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Topic:Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein found abundantly in the connective tissues of horses, including skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It contributes to the strength and elasticity of these tissues, playing a significant role in maintaining structural integrity. Collagen fibers are composed of amino acid chains, primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which form a triple helix structure. In horses, collagen is involved in various physiological processes, including tissue repair and regeneration. Changes in collagen composition and structure can be associated with conditions such as joint disorders and tendon injuries. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the synthesis, function, and clinical implications of collagen in equine health.
Evaluation of Microvascular Flow Imaging and Power Doppler Ultrasonography in an Equine Model of Induced Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are common in athletic horses and are associated with prolonged healing and high reinjury rates. Conventional ultrasonography provides structural information but limited physiologic assessment. This study compared microvascular imaging (MVI) and Power Doppler (PD) for evaluating vascular changes in a collagenase-induced equine SDFT injury model and assessed the effect of scanning technique on vascular signal detection. Eight adult Thoroughbred horses underwent bilateral collagenase-induced SDFT injury, with one forelimb randomly assigned to int...
Genes Associated With Fracture Risk in Thoroughbred Horses Have Novel Roles in Osteogenesis. Bone fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses are a major welfare problem. Genetic factors contribute to fracture risk. Cell models have previously identified 112 differentially expressed genes in bone-forming osteoblasts derived from horses at high and low genetic risk of fracture. However, 42 of these genes have no published role in bone. In this study, we identified novel roles for a subset of these genes in bone formation. Twenty-six of the 42 genes were expressed in Saos2 cells during basal culture and/or after 21 days of osteogenic culture. Five of these genes (ADSSL1, CABP1, ENO2, SPARCL1...
Impact of collagen supplementation on the fecal microbiome of young horses in training. Intense training in athletic foals may alter fecal microbiota, highlighting the need for nutritional strategies such as hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary hydrolyzed collagen on the fecal microbiome of weanlings in training. Methods: Twenty Mangalarga Marchador foals (206 ± 18 kg; 7 ± 1 mo age) were assigned to two groups: a supplemented group (50 g/day of hydrolyzed collagen for 180 days) and a control group. A completely randomized design with repeated measures over time was used. Foals were exercised five consecutive days pe...
Macroscale and microscale mechanical and biochemical properties of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon are regionally dependent. To examine regional mechanical and biochemical differences across the length of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Unassigned: Equine SDFTs were collected postmortem from 9 donors and divided into proximal, middle, and distal regions based on the location of the musculotendinous and osteotendinous junctions. Tensile testing was performed on samples to obtain macroscale mechanical properties, and atomic force microscopy was done to obtain microscale mechanical properties. Biochemical assays and histological staining were done to assess glycosaminoglycan (GAG), collagen, and DN...
Edema and Structural Remodeling in Equine Suspensory Ligament Injury: A Severity Gradient Associated with Microvascular Dysfunction. Suspensory ligament injury is a major cause of lameness in sport horses, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize histopathological alterations of the equine suspensory ligament and to evaluate their association with imaging features. A comparative descriptive study was performed on sport horses with forelimb lameness, combining clinical evaluation, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathological analysis. Ligament samples were collected post-mortem from anatomically defined regions selected based on imaging find...
An in vitro collagen gel contraction assay to assess the relaxing effect of potential pharmacological alternatives to oxytetracycline on foals’ tendons. Oxytetracycline has been successfully used to treat flexural limb deformities in foals. However, its antimicrobial properties and potential adverse side effects warrant the investigation of alternatives. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or collagen cross-linking have been suggested as possible mechanisms of action. This study assessed the influence of potential alternative substances lacking antimicrobial properties on collagen gel contraction by juvenile equine myofibroblasts in vitro. Myofibroblasts were isolated from forelimb SDFTs and inferior check ligaments from foals eutha...
Histological properties of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament in racing Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses. The distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL) is a key component of the equine podotrochlear apparatus, yet its role in conditions such as caudal heel pain and navicular syndrome remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the histological properties of the DSIL and evaluate how it is influenced by breed and age. Eighty-four cadaveric forelimb DSIL samples were collected from young, athletic Quarter horses (QHs), Thoroughbreds (TBs), and older, retired Quarter horses. Samples were stained and assessed for vessel size and count, number of nerve fascicles, and the r...
