Serum Leptin and Insulin Concentration and its Relationship with Lipid Profile in Holstein Cows during the Prepartum and Postpartum

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Pedram Parvardeh 1
Seyedeh Ommolbanin Ghasemian 2
Leila Derakhshan 1
1 Department of Veterinary, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar- Iran.
2 Department of Veterinary, Behbahan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Behbahan- Iran.
/10.22034/ijvcs.2025.14912.1105
Abstract
From early to mid-pregnancy in cattle, blood leptin levels increase and remain elevated until the end of pregnancy. However, further studies are needed to understand leptin’s role in fat production and metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the serum concentrations of leptin and insulin and their relationship with the lipid profile in Holstein cows before and after parturition. This basic experimental research was conducted on 50 pregnant Holstein cows kept in industrial cattle farm in Bagmalek from April 1402 to January 1402. Serum samples were collected from these cows two weeks before and after calving. The levels of leptin, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL were measured using ELISA kits and medical diagnostics. The findings indicated a decrease in leptin and insulin levels in cows after calving, along with an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels compared to pre-calving levels (P˂0.05). Data analysis showed a strong positive correlation between blood leptin and insulin concentrations. Additionally, changes in leptin concentration were influenced by triglyceride (r=0.80), cholesterol (r=0.67), and LDL (r=0.63). Insulin concentration was also significantly correlated with triglyceride (r=0.52), cholesterol (r=0.67), and LDL (r=0.63). The reduction in leptin and insulin levels appears to be related to the increase in triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL levels.
Keywords
Holstein cow
leptin
insulin
triglyceride
cholesterol
HDL
LDL
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Iranian Journal of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 1 - Serial Number 32
Spring & Summer 2025
August 2025
Pages 75-83