Influence of pregnancy on diurnal and seasonal changes in glucose level and activity of FDPA, AlAT and AspAT in mares.

This research investigated the effects of pregnancy on glucose levels and enzyme activity in mares, observing daily and seasonal patterns. The study found that pregnancy alters these patterns in mares, showing a shift in peak times and reducing the extent of fluctuations for certain measures.

Study Design and Objectives

• The objective of this research was to study the diurnal (daily) and seasonal changes in glucose levels and the activity of three enzymes: Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FDPA), Alanine Aminotransferase (AlAT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AspAT) in pregnant horses (mares).
• The researchers were comparing these patterns in pregnant mares to those in non-pregnant (barren) mares as a control group.
• These parameters were investigated by taking blood samples from the mares every four hours for one day each month, either throughout pregnancy or for one year in the case of non-pregnant mares.

Findings

• The research found a daily rhythm in the activity of AlAT and AspAT in non-pregnant mares. However, in pregnant mares, this diurnal rhythm was not apparent, suggesting that pregnancy disguises these patterns in enzyme activity.
• No daily rhythm was observed in glucose levels and FDPA activity in either pregnant or non-pregnant mares.
• The research identified a seasonal rhythm in all studied parameters for both groups of mares, indicating that these factors vary over the course of the year regardless of reproductive condition.
• Although pregnancy did not stop these seasonal variations, it did alter them. This alteration manifested in a shift in peak times (acrophases) of glucose, FDPA and AspAT, and a decrease in the extent of fluctuations (amplitudes) for FDPA, AlAT, and AspAT.

Implications

• This research suggests that pregnancy significantly affects metabolic parameters in mares.
• The changes may have implications for feeding and management practices for pregnant mares, as well as for understanding and managing their health during pregnancy.