Selenium-Dependent Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Immunity in Periparturient Dairy Cattle

Lorraine M Sordillo

doi:10.1155/2013/154045

Abstract

Uncontrolled or impaired immune and inflammatory responses in periparturient dairy cows are associated with increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases. The progressive development of oxidative stress during the transition from late gestation to peak lactation is thought to be a significant underlying factor leading to dysfunctional immune cell responses. Certain trace minerals, such as selenium (Se), can ameliorate oxidative stress and reduce the severity of several economically important diseases in dairy cattle including mastitis and metritis. Many of the health benefits of Se can be attributed to the antioxidant functions of selenoproteins. Changes in selenoprotein activity as a consequence of Se nutritional status can directly alter a number of critical cellular functions involved in the inflammatory response. A better understanding of how Se can optimize immune cell responses may facilitate the design of nutritional regimes that will reduce health disorders during the periparturient period.

Highlights

Dairy cattle have an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases during the periparturient period [1]
Increased health problems around the time of calving are especially problematic because they may greatly impact the productive efficiency of dairy cattle in the ensuing lactation. erefore, it is not surprising that considerable research efforts have focused on de ning factors that may contribute to immune dysfunction during this critical period in the production cycle of dairy cows [4,5,6]. e progressive development of oxidative stress in transition dairy cattle is thought to be a signi cant underlying factor leading to dysfunctional in ammatory responses [6, 7]
Many of the antioxidant functions of Se are mediated through the reducing capacity of selenoproteins including the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) families

Summary

Introduction

Dairy cattle have an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases during the periparturient period [1]. E progressive development of oxidative stress in transition dairy cattle is thought to be a signi cant underlying factor leading to dysfunctional in ammatory responses [6, 7]. Certain trace minerals, such as Se, can be effective in reducing oxidative stress and the severity of several proin ammatory-based dairy cattle diseases such as mastitis and metritis [6, 8]. A better understanding of how Se can optimize bovine immune responses during the transition period may facilitate the design of nutritional regimes that will reduce the severity and duration of disease as a function of dysfunctional in ammatory responses. A better understanding of how Se can optimize bovine immune responses during the transition period may facilitate the design of nutritional regimes that will reduce the severity and duration of disease as a function of dysfunctional in ammatory responses. is paper will describe the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating immune cell populations and how oxidative stress during the periparturient period can adversely affect dairy cattle immunity. e bene ts that adequate Se nutritional status can have in controlling oxidative stress and improving immune responses of dairy cattle during the periparturient period will be discussed

Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species on Immunity

Se and Dairy Cattle Health

Conclusion