PSVI-5 Rumen-protected methionine supplementation during the peripartal period reduces the expression of LGALS-1, -3 and -4 in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and secretion of Gal-2 and Gal-12 in plasma of Holstein cows

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of methionine(Met) supplementation on genes encoding Galectins (LGALS) and secretion in plasma during the periparturient period. Dairy cows are susceptible to increased incidence and severity of disease during the periparturient period. Impaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) functions such as phagocytosis and pathogen killing capacity contribute to immune dysfunction and disease. Galectins (GALS) are an evolutionarily conserved family of animal lectins important in disease and homeostasis. They behave like pathogen-associated molecular patterns and cell-surface receptors whose activation often results in signaling cascades to activate cells such as PMNL. Fourteen Holstein cows supplemented with either rumen-protected Met (n = 7) or no Met (CON; n = 7) were used. Diets were fed from −21 ± 2 before expected calving date and continued until 30 days postpartum. To evaluate LGALS expression and secretion of Gal, PMNL were isolated from blood and plasma was harvested at -10, +7, and +30 d relative to expected calving. The expression of LGALS1 (P = 0.09), LGALS3 (P = 0.02), and LGALS4 (P = 0.02) was lower in response to Met, but there was no effect on LGALS8, LGALS9, and LGALS12. Met supplementation reduced Gal-2 and Gal-12 secretion in plasma at -10, +7, and +30 d (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0001 respectively). Methionine supplementation modulates the expression of GAL involved in inflammation and lipolysis in cow blood. Modulation of GAL in PMNL and plasma in response to Met may have implications for the use of dietary interventions to target gene expression in PMNL for improved function and needs further study.