Connections between Endometrial Health Status, Fatty Liver and Expression of Endocannabinoid System Genes in Endometrium of Postpartum Dairy Cows

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in reproductive health, but its function in postpartum dairy cows remains poorly understood. This study investigated the expression patterns of ECS-related genes in the endometrium of postpartum dairy cows and their associations with endometrial health and the presence of fatty liver. Endometrial biopsies were collected from 22 Holstein Friesian cows at 4 and 7 weeks postpartum. Gene expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR, focusing on key ECS components including CNR2, MGLL, FAAH1, NAAA, NAPEPLD, PADI4 and PTGDS. The results reveal dynamic changes in ECS gene expression associated with endometritis and fatty liver. MGLL expression was significantly upregulated in cows with endometritis at 7 weeks postpartum, while NAAA expression was consistently downregulated in cows with fatty liver. CNR2 showed a time-dependent pattern in endometritis, and PTGDS expression was elevated in clinical endometritis at 4 weeks postpartum. The presence of fatty liver was associated with altered expression patterns of several ECS genes, suggesting a link between metabolic stress and endometrial ECS function. These findings indicate a potential role for the ECS in postpartum uterine health and recovery, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive disorders in dairy cows and paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches.