Topic:Animal Models
Animal models in equine research refer to the use of horses or other species to study biological and disease processes relevant to equine health. These models facilitate the investigation of various physiological and pathological conditions, allowing researchers to explore disease mechanisms, test therapeutic interventions, and understand genetic influences on health outcomes. Horses themselves are often studied as models for human diseases due to certain physiological similarities. Additionally, other species may be used to model equine-specific conditions when direct study in horses is impractical. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the application, development, and findings of animal models in equine research.
A genome-wide association study of the racing performance traits in Yili horses based on Blink and FarmCPU models. Racing performance traits are the main indicators for evaluating the performance and value of sport horses. The aim of this study was to identify the key genes for racing performance traits in Yili horses by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Breeding values for racing performance traits were calculated for Yili horses (n = 827) using an animal model. Genome-wide association analysis of racing performance traits in horses (n = 236) was carried out using the Blink, and FarmCPU models in GAPIT software, and genes within the significant regions were functionally annotated....
Protective Role of Cepharanthine Against Equid Herpesvirus Type 8 Through AMPK and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway Activation. Equid herpesvirus type 8 (EqHV-8) is known to cause respiratory disease and miscarriage in horses and donkeys, which is a major problem for the equine farming industry. However, there are currently limited vaccines or drugs available to effectively treat EqHV-8 infection. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new antiviral approaches to prevent potential pandemics caused by EqHV-8. This study evaluates the antiviral and antioxidant effects of cepharanthine against EqHV-8 by employing both in vitro assays and in vivo mouse models to assess its therapeutic efficacy. To assess the effectiveness of ...
Matrikine stimulation of equine synovial fibroblasts and chondrocytes results in an in vitro osteoarthritis phenotype. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease that impacts millions of individuals and has limited therapeutic options. A significant hindrance to therapeutic discovery is the lack of in vitro OA models that translate reliably to in vivo preclinical animal models. An alternative to traditional inflammatory cytokine models is the matrikine stimulation model, in which fragments of matrix proteins naturally found in OA tissues and synovial fluid, are used to stimulate cells of the joint. The objective of this study was to determine if matrikine stimulation of equine synovial fibroblasts and chond...
A dominant missense variant within LMBR1 related to equine polydactyly. Polydactyly was recorded before 100 BCE and attracted widespread interest because of its relationship to limb health and ancestral traits in horses. However, the underlying reasons for the development of polydactyly remain unclear. To search for polydactyly-related genes, we utilize a paternal half-sib family and screen for variants that match the mode of inheritance. Through this screening process, 77 variants in 65 genes are filtered. A missense variant (EqCab3.0 chr4: <107353368> A > G) (rs1138485164) in the 3rd exon of LMBR1 is identified as a source of amino acid sequence variatio...
Enhanced ROS Production and Mitochondrial Metabolic Shifts in CD4+ T Cells of an Autoimmune Uveitis Model. Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a spontaneously occurring autoimmune disease and one of the leading causes of blindness in horses worldwide. Its similarities to autoimmune-mediated uveitis in humans make it a unique spontaneous animal model for this disease. Although many aspects of ERU pathogenesis have been elucidated, it remains not fully understood and requires further research. CD4+ T cells have been a particular focus of research. In a previous study, we showed metabolic alterations in CD4+ T cells from ERU cases, including an increased basal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and elevated ...
Assessment of equine intestinal epithelial junctional complexes and barrier permeability using a monolayer culture system. Gastrointestinal disease is a leading cause of death in mature horses. A lack of in vitro modeling has impeded the development of novel therapeutics. The objectives of this study were to develop and further characterize a small intestinal monolayer cell culture derived from equine jejunum including establishing normal measurements of intestinal permeability and restitution. Three-dimensional enteroids, derived from postmortem sampling of equine jejunum, were utilized to develop confluent epithelial monolayers. The presence of differentiated intestinal epithelial cell types and tight junctions ...
Characterization of the single cell landscape in normal and osteoarthritic equine joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major source of pain and disability worldwide. Understanding of disease progression is evolving, but OA is increasingly thought to be a multifactorial disease in which the innate immune system plays a role in regulating and perpetuating low-grade inflammation. The aim of this study was to enhance our understanding of OA immunopathogenesis through characterization of the transcriptomic responses in OA joints, with the goal to facilitate the development of targeted therapies. Unassigned: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was completed on cells isolated from the syno...
