Changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles during transition period in dairy cattle – the role of spexin

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate spexin as a novel blood marker and to describe the relationship of this peptide with selected biochemical metabolites measured during the transition period in dairy cows. Additionally, mRNA expression of the spexin gene as well as spexin receptors – galanin receptor type 2 and galanin receptor type 3, was investigated in several bovine tissues. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals starting at 21 days before the estimated parturition day until 21 days in milk to determine concentrations of spexin, nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate acid, total and active ghrelin, progesterone, glucose, insulin, IGF–I, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, corticosterone and 17-β-estradiol as well as the activity of aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Results Spexin concentration decreased from 21 d before parturition to calving day and next it rose during the first 14 d of lactation. The lowest concentration of spexin was recorded on the calving day and it differed from the mean level of this peptide before parturition as well as postpartum. Moreover, differences were observed between mean spexin concentrations before and after calving. Spexin levels were moderately negatively correlated with NEFA (r = − 0.39) and total ghrelin contents (r = − 0.41), weakly correlated with BHBA (r = − 0.35) while they showed a moderate positive relationship with progesterone concentrations (r = 0.42). Moreover, we detected that mRNA expression of GALR2, GALR3 and SPX is present in various bovine tissues (kidney, bowel, rumen, spinal cord, lung, skeletal muscle, liver, heart, fat and spleen). Conclusion A negative correlation between spexin concentration and NEFA, BHBA and total ghrelin contents as well as a positive relationship with levels of progesterone, metabolites and hormones, which are key players in the dairy cow transition period, may confirm an important function of this peptide in metabolism regulation. Thus measurement of spexin concentration could provide useful supplementary information for dairy cow herd health monitoring.

Relationship of GHRL Gene Polymorphism with Milk Production and Components in Holstein Cows

“…[14] referred to the possible relation of GHRL gene with insulin level and food intake in cows. The results also similar with those of [15] who referred to the crucial role of GHRL gene in metabolic and hormones changes in dairy cattle. In conclusion, the current results showed a good relationship among milk traits and GHRL polymorphism especially in promoter site and the allele type which resulted from single nucleotide change from guanine to adenine make a wide variation among the individuals therefore, we can use the GHRL gene as a genetic marker for indirect selection to improve the milk production performance.…”

The Role of Selenitetriglycerides in Enhancing Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Peripartum Holstein-Friesian Cows

“…In our study, there was a decrease in triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in cows just before and after parturition. Similar observations have been made by other authors [30,31]. The reduced mean value of triglyceride concentration in the postpartum period compared with the prepartum period may be explained by the uptake of triglycerides by the mammary gland for milk fat synthesis during lactation [30].…”

“…Damage to hepatocytes in cows may be indicated by an increase in the activity of enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase or gamma-glutamyl transferase in the serum [29,30]. In the studies conducted, no significant differences in AST and GGT activity were observed between the groups or in cows before and after calving.…”

Immunoexpression of Spexin in Selected Segments of the Bovine (Bos taurus taurus) Gastrointestinal Tract

“…Thus, the exploration of this neuropeptide in domestic cattle is notably limited. Research by Mikuła et al [29] previously delved into the role of SPX and other associated metabolites during the transition period in dairy cows. Primarily, this inquiry focused on identifying SPX's potential as a novel blood marker, offering insights into the health status of animals, particularly during transitional phases.…”