# Analysis of Potential Genes, Oxidative, Metabolic, and Hormonal Markers Associated with Postpartum Disorder Susceptibility in Barki Sheep (Ovis aries)

## TL;DR

This study identifies genes and blood markers linked to postpartum disorders in Barki sheep, helping to monitor and understand these health issues in ewes.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific genes and serum markers associated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory postpartum disorders in Barki sheep.

## Key findings

- Elevated expression of oxidative stress and metabolic genes was found in ewes with postpartum disorders.
- Inflammatory postpartum disorders showed higher levels of acute phase proteins and hormonal markers compared to non-inflammatory and control groups.
- Lower levels of insulin, iron, transferrin, and Tf Sat.% were observed in inflammatory postpartum disorder groups.

## Abstract

The postpartum period represents one of the most challenging times for Barki ewes, marked by reduced feed intake, shifts in hormonal and metabolic status, and physiological stresses, many of which are immunological in nature. In a study involving 150 adult ewes, researchers divided the animals into three groups after initial blood sampling: a control group, a group with non-inflammatory postpartum disorders, and a group with inflammatory postpartum disorders, each consisting of 50 ewes. Results revealed significantly elevated expression of metabolic and oxidative stress-related genes in ewes affected by postpartum complications compared to those showing natural resistance. Additionally, distinct profiles emerged across the groups in blood levels of some acute phase proteins and hormonal markers. The obtained findings suggest that a significant impact and relatedness of the investigated indicators on postpartum disorders in sheep.

This study purpose was to determine the gene expression as well as serum profile of acute phase proteins (APPs) and hormonal indicators linked to Barki sheep’s susceptibility to postpartum issues. Three equal-sized groups (each with fifty ewes) were created from the blood of 150 adult Barki ewes: the control group (CG), the inflammatory postpartum disorders group (IPG), and the non-inflammatory postpartum disorders group (NIPG). The expression levels of the oxidative stress (PGC-1α, SIRT1, GCLC, GCLM, and EPAS1) and metabolic (FBXL12, KPNA7, and LRRK1) genes were significantly higher in postpartum disorders sheep than in resistant ones. Ewes with inflammatory postpartum illnesses showed significantly higher levels of the examined markers than did the non-inflammatory and control groups. The serum profile analysis also revealed that the levels of Fb, Cp, Hp, SAA, cortisol, TIBC, UIBC, and ferritin were significantly higher in the IPG than in the NIPG and CG. Serum insulin, iron, transferrin, and Tf Sat.% levels, however, were all markedly lower. On the basis of the variance in the genes being studied and the modulation in the serum indicators being studied, it should be possible to monitor the health status in postpartum problems of sheep.