Investigation of Interleukins and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Cows Naturally Infected With Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Abstract

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) can evade the immune system by modulating cytokines production, therefore enabling the virus to establish persistent infections or exacerbate the severity of disease in infected cattle. The objective of this research was to investigate interleukins and oxidative stress parameters in cows naturally infected with BVDV. The study comprised of two groups: a naturally infected group of 15 cattle with clinical signs of BVDV infection or a history of abortion and confirmed positive for pestivirus by RT-PCR, and a control group of 15 cattle with no abortion anamnesis or clinical symptoms, confirmed negative by RT-PCR. Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-20, IL-10) and pro-inflammatory ones (IL-1, IL-1(3, IL-6) values were measured in all samples using ELISA method. Additionally, the oxidative stress marker malonaldehyde (MDA) was measured in all samples using the HPLC method. MDA levels were significantly higher in the infected samples compared with the controls. While cytokine levels were elevated in the infected group, however, the differences were not statistically significant. This study found a positive relationship among anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as a negative relationship among IL-1(3 and IL-1. It was concluded that oxidative stress occurs in BVDV-infected cattle, and the interleukins measured appear to remain in equilibrium by inhibiting each other. Notably, IL-20 was measured for the first time in BVDVinfected cattle, making it an important finding. Altogether, it may be concluded on the basis of these results that cytokines are important in the evaluation of the disease process.