Negative energy balance alters global gene expression and immune responses in the uterus of postpartum dairy cows

Abstract

Negative energy balance alters global gene expression and immune responses in the uterus of postpartum dairy cows.

Cattle genomics and its implications for future nutritional strategies for dairy cattle

“…Along with the marked activation of immune-and inflammation-related genes, they observed a marked reduction of white blood cell count and lymphocyte number in SNEB cows. These results provide evidence that cows in SNEB were still undergoing an active uterine inflammatory response 2 weeks postpartum; whereas, mild NEB cows had more fully recovered from their energy deficit, with their endometrium reaching a more advanced stage of repair (Wathes et al, 2009).…”

“…Bovine uterine transcriptional adaptations during negative energy balance In addition to increased susceptibility for developing metabolic diseases postpartum, cows often develop persistent endometritis which in the long-term is associated with reduced fertility (Wathes et al, 2009). A recent study provided an initial evaluation of the uterine transcriptome in cows under SNEB postpartum.…”

“…A recent study provided an initial evaluation of the uterine transcriptome in cows under SNEB postpartum. Using IPA it was observed that uterine tissue from SNEB cows had a marked enrichment of genes associated with immune response and inflammation (Wathes et al, 2009). Among the most affected genes within inflammation were matrix metalloproteinases, chemokines, cytokines and calgranulins.…”

“…NTRK2, CCNB1, MYB, NOV), suggesting that these animals likely suffered from an impairment in the ability for epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Such a response is an essential feature of the postpartal uterus in order to replace the epithelium that has been lost following placental separation (Wathes et al, 2009). Furthermore, those events are important in re-establishing the innate defense system.…”

“…Together with the above data in liver, data from transcriptomics studies clearly indicates that poor energy balance status may also hamper the ability of the cow to mount an effective immune response to the bacterial challenge experienced after calving. More importantly, this would also delay the general repair process within the endometrium, thus, prolonging the time required for the recovery phase (Wathes et al, 2009). …”