AUTHOR=Ren Yujun , Zhang Qingze , He Fan , Qi Menfan , Fu Binbin , Zhang Huapeng , Huang Tao 

TITLE=Metabolomics reveals early pregnancy biomarkers in sows: a non-invasive diagnostic approach

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1396492

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2024.1396492

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<p>In an effort to enhance reproductive management and reduce non-productive periods in swine breeding, this study presents a novel, non-invasive metabolomics approach for the identification of early pregnancy biomarkers in sows. Utilizing an untargeted metabolomics approach with mass spectrometry analysis, we examined saliva samples from pregnant (<italic>n</italic> = 6) and non-pregnant control sows (<italic>n</italic> = 6, artificially inseminated with non-viable sperm). Our analysis revealed 286 differentially expressed metabolites, with 152 being up-regulated and 134 down-regulated in the pregnant group. Among these, three metabolites, namely Hyodeoxycholic acid, 2′-deoxyguanosine, and Thymidine, emerged as potential early pregnancy biomarkers. These biomarkers were further evaluated using targeted LC–MS/MS quantification and qualification, accompanied by ROC curve analysis. The study confirmed Hyodeoxycholic acid and 2′-deoxyguanosine as promising biomarkers for early pregnancy detection, offering potential for future implementation in swine production environments. This research establishes a robust theoretical foundation for the development of innovative molecular diagnostic techniques and explores new avenues for molecular genetic breeding and non-invasive diagnostics, ultimately enhancing fertility and productivity in sow herds.</p>