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Topic:Inflammatory Response
The inflammatory response in horses is a complex physiological process that occurs when the immune system reacts to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. This response is characterized by the activation of various immune cells, the release of signaling molecules, and the production of inflammatory mediators. In horses, the inflammatory response involves both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, which work together to eliminate the source of harm and initiate tissue repair. Key components of the equine inflammatory response include cytokines, chemokines, and leukocytes, which coordinate the body's defense and healing processes. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanisms, regulation, and implications of the inflammatory response in equine health and disease.
Cyclooxygenase-2 and von Willebrand factor-an immunohistochemical study of the equine foot with and without laminitis, post-mortem perfused with paraffin oil. Equine laminitis is a complex and potentially fatal disease characterized by severe vascular and inflammatory alterations within the equine foot. This study aimed to develop immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols for the detection of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in equine feet with and without laminitis, post-mortem perfused with paraffin oil. Unassigned: A total of 12 equine forelimbs from 8 horses were utilized in this study, divided into two study cohorts: one with laminitis and the other as a non-laminitis control. To develop the IHC protocols thoroughly, the tiss...
Equine monocyte-derived macrophages revisited: isolation and comprehensive characterization of pro- versus anti-inflammatory polarisation. Macrophages play key roles in tissue homeostasis and regeneration-associated inflammation. Unlike humans, a reliable protocol to obtain and polarise equine monocyte-derived macrophages is lacking. In this study the polarisation of equine macrophages, derived from CD172a peripheral blood monocytes is described. After differentiation, IFN-γ/LPS or IL-4 were used to induce pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, respectively. Evaluation criteria included morphology, mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein expression (flow cytometry, immunofluorescence), nitric oxide and arginase production, cytokine secretion...
Monitoring Weaning Stress in Fillies and Colts on a Thoroughbred Breeding Farm by Cortisol and Blood Inflammatory Markers: The Benefits of Gradual Separation and Social Support. Weaning represents a major developmental milestone for foals, especially when 4- to 7-month-old foals are abruptly separated from their dams. Studies have shown that the post-weaning period is associated with physiological and psychological stress, which may affect immune function. The present study aimed to describe and analyze the pattern of blood inflammatory biomarkers related to the innate immune system. A gradual foal-dam separation procedure was chosen, which included post-weaning social buffering by a familiar adult horse. Twelve Thoroughbred foals (six fillies, six colts) aged 4-6 mon...
Hippobosca equina: Influences on oxidative stress and immune-regulating cytokine responses in horses. Hippobosca equina, a common ectoparasite of horses, poses a significant challenge to equine health worldwide. This study provides a molecular characterization of H. equina and examines its impact on host immune responses and oxidative stress. Genetic analysis of samples from various regions revealed notable homogeneity, indicating limited genetic variation among populations. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close genetic relationships among sequences from Egypt, France, Kazakhstan and Portugal, while also showing comparable but more distant identities to sequences from China, Denmark, Finlan...
A Portable Fluorometer Detects Significantly Elevated Cell-Free DNA in Tracheal Wash and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Horses with Severe Asthma. Severe equine asthma (sEA) is characterized by increased lower airway neutrophils that contribute to dysregulated inflammation through the release of cytokines, reactive oxygen species and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are composed of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) intercalated with enzymatic proteins and are known to be increased in the lower airway of asthmatic horses. The objectives of this study were two-fold: 1. Determine if cfDNA can be accurately measured in equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and tracheal wash (TW) with a Qubit 4 fluorometer. 2. Determine whether Qubit-meas...
Cannabinoid and cannabinoid related receptors in fibroblasts, inflammatory and endothelial cells of the equine hoof with and without laminitis: novel pharmacological target. Evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is crucial for regulating inflammation, cell proliferation and pain. The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors such as type 1 (CBR1), type 2 (CBR2) and GPR55, endocannabinoids and enzymes. Proteins of ECS have previously been localized in the epidermal cells of the horse hooves. Given the physio-pathological role and cellular distribution of the ECS across species, the authors hypothesized that cannabinoid receptors are expressed within the inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of the equine hoof laminae, going beyond t...