An Equine Protein Atlas Highlights Synovial Fluid Proteome Dynamics during Experimentally LPS-Induced Arthritis. In human proteomics, substantial efforts are ongoing to leverage large collections of mass spectrometry (MS) fragment ion spectra into extensive spectral libraries (SL) as a resource for data independent acquisition (DIA) analysis. Currently, such initiatives in equine research are still missing. Here we present a large-scale equine SL, comprising 6394 canonical proteins and 89,329 unique peptides, based on data dependent acquisition analysis of 75 tissue and body fluid samples from horses. The SL enabled large-scale DIA-MS based quantification of the same samples to generate a quantitative eq...
Equine coronavirus infection and replication in equine intestinal enteroids. In this study, equine intestinal enteroids (EIEs) were generated from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and inoculated with equine coronavirus (ECoV) to investigate their suitability as in vitro models with which to study ECoV infection. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the EIEs were composed of various cell types expressed in vivo in the intestinal epithelium. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and virus titration showed that ECoV had infected and replicated in the EIEs. These results were corroborated by electron microscopy. This study suggests that EIEs can be novel in vitro ...
Attenuation of the neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus type 1 strain Ab4p in hamsters by a single amino acid mutation (D752N) in viral DNA polymerase ORF30. Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes abortion, respiratory infection, and neurological diseases (equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy) in horses. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with a single amino acid in the DNA polymerase gene (ORF30, in which D752 is neuropathogenic and N752 is non-neuropathogenic) of EHV-1 has been associated with neuropathogenicity in horses. We constructed an EHV-1 Ab4p ORF30 N752 mutant and a repair virus to examine the effect of a D752N mutation on the neuropathogenicity of the virus in Syrian hamsters. The N752 mutation did not affect viral gr...
Preliminary in vivo investigation of the mesenchymal stromal cell secretome as a novel treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in equine skin wounds. We aimed to study the antimicrobial and pro-healing potential of equine mesenchymal stromal cell secreted products (i.e. secretome), collected as conditioned media (mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned media, MSC CM), in a novel in vivo model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-inoculated equine thorax wounds. Methods: Prospective in vivo study. Methods: Two Thoroughbred geldings. Methods: Six full-thickness cutaneous wounds were created bilaterally on the dorsal thorax of two horses (n = 12 wounds/horse). Wounds on the left thoraces were inoculated with MRSA on day 0. Al...
Equine Enteric Glial Culture and Application to the Study of a Neural Inflammatory Mechanism in Equine Colic. Inflammatory postoperative conditions of equine colic (acute abdomen) contribute not only to increased client cost, patient discomfort, and hospitalization time, but in many cases, prove to be life-threatening. A unique population of intestinal cells, enteric glia, are increasingly acknowledged for their roles in sensing the gastrointestinal environment and communicating with surrounding cell types. Interactions between enteric glia and intestinal epithelia may prove critical in establishing how equine enteric glia can alter the mucosal barrier to modulate inflammation in health and colic. To ...
Isolation-protocol, characterization, and in-vitro performance of equine umbilical vein endothelial cells. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological conditions. However, research in equine angiogenesis is relative limited, necessitating the development of suitable models. To effectively analyze angiogenesis in-vitro, it is essential to target the specific cells responsible for this process, namely endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are one of the most used models for studying angiogenesis in humans. Serving as an equivalent to HUVECs, we present a comprehensive isolation protocol for equine umbilical vein endothelial cells (EqUVECs...
Investigating the Suitability of Mare’s Milk-Derived Exosomes as Potential Drug Carriers. Exosomes are cell-derived, membrane-surrounded particles that deliver bioactive molecules to various cells. Due to their small size, low immunogenicity, extended blood circulation, and involvement in cellular communication, they hold potential as effective drug carriers. Exosomes are present in various biological fluids, including mare's milk, a traditional drink in Central Asia. This study aims to compare exosome isolation methodologies and determine the stability of mare's milk-derived exosomes as potential therapeutic carriers. Three extraction methods-immunoprecipitation, size exclusion ch...
Does a relation between bone histomorphometry and fractures exist? The case of the equine radius and tibia. Fractures of long bones in limbs are rare traumatic events in horses. This study investigates whether the incidence and types of fractures can be related to the histomorphometric features of the radius and tibia, which experience different biomechanical stresses and exhibit varying incidences and types of fractures. Clinical observations suggest that, in adults, slightly transverse and comminuted fractures are present in the radius, while the tibia shows a higher frequency of longitudinal and spiral fractures. Microscopic observations reveal no apparent distinctive characteristi...
