Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Biomarkers
Biomarkers in horses are measurable indicators of biological processes, states, or conditions that can be used to assess health and disease. These biomarkers can be identified in various biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue. They provide valuable information for diagnosing diseases, monitoring health status, and evaluating treatment responses in equine medicine. Common biomarkers in horses include enzymes, hormones, and metabolites, which may change in response to physiological or pathological conditions. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the identification, quantification, and application of biomarkers in equine health and disease management.
Association Between Vaquejada Practice and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage in Quarter Horses. Vaquejada (VQ) is a traditional Brazilian sport demanding high performance from Quarter Horse (QH) athletes. This study aimed to identify modifications in hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers associated with VQ training, comparing conditioned and non-conditioned horses. Blood samples were collected at rest from 70 healthy QH horses: 60 athletes (VQ-conditioned athlete group-AG) and 10 sedentary controls (breeding horses-CG). Using Linear Mixed Models alongside comprehensive hematological and biochemical analyses, the study found that AG horses exhibited an ...
Prognosis of Equine Liver Diseases. Prognostic information in equine liver disease can be gleaned from historical, clinical, clinicopathological, ultrasonographic, and histopathological features. However, given the multiple causes and subtypes of liver disease affecting horses worldwide, prognostic data might not be suitable for universal application across all cases. Most evidence has been established for horses with chronic hepatopathies and extrapolation to acute cases should be avoided. In chronic liver disease the presence and severity of clinical signs and serum markers including total globulins, albumin, and bile acids ar...
Derivatisation-free FIA-MS/MS assay for rapid simultaneous screening of atypical myopathy biomarkers and acylcarnitine profiles from dried blood spots. Atypical myopathy (AM) is a frequently fatal, toxin-induced disease in horses, characterised by acute progression and mortality rates exceeding 70% within 72 h. The disease is caused by ingestion of seedlings or seeds of certain maple species that contain the toxins hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPrG). Early diagnosis depends on reliable detection of these compounds and their metabolites. However, most available LC-MS/MS assays are limited by derivatisation requirements and dependence on serum and urine matrices. Here, a rapid derivatisation-free flow injection analysis...
Activity of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester lipase in peritoneal fluid may be associated with strangulating lesions, pancreatic fibrosis, and negative outcome in horses with colic. To compare plasma and peritoneal 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase activity between horses with and without colic signs and document pancreatic histopathology in a subset of horses. Unassigned: This prospective, cross-sectional study included university-owned or donated healthy horses and client-owned horses presenting to the veterinary teaching hospital for colic. Peritoneal WBC and lactate concentrations and plasma and peritoneal DGGR lipase activity were measured. Pancreatic tissue was collected via convenience sampling. Pancreatic fibrosis ...
Evaluating hormonal levels in plasma and saliva as temperament indicators in horses. Assessing the temperament of horses is important to ensure their welfare, management, and safety. This study evaluated the plasma-saliva relationships for cortisol, oxytocin, and serotonin, and explored their associations with temperament traits in 40 horses using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Significant correlations were observed between cortisol (r = 0.441) and oxytocin (r = 0.587) concentrations, whereas serotonin showed a weak correlation (r = 0.133). Bland-Altman analysis revealed acceptable agreement for cortisol but substantial individual variability for oxytocin, despite its str...
Mitochondrial dysfunction in equine ageing: Current evidence and clinical implications for geroscience. Ageing is a complex biological process affecting a growing geriatric human and equine population worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered one of the hallmarks of ageing, representing a multifaceted process. This review synthesises current findings on mitochondrial dysfunction in aged equines, drawing parallels with human medicine and identifying current knowledge gaps. Integrating findings from human and equine research may bridge existing challenges and offer new opportunities, including the development of novel translational models for ageing research. Furthermore, it highlights th...
Vaginal host-microbe signatures linked to placental outcomes in mares. Ascending placentitis is a leading cause of late-term pregnancy loss in mares. Although pathogens are presumed to ascend from the caudal reproductive tract, the association between the vaginal microbiome and placentitis has not been systematically examined. Objective: To characterise microbial and host gene expression in the equine vagina during gestation and to identify taxa or transcripts that were associated with the presence of an abnormal placenta at birth. Methods: Prospective, paired observational study. Methods: Vaginal wall swabs were collected from 49 multiparous Thoroughbred mares a...
