Supplementation with N-carbamoylglutamate during the transition period improves the function of neutrophils and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of N-carbamoylglutamate (NCG) supplementation during the transition period on the functions of blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), inflammation, and oxidative stress in dairy cows. Thirty multiparous Chinese Holstein dairy cows at wk 4 before parturition were blocked into 2 groups by parity, body weight, and milk yield of previous lactation, and randomly allocated to 2 dietary treatments of basal diet supplemented without (control, n = 15) or with 20 g/d per cow of NCG (NCG, n = 15). The supplementation was carried out from d −21 to 21 relative to calving. Health incidents (mastitis, retained placenta, and lameness) were recorded, and blood samples were collected at d −21, −7, 0 (the calving date), 7, and 21 relative to parturition and analyzed for variables related to inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, whole blood was collected at d 7 to isolate PMN and used for analysis of the expression of functional genes and from d −21 to 21 for determination of weekly hematological parameters. The number of lymphocytes was greater at d 7 in the blood of NCG cows. The plasma level of malondialdehyde was lower in the NCG group, and blood reactive oxygen species were lower at d 7, whereas total antioxidant capacity tended to be greater in the NCG group and glutathione peroxidase tended to be higher at d 21 in cows fed NCG, suggesting that NCG supplementation improved antioxidation in cows. In addition, the concentration of serum amyloid A was lower in NCG-fed animals during the postpartum stage. Blood concentrations of IL6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were lower and tended to be lower in NCG-fed animals at d 7, respectively. Meanwhile, the concentrations of IL6 tended to be lower in NCG-fed animals at d 21. Furthermore, the expression of S100A9 and MMP9 in the PMN was lower and tended to be lower, respectively, whereas the expression of ITGB2, XBP1 tended to be higher and expression of CLEC6A was higher in NCG-fed cows. Overall, our results indicated that supplementation with NCG during the transition period showed the beneficial effects on animal health, by improving PMN functions and alleviating inflammation status and oxidative stress in dairy cows.

The Effect of N-Carbamylglutamate Supplementation during the Last Third of Gestation on the Growth and Development of Fetuses Born to Nutrient-Restricted Twin-Bearing Ewes

“…Targeted interventions with antioxidants during the entire gestation has proved to counteract oxidative stress in naturally undernourished pregnant ewes, improving fetal growth, regardless of the liter size [ 25 ]. The NCG antioxidant capacity has been demonstrated in lambs [ 38 , 39 ] and dairy cows [ 40 ] and has also been proposed to improve the maternal–fetal–placental antioxidant capability in underfed twin-bearing ewes (50% NRC) at 110 dga by increasing TAC and reducing MDA in maternal and fetal plasma, and in the caruncle and cotyledon, when supplemented from day 35 to 110 of gestation [ 18 ] via modification of specific metabolic pathways [ 15 ]. However, in the present study, maternal supplementation with NCG during late gestation resulted in no effects on the materno-fetal antioxidant status.…”

Puerarin Alleviates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress and Blood–Milk Barrier Impairment in Dairy Cows

“…The oxidative stress level was significantly increased in the mammary gland of dairy cows. In addition to the typical reductions in milk production, persistent oxidative stress affects lactation quality and reduces performance in dairy cows [7,36]. An increasing number of studies have shown that natural Chinese herbal extracts elicit protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, such as paeonol [37], Curcuminoids [38], and Houttuynia cordata Thunb [39].…”

Effects of dietary N‐carbamylglutamate supplementation on the modulation of microbiota and Th17/Treg balance‐related immune signaling after lipopolysaccharide challenge

“…27,28 By stimulating lymphocyte proliferation and modulating cytokine synthesis, NCG supplementation can improve the growth performance, intestinal integrity, antioxidant status, and intestinal mucosal immunity of some animals. [29][30][31] Furthermore, dietary NCG benefits the growth of the gut microbiota and modulates rats' metabolic processes, such as amino acid and lipid metabolisms. [32][33][34] Previous studies showed that dietary chitosan oligosaccharides could modulate immunity in piglets by regulating the microflora and Th17/Treg cells after an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge.…”

“…N ‐Carbamylglutamate (NCG) a structural analog of N ‐acetylglutamate, can stimulate endogenous Arg synthesis by activating the urea cycle and Arg synthesis pathway's rate‐limiting carbamoyl‐phosphate synthase 27,28 . By stimulating lymphocyte proliferation and modulating cytokine synthesis, NCG supplementation can improve the growth performance, intestinal integrity, antioxidant status, and intestinal mucosal immunity of some animals 29‐31 . Furthermore, dietary NCG benefits the growth of the gut microbiota and modulates rats’ metabolic processes, such as amino acid and lipid metabolisms 32‐34 .…”