A multi-task learning model for clinically interpretable sesamoiditis grading. Sesamoiditis is a common equine disease with varying severity, leading to increased injury risks and performance degradation in horses. Accurate grading of sesamoiditis is crucial for effective treatment. Although deep learning-based approaches for grading sesamoiditis show promise, they remain underexplored and often lack clinical interpretability. To address this issue, we propose a novel, clinically interpretable multi-task learning model that integrates clinical knowledge with machine learning. The proposed model employs a dual-branch decoder to simultaneously perform sesamoiditis grading ...
Advancements in Subchondral Bone Biomechanics: Insights from Computed Tomography and Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging in Equine Models. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding subchondral bone (SCB) biomechanics using computed tomography (CT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging in large animal models, particularly horses. Results: Recent studies highlight the complexity of SCB biomechanics, revealing variability in density, microstructure, and biomechanical properties across the depth of SCB from the joint surface, as well as at different joint locations. Early SCB abnormalities have been identified as predictive markers for both osteoarthritis (OA) and stress fractures. The development of sta...
Revealing the Therapeutic Potential of Muscle-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: An In Vitro Model for Equine Laminitis Based on Activated Neutrophils, Anoxia-Reoxygenation, and Myeloperoxidase. Laminitis in horses is a crippling condition marked by the deterioration of the dermal-epidermal interface, leading to intense lameness and discomfort, often necessitating euthanasia. This study aimed to establish an in vitro model of laminitis using a continuous keratinocyte cell line exposed to anoxia-reoxygenation and an activated neutrophil supernatant. A significant decrease in the keratinocytes' metabolism was noted during the reoxygenation period, indicative of cellular stress. Adding muscle-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells during the reoxygenation demonstrated a protective effect...
A Comparative Review of Cytokines and Cytokine Targeting in Sepsis: From Humans to Horses. With the emergence of COVID-19, there is an increased focus in human literature on cytokine production, the implications of cytokine overproduction, and the development of novel cytokine-targeting therapies for use during sepsis. In addition to viral infections such as COVID-19, bacterial infections resulting in exposure to endotoxins and exotoxins in humans can also lead to sepsis, resulting in organ failure and death. Like humans, horses are exquisitely sensitive to endotoxin and are among the veterinary species that develop clinical sepsis similar to humans. These similarities suggest that ...
Investigations into the role of platelet-activating factor in the peri-conception period of the mare. In many mammals, the lipid platelet-activating factor (PAF) has important functions in female reproduction and fertility. This study shows that PAF is present in the reproductive tissues of mares and is involved in processes related to ovulation and early pregnancy. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in a number of reproductive processes ranging from ovulation to embryo motility but has not been widely explored in the mare. To identify the presence and examine the role of PAF in the equine periconception processes, targeted mass spectrometry coupled with chromatographic separ...
Effects of live and pasteurized forms of Lactobacillus casei Zhang on acute kidney injury and chronic renal fibrosis. Lactobacillus casei Zhang (Lac.z), isolated from traditional sour horse milk in Inner Mongolia, can alleviate various diseases and promote health. Our previous studies found that pretreatment with live Lac.z (L-Lac.z) could significantly attenuate acute kidney injury and delay the progression of chronic renal fibrosis. However, it is unknown whether these effects could be maintained by pasteurized Lac.z (P-Lac.z). Mouse models of acute kidney injury and chronic renal fibrosis induced by renal bilateral ischemia-reperfusion (BIR) surgery were treated with L-Lac.z or P-Lac.z by gavage. Serum and...
Impact of equine herpesvirus-1 ORF15 (EUL45) on viral replication and neurovirulence. Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory illness, fetal loss, perinatal mortality, and myeloencephalopathy. This study investigated ORF15's impact on virus infectivity and neurovirulence. The Ab4p neurovirulent strain of EHV1 was used as a backbone to create Ab4p attB, Ab4p∆ORF15, and Ab4p∆ORF15R chimeras via BAC DNA transfection into RK-13 cells. Viral growth kinetics, plaque size, transcription, and growth were assessed in MDBK cells, mouse neurons, and fetal equine brain cells. Neurovirulence was evaluated post-intranasal inoculation into male CBA/N1 SPF mice, measuring signs, vi...