A novel flowable calcium silicate cement for endodontic therapy in equine teeth. Equine endodontic treatment for apical infections is performed infrequently due to anatomical and accessibility challenges of equine cheek teeth. However, the alternative of extraction is not without risk and lifelong implications for the horse. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a calcium silicate cement (CSC), has been used successfully in human dentistry for decades. MTA and other CSCs demonstrate excellent biocompatibility with favourable antimicrobial and physicochemical properties. These characteristics may support their application as an alternative filling material when used in equine e...
Evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from glycoproteins gp45 and gp90 as candidates for the immunodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia. The international scientific community continues to promote the development of diagnostic techniques with improved performance and novel capture antigens. On this basis, two synthetic peptides derived from gp45 and gp90 were evaluated to identify the best candidate for the indirect immunodetection of infection. In both assays, 68 serum samples from naturally infected horses in Granma Province (59 seropositive and 9 seronegative), previously classified using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of each candidate peptide was assessed by calculating ...
Beyond cortisol: evaluating serotonin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and oxytocin as indicators of equine welfare across three training regimens. BACKGROUND: Quantifying the balance between workload, stress, and recovery across equine disciplines remains challenging, and no single circulating biomarker provides a definitive index of welfare-related stress load. Cortisol, oxytocin, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may provide complementary information on endocrine and neuromodulatory responses. METHODS: Paired serum samples were collected from show jumping horses (n = 17) before and after competition, racehorses (n = 43 enrolled, n = 41 analyzed) before and after sessions at ...
Clodronate disodium reduced TRAP5b independent of affecting other systemic biomarkers of bone resorption or formation in yearling, exercising Quarter Horses. Clodronate disodium (CD), a bisphosphonate, modulates bone metabolism. Though extra-label use in juvenile horses is anecdotally reported, impacts on skeletal development are unknown. The objective was to determine the effects of CD on systemic markers of bone turnover in yearling horses undergoing exercise, hypothesizing that biomarkers of bone resorption would decrease while biomarkers of bone formation would not change, and that repeat CD treatments would have greater effect. To test this, 32 yearling Quarter Horses were used in a 168-d trial. Horses were stratified by age (500 ± 13 d),...
Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Gel Supernatant Reprograms the Cytokine and Growth Factor Microenvironment in an Equine In Vitro Inflammatory Tendon System. Tendinopathy involves a dysregulated inflammatory microenvironment in which cytokines, growth factors (GF) and extracellular matrix components interact dynamically. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used as a regenerative therapy, but its mechanisms of action in inflamed tendon remain unclear. This study evaluated whether platelet-rich gel supernatant (PRGS) reprograms the inflammatory-anabolic mediator network in an equine in vitro tendon explant system stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tendon explants were cultured under six experimental conditions, including non-stimulated contro...
Circulating microRNA profiles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for acute and carrier Theileria equi infection. Equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi exhibits a wide clinical spectrum ranging from acute disease to lifelong asymptomatic carriage, posing significant diagnostic and epidemiological challenges. In this cross-sectional case-control study, equines were classified as acutely infected, asymptomatic carriers, or uninfected controls based on clinical examination and quantitative PCR. Hematological and biochemical alterations were assessed, and plasma miRNA profiles were characterized using small RNA sequencing, followed by qRT-PCR validation of selected miRNAs. Cytokine gene expression in ...
Comparative analysis of mRNA and circRNA expression profiles and interaction networks in testicular tissues of Mongolian horses before and after sexual maturity. Mongolian horses, celebrated for their resilience and adaptability, undergo marked physiological transformations during sexual maturation. This study employed whole-transcriptome sequencing to conduct a comparative analysis of mRNA and circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles, along with their interactive regulatory networks, in testicular tissues of Mongolian horses pre- and post-sexual maturity. Histological examinations using hematoxylin-eosin (H.E.) and 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining revealed distinct morphological differences between sexually immature and mature testicu...
