Relação da expressão da chemerina placentária com biomarcadores de perfil metabólico em vacas no momento do parto

Abstract

The calving period is a critical time for cows, characterized by high energy demands and negative energy balance, which increases susceptibility to metabolic disorders such as hyperketonemia and hypocalcemia, negatively affecting animal health and immunity. This study investigated the relationship between chemerin protein expression and various metabolic biomarkers at calving, considering the hypothesis that chemerin could serve as a substitute or auxiliary marker for existing biomarkers due to its role in metabolic and inflammatory processes. Blood and placental tissue samples were collected from 14 pregnant cows, subjected to clinical examinations and collection of blood and placental tissue. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were analyzed from blood samples, while chemerin gene expression was evaluated from placental tissue samples. The results showed a moderate negative correlation between chemerin expression and serum sodium concentration (r=-0.60; p=0.0241), suggesting a possible regulatory role of chemerin in electrolyte balance during calving. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between the energy biomarkers BHB and NEFA, and between the protein profile biomarkers total protein and globulin, reflecting the metabolic state during the peripartum period. However, no significant direct correlations were observed between chemerin expression and most of the other metabolic biomarkers studied. It is concluded that chemerin expression in placental tissue may have a regulatory role in electrolyte balance, but its influence on other aspects of the metabolic profile is limited and requires further investigation. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which chemerin may influence metabolism and homeostasis during calving.