Changes in the blood routine, biochemical indexes and the pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions of peripheral leukocytes in postpartum dairy cows with metritis

Abstract

Background The aim of the present study was to clarify the changes in complete blood count, blood biochemistry, and the gene expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines of peripheral white blood cells in postpartum dairy cows with metritis. Results The cows were assigned to the control group ( n = 28) or the metritis group ( n = 28), retrospectively. Blood samples were taken 7 days before the estimated parturition (− 7 d), on the day of parturition (0 d), and 7 and 30 d after parturition. There was no difference in blood indexes between the control group and the metritis group at − 7 d. The WBC, granulocytes and monocytes were generally higher at 7 and 30 d in the metritis group than the control. In comparison with the controls, all liver function parameters and triglyceride levels at 0, 7 and 30 d, and the creatinine level at 7 and 30 d were higher in cows with metritis. The concentrations of Ca and P at 0, 7 and 30 d, and of glucose at 0 d were lower for cows in the metritis group compared with cows in the control group. Among these parameters, the WBC at 30 d, the aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) at 7 d exceeded normal ranges (WBC: 5.0 ~ 16.0 × 10 9 /L; AST: 42.5 ~ 98 U/L), whereas the concentrations of glucose and Ca from 0 to 30 d were below normal ranges (glucose: 2.5 ~ 4.5 mmol/L; Ca: 2.2 ~ 2.5 mmol/L) in the metritis group. The gene expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the metritis group were higher than those in the control group, including the IL-1α at 7d, the IL-1β at − 7, 0 and 7 d, the IL-6 at − 7, 0, 7 and 30 d, the IL-8 at 0, 7 and 30 d, and the TNF-α at 7 and 30 d. Conclusion The cows with metritis experienced systemic inflammation for 4 weeks after calving, the impaired hepatic function, and the altered metabolic status with increased triglyceride level and decreased concentrations of glucose, Ca and P.

Alterations in biochemical profiles and reproduction performance in postpartum dairy cows with metritis

“…In relation to serum calcium concentration, the findings in the present study are in agreement with previous reports which showed lower concentrations of calcium in cows with metritis than in healthy cows (Cui et al., 2019). The calcium concentration in metritic cows was 1.17 mg/dl lower than in healthy cows.…”

“…During the puerperium phase, physiological modifications occur in the reproductive tract of dairy cows, such as involution of the reduction in uterine size, removal of cellular debris and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity (Cui, Wang, Ding, Li, & Li, 2019; Sheldon, 2004). Around 90% of the cows will have bacterial contamination within the first 14 days after parturition (Sheldon, Cronin, Goetze, Donofrio, & Schuberth, 2009); however, in some cows, these bacteria remain in the uterus and contribute to a higher prevalence of puerperal diseases (Kimura, Goff, Kehrli, & Reinhardt, 2002).…”

Blood leukocyte composition and function in periparturient ewes kept on different dietary magnesium supply

“…Total leukocytes and neutrophils reached a maximum at d 1 p.p. in both groups, similar results previously being observed in ewes [ 10 , 32 ] and cows [ 7 , 33 ]. The reason for neutrophilia around parturition is commonly due to high cortisol levels at this time, which contributes to downregulation of surface adhesion molecules expression [ 34 ] and possibly to up regulation of anti-adhesion molecules [ 35 , 36 ], in addition to an enhanced release of cells from the bone marrow [ 37 ].…”

“…From a physiological point of view, the stable pattern of lymphocyte proliferation obtained in the present study was in contrast to the bovine system where the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes was significantly lower around parturition [ 33 ] and increased gradually during the postpartum period [ 38 , 51 , 52 ] . In cows, the reduction in proliferative responses around parturition was linked to high cortisol levels during this period [ 38 ].…”

Effects of long-distance transportation on blood constituents and composition of the nasal microbiota in healthy donkeys

“…AST is an important indicator in liver function examination and CK is an indication of muscular activity [ 15 , 16 ]. In this study, the AST and CK concentrations significantly increased, which is similar to previous studies [ 17 – 19 ].…”