Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomic study of early time point laminitis in an oligofructose-overload model.

The study utilised nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics to examine the early stages of equine laminitis, an inflammation of the sensitive layers of tissue beneath the horse’s hooves, caused by oligofructose overload. Observations revealed that changes in the animal’s blood, including an increase in phosphatidylcholine and the presence of oligofructose, may indicate an early stage of the disease.

Objective

The main goal of the research was to uncover previously unknown changes in blood metabolites during the development of oligofructose-induced laminitis. The study also aimed to compare pre- and post induction blood samples to establish any difference in the metabolic profiles.

Methods

• The researchers induced laminitis in the equines through the administration of oligofructose, a carbohydrate usually considered indigestible in the small intestine.
• They collected blood samples before this induction to establish control values. Post oligofructose administration, blood was collected every 3 hours for 24 hours.
• They then employed one-dimensional (1) H-NMR spectra analysis on the blood plasma samples.

Results

• The technique identified NMR resonances of more than 20 metabolites.
• Already known changes such as increased lactate concentrations were confirmed using this method.
• Interestingly, oligofructose, or its derivatives, previously considered indigestible, was detected in the blood plasma.
• Additionally, the horses showed increased levels of phosphatidylcholine and/or low density lipoprotein post oligofructose administration, suggesting a change in the blood lipid composition.
• An increase in phosphatidylcholine is typically linked with the breakdown of the mucosal layer of the large intestine and increased gut permeability.

Conclusions

• The metabonomics approach allowed the identification of new and unexpected changes, specifically the unknown uptake of oligofructose through the mucosal wall and changes in phospholipids.
• This research supports that metabolic changes in the disease can be observed using NMR metabonomics.
• These findings suggest further research should explore the ways oligofructose is used in feed and its transport mechanisms through the intestinal mucosa.
• Phospholipid changes could indicate a compromise of the intestinal wall during the onset of laminitis.