Diurnal variation and age differences in the biochemical markers of bone turnover in horses.
Abstract: Biochemical markers of bone turnover provide sensitive, rapid, and noninvasive monitoring of bone resorption and formation. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) reflect rates of bone formation, and urinary concentrations of the pyridinium crosslinks pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) are specific and sensitive markers of bone resorption. These markers are age-dependent and are used to detect and monitor changes in the rates of bone turnover in a variety of orthopedic diseases in humans and may prove to have similar application in horses. This study examined age differences and diurnal variation in OC, Pyd, and Dpd in eight adult geldings and seven weanling colts. Blood and urine were collected at regular intervals over 24 h. Serum OC and cortisol, and urinary Pyd and Dpd were analyzed. Mean 24-h concentrations of cortisol and all three markers were higher (P<.003) in weanlings than adults. Significant 24-h variation was observed in adult gelding OC, Pyd, and Dpd concentrations (P.17) owing to greater variability between individuals. Cortisol secretion varied (P<.001) over 24 h in both adults and weanlings and, thus, did not seem to be responsible for greater variability in markers of bone turnover between weanlings. These data demonstrate that diurnal rhythms exist for serum OC and urinary Pyd and Dpd in adult horses, as reported in humans, and that sample timing is an important consideration in future equine studies using these markers.
Publication Date: 1999-03-04 PubMed ID: 10064030DOI: 10.2527/1999.77175xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study examines the changes in biochemical markers related to bone health in horses throughout the day and at different ages, giving insights about possible horse bone diseases and their relation to age and daily rhythm.
Introduction to the Research
- The research aims to monitor the changes in biochemical markers related to bone formation and resorption in horses.
- These markers include osteocalcin (OC) which reflects the rate of bone formation, and pyridinoline (Pyd) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) that act as indicators of bone resorption.
- Given these markers are also age-dependent, understanding their variation can prove useful in detecting and monitoring bone diseases in horses, similar to their application in human health.
Methodology of the Research
- Eight adult geldings and seven weanling colts were tested for this study.
- Blood and urine samples were collected from these horses at regular intervals in a 24-hour cycle.
- The serum levels of OC and cortisol, along with urinary levels of Pyd and Dpd, were analyzed.
Results of the Study
- The concentrations of cortisol and all the three bone markers tested were found to be higher in weanlings than in adults.
- There was a significant variation in the concentration of these markers during a 24-hour period in adult geldings.
- Typically, OC concentration was highest between midnight and 9 AM, while Pyd and Dpd peaked between 2 and 8 AM.
- These patterns were also observed in weanlings, but due to greater variability among individuals, these patterns weren’t significant.
- Over the 24-hour period, cortisol secretion varied in both adults and weanlings.
Conclusion of the Research
- The research concludes that daily rhythms, as seen in humans, exist for serum OC and urinary Pyd and Dpd in horses.
- The timing of the sample needs to be an important consideration in future studies that would use these markers.
- This understanding of bone health markers can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring bone diseases in horses similar to their use in human health.
Cite This Article
APA
Black A, Schoknecht PA, Ralston SL, Shapses SA.
(1999).
Diurnal variation and age differences in the biochemical markers of bone turnover in horses.
J Anim Sci, 77(1), 75-83.
https://doi.org/10.2527/1999.77175x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08901-8525, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Aging / blood
- Aging / physiology
- Amino Acids / urine
- Animals
- Biomarkers
- Bone Remodeling
- Circadian Rhythm
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrocortisone / blood
- Male
- Osteocalcin / blood
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Vrbanac Z, Brkljaca Bottegaro N, Skrlin B, Bojanic K, Kusec V, Stanin D, Belic M. The Effect of a Moderate Exercise Program on Serum Markers of Bone Metabolism in Dogs.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Aug 23;10(9).
- Saey V, Tang J, Ducatelle R, Croubels S, De Baere S, Schauvliege S, van Loon G, Chiers K. Elevated urinary excretion of free pyridinoline in Friesian horses suggests a breed-specific increase in collagen degradation.. BMC Vet Res 2018 Apr 25;14(1):139.
- Inoue Y, Matsui A, Asai Y, Aoki F, Yoshimoto K, Matsui T, Yano H. Response of biochemical markers of bone metabolism to exercise intensity in thoroughbred horses.. J Equine Sci 2008;19(4):83-9.
- Matsuo A, Togashi A, Sasaki K, Devkota B, Hirata T, Yamagishi N. Diurnal variation of plasma bone markers in Japanese black calves.. J Vet Med Sci 2014 Jul;76(7):1029-32.
- Haritou SJ, Zylstra R, Ralli C, Turner S, Tortonese DJ. Seasonal changes in circadian peripheral plasma concentrations of melatonin, serotonin, dopamine and cortisol in aged horses with Cushing's disease under natural photoperiod.. J Neuroendocrinol 2008 Aug;20(8):988-96.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
