Advanced age in mares affects endometrial secretion of arachidonic acid metabolites during equine subclinical endometritis.

The research suggests that older mares suffering from subclinical endometritis produce higher levels of certain arachidonic acid metabolites which can disrupt the immuno-endocrine balance and affect the reproductive system.

Research Overview

In this research, the scientists observed differences in the secretion of specific arachidonic acid metabolites in younger mares compared to older mares suffering from subclinical endometritis, which is a type of reproductive failure more common in aging mares. The study implies that the age of the mare plays a significant role in the equilibrium of immunological mediators and endocrine modulators, indicating that older mares display disrupted regulation in these areas.

Methodology

• To verify this hypothesis, they established ex vivo organ cultures of endometrium. This means they cultured organ tissues from the mares in an external environment mimicking the natural, in vivo conditions.
• The researchers collected endometrial biopsies from 82 mares of known breeding history.
• They then measured the concentrations of specific arachidonic acid metabolites, including prostaglandin E (PGE), 6-keto-PGF, and leukotrienes (LTs) LTB and LTC in the culture supernatants.

Findings

• The concentrations of the selected arachidonic acid metabolites, which act both as immunological mediators and endocrine modulators in the reproductive organs, were found to vary with the mares’ ages.
• Spontaneous endometrial secretion of PGE, 6-keto-PGF, and LTC was found to be increased in mares aged 16-23 years that suffered from subclinical endometritis, compared with control counterparts.
• Furthermore, secretion of these metabolites was higher in endometritis-positive mares aged 16-23 years than in younger females.

Conclusion

The outcome of this research identifies that advanced age in mares disturbs the immuno-endocrine balance in endometritis-positive mares. Consequently, this imbalance could potentially play a role in reproductive disturbances observed in aging mares.