[Free hemoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the blood of horses with colic or acute colitis].

The research investigates the blood levels of free hemoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha among horses with different health conditions, including colic and acute colitis, establishing links between increased concentrations of these substances and inflammatory response syndromes.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 50 adult horses divided into four major groups: healthy horses, horses with non-strangulation obstruction, horses with strangulation obstruction, and horses with acute colitis and severe inflammation (peritonitis or thrombophlebitis).
• A fifth group was formed using 11 horses euthanized from groups 3 and 4, specifically those suffering from small intestinal strangulation obstruction and septic peritonitis.
• The researchers measured the free hemoglobin (fr. Hb) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in the horses using Kahn’s method and a Duo Set ELISA Development Kit.

Key Findings

• The concentrations of fr. Hb and TNFα were found to be significantly higher in group 3 (horses with strangulation obstruction) and group 4 (horses with acute colitis and severe inflammation) when compared to the healthy horses and to those in group 2 (horses with non-strangulation obstruction).
• A significant correlation was found between the levels of fr. Hb and TNFα in group 4.
• Horses in the euthanized group 5 showed higher concentrations of fr. Hb and TNFα compared to the medically treated horses in group 2.

Conclusion and Implications

• The study concludes that high concentrations of fr. Hb could potentially stimulate the production of TNFα, a proinflammatory cytokine.
• Increased levels of these substances may contribute to severe systemic inflammatory response symptoms such as fever, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, reduced white blood cell count, reduced platelet count, and lactic acidosis.
• The researchers suggest that these elevated levels could be a possible prognostic indicator in horses suffering from strangulation obstruction, acute colitis, or septic peritonitis, hinting at a guarded or cautious outlook for these conditions.