Development and Evaluation of a Surgical Simulator and Assessment Rubric for Standing Castration of the Horse. In veterinary education, simulators are models or devices that can imitate a real patient or scenario and allow students to practice skills without the need for live patients. Castration is a common surgical procedure in all species, and the standing, open technique is frequently performed in horses. Although a simulator has been developed for equine closed castration, a simulator for standing castration in the horse has not yet been described. This two-part study focused on the design, creation, and evaluation of a simulator for teaching standing castration in the horse. A low-technology simu...
Preparation and Application of Clostridium perfringens Alpha Toxin Nanobodies. All subtypes of () produce the alpha toxin (CPA), which can cause enteritis or enterotoxemia in lambs, cattle, pigs, and horses, as well as traumatic clostridial myonecrosis in humans and animals. CPA acts on cell membranes, ultimately leading to endocytosis and cell death. Therefore, the neutralization of CPA is crucial for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by . In this study, utilizing CPA as an antigen, a nanobody (CPA-VHH) with a half-life of 2.9 h, an affinity constant (KD) of 0.9 nmol/L, and good stability below 60 °C was prepared from a natural nanobody library from alpa...
In search of epigenetic hallmarks of different tissues: an integrative omics study of horse liver, lung, and heart. DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression are epigenetic mechanisms essential for regulating tissue-specific gene expression and metabolic processes. However, high-resolution transcriptome, methylome, or miRNAome data is only available for a few model organisms and selected tissues. Up to date, only a few studies have reported on gene expression, DNA methylation, or miRNA expression in adult equine tissues at the genome-wide level. In the present study, we used RNA-Seq, miRNA-seq, and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) data from the heart, lung, and liver tissues of healt...
Bee-Inspired Healing: Apitherapy in Veterinary Medicine for Maintenance and Improvement Animal Health and Well-Being. This review aims to present current knowledge on the effects of honey bee products on animals based on in vivo studies, focusing on their application in clinical veterinary practice. Honey's best-proven effectiveness is in treating wounds, including those infected with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, as evidenced in horses, cats, dogs, mice, and rats. Propolis manifested a healing effect in numerous inflammatory and painful conditions in mice, rats, dogs, and pigs and also helped in oncological cases in mice and rats. Bee venom is best known for its effectiveness in treating neuropathy an...
Aspergillus Fumigatus Spore Proteases Alter the Respiratory Mucosa Architecture and Facilitate Equine Herpesvirus 1 Infection. Numerous Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) airborne spores are inhaled daily by humans and animals due to their ubiquitous presence. The interaction between the spores and the respiratory epithelium, as well as its impact on the epithelial barrier function, remains largely unknown. The epithelial barrier protects the respiratory epithelium against viral infections. However, it can be compromised by environmental contaminants such as pollen, thereby increasing susceptibility to respiratory viral infections, including alphaherpesvirus equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). To determine whether Af spores di...
Use of excised ovaries for oocyte recovery by ultrasound guided follicular aspiration – Validation of an experimental model for research purposes in live mares ovum pick up. Ovum pick-up (OPU) by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicle aspiration in mares is a common assisted reproductive technique used for oocyte recovery and in vitro production of horse embryos. There has been relatively little research into the factors influencing oocyte recovery in OPU from live mares. The objective of this study was to compare oocyte recovery and morphology of ultrasound-guided follicle puncture and aspiration in live mares and in postmortem excised ovaries, in order to validate an experimental model for research purposes of the efficiency of OPU in mares. Data from OPU perfo...
Identification of the Promoter Antisense Transcript Enhancing the Transcription of the Equine Herpesvirus-1 Immediate-Early Gene. Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory diseases, abortion, and encephalomyelitis in horses. The EHV-1 immediate-early (IE) protein, essential for viral replication, is transactivated by the binding of a multiprotein complex including the open reading frame 12 (ORF12) and some host factors to the IE promoter region. Promoter-associated non-coding RNAs (pancRNAs), which are transcribed from bidirectional promoters, regulate the transcription of neighboring genes in mammals and pathogens. In this study, we identified a novel pancRNA transcribed from across the areas of the 5'-untranslate...
Muscle-Driven Predictive Physics Simulations of Quadrupedal Locomotion in the Horse. Musculoskeletal simulations can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms that govern animal locomotion. In this study, we describe the development of a new musculoskeletal model of the horse, and to our knowledge present the first fully muscle-driven, predictive simulations of equine locomotion. Our goal was to simulate a model that captures only the gross musculoskeletal structure of a horse, without specialized morphological features. We mostly present simulations acquired using feedforward control, without state feedback ("top-down control"). Without using kinematics or motion captur...