Association of relative expression of HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 with pregnancy status in sheep

Numan Ullah ¹, Mohamed Diaby ¹, Nada N A M Hassanine ²

⁰Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11651, Egypt.

Bmc Genomics +

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November 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Early pregnancy detection in sheep is possible by day 12 post-mating using HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 gene expression analysis. This method offers a new benchmark for reproductive efficiency in livestock management.

Area Of Science

Reproductive Biology
Animal Genetics
Molecular Diagnostics

Background

Livestock profitability depends on reproductive efficiency, which is impacted by environmental factors.
Early and accurate pregnancy detection in sheep is crucial for optimizing reproductive physiology and economic sustainability.
This study investigates gene expression in five sheep breeds for pregnancy detection.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 gene expression levels in sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for early pregnancy detection.
To establish a new benchmark for early pregnancy detection in sheep using gene expression analysis.
To analyze gene expression patterns associated with different gestational stages in multiple sheep breeds.

Main Methods

Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression.
Blood samples were collected from 500 ewes and 75 rams across five breeds (Barki, Rahmani, Rahmani x Barki, Awassi, Ossimi).
Gene expression was analyzed from day 9 post-mating to prepartum luteolysis, covering various gestational stages.

Main Results

Significantly elevated HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 gene expression was observed in pregnant ewes compared to non-pregnant and control groups across all breeds.
HSD11B-1 expression peaked between days 35-40 post-mating, while HSD11B-2 peaked earlier, during the post-implantation phase (days 18-25).
Both genes showed significant upregulation as early as day 12 post-mating, with Rahmani x Barki crossbreds showing the highest fold-changes for HSD11B-1.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report significant upregulation of HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 genes by day 12 post-mating, establishing a new benchmark for early pregnancy detection in sheep.
The distinct expression patterns of HSD11B-1 and HSD11B-2 provide valuable insights into reproductive biology.
Findings may inform future breeding and management practices to optimize sheep reproductive success.

Keywords:

Early pregnancy detection HSD11B-1 HSD11B-2 Reproductive efficiency