Comparison of serum leptin, glucose, total cholesterol and total protein levels in fertile and repeat breeder cows

Abstract

In the present study we measured serum glucose, leptin, total cholesterol and total protein concentrations in repeat breeder cows and compared them with fertile cows. For this aim, 20 repeat breeder cows and 20 fertile cows were used as material. Repeat breeder cows were found to have lower levels of leptin and glucose as compared with fertile ones. No significant differences in total cholesterol and total protein levels were observed between the two groups. No significant correlation of leptin with glucose, total cholesterol and total protein was observed in fertile and repeat breeder cows. Low concentrations of glucose and leptin can have some effects on reproductive problems as repeat breeder and help to understand potential mechanisms impairing fertility in repeat breeder cows.

adipose tissue; cow; leptin hormone; reproductive problem

Introduction

The term "repeat breeder" or "repeat breeder syndrome" has been coined to describe cows that failed to conceive after three or more inseminations. Repeat breeding is an important factor involved in infertility, which has become a major source of economic losses in the cattle industry due to the need for more inseminations, reduced milk production, increased calving interval and increased culling rates (Parkinson, 2001). Fertility requires adequate nutrition and energy reserves. Starvation, wasting and obesity are associated with reproductive system abnormalities and infertility. It is evident that the energy balance plays a significant role in reproductive function and fertility. This effect of nutrition and/or energy reserves on reproductive function has long been suspected to be mediated by metabolic signal(s) that link adipose stores with neuroendocrine function (Goumenou et al., 2003; El-Khadrawy et al., 2011). In recent years, the substantial increase in the incidence of reproductive cycle abnormalities, falling pregnancy rates and the search for an endocrine link with fertility in modern dairy cows have promoted a focus on leptin (Opsomer et al., 1998; Royal et al., 2000). Leptin, a 16-kD protein product of the obese gene (ob) produced primarily by adipocytes of white adipose tissue, plays an important role in the regulation of energy balance, food intake and body weight. In addition to white adipose tissue, the major source of leptin, it can also be produced by brown adipose tissue, ovaries, placenta (syncytiotrophoblasts), stomach (lower part of fundic glands), mammary epithelial cells, skeletal muscle, bone marrow, pituitary and liver. It is now generally accepted that leptin is produced mainly by adipose tissue and relays information to the brain concerning the amount of energy stores and activates areas of the brain that regulate energy uptake and expenditure (Considine et al., 1996; Nagatani et al., 2000). While numerous studies have investigated the biology of leptin in a wide range of species (Chilliard et al., 2001; Spicer, 2001), much remains to be learned about leptin levels in postpartum dairy cows and how leptin levels relate to reproductive function at this time in this commercially important species. Recent data suggest that this hormone may influence reproduction and provided the biochemical basis of the communication that exists between fat stores and the brain (Goumenou et al., 2003; El-Khadrawy et al., 2011). In previous studies negative energy balance in the postpartum period of lactating cows was also linked to reduced leptin levels and delayed resumption of cyclicity (Kadokawa et al., 2000; Block et al., 2001).

Normal blood levels of various biochemical components are essential for normal function of various systems in the body including reproductive system. Changes in several biochemical components have been blamed for reproductive failures. Thus, the serum biochemical profile might be helpful in characterizing these problems. Blood glucose, cholesterol and protein appear to be some of the key nutrients affecting fertility and cyclicity in farm animals (Qureshi, 1998; Park et al., 2010). Therefore, the present study was designed, firstly, to compare circulatory levels of leptin, glucose, total cholesterol and total protein in repeat breeder and fertile cows. Secondly we sought to determine the relationships of serum leptin levels to glucose, total cholesterol and protein levels, since leptin has important roles in glucose, lipid and protein metabolism (Haluzik et al., 1999; Henry et al., 1999).

Material and Methods

Repeat breeder and fertile cows (20 fertile and 20 repeat breeders) were selected on the basis of reproductive performance among a population of Holstein cows in dairy herds located on Karacabey Stud Farm, Bursa, Turkey. The experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care Committee of University of Uludag, Bursa, Turkey. All animals were clinically free of disease, aged 3-6 years and had no history of calving difficulty in the previous parturition. Fertile cows in the same postpartum period became pregnant after one or two inseminations. Cows were identified as repeat breeder after being artificially inseminated up to ten times without becoming pregnant despite having normal oestrous cycles and oestrus period and clear vaginal mucus discharge at oestrus. There was no evidence of genital tract pathologies being diagnosed after rectal palpation and ultrasonic examination. All cows selected for the present study were in the second lactation period, most of them having an average milk yield ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 L; body weight 615±24 kg and 585±18 kg in fertile and repeat breeder cows, respectively; and body condition score of 3-4 (a numerical range of 1-5 identifies varying degrees of fatness, with 1 being very thin and 5 being excessively fat).

