Changes in saliva analytes in equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) after treatment: a pilot study.

This research article covers a study on how the levels of particular components in horse saliva change before and after treatment for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). The study found that successful treatment led to increases in some substances and decreases in others, while unsuccessful treatment revealed no significant changes.

Background

• This research focuses on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), a condition prevalent in up to 93% of racehorses. EGUS is divided into equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and the equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), both of which pose significant health challenges to horses.
• The study makes use of saliva, which is a non-invasive and easily obtainable sample, for identifying potential biomarkers in horses. Biomarkers are measurable substances whose presence indicates a biological state or condition.

Methodology

• The research involved a total of 28 horses diagnosed with EGUS. They underwent treatment with omeprazole for six weeks.
• The horses were then divided according to treatment outcome – successful (15) or unsuccessful (13).
• Saliva samples were collected before and after treatment. These samples were then measured using an automated chemistry analyzer for analytes related to enzymes, metabolites, proteins, redox biomarkers, and minerals.

Results and Conclusions

• The results of the study showed a correlation between successful treatment and significant increases in bicarbonate and urea, as well as decreases in adenosine deaminase (ADA), and creatine kinase (CK) in the saliva of horses.
• The horses corresponding to the unsuccessful treatment group didn’t exhibit any significant changes in these salivary analytes.
• The study suggests that these analytes could quickly and easily be measured, making them potentially useful in routine treatments.
• The researchers propose that further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm the practical application of these analytes as biomarkers for EGUS treatment.