Tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 concentration in the serum of sows with the MMA syndrome

The investigations were carried out in 10 sows that developed post-partum MMA syndrome (experimental group) and in 10 healthy sows (control) from one closed production cycle farm. The levels of TNFα and IL-6 were measured 12-24 and 48-72 h before, as well as 12-24 and 48-72 h after parturition using the ELISA. The findings revealed significantly increased postpartum levels of TNFα in both groups. Compared to the control group, the levels of TNFα in the experimental group were significantly higher 12-24 h before and 48-72 h after the parturition. The IL-6 levels significantly increased in the experimental group 48-72 h after the parturition. At both postpartum measurement points, the levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in controls. The results indicate that TNFα and IL-6 are involved in the pathogenesis of the MMA syndrome and that their determinations are useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.