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Preliminary Metabolomic Analysis: Serum Metabolomic Dynamics During Estrus Synchronization in Kazakh Mares.
Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the differences in serum metabolomes at different stages of estrus synchronization in Kazakh horses, to characterize dynamic changes in serum metabolites during estrus synchronization, and to screen potential metabolic markers and key regulatory pathways. Four sampling stages (M1: intravaginal device insertion; M3: device removal, labeled consistently with the pre-experiment timeline; P: 24 h post-PG injection; L: tertiary follicle emergence) were selected. The research results showed that 37 significantly different metabolites (DAMs) were identified in the M1-vs.-M3 positive ion mode, with 16 metabolites significantly upregulated and 21 significantly downregulated. In the M1-vs.-M3 negative ion mode, 47 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 17 upregulated and 30 downregulated. In the M3-vs.-P positive ion mode, 69 significantly different metabolites were identified, with 53 upregulated and 16 downregulated. In the M3-vs.-P negative ion mode, 63 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 39 upregulated and 24 downregulated. In the Pvs-L positive ion mode, 65 significantly different metabolites were identified, with 16 upregulated and 49 downregulated. In the P-vs.-L negative ion mode, 61 significantly different metabolites were identified, including 13 upregulated and 48 downregulated. The significantly different metabolites mainly included lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, and organic acids and their derivatives. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the significantly different metabolites in Kazakh horses at different stages were mainly enriched in nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and related pathways. This study revealed significant differences in the serum metabolome, and nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism, by generating NAD and NADPH, simultaneously supporting energy supply, steroid hormone synthesis, and antioxidant protection, which are the basic metabolic guarantees for the development of follicles from quiescence to growth; amino acid synthesis not only provides protein raw materials for follicular cell proliferation but also participates in the regulation of the follicular microenvironment by synthesizing signaling molecules and antioxidant substances. This study enriched the research on the metabolic regulation of estrus synchronization in equine species, filled the gap in the metabolomics research of estrus synchronization in Kazakh horses, and provided an important theoretical basis and practical reference for optimizing the estrus synchronization treatment plan for Kazakh horses, adjusting the focus of feeding and management at each stage and improving the conception rate.
Publication Date: 2026-07-17 PubMed ID: 42511099DOI: 10.3390/ani16142222Google 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.
- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This study investigated changes in serum metabolites at different stages of estrus synchronization in Kazakh mares.
- It identified key metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers related to follicle development and reproductive health during synchronization.
Study Objectives and Sampling Stages
- Aimed to analyze differences in serum metabolomes across four critical stages during estrus synchronization:
- M1: intravaginal device insertion
- M3: device removal, which is consistent with the pre-experiment timeline
- P: 24 hours post-injection of prostaglandin (PG)
- L: tertiary follicle emergence, representing follicle growth phase
- Goal was to characterize how serum metabolites dynamically change, screen for significant metabolite markers, and identify key metabolic pathways involved.
Key Findings: Differentially Abundant Metabolites (DAMs)
- Each stage comparison was evaluated in both positive and negative ion modes to capture a broad spectrum of serum metabolites.
- M1 vs M3:
- Positive ion mode: 37 DAMs (16 upregulated, 21 downregulated)
- Negative ion mode: 47 DAMs (17 upregulated, 30 downregulated)
- M3 vs P:
- Positive ion mode: 69 DAMs (53 upregulated, 16 downregulated)
- Negative ion mode: 63 DAMs (39 upregulated, 24 downregulated)
- P vs L:
- Positive ion mode: 65 DAMs (16 upregulated, 49 downregulated)
- Negative ion mode: 61 DAMs (13 upregulated, 48 downregulated)
- These metabolite changes indicate dynamic biochemical shifts occurring across synchronization stages.
Main Classes of Metabolites Identified
- Significantly different metabolites mainly included:
- Lipids and lipid-like molecules
- Organic heterocyclic compounds
- Organic acids and their derivatives
KEGG Enrichment and Metabolic Pathway Insights
- KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analysis highlighted:
- Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism
- Amino acid synthesis pathways
- Other related metabolic routes involved in follicular development
- Key metabolic roles inferred:
- Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide metabolism: generates NAD and NADPH that are essential for:
- Energy supply to follicle cells
- Synthesis of steroid hormones necessary for reproductive function
- Antioxidant protection preventing oxidative damage during follicle growth
- Amino acid synthesis: contributes to:
- Supply of protein building blocks for proliferation of follicular cells
- Regulation of microenvironment through signaling molecules and antioxidants synthesized from amino acids
Scientific and Practical Significance
- This study enriches the understanding of metabolic regulation during estrus synchronization in horses, a species for which metabolomics data have been limited, especially the Kazakh breed.
- It fills a significant research gap by providing detailed metabolomic profiles across the estrus synchronization timeline.
- Provides theoretical foundations and practical implications to:
- Optimize estrus synchronization protocols tailored for Kazakh mares
- Adjust nutritional and management strategies at each synchronization stage to support metabolic demands
- Ultimately improve conception rates by supporting follicular development through targeted metabolic pathways
Cite This Article
APA
Liu J, Gan J, Yao X, Wang J, Ren W, Meng J, Zeng Y.
(2026).
Preliminary Metabolomic Analysis: Serum Metabolomic Dynamics During Estrus Synchronization in Kazakh Mares.
Animals (Basel), 16(14), 2222.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142222 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
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