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Chromosomal errors as a common cause of miscarriages in mares… and humans
Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), as part of a team from Cornell University, have identified chromosomal abnormalities as a common cause of pregnancy loss in mares. Chromosomal abnormalities are widely recognized as a common cause of miscarriage in humans, accounting for up to 82 percent of miscarriages (according to data provided on the RVC website, which may vary depending on other sources – InfoWet note).
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However, so far there have been few reports of other species.
But because of certain similarities between human and equine chromosome structures and the intensive care mares receive during pregnancy, horses can serve as a "model organism." Or at least, some analogies can be demonstrated.
Read more Expert: There is no single best method of physiotherapy for horses
What did the study on horses involve?
The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities was studied in 256 cases of pregnancy loss in horses. The most common error was triploidy, which was as much as 42%.
In addition, the following were also identified:
- trisomies and monosomies – 11.6%;
- chromosomal aberrations within the chromosome structure – 4.2 percent
The results of the study may help in many ways. They allow, among other things, to better determine the potential cause of early miscarriages, but also to predict the course of subsequent pregnancies. Potentially, in the future, this may translate into the treatment of pregnancies in which chromosomal errors have been found.
Chromosomal errors as an important cause of miscarriages
As Dr. Jessica Lawson, quoted by RVC, stated:
In addition to the important findings in early pregnancy in horses, we have identified for the first time subchromosomal aberrations in an aborted fetus and a stillborn foal. These aberrations likely represent a rare but important cause of later pregnancy loss, and we look forward to investigating the clinical significance of these changes.
Does this mean that this research will translate into a better understanding of chromosomal errors as a cause of miscarriages in humans? It is certainly not possible to translate the results of research 1:1.
However, as the study states, “horses provide a new, reliable model to better understand the relationship between pregnancy loss and chromosomal abnormalities in humans.”
The research team analysed 256 samples collected from 244 mares between 2013 and 2023, looking at the occurrence of different types of chromosomal aberrations responsible for pregnancy loss.
Source: Royal Veterinary College
