EN
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin and parameters of lipid metabolism during the peripartum period in mares. The investigation included 15 purebred Arabian broodmares 5 to 13-years-old and 6 pony mares from 9 to 16-years-of-age. The blood samples were collected two weeks before the term of anticipated foaling and on days 0, 3, 9, 15 and 22 post partum. The levels of leptin and ghrelin in the blood plasma were determined using RIA kits (Linco Research) and the concentration of triacylglycerols (TG), glycerol, free fatty acids (WKT), total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were measured via enzymatic methods. The plasma concentration of leptin, WKT, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol attained maximum values at parturition day. Plasma TG and LDL cholesterol levels were the highest in late pregnancy and diminished in the days following parturition. The values of glycerol, WKT, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were lower and the levels of leptin and ghrelin were higher in purebred Arabians than in pony mares. A negative correlation was found between the plasma leptin concentration and the WKT/TG ratio. Leptin can play an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism during the periparturient period in mares.