Synovial Fluid and Serum MicroRNA Signatures in Equine Osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum and synovial fluid (SF) samples of control horses and those with osteoarthritis (OA) to identify potential candidates for biomarkers of disease. Total RNA was extracted from serum and SF samples of control (n = 4) and OA (n = 9) horses and sequenced. Differential expression analysis, pathway analysis and miRNA target prediction were performed. A group of six miRNAs (eca-miR-199a-3p, eca-miR-148a, eca-miR-99b, eca-miR-146a, eca-miR-423-5p and eca-miR-23b) was selected for validation in an independent coho...
Tear Film Osmolarity in Horses With Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by infectious or non-infectious factors. Infectious conjunctivitis comes in two forms: viral and bacterial. Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by organisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, with the severity of the disease influenced by the specific bacterial species involved. Because both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, preventive measures are essential to reduce transmission-especially to the unaffected eye. Objective: To evaluate the tear film osmolality in horses with bacterial conjunctiv...
The Concentration and Duration of Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Produce Different Cytokine Responses in an Ex Vivo Whole Blood Model in Horses. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is frequently used in equine research to model clinical endotoxemia; however, there is no standardized protocol for inducing cytokine production in equine whole blood. To address this knowledge gap, the goal of this study was to compare the cytokine responses elicited by three different LPS stimulation protocols. Whole blood was collected from six healthy horses (aged 5-30 years; mixed breeds and genders) from the North Carolina State University teaching herd (IACUC #23-412). Sixty milliliters of heparinized blood were aseptically drawn and divided into 15 mL aliquots....
Does the Relationship Between Microelements (Copper, Zinc and Selenium) and Proinflammatory Proteins (IL-6, IL-8 and Tissue Factor) Have Diagnostic Value in Equine Medicine? Some correlations between serum Cu, Zn and Se and cytokines have been reported in humans. Especially, the Cu:Zn ratio corresponded with inflammation. To date, relationships between microelements and proinflammatory proteins are poorly understood in horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Cu, Zn and Se may influence turnover of IL-6, IL-8 and tissue factor (TF) in breeding and working horses. Blood samples obtained from 66 horses were analysed. There were 37 pregnant broodmares of different breeds, 13 barren broodmares and 16 race Thoroughbred horses. Serum Cu, Zn and Se concentrat...
Equine adipose-derived stem cells modulate in vitro neutrophil extracellular trap release by polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) are thin and long web-like structures composed of DNA and antimicrobial proteins released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) as part of the innate immune response. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) represent an accessible, abundant and minimal invasive source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with high regenerative potential, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Although recognized immunomodulatory properties of ADSCs, their interaction with PMN and their role on NET formation remains poorly characterized. The present study aimed...
Lectin Microarray-based Glycomics and Machine Learning Identify Shared Osteoarthritis Biomarkers in Humans, Dogs, and Horses. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common sequela to joint injury in both humans and companion animal species such as horses and dogs. Despite the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) in humans, investigation of glycosylation changes associated with OA remains in its infancy. Recent advances, such as lectin microarray analysis, now enable detailed glycan profiling in complex biofluids such as synovial fluid. Using lectin microarray technology, this study characterized glycosylation patterns in synovial fluid samples from healthy and OA-affected joints in horses, dogs, and humans...
Analysis of the presence of Beta-hemolytic streptococci and cytological profiles in horse tracheal lavage samples with diverse clinical respiratory symptoms. Riding clubs face significant financial losses due to upper respiratory infections caused by Beta-hemolytic (β-hemolytic) streptococci, leading to strangles and related diseases that negatively impact the health and performance of horses. Our objective was to determine the relationship between these inflammatory cells, the presence of β-hemolytic streptococcal species, and the clinical symptoms exhibited by the horses. This study investigated the presence of β-hemolytic streptococcus in 133 tracheal lavage samples from horses exhibiting various clinical respiratory symptoms and quantified t...
Changes in equine complete blood count parameters and inflammatory indices with inflammation. Early detection of inflammation using a common test could be a valuable tool for preserving horse health. Objective: This observational study aimed to identify variation in complete blood count (CBC) parameters and inflammatory indices with inflammation, and to develop reference intervals (RIs) from horses with known inflammatory states, hypothesizing that RIs developed from horses with normal acute phase protein concentrations would improve the ability to predict inflammation. Methods: Concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin from clinically healthy horses and horses under vete...
