The presence of Matrix Metallo Proteinases (MMPs) in the serum of the Tamil Nadu goat breed Tellichery was determined by a relative investigation. These experimental goats were split into two groups based on their sex and age. Each group had 12 animals: Group I had 12 male goats and Group II had 12 female goats. Before concentrate feeding, blood samples were taken in the morning. Gelatin zymography was applied to these serum samples. In both sexes showed major bands at 72 kDa of MMP-2 and at 220, 135 and 92 kDa of MMP-9. All latent forms of MMP-9 (220, 135, and 92 kDa) were detected as weak bands in female serum samples (Lanes 1, 6, 7). Since the MMP-2 (72 kDa) band was so noticeable, it was clear that MMP-2 activity was far greater than MMP-9 activity. In female serum samples, MMP-2 was roughly two to three times more intense than MMP-9. The 92 kDa and 135 kDa forms of MMP-9 were more noticeable in male serum samples (Lanes 2, 4, 5), while the 220 kDa form was less noticeable. Males exhibited higher levels of MMP-2 activity than females, which may indicate higher levels of gelatinase expression overall. Male samples had active forms of MMP-9 (210, 125, and 82 kDa), while female samples only contained latent forms. According to the study's findings, both sexes exhibited MMPs. In a similar vein, male goats expressed more MMP-2 than female goats, but female goats expressed more MMP-9. Because MMPs are involved in the buildup of extracellular matrix and are linked to the concentric remodeling of tissues, the results showed that sex influences the expression of MMP profiles in caprine species

Tellichery goats, MMP-2, MMP-9, Gelatin Zymography

The gelatin zymography results confirm that sex significantly influences the expression of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in Tellicherry goats. Females predominantly exhibit latent MMP-9 with stronger MMP-2 activity, likely associated with reproductive tissue remodeling. In contrast, males show higher active MMP-9 expression, suggesting its involvement in testicular function and extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings highlight the importance of gelatinase activity in reproductive physiology and provide insights into potential biomarkers for fertility and reproductive health in goats

T.C. Balamurugan, V. Haripriya, R. Prakash Krupakaran, G. Anandhi, E.L. Aadhie Shrie, M. Vishal and M. Swathi (2025). Exploring Matrix Metalloproteinases as Biomarkers in Male and Female Tellicherry Goats using Gelatin Zymography. Biological Forum, 17(4): 113-116