Authors: Pollard Charley-Lea, Gibb Zamira, Clulow Jennifer, Ruiz Agustin, Sheridan Alecia, Bahrami Mohammad, Swegen Aleona, Grupen Christopher G
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary NAD+ metabolites play a critical role in cellular energy production and mitochondrial function, processes essential for oocyte development and embryo viability in mares, yet dietary requirements for optimum reproductive function remain poorly characterised. Researchers administered either nicotinic acid (3 g orally) or placebo to seven mares over three consecutive days during the follicular phase, then collected blood and follicular fluid samples via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration for mass spectrometry analysis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) concentrations in follicular fluid increased dramatically with supplementation—reaching fourfold higher levels than corresponding plasma and tenfold higher than vehicle-control fluids—whilst other NAD+ precursors (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and nicotinuric acid) also showed increased bioavailability in the follicular compartment. These findings suggest that oral nicotinic acid supplementation during the follicular phase meaningfully enhances NAD+ precursor availability where oocyte maturation occurs, potentially supporting better embryonic viability and reducing early pregnancy loss—particularly relevant for older mares where mitochondrial competence is increasingly compromised. The practical application warrants investigation in larger cohorts to establish optimal dosing protocols and timing relative to breeding, especially for subfertile mares or those with a history of embryonic loss.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Nicotinic acid supplementation may improve reproductive outcomes in mares by increasing NAD+ precursors in the ovarian microenvironment, with potential benefits for older mares at higher risk of embryonic loss
- •The 10-fold increase in NMN within follicular fluid suggests targeted accumulation of NAD+ metabolites at the site of oocyte development, indicating efficient bioavailability from oral supplementation
- •Consider NAD+ precursor supplementation as a non-invasive dietary strategy to support embryo viability and oocyte quality in mares with history of early pregnancy loss
Key Findings
- •Nicotinic acid supplementation (3 g) increased nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) concentration in follicular fluid 10-fold compared to vehicle control
- •NMN concentration in follicular fluid of NA-supplemented mares was 4-fold greater than corresponding plasma levels
- •Nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and nicotinuric acid concentrations tended to be greater in follicular fluid of supplemented mares compared to plasma
- •NAD+ precursor bioavailability was enhanced in the dominant follicle following NA supplementation, potentially supporting oocyte maturation quality particularly in older mares