Topic:Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory agents are substances used to reduce inflammation in horses, often employed in the management of various equine conditions. These agents can be categorized into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, among others. NSAIDs, such as phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine, work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, which play a role in the inflammatory process. Corticosteroids, like dexamethasone, modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation through their effects on gene expression. The use of anti-inflammatory agents is common in equine veterinary practice to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life in horses suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, colic, and other inflammatory conditions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of anti-inflammatory agents in equine medicine.
Differential anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of simulated digests of indomethacin and an herbal composite (Mobility) in a cartilage explant model of articular inflammation. Herbs are an increasingly popular treatment option for horses with cartilage inflammation, despite a relative paucity of research demonstrating efficacy. The research objective was to evaluate the differential anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective efficacy of a simulated digest of indomethacin and a commercially available herbal product in a cartilage model of osteoarthritis. Cartilage explant was integrated with simulated digestion of indomethacin and the herbal product in order to account, at least in part, for the actions of major digestive enzymes and pH. The resulting digests were ultra...
Effects of unfractionated and fractionated heparins on myeloperoxidase activity and interactions with endothelial cells: possible effects on the pathophysiology of equine laminitis. As heparins are sometimes used to prevent equine laminitis, the interactions between equine neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO), unfractionated (UFH) and fractionated low molecular weight (LMWH) heparins and digital endothelium have been investigated. The effects of the heparins on purified equine MPO activity were tested by immunocapture followed by enzymatic detection. Endothelium-MPO interactions were assessed by measuring total and active MPO uptake by arterial and venous digital endothelial cells in culture with or without the addition of heparins. A dose-dependent MPO inhibition by UFH and ...
Glossitis and tongue trauma subsequent to administration of an oral medication, using an udder infusion cannula, in a horse. A 10-year-old gelding was presented with a tongue that had swelled immediately after oral administration of oxfendazole, using an udder infusion cannula. The tongue appeared to have been punctured inadvertently. The horse recovered after treatment with intravenous fluid, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Administering oral medication by this method should be discouraged. Un cheval hongre âgé de 10 ans a été présenté avec une langue devenue tuméfiée immédiatement après l’administration orale d’oxfendazole à l’aide d’une canule à infusion du pis. La langue semblait a...
Pharmacologic characterization of novel adenosine A2A receptor agonists in equine neutrophils. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of several novel adenosine receptor agonists and to determine their specificity for various adenosine receptor subtypes on neutrophils, cells heterologously expressing equine adenosine receptors, or equine brain membranes. Methods: Neutrophils isolated from 8 healthy horses. Methods: Radioligand binding experiments were performed to compare binding affinities of adenosine receptor agonists to equine adenosine A(1), A(2A), and A(3) receptor subtypes. Effects of these agonists on endotoxin-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by equine neutrop...
Adenosine A2A receptor agonists inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by equine monocytes. Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that regulates many physiological processes by activating one or more adenosine receptor subtypes, namely A1, A2A, A2B and A3. The results of previous studies indicate that adenosine analogues inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by equine neutrophils primarily through activation of A2A receptors. Because peripheral blood monocytes produce cytokines that are responsible for many of the deleterious effects of LPS, the current study was performed to evaluate the effects of an array of novel adenosine receptor a...
Some commonly fed herbs and other functional foods in equine nutrition: a review. Most herbs and functional foods have not been scientifically tested; this is especially true for the horse. This paper reviews some of the literature pertinent to herbal supplementation in horses and other species. Common supplements like Echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and yucca are not regulated, and few studies have investigated safe, efficacious doses. Ginseng has been found to exert an inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Equine studies have tested the anti-inflammatory effects of a single dose of ginger, post-exercise. Echinacea has been re...
The role of p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in the mechanism regulating cyclooxygenase gene expression in equine leukocytes. The goal of this study was to define the role for p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in the signaling mechanism regulating pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX) gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated equine leukocytes for the purposes of identifying novel targets for anti-inflammatory therapy in endotoxemic horses. The p38 MAPK has been shown to positively regulate inflammatory gene expression in human leukocytes and can be activated by a variety of stimuli including LPS, TNF-alpha, and IL-1. Activation-associated phosphorylated p38 MAPK has been implicated in the up-regulation...
