Animal Reproduction (AR)
https://animal-reproduction.org/article/doi/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0070
Animal Reproduction (AR)
Thematic Section: X International Symposium on Animal Biology of Reproduction (ISABR)

The path to fertility: Current approaches to mare endometritis and endometrosis

Graça ML Ferreira-Dias; Joana Alpoim-Moreira; Anna Szóstek-Mioduchowska; Maria Rosa Rebordão; Dariusz J. Skarzynski

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0070 Anim Reprod, vol.21, n3, e20240070, 2024
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Abstract

The path to fertility in the mare requires an understanding of the hormonal influences, the immune response, genetics, and epigenetic mechanisms involved not only in physiological reproductive processes, but also such pathologies as endometritis and endometrosis. Endometritis may lead to endometrosis establishment. In the presence of endometritis, neutrophils arrive at the mare endometrium, and form neutrophil extracellular traps. While NETosis plays pivotal roles, prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic endometritis, endometrosis, and fertility issues. Matrix metalloproteinases and epigenetic changes influence the course of endometrosis. Inhibitors of specific enzymes involved in NETosis and epigenetic inhibitors have shown potential in reducing pro-fibrotic effects. Collagen type III (COL3) has emerged as a putative biomarker, correlating with endometrosis and useful in fertility assessment. Thus, COL3 may offer a non-invasive diagnostic tool, as a complement to histopathological methods. Epigenetic modifications and miRNA expressions offer new avenues for therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms at play in mare endometrial fibrosis.

Keywords

mare, endometritis, endometrosis, Neutrophil Extracellular Traps, epigenetics

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Submitted date:
05/23/2024

Accepted date:
06/25/2024

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