Prepartum dietary energy intake alters hepatic expression of genes related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and inflammation in peripartal dairy cows.

We determined the effect of prepartum plane of energy intake on liver function and metabolism pre- and postpartum by combining in vivo and in vitro data with mRNA expression data. A subset of multiparous prepartal Holsteins (n = 18) from a previously conducted experiment consumed 1 of 3 amounts of dietary energy intake, relative to their requirements. A diet formulated to allow consumption of ≥150% of net energy requirements during the far-off dry period and the close-up dry period was fed for ad libitum intake (150E) or in restricted amounts so that cows consumed 80% of requirements for energy (80E). A second diet was formulated to include wheat straw (26.1% of dry matter) to limit energy intake to 100% of NRC (2001) requirements for energy when fed ad libitum during the far-off period (100E). In the close-up period, 100E was fed the 150E diet for ad libitum intake. Expression of mRNA for genes related to fatty acid oxidation (PPARA, CPT1A, ACOX1) was greater for 100E cows than 150E cows on d 14 postpartum. These expression patterns were related to in vitro data for conversion of palmitate to CO, acid-soluble products, and esterified products by liver slices. Abundance of mRNA for PC displayed a sharp peak for all groups on d 1 postpartum, but serum glucose did not reflect this peak. The mRNA expression of SREBF1 was greater for 150E and 100E cows prepartum compared with 80E, and was positively related to rate of palmitate esterification postpartum. Expression of NR1H3 (LXRA) mRNA was greater for 100E cows on d 14 postpartum compared with 150E cows, which corresponded to expression of PPARA. An inflammatory response occurred in the liver around the time of parturition for 150E cows, as expression of IL1B was elevated both pre- and postpartum compared with 100E cows. The spike in IL1B expression for 150E cows on d 14 postpartum corresponded to the peak concentration of total lipids in liver tissue for all groups in this experiment. Overconsumption of energy prepartum was detrimental to the expression of important genes related to PPAR and liver function, especially postpartum. Furthermore, results provide evidence for inflammation related to accumulation of lipids in liver and overnutrition prepartum.