These experimental cows were fed green grass/fodder ad libitum and had free access to water. The amount of concentrate feed given to the animals was calculated by the computer-controlled feeding system in which the food requirement of each animal was taken in to account. Forage was given to the animals on the farm as ad libitum in the morning and evening. As forage, corn straw, corn silage, brewer's grain (crude protein = 4.88%, crude fat = 1.51%, crude cellulose = 43.0%) and as concentrate feed, a mixture containing wheat, barley, full fat soybean, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal, corn and scurf (crude protein = 15.38%, crude fat = 2.57%, crude cellulose = 7.17%) were given to the animals.

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in to serum separator tubes (Venoject). After clotting at room temperature, sera were separated by centrifugation at 3,000 × g for 10 min and transferred to plastic tubes. Sera were stored at −80 ºC until the time of analysis.

Serum leptin concentrations were measured using a double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit containing guinea pig multispecies leptin antibody, human [125I ] leptin, and as standard, human leptin (Linco, Multispecies Leptin RIA Kit, Cat#XL-85K) following the manufacturer`s instructions. Serum glucose concentration was measured by the glucose/oxidase method using a commercial kit (Biolabo, Glucose GOD-PAP, Cat.No 87109). Serum total cholesterol and total protein levels were measured using a Technicon DAX 72 autoanalyzer and accompanying kits.

The data were analyzed using the statistical software program SPSS 10.0 for Windows. Data was expressed as mean and standard error. Mann-Whitney U test from nonparametric tests was applied to evaluate any differences between groups and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Correlations between leptin, and total cholesterol and protein were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results and Discussion

We observed lower levels of leptin and glucose but no significant differences of total cholesterol and protein in repeat breeder cows as compared with fertile ones (Table 1). Adipose tissue secretes various bioactive molecules like leptin that may directly contribute to the development of obesity-related diseases. Most of the information on the reproductive role of leptin hormone was obtained from ob/ob mice (mice with a mutated leptin gene and resulting hormone insufficiency. Both male and female ob/ob mice were obese and infertile. Food limitations and loss of weight did not lead to reinstatement of fertility. On the contrary, fertility was reinstated with the administration of recombinant leptin (Barash et al., 1996; Mounzih et al., 1997). Sivan et al. (1998) demonstrated that serum leptin concentrations have been shown to increase in pregnant women and to correlate with serum levels of gestational hormones. Cioffi et al. (1997) found that a postovulatory rise in serum leptin concentrations was associated with implantation potential in women undergoing infertility treatment. Mann et al. (2005) identified postpartum reproductive cycle abnormalities in around 40% of dairy cows and concluded that aberrant reproductive function was also associated with reduced plasma concentrations of leptin. In accordance with these studies, we also found lower concentrations of serum leptin in the repeat breeder cows than in the fertile cows (P<0.05) (Table 1).

Table 1.
Serum leptin, total cholesterol and total protein levels of fertile and repeat breeder cows (n = 20)1

Parameters	Fertile cows	Repeat breeder cows
Serum leptin (mg/dL)	5.12±0.43	3.63±0.25*
Serum glucose (mg/dL)	65.00±6.27	44.71±5.17*
Serum total cholesterol (mg/dL)	112.10±3.57	126.10±9.74
Serum total protein (mg/dL)	7.09±0.27	7.92±0.31

• ¹
  Means of all parameters in fertile and repeat breeder cows ± standard error of the mean.
• ^*
  P<0.05.

Repeat breeder cows were found to have lower levels of glucose compared with fertile ones (P<0.05) (Table 1). Dutta et al. (1988) reported significantly lower serum glucose level in an-oestrus than normally cycling animals. Ahmad et al. (2004) demonstrated that the serum glucose level of endometritic cows was significantly higher than in cyclic and non-cyclic animals (endometric, 58.08±2.59 g/dL; cyclic, 50.72±1.12 g/dL; non-cyclic, 50.56±1.13 g/dL). In another study, Majeed et al. (1990) recorded higher serum glucose level in endometritic animals than in healthy ones. In the present study, reduced blood glucose levels in repeat breeder cows may result from either instability between hepatic output and peripheral uptake of the glucose or defects in the endocrine regulatory mechanisms, which influence these processes. Abnormal functioning of hormone-producing organs may influence glucose levels.

