Liver transcriptome and proteome are modulated by nutrient restriction in early lactation cows challenged with intramammary lipopolysaccharide

The objective was to evaluate the effects of nutrient restriction on liver function 24 h after an intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in early lactation cows using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Multiparous Holstein cows were fed a lactation diet (CONT, n = 8) throughout the study or were switched to a diet diluted with barley straw (48 % DM) for 96 h (REST, n = 8) starting at 24 (18 to 30) days in milk. At 72 h, a healthy rear mammary quarter was infused with 50 μg of LPS in all cows. Blood and liver biopsies were collected at 96 h, corresponding to 24 h after LPS challenge. Liver transcriptome was analyzed with a 44 K bovine microarray and proteome by LC MS/MS. Transcriptomic and proteomic data were analyzed using GeneSpring (moderated t-test with Westfall-Young correction) and the “between subject design”, respectively. Data mining was performed using Panther and Pathway Studio software. By design, the negative energy balance was −68 and −37 MJ/d in REST and CONT, respectively. Plasma non-esterified FAs, and β-hydroxybutyrate were significantly greater in REST compared to CONT, which is consistent with 96 h of nutrient restriction in REST and ketosis induction. We detected 77 and 91 differentially expressed genes at mRNA and protein levels, respectively, between CONT and REST. Genes involved in fatty acid synthesis (e.g.: ACAT, FASN, SCD) were downregulated in REST, whereas those involved in fatty acid oxidation, detoxification, cholesterol synthesis, lipoprotein lipid secretion, and gluconeogenesis (e.g.: ACAD, CPT1A, CPT1B, CPT2) were upregulated. Differentially abundant mRNAs and proteins were consistent with negative energy balance and plasma metabolite concentrations, and reflected a state of intense lipomobilization, glucose deficit and ketogenesis in REST cows. Nutrient restriction did not change in deep liver expression of genes directly involved in immune function 24 h after an intramammary LPS challenge.