclear maturation of oocytes collected from the HL cows. On culturing oocytes in maturation medium containing HL-FF, DL-FF or foetal calf serum, the highest developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was observed in the HL-FF group, while the lowest developmental ratio was observed in the DL-FF group. The growth factor array of the FFs revealed that 10 growth factors were significantly downregulated in the DL-FF compared with those in HL-FF. In conclusion, the characteristics of plasma and FF are affected by liver conditions in a similar way. Concentrations of several growth factors were low in DL-FF, as was the ability of DL-FF to support oocyte maturation compared with that of HL-FF.