Effects of stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors on lipopolysaccharide-induced production of reactive oxygen species by equine neutrophils. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of an adenosine analogue on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated equine neutrophils. Methods: Neutrophils obtained from 10 healthy horses. Methods: An adenosine analogue (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine [NECA]) was tested for its ability to inhibit production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated equine neutrophils. Selective adenosine receptor antagonists were used to identify the receptor subtype responsible for effects. To assess the mechanism of action of NECA, cAMP concentrations were measured, and effects of dibutyryl cAMP (a stable anal...
Oral and intravenous administration of nimesulide in the horse: rational dosage regimen from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data. The selective COX-2-inhibitor nimesulide is used extra-label in equine veterinary practice as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, there are no data on which to base the rational use of the drug in this species. Objective: To determine the effective COX selectivity of nimesulide in the horse, and suggest a suitable dosing schedule. Methods: The pharmacokinetics of nimesulide in the horse after oral administration (1 mg/kg bwt), and oral and i.v. administration (1.5 mg/kg bwt) were investigated, effects of feeding status on bioavailability determined, and plasma protein binding of the drug and ...
Lamellar pro-inflammatory cytokine expression patterns in laminitis at the developmental stage and at the onset of lameness: innate vs. adaptive immune response. Recent research has indicated that inflammation plays a role in the early stages of laminitis and that, similar to organ failure in human sepsis, early inflammatory mechanisms may lead to downstream events resulting in lamellar failure. Characterisation of the type of immune response (i.e. innate vs. adaptive) is essential in order to develop therapeutic strategies to counteract these deleterious events. Objective: To quantitate gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines known to be important in the innate and adaptive immune response during the early stages of laminitis, using both the bla...
Pharmacokinetics of etodolac in the horse following oral and intravenous administration. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of etodolac following oral and intravenous administration to six horses. Additionally, in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) selectivity assays were performed using equine whole blood. Using a randomized two-way crossover design, horses were administered etodolac (20 mg/kg) orally or intravenously, with a minimum 3-week washout period. Plasma samples were collected after administration for analysis using high pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Following intravenous administration, etodolac had a mean plasma half-li...
Successful treatment and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation of Tyzzer’s disease in a foal and clinical and pathologic characteristics of 6 additional foals (1986-2005). Tyzzer's disease is a rapidly progressive and highly fatal hepatitis of foals caused by Clostridium piliforme. Survival of a confirmed case has not been reported previously. Objective: Successful therapy of C. piliforme infection in foals is possible. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to diagnose Tyzzer's disease antemortem or postmortem. Methods: Seven foals were included in the study. Methods: Retrospective study was made to evaluate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of foals with Tyzzer's disease. Medical records of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at University ...
Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric characterization of Harpagophytum in equine urine and plasma. A method has been developed for the analysis and characterization in equine urine and plasma of iridoid glycosides: harpagide, harpagoside and 8-para-coumaroyl harpagide, which are the main active principles of Harpagophytum, a plant with antiinflammatory properties. The method involves liquid chromatography coupled with positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The addition of sodium or lithium chloride instead of formic acid in the eluting solvent has been studied in order to enhance the signal and to modify the ion's internal energy. Fragmentation pathways and associated patterns ...
Metallic foreign bodies in the tongues of 16 horses. The history, clinical signs, results of diagnostic imaging, treatment methods and outcome of 16 adult horses with a metallic foreign body in the tongue are reviewed. All the horses had a swollen tongue, they salivated excessively and were partially to completely anorexic. Less common clinical signs were fever, an enlarged and painful intermandibular space, dysphagia, unilateral tongue paralysis and halitosis. Most of the horses had shown clinical signs for less than 24 hours. The foreign bodies were diagnosed by oral examination, radiography and ultrasonography; they were removed from the tong...
Distribution of CCR3 mRNA expression in horse tissues. CCL11 (also known as eotaxin) is a very potent and selective mediator of eosinophil migration which exerts its effects through its receptor, CCR3. In this study we report the cloning of an equine CCR3 cDNA sequence and investigation of the localization of CCR3 mRNA expression in horse tissues. Equine CCR3 displayed high levels of sequence identity with CCR3 sequences in other species. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of CCR3 in colon, lung and spleen of normal horses. In situ hybridisation experiments indicated that expression of CCR3 mRNA in colon was predominantly in eosinophils and t...
