2 Dicle Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Doğum ve Jinekoloji Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive forms of molecular oxygen produced during normal metabolic processes, particularly within the mitochondrial matrix. Some of the most biologically important ROS include superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite. Protecting the uterus and embryo from oxidative stress associated with ROS products throughout pregnancy plays a key role in the formation and healthy maintenance of pregnancy. The aim of the presented study is to observe the changes in malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, which are markers of oxidative stress during pregnancy, in the embryonic development process and to reveal their relationships with uterine echotexture. The study was conducted at the Dicle University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Application and Research Farm. Clinically and reproductively healthy ewes with good body condition and at least one previous birth were included in the study. When the findings obtained in the study were evaluated, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of oxidative stress markers, and it was determined that high values of Malondialdehyde (MDA), the final product of lipid peroxidation, were obtained in pregnant ewes on the 8th day when hatching occurred. The results indicate that oxidative stress markers, specifically glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and MDA, may be potential indicators for evaluating uterine ecotextural alterations in sheep during the early stages of pregnancy.
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