Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in growing thoroughbreds: a longitudinal study.
Abstract: This study describes longitudinal changes in serum levels of biochemical markers of bone cell activity in a group of 24 thoroughbred foals from birth to 18 months of age. The markers of bone formation included the type I collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and osteocalcin (OC). Levels of the cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), a marker of bone resorption, and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PNIIIP), a marker of soft tissue turnover, were also measured. Levels of all markers fell significantly between birth and 18 months of age (70-80 per cent); this decrease being most marked between 0 and 6 months. However, a transient increase in levels of the markers then occurred between 6 and 14 months of age. The timing of this increase was specific for each parameter. ICTP and OC concentrations increased between October and December. PICP concentrations increased between December and April whereas the increase in PIIINP was coincident with the peak in weight gain between April and June. Changes in BAP concentration were less distinct at this time. Season was shown to have significant effects on the biochemical markers independent from the effect of age. Concentrations of all markers decreased with increasing body weight and at any given age heavier horses had lower marker levels. These results show that biochemical markers of bone cell activity and soft tissue turnover follow characteristic patterns of change in growing thoroughbreds influenced by age, season and bodyweight. The demonstration that the reference ranges for the biochemical markers change from month to month means that single samples from individuals are of little value for monitoring bone cell activity in growing thoroughbreds.
Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Publication Date: 2001-10-23 PubMed ID: 11666146DOI: 10.1053/rvsc.2001.0482Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research study attempts to understand the age, season and weight-related patterns of change in biochemical markers of bone cell activity and soft tissue turnover in young thoroughbreds from birth to 18 months.
Overview of the Research Paper
- The study observes changes in serum levels of biochemical markers related to bone cell activity, in a group of 24 thoroughbred horses from birth till they are 18 months old.
- The bone formation markers included – type I collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC); a marker of bone resorption- cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP); and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PIIINP), a marker for soft tissue turnover.
- Throughout the observation, levels of all these markers fell between the birth and 18-month mark by 70-80%. The most significant decrease was seen between 0 to 6 months, followed by a brief rise between 6-14 months. The timing of this increase varied for each parameter.
Findings and Results
- Different markers peaked at different times: ICTP and OC levels rose between October and December; PICP levels spiked from December to April; PIIINP increase coincided with weight gain peak, which was observed from April to June.
- Season was found to affect these markers’ levels, independent of age. All bone metabolic activity markers decreased with increasing weight, at any given age.
- This study demonstrates that the biochemical markers used in monitoring bone cell activity and soft tissue turnover fluctuate according to age, season, and bodyweight.
Implications and Conclusions
- The findings suggest that the range for these biochemical markers isn’t static, and changes from month to month, making it challenging to monitor bone cell activity in growing thoroughbreds using single samples from individuals.
- A continued understanding of these biochemical markers’ fluctuation will aid thoroughbred horse care and provide insights into the bone and soft tissue development of these animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Price JS, Jackson BF, Gray JA, Harris PA, Wright IM, Pfeiffer DU, Robins SP, Eastell R, Ricketts SW.
(2001).
Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in growing thoroughbreds: a longitudinal study.
Res Vet Sci, 71(1), 37-44.
https://doi.org/10.1053/rvsc.2001.0482 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Basic Science, The Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 OTU, UK. jprice@rvc.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
- Animals
- Biomarkers / blood
- Body Weight
- Bone Development / physiology
- Bone and Bones / metabolism
- Horses / blood
- Horses / growth & development
- Horses / metabolism
- Longitudinal Studies
- Osteocalcin / blood
- Peptide Fragments / blood
- Procollagen / blood
- Seasons
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses.. Vet World 2020 May;13(5):847-859.
- Fradinho MJ, Mateus L, Bernardes N, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study.. PLoS One 2019;14(7):e0219900.
- Turlo AJ, Cywinska A, Frisbie DD. Revisiting predictive biomarkers of musculoskeletal injury in thoroughbred racehorses: longitudinal study in polish population.. BMC Vet Res 2019 Feb 26;15(1):66.
- Strand E, Braathen LC, Hellsten MC, Huse-Olsen L, Bjornsdottir S. Radiographic closure time of appendicular growth plates in the Icelandic horse.. Acta Vet Scand 2007 Jul 17;49(1):19.
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