Adaptive Response of Estrogen-Iron Axis in Pregnant Purebred Spanish Mares of Different Age

Background and Aim: In females of various species and experimental animals, iron (Fe) status in follicular fluid (FF) is associated with local physiological reproductive events related to follicle development, steroidogenesis, and oocyte maturation. However, these mechanisms remain unknown. This study aimed to determine and compare the intrafollicular and plasma concentrations of Fe, ferritin (Ferr), and transferrin (TRF) in cycling mares. Materials and Methods: Sixty ovaries were collected during the breeding season from 30 clinically normal mares raised for slaughterhouse meat production. Blood samples were collected before slaughter. Follicles were classified into three categories according to size: Small (20–30 mm; n = 20), medium (≥31–40 mm; n = 20), and large (≥41 mm; n = 20). The FF samples, after collection, were immediately taken to the laboratory for processing and were centrifuged, and the Fe and Ferr concentrations in the supernatant and plasma were determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Although intrafollicular Fe and Ferr were similar to plasma, TRF was significantly higher in FF than in systemic circulation (p < 0.05). Follicular development does not modify the status of Fe in the mare. Conclusion: Based on this evidence, it is possible that the acquisition of this molecule possibly originated from a local de novo source, whereas their diffusion through ultrafiltration does not play a relevant role. These results provide new scientific insights into the status of follicle Fe, suggesting its involvement in normal ovarian functions in mares. Keywords: ferritin, follicular fluid, iron, mare, transferrin.

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Hematological indexes and iron status in pregnant mares

Medica

Fazio

Fauci

2023

Arch. Anim. Breed.

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Abstract. During pregnancy, iron requirements are increased to meet optimal placental and fetal growth and the expansion of the maternal red-cell mass and to prevent complications related to the mother's iron deficiency anemia. Red-cell parameters and iron status provide consistent additional information for diagnosis of iron deficiency conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum iron status and its relation to hematological indexes in pregnant mares. Blood samples were taken from 31 Spanish Purebred mares over 11 months of pregnancy. Concentrations of iron (Fe), ferritin (Ferr), transferrin (T), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) increased significantly and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) decreased as the pregnancy progressed without changes in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HB) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Fe and Ferr were positively correlated (r=0.21). Fe and T (r=0.69) and Fe and TSAT (r=0.94) were positively correlated, and Fe and UIBC were negatively correlated (r=-0.69). T and TIBC were positively correlated (r=1.00). Pregnancy in the Spanish Purebred mare is characterized by a progressive increase in Fe, Ferr, T, and TIBC and a decrease in UIBC without modification in hematological indexes. Hematological parameters and iron status seem to indicate a sufficiency for Fe transport and its related mobilization and utilization during gestation in Spanish Purebred mares.

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Adaptive Response of Estrogen-Iron Axis in Pregnant Purebred Spanish Mares of Different Age

Cited by 3 publications

References 59 publications

Plasma relaxin, estrogens and progestogens concentration in coldblooded and hot-blood mares in the second half of gestation

Plasma relaxin, estrogens and progestogens concentration in coldblooded and hot-blood mares in the second half of gestation

Comparative intrafollicular and plasma iron, ferritin, and transferrin concentrations in cycling mares

Hematological indexes and iron status in pregnant mares

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