Cervical epidural catheter for administration of detomidine and morphine in a model of carpal synovitis in the horse. To determine the analgesic effects of detomidine and morphine administered by cervical epidural catheter (CEC) on a model of thoracic limb pain. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded crossover study. Methods: Five adult horses. Methods: Cervical epidural catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance, followed by induction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated carpal synovitis. Horses received either saline or detomidine/morphine (DM; 10 μg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, respectively) via CEC 4 h after synovitis. After a 7 day washout, synovitis was induced in the contralateral carpus, and the alternate ...
Preliminary insights on the daily rhythm of CRP and IL-6 in athletic horses. Homeostasis and inflammation are two opposing physiological processes that are driven by the circadian clock. Objective: The study aim was to investigate the biological rhythm of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in horses. Methods: Eight clinically healthy Italian saddle gelding horses, housed in individual boxes and subjected to a natural 12/12 L/D cycle, were enrolled. Blood samples were performed every 4 hours over a 48-hour period. Results: A positive correlation was found between CRP and IL-6 on both days of monitoring. Both parameters showed a daily rhythm; CRP acrop...
Steamed hay for the prevention of severe equine asthma exacerbations. Steaming hay reduces respirable particles and is commonly used to feed horses with asthma. However, it showed inconsistent benefits in clinical studies. Objective: (1) To assess the effects of steamed hay on lung function and airway inflammation in horses with severe equine asthma (SEA) in remission; (2) To compare these effects with a dry hay diet. Methods: Cross-over in vivo experiment. Methods: Horses were fed steamed and dry hay for 4 weeks in a prospective, cross-over study, with a 4-week washout period. Lung function, bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) cytology, and a 23-point weighted clin...
Insights into Genomic Patterns of Homozygosity in the Endangered Dülmen Wild Horse Population. Dülmen wild horses are kept in a fenced wooden and marsh area around Dülmen in Westphalia, Germany, since 1856. Previous analyses supported early genetic divergence from other domesticated horse populations and the Przewalski horse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity using high-density genomic data. Methods: We collected 337 one-year-old male Dülmen wild horses, captured at 12 annual auctions, for genotyping on the Illumina GGP Equine Plus Beadchip. All analyses were performed for 63,123 autosomal SNPs. Results: On average, each horse had 27.96 ROH with...
Effects of mixed polyphenol supplementation on lower airway inflammation in horses with Equine Asthma Syndrome. Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease of adult horses. While dietary polyphenols have shown anti-inflammatory effects in human asthma, their use in equine asthma has not been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a mixed polyphenol supplement on systemic and pulmonary inflammation, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, and clinical respiratory signs in healthy and asthmatic horses. We hypothesized that polyphenol supplementation would decrease systemic and pulmonary inflammation in both healthy and asthmatic horses and would improve BAL cytology a...
Comparison Between Tracheal Wash and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology for the Assessment of Airway Inflammation in Racehorses Affected by Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage. Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) results from alveolar capillary stress failure after strenuous exercise, leading to bleeding and pulmonary inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology is considered the gold standard for the assessment of airway inflammation; however, it is often considered more invasive compared to tracheal wash (TW). It has been demonstrated that TW is a reliable diagnostic tool that may substitute BALF to diagnose and grade the severity of EIPH in racehorses; however, no information about airway inflammation in EIPH-affected horses has been reporte...
PPARγ Agonism Modulates Synovial Macrophage and Cartilage Responses in an Equine Model of Synovial Inflammation-Implications for Joint Therapy. Synovitis resolution is critical for joint homeostasis and prevents the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Treatments like NSAIDs and intra-articular corticosteroids relieve symptoms by blocking pro-inflammatory mediators, but also impair the production of pro-resolving mediators, contributing to the likelihood of chronic synovitis. PPARγ signaling is an essential mechanism of synovitis resolution, which is decreased in OA tissues. To evaluate the potential of PPARγ agonists to promote pro-resolving pathways, equine macrophages cultured in autologous, normal, or inflamed synovial fluid ( = ...