Use of accelerating solvent extraction for detecting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in horse feces. Feces are a possible medium to be used for horse doping control. Efficient methods for detecting drugs in feces collected from various animals are routinely applied in institutes of food safety in Belgium. We have already tested whether they are applicable to horse feces. In this report, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), an efficient method for extracting compounds from solid material, has been tested. ASE has been used to replace the diethyl ether liquid-liquid extraction step present in the method initially set up. This technique has been optimized for detecting several non-steroidal ant...
The effect of aerosolized and intravenously administered clenbuterol and aerosolized fluticasone propionate on horses challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus antigen. Beta-agonists have been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties in several experimental models. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of clenbuterol (CB), administered either intravenously or by aerosol, in comparison with fluticasone propionate (FP) in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)-susceptible horses. Eight horses, of which five were known to be susceptible to RAO, underwent an inhalation challenge with Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) antigen and were treated with CB intravenously, CB by aerosol, or FP by aerosol. Twenty-four hours after the challenge...
Comparative pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in clinically normal horses and donkeys. To determine the disposition of a bolus of meloxicam (administered IV) in horses and donkeys (Equus asinus) and compare the relative pharmacokinetic variables between the species. Methods: 5 clinically normal horses and 5 clinically normal donkeys. Methods: Blood samples were collected before and after IV administration of a bolus of meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg). Serum meloxicam concentrations were determined in triplicate via high-performance liquid chromatography. The serum concentration-time curve for each horse and donkey was analyzed separately to estimate standard noncompartmental pharmacokinet...
The anti-inflammatory effects of IV administered clenbuterol in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Cyclic AMP elevating agents have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in addition to functions such as bronchodilation. The aim of this study was to investigate this dual action of clenbuterol (CB; Ventipulmin) on horses affected with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Seven RAO susceptible horses received inhalation challenges with aerosolised lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hay dust suspension (HDS) and Aspergillus fumigatus antigen (AF) with and without prior treatment with intravenous CB. Data showed that CB exerted significant beneficial effects on lung function, total cell count...
Effect of beclomethasone dipropionate and dexamethasone isonicotinate on lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, and transcription factor expression in airways of horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is recognized to be effective for the treatment of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses. Anti-inflammatory properties of GC are thought to be mediated by suppression of inflammatory gene expression via inhibition of transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate and injectable dexamethasone 21-isonicotinate on clinical signs, pulmonary function, airway cytology, and activity of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in bronchial c...
Effects of phenylbutazone alone or in combination with flunixin meglumine on blood protein concentrations in horses. To assess effects of treatment with phenylbutazone (PBZ) or a combination of PBZ and flunixin meglumine in horses. Methods: 24 adult horses. Methods: 13 horses received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a crossover design. Eleven control horses were exposed to similar environmental conditions. Treated horses received PBZ (2.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h, for 5 days) and a combination of PBZ and flunixin meglumine (PBZ, 2.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h, for 5 days; flunixin meglumine, 1.1 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h, for 5 days). Serum samples were obtained on day 0 (first day of treatment) and day 5, and total...
Severe acute rhabdomyolysis associated with Streptococcus equi infection in four horses. Four Quarter Horses (9 months to 7 years of age) with submandibular lymphadenopathy and firm muscles (palpation of which elicited signs of pain) were evaluated; in general, the horses had a stiff gait, and 3 horses became recumbent. Streptococcus equi was cultured from aspirates of lymph nodes or samples of purulent material collected from the auditory tube diverticula. Once the horses were recumbent, their condition deteriorated rapidly despite aggressive antimicrobial and antiinflammatory treatment, necessitating euthanasia within 24 to 48 hours. One horse did not become recumbent and recove...
