Proteomics of endometrial fluid after dexamethasone treatment in mares susceptible to endometritis.

This research examines the impact of dexamethasone treatment on the protein structure of endometrial fluid in mares prone to endometritis. The study identified alterations in the density of specific proteins related to inflammation following corticotherapy.

Objective of the Study

• The primary aim of the research was to understand the effect of corticotherapy, particularly the use of dexamethasone, on the protein structure of endometrial fluid in mares susceptible to persistent postbreeding endometritis. The aim was to investigate the impact of treatment both in the presence and absence of infection.

Procedure of the Study

• Nine susceptible mares between the age of 7 and 18 years were selected as a part of this study.
• The four treatments used included a control where the mare received no treatment, dexamethasone administered at breeding, intrauterine infusion with potential infection and dexamethasone with potential infection.
• Samples were collected after 6 and 24 hours post implementation of the respective treatments.
• The collected samples were subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for the identification of relevant protein spots.

Study Results

• The findings indicate that corticotherapy modifies the protein profile of endometrial fluid in susceptible mares.
• There was an increase and/or decrease in the optical density of inflammatory acute-phase proteins. These alterations occurred regardless of the presence or absence of infection.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that the use of dexamethasone in mares, whether infected or not, alters the protein profile of endometrial fluid of the susceptible mares, suggesting a change in the inflammatory response to potential endometritis.