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Differential Expression of miR-223-3p and miR-26-5p According to Different Stages of Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Eleonora Dall'Olio1, Fabio De Rensis1, Eugenio Martignani2
1Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Abstract:
Mastitis is the leading cause of economic losses in dairy farming, significantly impairing animal welfare and the quality and quantity of milk production. MicroRNAs are increasingly gaining attention, in both human and veterinary medicine, as biomarkers for various diseases. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of four circulating microRNAs (miR-26-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, and miR-223-3p) by examining changes in their expression in milk samples from dairy cows at different immune-cell subpopulations correlated to different stage of mastitis with a validated method. Additionally, this study has analyzed the possible source of these circulating microRNAs by the measurement of their secretion from activated immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils). miR-223-3p has been significantly expressed in an acute stage of mastitis (p < 0.01) but not in the chronic or susceptible stages. Conversely, mir-26-5p has been significantly reduced in acute, chronic, and susceptible groups of animals. In immune-cell cultures, miR-26 has been shown to be down-regulated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophils, while miR-223 has been shown to be up-regulated in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes. The differential expression of miR-223-3p and miR-26-5p, combined with differential and total somatic cell count, could serve as a useful tool for identifying the evolutionary stage of mastitis-related inflammatory pathology.
Insights
This study identifies specific microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for mastitis in dairy cows. Changes in miR-223-3p and miR-26-5p expression can help determine the inflammatory stage of mastitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Mastitis causes significant economic losses in dairy farming and impacts animal welfare.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as valuable biomarkers for disease diagnosis in both human and veterinary medicine.
- Understanding miRNA expression in mastitis can lead to improved diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of four circulating miRNAs (miR-26-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, and miR-223-3p) in dairy cows with mastitis.
- To correlate miRNA expression levels in milk with different stages of mastitis.
- To investigate the cellular origin of these circulating miRNAs by analyzing their secretion from activated immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Expression analysis of four specific miRNAs in milk samples from dairy cows.
- Correlation of miRNA expression with different mastitis stages and immune cell subpopulations.
- Measurement of miRNA secretion from activated lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in vitro.
- Utilized validated methods for miRNA detection and quantification.
Main Results:
- miR-223-3p showed significant upregulation in the acute stage of mastitis (p < 0.01).
- miR-26-5p was significantly downregulated across acute, chronic, and susceptible mastitis groups.
- In vitro studies revealed miR-26 downregulation in LPS-stimulated neutrophils and miR-223 upregulation in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of miR-223-3p and miR-26-5p, alongside somatic cell counts, can aid in identifying the inflammatory stage of mastitis.
- These miRNAs hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers for mastitis in dairy cattle.
- Further research can refine the use of these miRNAs for early and accurate mastitis detection.