Effect of Croton lechleri sap-based topical treatment, with or without nitroglycerin, on healing of equine metatarsal skin wounds. Skin wounds in horses, particularly in the distal extremities, often heal slowly due to mechanical stress, compromised perfusion, and excessive fibroplasia. This study evaluated the effects of topical Croton lechleri (CL) cream, alone or in combination with nitroglycerin, on the healing of skin wounds in the metatarsal region of horses. Six mares received six standardized wounds in each region and were treated with: saline solution, nitroglycerin (0.1 or 1 mg/mL), CL (1 or 10 µg/mL), or CL + nitroglycerin (10 µg/mL + 1 mg/mL). Wound contraction, histology, and bacterial culture were evaluate...
Engineered biopolymeric hydrogels for in vitro modeling of equine sarcoid tumors in comparative oncology. Developing advanced preclinical in vitro cancer models is essential for understanding tumor biology, improving drug discovery, and enhancing the clinical translation of new therapies. Papillomaviruses (PVs) cause diverse lesions in humans and animals; notably, bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is the main cause of equine sarcoid, the most common skin tumor in horses. Its pathogenesis involves viral infection, fibroblast transformation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. These processes highlight the limitations of conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems, which fail to replicate the...
Detection of vasculogenic mimicry in equine ocular, oronasal, and genital squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant tumor disease in horses. It predominantly affects the ocular, oronasal, and anogenital region. Equine SCC is difficult to treat, also because important aspects of SCC development and metastasis are still unclear. We previously provided evidence that equine SCC cells can adopt a stem cell-like phenotype as a hallmark of malignant progression. Here, we investigated whether equine SCCs harbor endothelial-like tumor cells that form an alternative network of pseudo-vessels better known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Following histopathologic...
Collagen composition in equine exuberant granulation tissue reflects tissue immaturity. Exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) is a second intention wound healing disorder. It commonly occurs in the distal limb of horses. EGT causes significant increase in the duration and cost of treatment, potentially leading to the decision not to pursue treatment and euthanize the patient. The underlying pathomechanisms of this fibroproliferative disorder remain unclear, particularly in terms of collagen composition and the association between myofibroblasts and blood vessels. This study investigated the collagen composition in naturally occurring EGT following trimming in 19 horses (EGT group). ...
Free Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Horses Fed Different Dosing Regimens of Hydrolysed Collagen. Hydrolysed collagen is used as a supplement for horses with osteoarthritis, hoof horn growth problems, and gastric ulcers. To determine the oral availability of a specific hydrolysed collagen supplement and the appropriate dose, six Warmblood mares were fed two different concentrations of the supplement: 100 g HC (C), 50 g HC (C), and a control of 0 g HC (C) during one week in a randomised cross-over design. On day 7, 14 and 21, blood sampling for amino acid (AA) analysis was performed, just prior to feeding the supplement (t = 0) and every hour after feeding for 8 h (t = 1-8). Statistical ana...
Cellular interactions and gene expression analysis of two equine-derived bone graft materials: an in vitro study. Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves the use of bone tissue or bone substitutes to repair damaged bone. In dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, bone graft substitutes from various sources are commonly used. Given their critical role in clinical outcomes, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the biological and mechanical properties of these materials. Methods: In this in vitro study, we evaluated the biological properties of two equine-derived bone graft substitutes in comparison to β-tricalcium phosphate. The materials included one equine-derived graft containing hydrolyze...
Distal interphalangeal joint capsule enthesopathy of the middle phalanx and articular cartilage loss. Significant distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) pathology, particularly affecting soft tissue and articular cartilage, is often not identifiable on radiographs but can be accompanied by joint capsule enthesopathy on the middle phalanx (P2), which can be readily identified. Objective: To explore frequency and correlations between DIPJ capsule enthesopathy identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographs and DIPJ articular cartilage abnormalities and other concurrent soft tissue or osseous pathology within the foot found on MRI. Methods: Retrospective descriptive case series. Metho...
Topical Use of Sucralfate in Cutaneous Wound Management: A Narrative Review with a Veterinary Perspective. Wound management is a fundamental skill for veterinarians, requiring a systematic approach to wound care and a deep understanding of the biological principles underlying healing. Sucralfate, widely known as a mucoprotective agent for gastroduodenal ulcers, has recently shown promising topical effects in human skin lesions by binding and protecting growth factors from proteolytic degradation, thereby enhancing their local availability. This action promotes angiogenesis, chemotaxis and cell proliferation, while reducing oxidative stress and exerting bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects agains...
