FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2017; 52 Suppl 3; 14-20; doi: 10.1111/rda.13013

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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2017-08-18 PubMed ID: 28815848DOI: 10.1111/rda.13013Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

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

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 52 Suppl 3
Pages: 14-20

Researcher Affiliations

Christoffersen, M
  • Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Troedsson, Mht
  • 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 25 times.
  1. 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.
    doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioad031pubmed: 36947086google scholar: lookup
  2. Ding X, Cui X, Shi J, Cheng X, Yao D, Gao Y, Zhang Y. Construction of a model of endometritis in domestic rabbits using equine-derived pathogens and evaluation of therapeutic effect of sensitive drugs. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1064522.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1064522pubmed: 36846263google scholar: lookup
  3. Freccero F, Mislei B, Bucci D, Dondi F, Mari G. Effects of Intra-Uterine Fluid Accumulation after Artificial Insemination on Luteal Function in Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 23;13(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13010067pubmed: 36611677google scholar: lookup
  4. Jasiński T, Zdrojkowski Ł, Kautz E, Juszczuk-Kubiak E, Ferreira-Dias G, Domino M. The NF-κB-signalling pathway in mare's endometrium infiltrated with the inflammatory cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Jun;57(6):598-610.
    doi: 10.1111/rda.14099pubmed: 35182075google scholar: lookup
  5. 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.
    doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2863-2868pubmed: 35017832google scholar: lookup
  6. 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).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11123493pubmed: 34944269google scholar: lookup
  7. Malaluang P, Wilén E, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2021 Oct 22;11(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11113035pubmed: 34827768google scholar: lookup
  8. Amaral A, Fernandes C, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Lukasik K, Rebordão MR, Pinto-Bravo P, Skarzynski DJ, Ferreira-Dias G. The Inhibitory Effect of Noscapine on the In Vitro Cathepsin G-Induced Collagen Expression in Equine Endometrium. Life (Basel) 2021 Oct 19;11(10).
    doi: 10.3390/life11101107pubmed: 34685478google scholar: lookup
  9. Cui L, Xu F, Wang S, Li X, Lin H, Ding Y, Du M. Pharmacological activation of rev-erbα suppresses LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization and prevents pregnancy loss. BMC Immunol 2021 Aug 16;22(1):57.
    doi: 10.1186/s12865-021-00438-4pubmed: 34399700google scholar: lookup
  10. Weber KS, Wagener K, Blanco M, Bauersachs S, Bollwein H. A comparative analysis of the intrauterine transcriptome in fertile and subfertile mares using cytobrush sampling. BMC Genomics 2021 May 22;22(1):377.
    doi: 10.1186/s12864-021-07701-3pubmed: 34022808google scholar: lookup
  11. Barba M, Martínez-Boví R, Quereda JJ, Mocé ML, Plaza-Dávila M, Jiménez-Trigos E, Gómez-Martín Á, González-Torres P, Carbonetto B, García-Roselló E. Vaginal Microbiota Is Stable throughout the Estrous Cycle in Arabian Maress. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 3;10(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10112020pubmed: 33153053google scholar: lookup
  12. Al-Kass Z, Eriksson E, Bagge E, Wallgren M, Morrell JM. Microbiota of semen from stallions in Sweden identified by MALDI-TOF. Vet Anim Sci 2020 Dec;10:100143.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100143pubmed: 33145452google scholar: lookup
  13. Drizi A, Djokovic D, Laganà AS, van Herendael B. Impaired inflammatory state of the endometrium: a multifaceted approach to endometrial inflammation. Current insights and future directions. Prz Menopauzalny 2020 Jul;19(2):90-100.
    doi: 10.5114/pm.2020.97863pubmed: 32802019google scholar: lookup
  14. Schöniger S, Schoon HA. The Healthy and Diseased Equine Endometrium: A Review of Morphological Features and Molecular Analyses. Animals (Basel) 2020 Apr 5;10(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10040625pubmed: 32260515google scholar: lookup
  15. de Holanda AGB, da Silva Leite J, Consalter A, da Silva KVGC, Dos Santos Batista BP, Fonseca ABM, Brandão FZ, Ferreira AMR. Expression of interleukins 6 and 10 and population of inflammatory cells in the equine endometrium: diagnostic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2019 Apr;46(2):2485-2491.
    doi: 10.1007/s11033-018-04579-5pubmed: 30900135google scholar: lookup
  16. Nash DM, Paddison J, Davies Morel MCG, Barnea ER. Preimplantation factor modulates acute inflammatory responses of equine endometrium. Vet Med Sci 2018 Nov;4(4):351-356.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.126pubmed: 30273998google scholar: lookup
  17. Rink BE, Beyer T, French HM, Watson E, Aurich C, Donadeu FX. The Fate of Autologous Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells After Application in the Healthy Equine Uterus. Stem Cells Dev 2018 Aug 1;27(15):1046-1052.
    doi: 10.1089/scd.2018.0056pubmed: 29790424google scholar: lookup
  18. Miller DJ. Review: The epic journey of sperm through the female reproductive tract. Animal 2018 Jun;12(s1):s110-s120.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731118000526pubmed: 29551099google scholar: lookup
  19. Ferreira CSC, Pinna AE, Dos Santos IPF, Dias MCR, Dos Santos NSL, Bragueroli SDS, Quintino PM, Almeida GB, Penna BA, da Rocha EMDS, de Souza GN, Barbosa CG, de Jesus VLT, Jacob JCF. Powerflow Doppler Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Mares with and Without Endometritis. Vet Sci 2025 Sep 28;12(10).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12100941pubmed: 41150081google scholar: lookup
  20. Satué K, La Fauci D, Medica P, Damiá Gímenez E, Cravana C, Fazio E. Shifts between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory profiles in pregnant mares: a review of physiological functions. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1660759.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1660759pubmed: 41049139google scholar: lookup
  21. Werle J, Nunes GT, Machado CS, Silva CBD, Vogel FSF, Vargas APC, Cargnelutti JF. Characterization of Corynebacterium uterequi isolates from mares in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2025 Sep;56(3):2111-2119.
    doi: 10.1007/s42770-025-01726-6pubmed: 40676459google scholar: lookup
  22. Dyroff AI, López-Valiñas Á, Magalhaes HB, Podico G, Canisso IF, Almiñana C, Bauersachs S. Comparison of RNA- and DNA-based 16S amplicon sequencing to find the optimal approach for the analysis of the uterine microbiome. Sci Rep 2025 May 16;15(1):17037.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00969-5pubmed: 40379732google scholar: lookup
  23. Piotrowska-Tomala KK, Szóstek-Mioduchowska AZ, Drzewiecka EM, Jonczyk AW, Wójtowicz A, Wrobel MH, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ. Prostaglandin pathways in equine myometrium regulations: endometrosis progression. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1479508.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1479508pubmed: 39735588google scholar: lookup
  24. Piotrowska-Tomala KK, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Jonczyk AW, Drzewiecka EM, Wrobel MH, Hojo T, Ferreira-Dias G, Skarzynski DJ. The effect of lysophosphatidic acid on myometrial contractility and the mRNA transcription of its receptors in the myometrium at different stages of endometrosis in mares. BMC Vet Res 2024 Dec 19;20(1):571.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-04384-2pubmed: 39696406google scholar: lookup
  25. Silva JA, Castañares M, Mouguelar H, Valenciano JA, Pellegrino MS. Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from the reproductive tract of mares as potentially beneficial strains to prevent equine endometritis. Vet Res Commun 2024 Jun;48(3):1353-1366.
    doi: 10.1007/s11259-024-10295-2pubmed: 38233700google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,658 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.