Acute phase protein and cytokine levels in serum of sows during the periparturient period

A considerable number of modern pig herds suffer from problems with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS). PDS is a syndrome with a complex pathophysiology and several risk factors involved, thus the proper prophylaxis and diagnosis is difficult. During last years an increase of interest in porcine acute phase proteins (APP) and cytokines regarding their potential use as biomarkers has been observed. However, the knowledge about their serum concentrations during the physiological and pathological periparturient period in sows is restricted. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the serum concentration of selected APP and cytokines in sows around parturition. The utility of mentioned proteins in the early diagnosis of PDS was also investigated.

One hundred thirty nine sows from 2 herds were used. Based on the course of the periparturient period (day -28 to +28) females were divided into 3 groups (A: healthy n=58; B: PDS n=45; C: other (lameness, injuries, difficult parturition without PDS, etc. n=36). Pigs were bled at -28 (- 25-30), -14 (-16-11), -7 (-8-6), -3, -1, 0 (parturition), +1, +3, +7, +14, +28 days of study. The concentration of CRP, Hp, SAA, Pig-MAP, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-a were examined using a commercial, pig-specific ELISA assays. The production and clinical parameters were also recorded.

The significant increase of investigated APP, IL-6 and TNF-a concentration has been observed in healthy females after farrowing (p< 0.05), while level of IL-8 remained unchanged (p> 0.05) as compared to the level observed at days 28 and 14 prepartum. In pigs from group B the concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP were significantly higher 7 and 3 days before farrowing as compared to females from groups A and C (p< 0.05). The concentration of IL-6, TNF-alfa, CRP, Hp, SAA and Pig-MAP at various time point postpartum also differed significantly in females from various groups (p< 0.05). We found the significant positive correlation between concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP at days -7 and -3 of study and PDS severity (R-Spearman ≥0.64, p< 0.05).

Results of the present study revealed the significant changes in the concentration of APP, IL-6 and TNF-a around normal parturition. After farrowing, the level of cytokines and APP was generally higher in sows with PDS then in healthy females. The significant correlation found between concentration of SAA and Pig-MAP before farrowing and PDS severity indicate their potential utility as early biomarkers of PDS in sows. The further studies should be undertaken to investigate whether early intervention (i.e. antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory treatment) may prevent clinical manifestation of PDS.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.