Melatonin as a Smart Protector of Pregnancy in Dairy Cows.

Essa Dirandeh,Zarbakht Ansari-Pirsaraei,William Thatcher

doi:10.3390/antiox11020292

Essa Dirandeh, Zarbakht Ansari-Pirsaraei + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020292

Copy DOI

Abstract

The experimental objective was to examine the role of melatonin and its pathways in the maintenance of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 16 and 32 after timed AI from cows (n = 200) in order to consider plasma melatonin concentrations and to conduct AOPP (advanced oxidation products of proteins) and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) tests. Luminal endometrial cells were collected at day 16 using a Cytobrush in all cows to determine mRNA expressions of melatonin receptor 1 (MT1), mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), MDM2 binding protein (MTBP), BCL2-associated X, apoptosis Regulator (BAX), p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA, gene symbol BBC3), mucin 1 (MUC1) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Plasma concentrations of melatonin were significantly greater in pregnant cows diagnosed pregnant at day 16 who sustained pregnancy to day 32 compared to nonpregnant cows at day 16, or pregnant at day 16 and who lost embryos by days 32. Concentrations of AOPP and TBARS were greater in nonpregnant cows at day 16 or pregnant at day 16 and who lost embryos by days 32 compared to those diagnosed pregnant at day 16 and who sustained pregnancy to day 32. In pregnant cows, endometrial mRNA expressions of MDM2, MTBP, MTR1 and LIF were higher compared to pregnant–embryo-loss cows (p < 0.05). In contrast, mRNA expressions of BBC3 and MUC1 were greater at day 16 in pregnant–embryo-loss cows compared to pregnant cows (p < 0.05). In conclusion, melatonin status is a modulator of embryo well-being and maintenance of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows.

Highlights

Pregnancy is a critical stage of life, during which many physiological processes are modified
Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and TBARS were greater in nonpregnant cows at day 16 or pregnant cows at day 16 who lost embryos by days 32, when compared to lactating cows diagnosed pregnant at day 16 who sustained pregnancy to day 32 (Figure 1)
Zhao et al (2019) [35] reported that glutathione peroxidase (GPx) abundance was greater in cyclic cows compared to cows with inactive ovaries, suggesting that Oxidative stress (OS) in ovaries may lead to failure in follicular development to form a cumulus structure that promotes oocyte production

Summary

Introduction

Pregnancy is a critical stage of life, during which many physiological processes are modified. A considerable number of embryonic losses are attributed to maternal factors, such as an inability of the uterus to support conceptus growth and implantation [2,3,4] and increased oxidative stress [5]. Inflammatory status, and mRNA expression of white blood cells in postpartum lactating cows are associated with reproductive responses after Timed AI [3]. Melatonin is known as a cell-protective molecule with different properties allowing it to exert strong antioxidant potential [8]. It is more effective in reducing free radicals than other well-known natural or chemically synthesized antioxidants [9,10,11]. Melatonin improves embryo quality through increasing expression of antioxidant genes that reduce mitochondrial damage and apoptosis [13]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion