Endometrial expression of antimicrobial peptides as markers of subclinical endometritis in mares.
Authors: Moroni Rebecca, Fanelli Diana, Camillo Francesco, Rota Alessandra, Cantile Carlo, Marmorini Paola, Salamone Giulia, Ori Michela, Panzani Duccio
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Subclinical endometritis represents a significant reproductive challenge in mares, particularly in older multiparous individuals whose compromised immune function and impaired uterine clearance mechanisms predispose them to chronic endometrial inflammation and degenerative changes. This 2024 investigation examined antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) expressed within endometrial tissue as potential diagnostic markers for detecting subclinical inflammation that conventional diagnostic methods might miss. The research team characterised AMP expression patterns in endometrial samples to establish whether these innate immune molecules could reliably indicate the presence of subclinical endometritis and thereby improve detection of mares at risk of subfertility. Identifying reliable endometrial biomarkers would enable earlier intervention and more targeted therapeutic strategies, particularly benefiting breeding programmes reliant on older mares where reproductive efficiency is economically critical. Such findings could shift equine reproduction practice towards proactive immune assessment rather than reactive treatment of established clinical disease.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Older, multiparous mares require targeted screening for endometritis due to increased susceptibility from age-related immune dysfunction and uterine clearance problems
- •Consider antimicrobial peptide expression as a diagnostic marker for detecting subclinical endometritis in breeding mares to improve fertility outcomes
- •Implement preventive management strategies for older mares to support uterine health and clearance mechanisms post-breeding
Key Findings
- •Endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in mares, particularly affecting multiparous older mares
- •Ageing is associated with altered immune response and inadequate physiological uterine clearance after breeding
- •Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as potential endometritis markers in equine species