Review of articular cartilage repair techniques and their application in the horse. Articular cartilage lesions represent a significant career-limiting problem in athletic horses. A healthy articular cartilage surface is vital for optimal joint function, and defects can result in irreversible degenerative changes. Successful treatment of cartilage lesions remains a long-standing challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, prompting ongoing research into new surgical techniques for their management. This narrative review describes surgical procedures for the treatment of cartilage/osteochondral lesions, as well as the use of the horse as a highly translational preclinical model to hum...
A scoping review of neuroendocrinological biomarkers with potential for use in equine behavioral medicine practice. BACKGROUND: Equine emotion and welfare are of increasing concern to the general public, equestrians and researchers. There is growing demand for more objective indicators of specific emotional states, as well as the well-being of horses in a variety of contexts. Such markers may also assist in both the diagnosis and selection of biological therapies within equine behavioral medicine. RESULTS: This scoping review summarizes and appraises the published findings relating to relevant biological measurements from the last two decades. Particular attention is given to methodological, subject-related...
Efficacy of an iron absorption test on assessing iron status in horses. Iron absorption tests (IATs) are used to evaluate iron absorption in humans. However, this testing has not been conducted in horses. Objective: The objective was to assess how a large dose of iron affects blood iron parameters during an IAT. Methods: Mixed-breed geldings (n=12) were offered 2% of their bodyweight (BW) in mixed-grass hay and an iron-free vitamin-mineral supplement. A baseline IAT (Baseline IAT) was performed, where horses received 25 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of BW of iron (ferrous sulfate) orally. Jugular venous samples were taken before the iron dose, and 3-, 6-, 12-, a...
Transference of diagnostic thresholds for equine plasma ACTH from the Immulite 1000 to Immulite 2000XPi and Tosoh AIA systems. Diagnosis of PPID in horses relies on measurement of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Because measured ACTH values vary between analytical platforms, and published diagnostic thresholds apply almost exclusively to the Immulite 1000 chemiluminescent assay (CLA), there is a need for validated, assay-specific thresholds for contemporary analysers. This study aimed to transfer and validate established Immulite 1000 diagnostic thresholds for plasma ACTH to three contemporary systems (Immulite 2000XPi, Tosoh AIA-900, and Tosoh AIA-360) using the Clinical Laboratory Standard...
ProAKAP4 as a predictor of semen freezability in Asturcon ponies. Cryopreservation is a valuable tool in equine reproduction, although its success remains highly variable among stallions. The proAKAP4 protein has been proposed as a molecular marker of sperm quality and cryotolerance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm cryotolerance in ejaculates from Asturcon ponies, and to assess whether proAKAP4 levels in fresh semen can predict post-thaw sperm quality parameters before and after cryopreservation. Methods: Twenty-four ejaculates from eight different stallions were used (three ejaculates per ani...
Integrative Phosphoproteomic Profiling Reveals Stage-Specific Signalling and Metabolism in Equine Melanocytic Neoplasm. Equine melanocytic neoplasms (EMN) are aggressive tumours characterised by high metastatic potential and limited therapeutic options available. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their progression remain poorly understood. This study therefore presents the integrative phosphoproteomic analysis of EMN tissue, with the aim of elucidating stage-specific alterations in signalling pathways and metabolism. Nineteen tissue samples from grey horses were categorised as normal-stage (n = 6), early-stage EMN (n = 7), and severe-stage EMN (n = 6) and subjected to in-depth analysis us...
Exploratory evaluation of equine placental extract supplementation on ageing indicators in geriatric dogs: a single-arm pre-post study. BACKGROUND: Recent advances in preventive veterinary healthcare, nutritional management, and owner engagement have extended the longevity of domestic dogs. However, this increased lifespan has led to a higher prevalence of age-associated physiological and functional decline. Equine placental extract contains a variety of bioactive constituents, with reported antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Although the use of equine placental extract in veterinary practice is expanding, empirical evidence supporting its effects on ageing-related clinical outcomes in dogs remains limited. In thi...
Relationship between the estrus duration in cyclic mares and the endometrial gene expression on day 7 post-ovulation. This study investigated the effect of estrus duration on endometrial gene expression in cyclic mares on Day 7 post-ovulation, focusing on transcripts relevant to early pregnancy: uterocalin (P19), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), progesterone receptor (PGR), and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1). Twelve mares were classified according to the estrus duration in long estrus (LE, ≥ 3 days of endometrial edema; n = 7) or short estrus (SE, 0.1). ESR1 expression was undetectable in all samples. These findings suggest that prolonged estrus enhances P19 e...
