To verify the potential relevance of pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) with periparturient reproductive disorders, the changes of plasma IL-10 and IL-18 have been investigated in buffalo cows under Egyptian condition. A total of twenty healthy multiparous Egyptian buffaloes weighing 420–600 kg, between (2nd and 6th parity) in advanced pregnancy status
with no history of peripartum diseases were enrolled in this study. All animals were observed carefully for incidence of any reproductive disorders such as dystocia, abortion etc. After parturition, the individual buffalo cow was critically monitored for the diagnosis of postpartum disorders like retained placenta, clinical metritis, and delayed involution of the uterus during the course of four weeks' postpartum period. Buffalo cows were divided into four groups on the basis of postpartum disorders to normal (NM), retained of fetal membrane (RFM), clinical metritis (CM) and delayed involution of the uterus (DIU) (5 animals in each). Blood samples were collected from one month before expected calving (at 30,15, 5 and 1 days), the day of calving and three months after parturition (1,7,15 and 30,45,60 and 90 days). Results showed that both of CM and RFM groups showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher values of IL-10 than NM group all over the experimental period. Also, group CM showed a higher value than that for group RFM in pre-calving period and vice versa for group RFM than that for group CM in post-calving period. A tendency for a gradual decrease in the level of IL-10 at the date of birth for all experimental groups were noticed and then rise again after that. Group DIU showed a less valuable of IL-10 compared to other groups through the
experimental period. For IL-18 group CM showed a liner increase in IL-18 concentration from day -30 pre-calving till day 90 post-calving, whereas, group RFM showed the same pattern except for days 60 and 90 post-calving.Group DIU showed a less valuable level of IL-18 compared to other groups through the experimental period. In the day of calving DIU group show a sharp decrease in the level of IL-18 and then rise again after that. In conclusion, these data support the utility of PIC (IL-10 and IL-18) measurement in late pregnancy as prognostic markers to identify the buffalo cows that will develop RFM and CM.