Effects of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, on lipopolysaccharide-challenged synovial explants from horses. To determine the effects of pretreatment with alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, on equine synovial explants challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: 8 mature mixed-breed horses (4 mares and 4 geldings). Methods: Synovial explants were assigned to receive 1 of 7 concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid, ranging from 0 to 300 microg/mL. At each concentration, half of the explants were controls and half were challenged with 0.003 microg of LPS as a model of synovial inflammation. Cell inflammatory response was evaluated by measurement of prostaglandin E2 product...
Chip fractures from the distal lateral trochlear ridge of the talus of a quarter horse gelding: a veterinary medicine clinical report. An eighteen-month old quarter horse gelding was diagnosed with chip fractures from the distal lateral trochlear ridge of the talus. The horse presented with the symptom of persistent synovitis. The diagnosis was based on radiographic evidence. The horse was treated initially with arthroscopic surgery. He was given a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and a chondroprotective agent to prevent further damage to, and aid in the healing of, the damaged joint.
Elimination of arthritis pain and inflammation for over 2 years with a single 90 min, topical 14% gallium nitrate treatment: case reports and review of actions of gallium III. Arthritis is inflammation in a joint often with joint damage, usually accompanied by pain, swelling and stiffness, resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, autoimmune or other causes. It occurs in various forms, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bacterial arthritis and gout. Gallium III can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta, produced by macrophage-like cells in vitro. A dose-dependent inhibition of IL-1beta and TPA stimulated MMP activity by gallium nitrate at increasing concentrations occurs, demonstrating t...
Treatment strategies for mares with placentitis. Equine placentitis, and resultant preterm labor, are important sources of fetal and neonatal loss. The primary cause of equine placentitis is infection of the placenta with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, which ascends through the caudal reproductive tract. Current treatment protocols for mares affected with placentitis are empirical. This paper reviews treatment approaches for resolving placentitis and preterm labor in both equine and non-equine species. Specific therapies reviewed include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, tocolytic, and progestin agents.
Equine endotoxaemia–a state-of-the-art review of therapy. The pathophysiology of endotoxaemia, a leading cause of death in the horse, is beginning to be understood in greater detail. Endotoxin may be absorbed into the systemic circulation in a number of different ways: most commonly the body's normal defense mechanisms are disrupted or bypassed, or the normal clearance mechanisms overwhelmed. Following this wide-spread effects are observed, although the most significant are seen in the cardiovascular system. Fever, arterial hypoxaemia and signs of abdominal pain are also common. With increased understanding of the disease new therapeutic agents have ...
Influence of vedaprofen (Quadrisol) on quality and freezability of stallion semen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) vedaprofen (Quadrisol) on quality and freezability of stallion semen. Experiments were performed using 22 Franches Montagnes stallions from the National Stud in Avenches (Switzerland) randomly divided into a control and test group. Vedaprofen was given orally to all stallions of the test group at the recommended therapeutic dose (initial dose of 2mg/kg followed by 1mg/kg body weight every 12h) for 14 days. Control animals received the same amount of carrier substance. During treatment, bl...
COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition in horse blood by phenylbutazone, flunixin, carprofen and meloxicam: an in vitro analysis. We report on the inhibitory activity of the NSAIDs meloxicam, carprofen, phenylbutazone and flunixin, on blood cyclooxygenases in the horse using in vitro enzyme-linked assays. As expected, comparison of IC50 indicated that meloxicam and carprofen are more selective inhibitors of COX-2 than phenylbutazone and flunixin; meloxicam was the most advantageous for horses of four NSAIDs examined. However at IC80, phenylbutazone (+134.4%) and flunixin (+29.7%) had greater COX-2 selectivity than at IC50, and meloxicam (-41.2%) and carprofen (-12.9%) had lower COX-2 selectivity than at IC50. We therefor...
Pharmacokinetics and synovial fluid concentrations of flurbiprofen enantiomers in horses: chiral inversion. Flurbirpofen (FBP), a member of the 2-aryl propionate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class, has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The commercial preparation is a racemic mixture of the R(-) and S(+) enantiomers of FBP. In this study, R(-) and S(+) FBP were used to investigate the metabolic chiral inversion. Each enantiomer was administered separately (0.25 mg/kg) and in a racemic mixture (0.5 mg/kg) intravenously to horses. Plasma and synovial concentration of each enantiomer was determined and the disposition of each was analyzed. After intravenous administration of R(-)...