Effect of age on androgens pattern in cyclic mares.

This research investigates how aging impacts the production of androgens (male hormones) in female horses (mares). It shows that older mares have a reduced concentration of these key hormones, which play significant roles in their ovarian function, estrogen synthesis, and follicular growth.

Objective of the Research

• The main aim of the research was to assess the concentrations of three distinct androgens (Testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone) in mares and make comparisons across different age groups.

Methodology

• Blood samples were taken from seventy Spanish Purebred mares that were categorized into five different age groups: 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, 14-16 years, and those older than 16 years.
• The concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA were determined using a method known as EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) specifically validated for horses.

Research Findings

• Mares aged between 3 and 13 years had higher testosterone concentrations compared to those aged over 16 years. Moreover, mares aged 6-9 years had higher concentrations than those aged 14-16 years.
• Androstenedione concentrations were found to be lower in mares older than 16 years when compared to those of other age groups.
• DHEA concentrations were lower in mares aged 14-16 years and those older than 16 years when compared with those from other age groups.
• The research also found a positive correlation between DHEA with both testosterone and androstenedione, insinuating that increased levels of DHEA are likely to be concurrent with higher levels of the other two androgens.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that age has a considerable effect on the synthesis of androgens in physiologically cyclic Spanish Purebred mares. The significant reduction in these hormones’ synthesis in older mares underscores the need to consider these physiological variations in analytical data interpretation.