Modulation of Bovine Galectinome By Microbes

Galectins (Gal) are conserved animal lectins with pleiotropic functions in intracellular signaling of cellular and biological processes. Galectins can also serve as both pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). The expression of galectin has been associated with inflammation and immunity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, PAMP) and probiotics supplements on galectin expression in bovine blood. Following 60 days administration of oral probiotics to Holstein-cows, blood was collected and pretreated with 100 ng/ml LPS. Microarray experiment was performed in probiotics-treated blood and LPS samples. Probiotic supplementation increased the expression of LGALS8 (FC= 22.8), LGALS4 (24.3), but decreased LGALS3 (FC= -5.13) gene expression. Global gene expression analysis following LPS treatment identified the expression of 4 galectins; LGALS3 (Fold change, FC= 10.5), LGALS4 (FC= -3.01), LGALS1 (FC= -4.38), and LGALS2 (FC=- 2.52). Real-time PCR was used to validate the expression of LGALS1, LGALS3, and LGALS4. The downregulation of LGALS3 by probiotics suggests its potential to regulate systemic immune and inflammation responses. Our study results show that probiotic supplements to dairy cows may be useful as immunomodulators for the treatment of LPS associated inflammation and morbidities.