Adipokine concentrations in sheep with experimental pregnancy toxemia. A randomized, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Pregnancy toxemia (PT) is a metabolic disease of small ruminant that develops during the last period of pregnancy and can cause death. Considering the high mortality rate, early diagnosis of the disease is important to minimize economic loss. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the concentrations of some adipokines (Leptin, Apelin, Resistin) and some other biochemical parameters for their role in the diagnosis and prognosis of PT. Fifty Kangal ewes that were between the ages of 2–4 year–old, were used in the study. The animals included in the study were subjected to estrus synchronization. Rams were introduced to all ewes subjected to synchronization. Pregnancies were diagnosed with ultrasonography on the 25th, 60th, and 110th days (d) following matings. Sixteen ewes bearing twin fetuses, whose fetal viability continued, were included in the study after general examinations. The ewes were maintained under grazing conditions in the first 110 d of gestation. At the end of the 110th d, 16 twin–bearing pregnant ewes were randomly divided into two groups (Control and PT). Ewes in the control group were fed to meet the nutritional requirements. the experimental PT group ewes were fed with equivalent to 50% of the daily needs for 20 d (120–140) and then fasted for 72 hours (141–143). During study blood samples were taken via jugular vein every 5 d from the 120th d to the 140th d. BHBA, glucose, Leptin, Resistin, Insulin and Apelin were measured in the blood samples. Liver biopsy samples were collected twice from all ewes on the 120th and 143rd d. As a result, in group PT, BHBA and leptin concentrations have been increased significantly while glucose levels significantly reduced. Resistin, Insulin and Apelin concentration were similar in both groups. In conclusion, it was concluded that monitoring BHBA, glucose and leptin in PT may be useful in diagnosis and prognosis.

Keywords

• Pregnancy toxemia
• apelin
• leptin
• insulin
• adipokines
• Kangal ewes