Morphological and morphometric characterization of the aorta of Brazilian horses (Equus ferus caballus, Linnaeus-1758): Comparative analysis of the aortic bulb and ascending aorta. We examined 52 horse aortas to characterize the morphological aspects of the aortic bulb wall and the ascending aorta. The morphometric data were analyzed using ImageJ®-Fiji 1.5 software. The Tunica intima was composed of endotheliocytes with scarce cytoplasm and ellipsoid nuclei, supported by a collagenous subendothelial stratum. The Tunica media was composed entirely of fascicles of vascular smooth muscle cells interspersed with bundles of collagen fibers and elastic lamellae, characterizing the aortic medial lamellar unit. The Tunica adventitia consisted of two distinct sub-layers: the ext...
Tendon/Ligaments: Structure and Composition. The mid-metacarpal SDFT, intrasynovial DDFT and suspensory ligament are frequently injured soft tissues in the equine athlete. The mid-metacarpal SDFT exhibits a hierarchical structure and encounters repetitive strains at its functional limit. The intrasynovial DDFT possesses fibrocartilage where opposing bony surfaces to facilitate resistance-free gliding and contains chondrocyte-like cells embedded in a proteoglycan-rich ECM. While suspensory ligament enthesis injuries are common, collagen and non-collagen ECM structure-function specializations at the bone-ligament interface are understudied...
Cellular and Matrix Dynamics of the Equine Tendon. Our understanding of tendon homeostasis and repair following injury has made great strides through basic science, clinical veterinary medicine, and preclinical translational research. We have now gleaned a greater understanding of the cellular and matrix dynamics that are being orchestrated within the tendon, which provide therapeutic opportunities. This article will focus on how utilizing the horse and equine tissues have advanced our understanding of tendinopathy and the cellular and matrix dynamics at play while also identifying continued gaps in our knowledge where the horse as a veterinar...
Proteomic profiling reveals the potential role of allogenic equine platelet-rich plasma and extracellular vesicles in modulating tendon inflammation and repair. To determine the protein composition of equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and PRP-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and evaluate their effects on tendon inflammation in vitro. As tendon injuries are common in horses and treatment with PRP derived from the horse's own blood shows promise, but outcomes vary due to inconsistent composition. PRP contains EVs that facilitate cell communication. Unassigned: From December 2022 through May 2023, equine plasma (n = 3, adult) was isolated via double centrifugation and PRP produced using a commercial kit. Extracellular vesicles were isolated using dif...
Development of a two-layer 3D equine endometrial tissue model using genipin-crosslinked collagen scaffolds and 3D printing. Advances in endometrial tissue engineering have enabled the combination of modified scaffolding materials with modern cell culture technologies. Genipin and three-dimensional (3D) printing have advanced cell-tissue engineering by enabling the precise layering of cell-containing matrices while ensuring low cytotoxicity. This study aimed to advance equine endometrial tissue engineering by designing customized collagen scaffolds using 3D printing technology, while optimizing the genipin concentration to avoid toxicity. Genipin was tested at concentrations of 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, and 0 mM on...
Tenogenic potential of tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells isolated post-mortem: Impact of cryopreservation. In situ injection of mesenchymal stem cells appears as a promising treatment of tendinopathies. Tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TDSCs) are widely studied and show a lot of interesting characteristics for clinical use. The aim of this study is to confirm the tenogenic potential of cryopreserved TDSCs and to confirm their ability to produce type I and/or type III collagens fibers in culture. Tendon-derived mesenchymal stem cells are harvested from the tendon no later than 72 h post-mortem. Their tenogenic potential has been assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain ...
Osteochondrosis in horses: An overview of genetic and other factors. Osteochondrosis (OC) is a frequent manifestation of developmental orthopaedic disease, and its severe clinical presentation is known as OC dissecans (OCD). OC is defined as a disruption of the endochondral ossification process in the epiphyseal cartilage, and this disease has been reported in different mammalian species, including humans, dogs, pigs, and horses. OCD is an important cause of lameness in sport horses and is a common cause of impaired orthopaedic potential, whose clinical signs may be of minimal magnitude or manifest as severe joint effusion or clinically noticeable lameness. The...
