Rabbit Does as a Model for Studying Plasma Metabolomic Adaptations Across Reproductive Stages: Insights from Parturition to Weaning
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Simple Summary This study examines plasma metabolomic changes in rabbit does between parturition and weaning using an untargeted LC-MS approach on 48 samples. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed between stages, with parturition characterized by higher levels of metabolites such as betaine and alpha-CEHC, while weaning showed increased levels of compounds related to amino acid, vitamin B6, and lipid metabolism, including 4-pyridoxic acid, proline betaine, allysine, and modified phospholipids. These results highlight significant metabolic adaptations associated with reproductive stage, particularly in pathways related to energy balance and nutrient metabolism, and support the rabbit as a useful model for studying physiological changes during reproduction and lactation. plain-language-summary Abstract Metabolomics is increasingly applied in veterinary molecular biology to investigate physiological adaptations in animals. In this study, rabbit does were used as a model to explore plasma metabolomic changes associated with key reproductive stages, specifically parturition and weaning. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, 48 plasma samples were analyzed to characterize metabolic differences between these physiological states: parturition (= 24) and weaning (= 24). The experiment was conducted between February and November 2019. Distinct metabolomic profiles were observed between stages, with variations detected in metabolites associated with lipid metabolism, energy hom
Abstract
Simple Summary This study examines plasma metabolomic changes in rabbit does between parturition and weaning using an untargeted LC-MS approach on 48 samples. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed between stages, with parturition characterized by higher levels of metabolites such as betaine and alpha-CEHC, while weaning showed increased levels of compounds related to amino acid, vitamin B6, and lipid metabolism, including 4-pyridoxic acid, proline betaine, allysine, and modified phospholipids. These results highlight significant metabolic adaptations associated with reproductive stage, particularly in pathways related to energy balance and nutrient metabolism, and support the rabbit as a useful model for studying physiological changes during reproduction and lactation. plain-language-summary Abstract Metabolomics is increasingly applied in veterinary molecular biology to investigate physiological adaptations in animals. In this study, rabbit does were used as a model to explore plasma metabolomic changes associated with key reproductive stages, specifically parturition and weaning. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, 48 plasma samples were analyzed to characterize metabolic differences between these physiological states: parturition (= 24) and weaning (= 24). The experiment was conducted between February and November 2019. Distinct metabolomic profiles were observed between stages, with variations detected in metabolites associated with lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cellular metabolic pathways. Distinct changes included higher plasma levels of Betaine and alpha-CEHC at parturition, while weaning was characterized by elevated levels of 4-Pyridoxic acid, Proline betaine, Allysine, modified phospholipids, and other nitrogenous and lipophilic metabolites, reflecting stage-specific metabolic adaptations. These results contribute to the understanding of metabolic regulation during reproduction and lactation in mammals and highlight the usefulness of the rabbit as an experimental model in veterinary molecular and physiological research.