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International journal of molecular sciences2024; 25(20); 11073; doi: 10.3390/ijms252011073

Plasma Lipidomics Reveals Lipid Signatures of Early Pregnancy in Mares.

Abstract: Understanding the systemic biochemistry of early pregnancy in the mare is essential for developing new diagnostics and identifying causes for pregnancy loss. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamic lipidomic changes occurring during the initial stages of equine pregnancy, with a specific focus on days 7 and 14 post-ovulation. By analysing and comparing the plasma lipid profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant mares, the objective of this study was to identify potential biomarkers for pregnancy and gain insights into the biochemical adaptations essential for supporting maternal recognition of pregnancy and early embryonic development. Employing discovery lipidomics, we analysed plasma samples from pregnant and non-pregnant mares on days 7 and 14 post-conception using the SCIEX ZenoTOF 7600 system. This high-resolution mass spectrometry approach enabled us to comprehensively profile and compare the lipidomes across these critical early gestational timepoints. Our analysis revealed significant lipidomic alterations between pregnant and non-pregnant mares and between days 7 and 14 of pregnancy. Key findings include the upregulation of bile acids, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylinositols, and triglycerides in pregnant mares. These changes suggest enhanced lipid synthesis and mobilization, likely associated with the embryo's nutritional requirements and the establishment of embryo-maternal interactions. There were significant differences in lipid metabolism between pregnant and non-pregnant mares, with a notable increase in the sterol lipid BA 24:1;O5 in pregnant mares as early as day 7 of gestation, suggesting it as a sensitive biomarker for early pregnancy detection. Notably, the transition from day 7 to day 14 in pregnant mares is characterized by a shift towards lipids indicative of membrane biosynthesis, signalling activity, and preparation for implantation. The study demonstrates the profound lipidomic shifts that occur in early equine pregnancy, highlighting the critical role of lipid metabolism in supporting embryonic development. These findings provide valuable insights into the metabolic adaptations during these period and potential biomarkers for early pregnancy detection in mares.
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Publication Date: 2024-10-15 PubMed ID: 39456856PubMed Central: PMC11508387DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011073Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 study explores how the lipid profiles in the blood plasma of pregnant mares change during the early stages of pregnancy, specifically on days 7 and 14 post-ovulation. This research aims to identify possible biomarkers for pregnancy and provide a better understanding of the biochemical adaptations necessary for the recognition of pregnancy and early embryo development.

Objectives and Methods of the Study

  • The primary goal of the study was to discern the lipidomic changes that happen during the initial stages of a mare’s pregnancy. The study’s focus was mainly on the lipid profiles of mares on the 7th and 14th day after ovulation.
  • The researchers used a discovery lipidomics approach to perform their analysis, utilizing the SCIEX ZenoTOF 7600 system – a high-resolution mass spectrometry tool.
  • This process allowed a comprehensive profiling of lipidomes during these crucial early gestational periods, and a comparison between pregnant and non-pregnant mares.

Key Findings of the Study

  • The study found significant changes in the lipidomes of pregnant mares compared to those not pregnant and between the two time points during early pregnancy.
  • Specifically, they noted an increase in bile acids, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylinositols, and triglycerides in pregnant mares. These changes are indicative of enhanced lipid synthesis and mobilization, likely due to the embryo’s nutritional needs and the establishment of embryonic-maternal interactions.
  • Lipid metabolism between pregnant and non-pregnant mares showed significant differences, with a notable increase in the sterol lipid BA 24:1;O5 in pregnant mares as early as the seventh day of gestation.
  • The transition from the 7th to the 14th day in pregnant mares was characterized by a shift towards lipids indicative of membrane biosynthesis, signalling activity, and preparation for implantation.

Significance and Implications of the Study

  • This study provides new insights into the significant lipidomic shifts that occur during the early stages of equine pregnancy and underscores the critical role of lipid metabolism in supporting embryonic development.
  • The alterations in the lipid profiles may provide potential biomarkers for early pregnancy detection in mares. In particular, the sterol lipid BA 24:1;O5 could serve as a sensitive biomarker for early pregnancy detection.
  • These findings further our understanding of the metabolic adaptations that occur during early pregnancy, which could lead to improved diagnostics and potential solutions to pregnancy loss in mares.

Cite This Article

APA
Perera TRW, Bromfield EG, Gibb Z, Nixon B, Sheridan AR, Rupasinghe T, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Swegen A. (2024). Plasma Lipidomics Reveals Lipid Signatures of Early Pregnancy in Mares. Int J Mol Sci, 25(20), 11073. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011073

Publication

International journal of molecular sciences
ISSN: 1422-0067
NlmUniqueID: 101092791
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 20
PII: 11073

Researcher Affiliations

Perera, Tharangani R W
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.
Bromfield, Elizabeth G
  • School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia.
Gibb, Zamira
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.
Nixon, Brett
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.
Sheridan, Alecia R
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.
Rupasinghe, Thusitha
  • SCIEX, Mount Waverley 3149, Australia.
Skerrett-Byrne, David A
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.
  • Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
  • German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
Swegen, Aleona
  • Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
  • Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights 2305, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Pregnancy
  • Female
  • Horses / blood
  • Lipidomics / methods
  • Lipids / blood
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Pregnancy, Animal / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Bile Acids and Salts / blood
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism

Grant Funding

  • PRJ-011748 / AgriFutures Australia Thoroughbred Horses Program

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Chang X, Zhang Z, Yao X, Meng J, Ren W, Zeng Y. Lipidomics and biochemical profiling of adult Yili horses in a 26 km endurance race: exploring metabolic adaptations. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1597739.
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