Characterization of equine intestinal fatty acid binding protein and its use in managing horses with colic.

The research discusses the investigation into the genetic sequence of the equine intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). The study mainly aims to understand its roles in managing horses with colic, and its potential association with observation variables such as the necessity for abdominal surgery, intestinal ischemia, and survivability.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• This study aimed to determine the nucleotide sequence of the equine intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) gene, its expression in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and the application of measuring I-FABP in managing horses with colic.
• The study was carried out on 86 horses with colic. The mRNA sequence for the I-FABP gene was identified using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends technique.
• I-FABP gene expression was measured using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay while I-FABP levels in abdominal fluid and plasma were assessed with an ELISA kit.
• Nonparametric analysis was employed to determine the relationship between I-FABP concentrations and clinical variables. The Spearman correlation test was used to establish the link between these variables and intestinal ischemia.

Key Findings of the Research

• The study found that the nucleotide sequence of the equine I-FABP gene had an 87% identity with human I-FABP. The gene was highly expressed in the small intestinal mucosa, but there was only limited expression in the colon.
• A correlation was discovered between high I-FABP concentrations in abdominal fluid and an increase in protein concentrations in peritoneal fluid, leading to nonsurvival. Plasma I-FABP concentrations were associated with the need for abdominal surgery.
• Clinical variables linked with intestinal ischemia included the color and protein content of abdominal fluid and serum creatine kinase activity.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that determining I-FABP concentrations in abdominal fluid and plasma could be beneficial in predicting survival and the requirement for abdominal surgical intervention in horses with colic.
• Furthermore, serum creatine kinase activity, along with color and protein concentrations of abdominal fluid, could serve as useful markers in diagnosing intestinal ischemia in horses.