Serum Paraoxonase-1 Activity And Metabolic Profile In Ewes With Pregnancy Toxaemia

This research intended to assess the energy metabolism indices (BHBA, NEFA and glucose) and evaluate the diagnostic relevance of oxidative stress indicators oxidant (MDA) and antioxidant (TAC and PON-1 enzyme ) , lipid profile and liver enzymes in pregnancy toxaemia in ewes. The study comprised a total number of 72 late pregnant ewes (14-20 weeks of gestation). Ewes were divided based on the result of clinical and biochemical findings (glucose and BHBA) into three groups; a clinical pregnant toxemic group (CPTG) (n=36), a subclinical PTG (n=20) and a control group (CG) (n=16). Blood samples were collected for each group and a panel of biochemical parameters was measured. Most of the biochemical markers showed notable variations in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). BHBA, NEFA, MDA, Liver enzymes (ALT, AST and γGT), Triglycerides and VLDL in clinical and subclinical pregnant toxaemic groups showed a significant increase above normal values of control group (P < 0.05). Glucose, TAC, PON-1 enzyme, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and serum proteins in clinical and subclinical pregnant toxaemic groups showed a significant decrease below normal values of control group (P < 0.05). Based on these findings, we suggest that monitoring changes in the presented energy metabolism indices, oxidant-antioxidant status, lipid profile, liver enzymes and protein assays in late pregnant ewes could be useful in early diagnosis of pregnancy toxaemia. The present study also showed that paraoxonase-1 enzyme (PON1) appears to hold potential as a biomarker for diagnosis of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes.