Plasma cell-free DNA concentration increases during luteolysis in beef cows

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Biochemistry
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Cell death releases cell-free DNA (cfDNA) into circulation.
• Luteal cells undergo apoptosis during structural luteolysis to initiate a new oestrous cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if cfDNA concentrations increase following induced luteolysis in cycling cows.
• To evaluate cfDNA as a potential biomarker for luteolysis.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen Angus cows were synchronized and treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) or a control.
• Luteolysis was monitored using ultrasonography (CL-A, LBP%) and plasma progesterone (P4).
• Plasma cfDNA concentrations were measured over four days post-treatment.

Main Results:

• PGF2α treatment successfully induced luteolysis, evidenced by decreased P4 and CL-A within 12 hours.
• Luteal blood perfusion (LBP%) significantly reduced 36 hours post-PGF2α injection.
• A significant increase in cfDNA concentration was observed 48 hours after PGF2α application.

Conclusions:

• Induced luteolysis in cows leads to a significant elevation in plasma cfDNA.
• cfDNA shows potential as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting luteolysis in cattle plasma.