Determination of Dynamic Thiol Disulfide Homeostasis in Cows With Dystocia

Authors : Oğuz Merhan, Lale Başer, Kadir Bozukluhan, Abdulsamed Kükürt, Necdet Cankat Lehimcioğlu, Emine Atakişi, Ömer Çelik
Pages : 40-45
Doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.1790327
View : 115 | Download : 244
Publication Date : 2025-12-25
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Pregnancy is a complex physiological process in animals that affects multiple mechanisms and leads to oxidative stress due to the increased production of free radicals. Thiols, which contain sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, play a critical role in sulfur-based biochemical processes and act as potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to investigate thiol/disulfide balance in cows experiencing dystocia. A total of 30 Simmental cows were included, comprising 15 cows with normal calving and 15 cows with dystocia. Blood samples were collected in non-anticoagulant tubes immediately after parturition. Biochemical analyses revealed that cows with dystocia had significantly lower levels of total thiol, native thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratio compared to cows with normal calving, whereas disulfide levels were markedly elevated. Moreover, the disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher in the dystocia group. These findings indicate that thiol/disulfide homeostasis is disrupted in cows experiencing dystocia, reflecting severe oxidative stress and cellular redox imbalance. The results suggest that thiol/disulfide homeostasis could serve as a biomarker for oxidative disturbances associated with dystocia. Furthermore, antioxidant strategies aimed at reducing oxidative stress may complement existing clinical interventions and improve recovery in affected animals. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical importance of thiol/disulfide balance during the parturition process and emphasizes its potential both as a diagnostic marker and as a target for therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating oxidative stress. It is concluded that further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanistic links between redox imbalance and dystocia and to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidant support in clinical applications.
Keywords : Antioksidanlar, Distosia (Güç Doğum), İnekler, Oksidatif Stres, Tiyol/Disülfid Dengesi.

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