Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Small Ruminant Research, cilt.252, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
This study investigates the expression patterns of microRNA (miR)-125b and miR-23b during early pregnancy in Awassi ewes. Animal material included 33 ewes consisting of pregnant (PP) (n = 14), non-pregnant (PN) (n = 14), and control group (n = 5) where estrus synchronization was performed but mating was not allowed. Plasma samples were collected on days 7 and 14 post-mating in PP, PN, and control groups. The expression levels of miRNAs were analyzed using qPCR, and progesterone (P4) levels were measured via electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. On day 7, the miR-23b expressions were similar in PN, PP, and control. However, compared to control and PN, miR-23b was found to be upregulated approximately 2-fold in the PP on day 14. miR-23b expressions were similar on day 7 and day 14 in PP. miR-125b expression was similar in PN, PP, and control on day 7. Compared to control, miR-125b was upregulated nearly 3-fold in the PP on day 14. Furthermore, miR-125b was recorded to be more than 3-fold upregulated on day 14 compared to day 7 in the PP. Moreover, mean P4 levels were higher in the PP than in the PN. Bioinformatics findings revealed that miR-23b and miR-125b regulate 736 genes. miR-23b is notably involved in the HIF-1 signalling pathway, influencing the secretion of pregnancy-related hormones and supporting organ development and pregnancy progression (FDR value <0.05). miR-125b plays a role in placental and embryonic development, osteoblast differentiation, and angiogenesis regulation (FDR-value <0.05). In conclusion, the upregulation of miR-23b and miR-125b in plasma might be related to pregnancy, and both miRNAs might be used as pregnancy biomarkers in ewes.