Relation between post breeding endometritis, fertility and blood and endometrial acute phase proteins in mares.

• Grant number: 22/15204-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini
• Grantee: Ana Luiza Carriel Griffo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Endometritis in mares is the main cause for infertility, therefore making its diagnosis so important. Acknowledging that acute phase proteins (APP) can be used as markers for inflammatory processes, those could help in early diagnosis of post-breeding endometritis in mares and thus allow decisions for treatments toward better fertility rates. Literature reviews are sparse and inconclusive concerning the relation between the APP and endometritis. On that account, the purpose of this study is to evaluate seric and endometrial APP (albumin, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, fibrinogen and transferrin) and identify which are related to post-breeding endometritis and fertility in mares. Fourteen mares submitted to daily follicular and uterine monitoring with ultrasonography and palpation and induction of ovulations (follicle e 35 mm) will be used for this study. Artificial insemination (AI) will be done after ovulation. Microbiological culture, endometrial cytology and endometrial and blood samples (for APP evaluation) will be collected immediately before AI and 24 hours after AI. Based on the results of microbiological culture and endometrial cytology the mares will be divided into two groups: negative and positive for post-breeding endometritis. These groups will then be compared as for APP profile and fertility. APP dosages will be made with the use of specific kits in biochemical analyses. Pregnancy diagnosis will be performed 14 days after AI. Mares with negative pregnancy diagnosis will again be submitted to follicular monitoring and AI, having each new cycle considered for the experimental "n" for the study. The data will be evaluated with ANOVA. Fertility rate will be calculated using the test of Fisher, considering p d 0.05.