Measurement of zonulin levels in dairy cattle with ketosis

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between ketosis and intestinal health by determining zonulin levels in dairy cows diagnosed with ketosis. Material and Methods: A total of 68 dairy cows of Holstein, >3 years age (multiparous), 2- 21 days postpartum in early lactation, with ketosis (n=35) and healthy control (n=33) were included. The diagnosis of ketosis was based on BHBA of  1,2 mmol/L. Zonulin levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Serum zonulin levels were found to be significantly higher in ketotic cows compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between BHBA and zonulin levels (p>0.05). Conclusion: This findings indicated that intestinal barrier function is impaired in ketotic cows. However, the lack of a statistically significant association between BHBA and zonulin suggests that the increase in zonulin may be resulted from various mechanisms. Keywords: Ketosis, Zonulin, Leaky Gut