Erum interleukin content and lipid metabolism in cows with subclinical ketosis

Abstract

This paper analyses the diagnostic utility of interleukins (1, 4, 6) and lipid metabolism products (cholesterol, triacylglycerols, lipoprotein fractions) in subclinical ketosis in cows. It was found that serum levels of proinflammatory (IL-1 and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) interleukins in cows with ketosis did not differ from those in clinically healthy animals. This therefore indicates the absence of inflammation in the subclinical form of ketosis. These data were also confirmed by normal α1- and α2-globulin levels. IL-6 is known to increase the synthesis of acute phase inflammatory proteins. There was no significant difference in the IL-4 content between the experimental and control groups of cows. In the subclinical form of ketosis in cows, abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism were detected in the form of hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperlipoproteinaemia with very low-density lipoproteins, an increase in low-density lipoproteins, and a decrease in very high-density lipoproteins. This was verified by similar changes in β-lipoprotein levels and lipoprotein fractions and was specific to the first stage of lipomobilisation syndrome.