In Vitro Assays for the Assessment of Impaired Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Equine Atypical Myopathy.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research examines the impact of toxins associated with Equine Atypical Myopathy (a type of poisoning) on the efficiency of mitochondria in horse muscle cells. The study designs tests using cultured horse muscle cells exposed to these toxins.
Research Overview
Equine Atypical Myopathy (EAM) is a seasonally occurring intoxication found in grazing equids, primarily horses, and is particularly common in Europe. It’s associated with ingestion of toxins found in seeds and seedlings of the sycamore maple. The toxins related to EAM are known to disrupt the ß-oxidation of fatty acids, which is critical for energy production, thereby decreasing the efficiency of mitochondria – the powerhouses of cells. Using high-resolution respirometry on samples gathered from EAM cases, a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration is observed. A mortality rate of about 74% is seen in horses with EAM, with most of them dying within the first two days of showing poisoning signs. However, the specific toxicity mechanism is not yet fully understood.
Methodology
- The researchers aimed to enhance understanding of the pathological process and evaluate potential therapeutic measures.
- The study designed in vitro assays (experiments conducted in controlled artificial environments), using equine skeletal myoblasts (precursor muscle cells) cultured from muscle biopsies and subjected to toxins associated with EAM. These tests were designed to mimic the in vivo (within the body) environment of EAM intoxication.
Findings
- The researchers established that equine primary myoblasts do respond to one of the toxins implicated in EAM. This suggests the toxin has a direct impact on the precursor muscle cells, which might explain the high rate of muscle degradation observed in afflicted horses.
- The research’s findings and in vitro experiments lay the groundwork for more detailed studies on horse muscle cell responses to various toxins, potentially enabling better understanding and treatment for EAM.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Physiology and Sport Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
- Equine Pole, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
- Center for Oxygen, Research & Development (CORD), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), Institute of Chemistry, B6a, University of Liège, Allée du Six Août, 11, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
- Center for Oxygen, Research & Development (CORD), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Institute of Chemistry, B6a, University of Liège, Allée du Six Août, 11, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Physiology and Sport Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
- Faculty Saint-Jean and Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8406-91 Street, Edmonton, AB T6C 4G9, Canada.
- Equine Pole, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Grant Funding
- 40001860 / Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS
- R.CFRA.2991-J-F / Fonds spéciaux à la recherche, Université de Liège
Conflict of Interest Statement
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