Investigation into homocysteine [corrected], vitamin E and malondialdehyde as indicators of successful artificial insemination in synchronized buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis).

Journal: Research in veterinary science
PMID:

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe modifications in plasma homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin E (VitE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the first 56 days after artificial insemination (AI) in buffalo. Thirty-five buffalo cows were divided, ex post, into three groups on the basis of pregnancy diagnosis: pregnant, not pregnant, with embryonic mortality. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography and plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Our results showed that, in pregnant buffaloes, included those with embryonic mortality, MDA increased progressively while VitE decreased. In non-pregnant buffaloes, MDA and Vit E were unchanged. Hcy concentrations also remained unchanged within each group throughout the study period, but were lower in non-pregnant buffaloes than in the pregnant ones and in those with embryonic mortality. In conclusion, present data suggest that successful pregnancy in buffalo cows might be linked to Hcy metabolism and oxidative stress involvement.

Authors

  • Olimpia Barbato
    Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
  • Elisabetta Chiaradia
    a Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Perugia , Perugia , Italy.
  • Vittoria Lucia Barile
    Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria, Animal Production Research Centre (CRA-PCM), Via Salaria, 31, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
  • Francesca Pierri
    Department of Economics, Statistical Section University of Perugia, Via A. Pascoli 20, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
  • Noelita Melo de Sousa
    Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Animal Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege, Belgium.
  • Luigi Terracina
    Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
  • Claudio Canali
    Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
  • Luca Avellini
    Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy. Electronic address: luca.avellini@unipg.it.