Haplotype GWAS in swedish warmblood horses for conformation and jumping traits. The aim of this study was to better understand the genomic architecture behind performance-related traits in sport horses. In this study, we conducted a haplotype-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 36 conformation and free jumping phenotypes recorded during routinely conducted young horse evaluation tests involving 380 Swedish Warmblood (SWB) horses. The horses were evaluated by expert judges using both traditional and linear evaluation systems. All samples were genotyped using the 670K Affymetrix® Axiom® Equine Genotyping Array, haplotypes were first phased, and haplotype blocks...
Evaluating Protein Enrichment Methods to Improve Biomarker Discovery in Equine Cerebrospinal Fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a valuable source of biomarkers for neurological diseases, but detection of low-abundance proteins is often masked by highly abundant proteins. Enrichment strategies can enhance proteomic coverage and improve biomarker discovery, yet comparative evaluations of such methods in equine CSF are limited. Objective: This study compared the ProteoMiner Small-Capacity Enrichment Kit and the PreOmics Enrich-iST Kit for their ability to deplete high-abundance proteins and enhance detection of low-abundance proteins relevant to neuropathology. Methods: Equine CSF samples were...
Effect of season of collection and storage method on equine hair cortisol concentration. Serum cortisol concentration is one of the common physiological reference standards for evaluating stress in animals. However, it only evaluates acute stress at the moment of blood collection. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) could provide a method for assessing cortisol concentrations over extended periods of time, giving an estimate of chronic stress levels. In this case, high HCC results could help equine managers alter management practices to improve welfare. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the month of collection and the storage method on equine HCC. Methods: Tail hair was collecte...
Longitudinal assessment of hemostatic adaptations in pregnant mares: Evidence of a physiological hypercoagulable state. Pregnancy triggers intricate hemostatic adjustments that support placental maturation and prepare the maternal organism for delivery. We hypothesized that pregnant mares would progressively shift toward a procoagulant state throughout gestation, reflected in changes to coagulation and fibrinolytic markers. To test this hypothesis, 15 clinically healthy Spanish Purebred pregnant mares were monitored monthly from conception to term, alongside 15 non-pregnant controls of similar age and breed. A comprehensive hemostatic profile-including platelet (PLT) count, prothrombin time (PT), activated part...
Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify hepcidin in horse serum. Hepcidin (Hepc) is a peptide hormone primarily produced by hepatocytes and considered the master regulator of iron homeostasis, with Hepc controlling the release of iron within the circulation. Despite the renewed interest in iron-related research due to Hepc discovery, there is limited data on serum hepcidin in horses. The objective of the study was to develop and partially validate a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify serum hepcidin in horses. Precision was evaluated using horse serum samples representing low, medium and high Hepc concentrations, yielding intra...
Multi-omics profiling of the testes in Kazakh horses across sexual maturation. Equus caballus is a species of considerable economic and cultural significance. However, the regulatory networks involved in equine sexual maturation remain unclear and eventually limit its reproduction and utilization. In this study, testicular tissues from eight Kazakh horses at two developmental stages (2 years, representing pre-maturation, and 3 years, representing post-maturation) were analyzed using whole transcriptome sequencing, data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics, and untargeted metabolomics. An integrated regulatory network was constructed encompassing ceRNA, mRNA, prot...
miRNA Sequencing and Differential Analysis of Testes from 1-Year-Old and 3-Year-Old Kazakh Horses. This study aims to elucidate the miRNA regulatory mechanisms during the developmental process of Kazakh horse testes at 1 and 3 years of age. Through miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of testicular tissues from 1-year-old and 3-year-old horses, a developmentally stage-specific miRNA expression profile was constructed. A total of 1640 miRNAs were identified, among which 437 (380 up-regulated and 57 down-regulated) exhibited significant differential expression between the two age groups, including eca-miR-16, eca-miR-17, eca-miR-103, and eca-miR-199a-5p. Functional enrichment analysis...