There were no significant differences regarding total cholesterol levels between the fertile and repeat breeder cows (Table 1). This is in agreement with the reports of Ceylan et al. (2007), Ramakrishna (1996) and Singh and Pant (1998), who reported lower cholesterol levels in repeat breeders than in normally cycling cows, whereas Dutta et al. (1991) observed higher cholesterol levels in repeat breeders than in normally cycling cows. Guedon et al. (1999) reported that cholesterol levels in cows may vary depending on various physiological factors, such as pregnancy and lactation, and low cholesterol levels may affect the reproductive performance. Burle et al. (1995) reported lower serum cholesterol concentration in anestrous than in cycling cows. Salmanoglu et al. (1997) demonstrated that cows showing irregular cycles or subestrus were found to have lower levels of cholesterol compared with normal ones. In the same study it was also reported that cholesterol might have an effect on the cows showing irregular cycles or subestrus because it is a key ingredient for construction of progesterone. Ahmad et al. (2004) showed significantly higher serum cholesterol in endometritic as compared with cyclic and non-cyclic cows. Majeed et al. (1990) found non-significant differences in serum cholesterol levels between endometritic and healthy buffaloes.

No significant difference was observed in total protein levels between fertile and repeat breeder cows (Table 1). This finding is in agreement with reports of Gandotra et al. (1993) and Ramakrishna (1996). Low plasma protein levels resulted in the deficiency of certain amino acids required for the biosynthesis of gonadotropins and gonadal hormones and might cause reproductive hormonal disturbances in animals, leading to inactive ovaries (Vohra et al., 1995; Arosh et al., 1998). Ahmad et al. (2004) reported significantly higher total protein level in endometritic (19.16±1.00 g/dL) cows as compared with cyclic and non-cyclic cows. Furthermore, the total protein level in non-cyclic cows (15.23±0.89 g/dL) was significantly higher than that of cyclic animals (9.19±0.45 g/dL). El-Azab et al. (1993) and Burle et al. (1995) reported significantly higher value of total serum protein in cyclic cows than in non-cycling cows. Lyubestsky (1997) revealed higher values of total serum protein in endometritic buffaloes and cows as compared with cyclic buffaloes and cows, respectively.

Non-significant correlation was found between leptin and glucose levels in fertile and repeat breeder cows (Table 2). Different results were obtained in various studies evaluating the relationship between leptin and glucose concentrations. Subcutaneous administration of leptin was reported to decrease plasma glucose concentration in rats (Sivitz, 1997). On the other hand, Henry et al. (1999) observed no effect on glucose concentration in sheep administered intracerebroventricular (icv) leptin. Block et al. (2003) reported that leptin concentrations tend to correlate positively with plasma glucose levels in dairy cattle.

Table 2.
Correlation of serum leptin and serum glucose, total cholesterol and total protein levels in fertile and repeat breeder cows

Parameters	Leptin
	Fertile cows	Repeat breeder cows
Serum glucose	0.100	–0.115
Serum total cholesterol	–0.360	–0.432
Serum total protein	–0.080	0.140

• The numbers shown are the r value.

Cholesterol is a form of lipid, or fat, that circulates in the bloodstream. it is necessary for life itself. Cholesterol is essential for building and maintaining key parts of cells (such as cell membranes) and making several essential hormones (sex hormone, aldosterone, etc.). Cholesterol is increased with obesity, which makes the subject face double risk to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and reproductive disorders (Ahmad et al., 2004). In the present study, there was no significant correlation between leptin and total cholesterol levels in repeat breeder and fertile cows (Table 2). Our findings were consistent with other studies conducted by Yadav et al. (2011). Haluzik et al. (1999) investigated the relationship between serum leptin concentrations and total cholesterol levels in patient combined with hyperlipidemia and healthy controls. No statistically significant relationship was found between serum leptin and total cholesterol concentration in either combined hyperlipidemia group or controls. In contrast, it was found that the leptin hormone increased with the increase in total cholesterol (Taleb et al., 2014). In 2007, a study conducted by Zabut et al. (2007) on adults of Gaza Strip also examined whether Leptin and soluble Leptin receptor (OB-Re) were statistically correlated with lipid parameters among all study subjects. It was found that serum leptin levels were positively correlated with total cholesterol.

Malnutrition is one of many factors which cause repeat breeder syndrome. Serum total protein level is a biochemical marker in protein-energy malnutrition (Haile et al., 2014). Serum leptin levels were not found to be correlated with malnutrition markers (total protein, etc.) (Yılmaz et al., 2005). Amirkalali et al. (2010) suggested that serum leptin can be a good predictor of energy malnutrition, but they could not find a significant correlation between leptin and total protein levels in elderly patients. In accordance with previous reports, we also did not find a significant correlation between leptin and total protein levels (Table 2).

Conclusions

Repeat breeder cows are found to have lower levels of leptin and glucose as compared with fertile ones. We believe that the low concentrations of leptin hormone and glucose can have some effects on reproductive problems such as repeat breeder syndrome, and these parameters may be helpful in characterizing these problems. On the other hand, our results can help to establish the physiological role of these parameters in the reproductive process and understand potential mechanisms impairing fertility in repeat breeder cows.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Dec 2014

History

• Received
  28 May 2014
• Accepted
  10 Oct 2014