Evaluation of Reproductive Tract Cytokines in Post-partum Beef Cows Relating to Reproductive Microbiota and Fertility Outcomes

The activity of the immune system in reproductive tract has been proven to be crucial response uterine diseases, normal functions, and tolerance allogeneic fetus during pregnancy. objectives current study were (1) evaluate vaginal cytokine concentrations postpartum cows undergoing estrus synchronization followed by timed artificial insemination (TAI) (2) correlate bacterial communities with concentrations. Postpartum Angus ( n = 20) subjected a 7-Day Co-Synch protocol pre-synchronization beginning 21 days prior (d −21) TAI 0). Uterine flushes collected on d −21 −2. Pregnancy was determined transrectal ultrasound 30. Cytokines include interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), immunoglobin A (IgA) commercial ELISA kits. No differences day or pregnancy status detected samples. IgA, IL-1b Overall TGF-β uterus greater resulting pregnant than non-pregnant (44.0 ± 13.4 pg/mL vs. 14.7 4.9 pg/mL; P 0.047). correlated relative abundance genera Treponema r −0.668; 0.049) Ureaplasma 0.901; 0.0004) In animals, tendency for strong correlation between −2 progesterone 0.591, 0.07). IL-6 (198.7 21.8 144.3 16.1 0.045). also Butyrivibrio 0.742; 0.022) −21. These results suggest possible relationships different within beef cattle that may ultimately affect fertility outcomes.