Evaluation of oxidative DNA damage in blood lymphocytes during the transition period in dairy cows

The present study was undertaken to evaluate 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level in peripheral lymphocytes during the transition period in dairy cows. Twenty cows that belong to the Iwate Livestock Breeding Center (Morioka city, Iwate prefecture, Japan) were subjected to study. Whole blood samples were collected from the same animals at two weeks perpartum and two weeks postpartum. Oxidative DNA damage marker (8-OHdG) was measured in peripheral lymphocytes using commercial ELISA kits. The results revealed that the 8-OHdG level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) during the prepartum period than its level during early lactation. It could be concluded that oxidative DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes increased during the prepartum period in dairy cows.