Amniotic Mesenchymal-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Role in the Prevention of Persistent Post-Breeding Induced Endometritis

Abstract

Persistent post-breeding induced endometritis (PPBIE) is considered a major cause of subfertility in mares. It consists of persistent or delayed uterine inflammation in susceptible mares. There are many options for the treatment of PPBIE, but in this study, a novel approach aimed at preventing the onset of PPBIE was investigated. Stallion semen was supplemented with extracellular vesicles derived from amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSC-EVs) at the time of insemination to prevent or limit the development of PPBIE. Before use in mares, a dose–response curve was produced to evaluate the effect of AMSC-EVs on spermatozoa, and an optimal concentration of 400 × 106 EVs with 10 × 106 spermatozoa/mL was identified. At this concentration, sperm mobility parameters were not negatively affected. Sixteen susceptible mares were enrolled and inseminated with semen (n = 8; control group) or with semen supplemented with EVs (n = 8; EV group). The supplementation of AMSC-EVs to semen resulted in a reduction in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration as well as intrauterine fluid accumulation (IUF; p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in intrauterine cytokine levels (p < 0.05) for TNF-α and IL-6 and an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 in mares in the EV group, suggesting successful modulation of the post-insemination inflammatory response. This procedure may be useful for mares susceptible to PPBIE.

Amniotic Fluid and Placental Membranes as Sources of Stem Cells: Progress and Challenges 2.0

“…To date, only one study has evaluated the in vivo effects of MSC-CM intrauterine infusion on mares that are susceptible to PPBIE [30], and another study showed that AMSC-conditioned medium (AMSC-CM) was effective in the replenishment of endometrial cells and uterine regeneration [31]. Lange-Consiglio and colleagues [32] demonstrated that the supplementation of AMSC-EVs to semen resulted in the successful modulation of post-insemination inflammatory responses in mares that could be able to prevent PPBIE.…”