Inflammatory response following intra-articular injection of decellularized porcine amnion/chorion in horses. The objective of the study was to evaluate effects of intra-articular decellularized porcine amnion/chorion suspension (dPACLS) in horses. Methods: Controlled, randomized, prospective study. Methods: A total of 10 adult horses. Methods: One randomly selected radiocarpal joint (RCJ) was injected with a high dose (HD) of 50 mg (n = 5) or low dose (LD) of 5 mg of dPACLS (n = 5). The contralateral RCJ received saline as control. Systemic serum amyloid A (SAA), synovial fluid analysis (including SAA) and subjective lameness evaluation were performed prior to injection (time 0) and 24, 4...
Refinement of the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Synovitis Model in Equine Middle Carpal Joints. The aim of this study was to refine the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced synovitis model in normal carpal joints of Thoroughbred horses by comparing two low LPS doses. A further aim was to investigate the relationship between the induced synovitis and lameness. The study design consisted of two phases using nine horses with a unilateral crossover design and a within-animal saline control. Synoviocentesis was performed at post-injection hour (PIH) 0, 8, 24, 72 and 168, allowing for synovial fluid cytology and biomarker analysis. Objective gait and thermographic analysis were used to objectively...
Synovial Fluid Biomarker Profile After Intra-Articular Administration of Neosaxitoxin in Horses: A Feasibility Study. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory joint disease and the leading cause of musculoskeletal disability affecting human and veterinary patients. New therapeutics halting inflammation while preserving joint homeostasis remain a critical need. Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels regulate the pro-inflammatory response of macrophages in the synovium, the central driver of joint homeostasis. Neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX) is a phycotoxin that blocks NaV channels, conferring a unique potential to regulate joint inflammation. This study evaluated the safety of intra-articular administration of NeoSTX in hors...
Influence of a Standardized Lunging Exercise Test on BALF Cytology in Horses Suffering from Mild-Moderate Equine Asthma. Mild-moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a very common but underdiagnosed pulmonary disease in horses, with mild cases not showing clinical respiratory signs. This study evaluates the influence of a standardized lunging exercise test (SLET) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology in MEA horses. We hypothesized that SLET would increase the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and/or percentages of inflammatory cells associated with EA. In a prospective, randomized, non-blinded, between-subjects study design of two independent groups, 39 horses (17 mild and 22 moderate) were included. They were...
Hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column alters inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-treated horses in vivo. To determine the effect of hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column on systemic cytokine concentrations and neutrophil dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-treated horses in vivo. Unassigned: 6 university-owned horses received 60 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide, IV, as a bolus and then 60 ng/kg, IV, as a constant rate infusion over 1 hour. Endotoxemia was confirmed by clinical signs and neutropenia. In a crossover model that was completed from January 2024 through July 2024, hemoperfusion was performed for 4 hours with either a sham or polymer column. Blood was collected at 5 time points over a 72-hour...
The equine placental extract ameliorates renal damage in mice with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease by inhibiting indoxyl sulfate production. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a dietary metabolite of tryptophan that is produced in the liver. It is a uremic toxin that facilitates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We previously observed that equine placental extract (ePE) inhibited IS synthesis in an inhibition assay using the liver S9 fraction. Unassigned: This study was designed to investigate the effects of ePE on adenine-induced renal failure in mice at the histological and molecular levels to understand the mechanism of action of ePE. Unassigned: We assessed this effect through biochemical and histological analyses using a...
Clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of a uterine sanitizer in mares. Limited response to conventional therapies and rising antibiotic resistance emphasize the need for alternative treatments for infectious endometritis. A recent in vitro study showed promising antimicrobial activity of a commercial uterine cleaning sanitizer (UCS) against endometritis pathogens. However, its safety and efficacy in mares remain untested. Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical safety of intrauterine infusion of UCS in reproductively sound mares. Methods: Exp. 1. Six healthy mares with endometrial biopsies classified as I or IIA had two intrauterine infusions of UCS pe...
Platelet-derived mitochondrial preparation did not alter early inflammatory markers in a bilateral lipopolysaccharide-induced model of equine synovitis. To evaluate IA autologous platelet-derived mitochondrial preparation versus vehicle control in a bilateral lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of equine synovitis. Unassigned: 2 ng of LPS was injected into bilateral intercarpal joints of 6 horses over 3 months. Autologous mitochondria, isolated with a commercial kit, were injected into one joint, while the contralateral joint received a vehicle control, a within-subject controlled experimental design. Mitochondrial organelle appearance was visualized on transmission electron microscopy. Outcome measures included synovial fluid and whole-blo...
