Inflammation and fertility in the mare.
Abstract: A transient uterine inflammation post-breeding is a normal physiological reaction in the mare, and it is believed that the inflammatory response is necessary to eliminate bacteria and excess spermatozoa introduced into the uterine lumen. A tight balance between multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory factors is required for resolving the breeding-induced inflammation within 24-36 hr in the reproductively healthy mare, whereas a subpopulation of mares is susceptible to development of a persistent infection that can interfere with fertility. The aetiology of persistent endometritis can be either bacterial or semen-induced and both scenarios can threaten the establishment of pregnancy. Several factors associated with susceptibility to persistent endometritis have been identified including altered innate immune response in the early inflammatory process, reduced myometrial contractions and impaired opsonization; however, the pathogenesis to susceptibility has not been fully elucidated. Current research focuses on the initial hours of uterine inflammatory responses to semen and bacteria, and potential treatments to modify this altered innate immune response. An increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in the disease progression is necessary to improve the treatment and management of these mares. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge of the uterine inflammatory and immunological responses to breeding-induced endometritis, persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) and bacterial endometritis in the mare.
© 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Publication Date: 2017-08-18 PubMed ID: 28815848DOI: 10.1111/rda.13013Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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The research examines the relationship between inflammation and fertility in mares, highlighting that while normal post-breeding uterine inflammation is necessary to eliminate excess bacteria and spermatozoa, some mares can develop persistent infection that may affect their fertility. It discusses potential causes and treatments, and emphasizes the need for a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in disease progression to improve treatment.
Objective of the study
- The study examines how post-breeding uterine inflammation, which is a normal physiological reaction in mares, can become persistent endometritis, a condition that can interfere with fertility. It aims to understand the causes of this condition, its impact on fertility, and potential treatments.
Inflammatory Response and Fertility
- The researchers discuss the importance of a delicate balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in resolving breeding-induced inflammation within 24-36 hours in reproductively healthy mares.
- However, in some mares, the inflammation persists, leading to a condition known as persistent endometritis.
- The persistent inflammation, or endometritis, could be caused by bacteria or by an immune response to semen; both scenarios pose a threat to successful pregnancy.
Factors Contributing to Persistent Endometritis
- Key factors in the development of persistent endometritis include an abnormal initial immune response to inflammation, reduced contractions of the myometrium, and decreased opsonization – a process which enhances the absorption of pathogens by white blood cells.
- However, the exact pathogenesis of susceptibility to endometritis has not been fully understood.
Current Research and Future Implications
- Current research is focusing on understanding the initial stages of uterine inflammatory responses to semen and bacteria, and potential treatments to modify this immune response.
- An increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in the disease progression is necessary to improve the treatment and management of mares suffering from persistent endometritis. This would enhance overall fertility prognosis in mares.
Cite This Article
APA
Christoffersen M, Troedsson M.
(2017).
Inflammation and fertility in the mare.
Reprod Domest Anim, 52 Suppl 3, 14-20.
https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13013 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Endometritis / etiology
- Endometritis / immunology
- Endometritis / microbiology
- Endometritis / veterinary
- Female
- Fertility
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Immunity, Innate
- Inflammation / veterinary
- Male
- Spermatozoa / immunology
Citations
This article has been cited 18 times.- Donnellan EM, Cormican P, Reid C, Duggan G, Stiavnicka M, Meade KG, Fair S. The transcriptomic response of bovine uterine tissue is altered in response to sperm from high- and low-fertility bulls†.. Biol Reprod 2023 Jun 9;108(6):912-921.
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- Karam KM, Alebady AS, Alhilfi HO, Al-Delemi DH. Comparative study utilizing different post-breeding treatment regimens in cyclic Arabian mares.. Vet World 2021 Nov;14(11):2863-2868.
- Rivera Del Alamo MM, Reilas T, Lukasik K, Galvão AM, Yeste M, Katila T. Inflammatory Markers in Uterine Lavage Fluids of Pregnant, Non-Pregnant, and Intrauterine Device Implanted Mares on Days 10 and 15 Post Ovulation.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Dec 8;11(12).
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