Altered expression of collagen gene family members and its epigenetic background in equine Sarcoids. Alterations in the genes involved in the creation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were observed in our earlier transcriptome studies of sarcoids and their cell culture model. For a complete characterization of the underlying molecular pathways, it is imperative to comprehend the involvement of ECM modifications in the oncogenic transformation of sarcoid fibroblasts. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to describe the expression patterns of a set of genes that are essential for the rearrangements of the extracellular matrix, namely collagen genes, and elucidate possible mechanisms underly...
Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Equine Tendon and Ligament Injuries: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Experimental Studies. (1) Background: Tendon and ligament injuries are a leading cause of lameness in horses, with significant economic implications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained attention for its regenerative potential, but its efficacy remains uncertain due to inconsistent study designs and reporting. (2) Methods: This systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, evaluated 22 studies (clinical and experimental) to assess the safety and efficacy of PRP in treating equine tendon and ligament injuries. The risk of bias was analyzed using the ROBINS-I and RoB 2.0 tools. (3) Results: PRP demonstrated a...
Biochemical characterization of collagen I in Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome horse lysyl hydroxylase 1 mutation. Mutations in the collagen-modifying enzyme lysyl hydroxylase 1 (LH1) cause Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) in horses. We investigated the impact of this mutation on collagen structure and function. Our results show that LH1 deficiency leads to reduced lysine hydroxylation, altered collagen fibril organization, and tissue abnormalities resembling human Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. These findings highlight the critical role of LH1 in collagen biosynthesis and provide insights into the pathogenesis of WFFS.
Ovarian steroids modulate mRNA expression of ECM associated genes and collagen deposition induced by TGF β1 in equine endometrium in vitro. Equine endometrosis is a major cause of infertility in mares and is characterized by degenerative, functional and fibrotic changes in the endometrium with increased collagen (COL) deposition. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is one of the major pro-fibrotic factors involved in the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the equine endometrium. It has been demonstrated that ovarian steroids, specifically 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), not only regulate the cyclicity of the estrous cycle, but also have been implicated as anti- or pro-fibrotic factors. Thi...
Preparation and tissue structure analysis of horse bone collagen peptide. Horse bone is rich in collagen, with a composition similar to that of human collagen. Collagen peptides supply nutrients needed for human growth that act as antioxidants, lower blood pressure. This study explored the extraction of collagen and the preparation of collagen short peptides from Mongolian horse bones. Bones were collected from horses of varying ages, and the collagen content along with calcium salt distribution were observed through staining and imaging analyses. Next, the bones were processed into a powder and then subjected to ultra-high-pressure processing for degreasing. The de...
TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNA expression in different grades of histopathological lesions of equine endometrium from follicular phase. Increased synthesis and deposition of collagen (COL) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of equine endometrium contributes to endometrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane receptors involved in the innate immune response, recognized for their role in antigen recognition and previously associated with equine endometritis. The TLRs not only recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also regulate inflammations, fibrosis and cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between TLR expression at different stages of Kenney and Doig's (K-D) grading and COL1 exp...
Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Hydroxyapatites From Horse Humerus Bones of Different Ages (1, 3, 6, and 8 Years old) Calcined at Low Temperature. The aim of this work is to investigate the changes in the physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp) extracted from horse humerus bones of different ages (1, 3, 6, and 8 years) subjected to low temperature calcination (600°C). Thermal analysis revealed significant mass loss due to water, collagen, organic compounds, carbonates, and age-related magnesium out-diffusion. Higher fat content in older bones contributed to increased mass loss. Phosphorus content remained constant across age groups, while calcium and sodium showed age-related fluctuations. Magnesium levels decreased with ag...
Collagen and collagenases in mare’s endometrium with endometrosis. Equine endometrosis is a degenerative and predominantly fibrotic condition resulting from progressive and irreversible multifactorial causes that influence the endometrium of mare. Tissue remodeling in the equine endometrium occurs as part of the pathogenesis of endometrosis, a process characterized by a shift in extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The relationship between matrix metalloproteinases and their specific inhibitors is crucial for the remodeling process. Collagen play a significant role in maintaining a healthy uterus and may promote fibrotic processes. The aim of this study was...
