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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Intern Med / Exposure to respirable silica contributes to lower airway in...
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2024; doi: 10.1111/jvim.17160

Exposure to respirable silica contributes to lower airway inflammation in asthmatic horses.

Abstract: Respirable mineral particles can induce lower airway inflammation, but the role they play in asthma of horses is unknown. Objective: Respirable mineral particles, particularly respirable silica, are an overlooked determinant of chronic lung inflammation (asthma) in horses. Methods: Twenty-three horses from an equine hospital population: 11 moderately affected (MEA), 7 severely asthmatic (SEA), and 5 control horses free from respiratory clinical signs. Methods: Prospective observational study. The quantity and quality of mineral particles found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were characterized, with particular attention to silica content. Polarized light microscopy performed on cytospin slides identified intracellular birefringent particles as silica. Spectrometry-based analysis performed on whole BALF determined total mineral and silica percentage and concentration. Group-related differences in BALF mineral and silica load were investigated as well as associations with BALF cytology. Results: Intracellular birefringent particles were increased in SEA vs MEA (median [interquartile range, IQR]), 12 [7] vs 4 [5] particles/30 high power fields [hpf], respectively; P = .01) and vs controls (4 [2] particles/30 hpf; P = .02). Total mineral concentration in BALF was similar between the groups studied, whereas silica concentration and percentage were increased in SEA vs MEA (1758 [887] particles/mL and 20 [10]% vs 867 [662] particles/mL and 8 [6]%; P = .009 and P = .001) and control group (355 [330] particles/mL and 6 [3]%; P = .0003 and P = .002). Silica load in BALF was associated with BALF neutrophilia in MEA and SEA. Conclusions: Respirable silica is associated with neutrophilic lower airway inflammation in horses and might contribute to asthma development.
© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2024-10-17 PubMed ID: 39417308DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17160Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research article investigates the impact of respirable mineral particles, particularly silica, on inducing lower airway inflammation, commonly known as asthma, in horses. The study reveals that respirable silica is linked to severe asthma in horses and may contribute to disease development.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted using a sample of 23 horses from an equine hospital. This consisted of 11 moderately affected horses, 7 severely asthmatic ones, and 5 control horses free from respiratory clinical signs.
  • It utilized a prospective observational study method. The quantity and quality of mineral particles in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these horses were characterized, with a specific focus on identifying silica content.
  • Polarized light microscopy was used on cytospin slides to identify intracellular birefringent particles as silica. In addition, spectrometry-based analysis was performed on whole BALF to determine total mineral and silica percentage and concentration.
  • Finally, the researchers investigated possible differences in BALF mineral and silica load among the groups studied, as well as any associations with BALF cytology.

Research Findings

  • The results revealed an increase in intracellular birefringent particles in severely asthmatic horses compared to moderately affected horses. There was also an increase in these particles when compared with the control group.
  • The total mineral concentration in BALF was similar among the groups studied. However, a noticeable increase was observed in silica concentration and percentage in severely asthmatic horses relative to moderately affected horses and the control group.
  • Furthermore, the study found an association between silica load in BALF and BALF neutrophilia in both moderately affected and severely asthmatic horses.

Conclusion

  • The findings demonstrate that respirable silica is associated with neutrophilic lower airway inflammation in horses. This suggests that silica might contribute to the development of asthma in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
(2024). Exposure to respirable silica contributes to lower airway inflammation in asthmatic horses. J Vet Intern Med. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17160

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Grant Funding

  • 2021.0760 / Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Torino (CRT)

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