Polymorphisms in selected genes and analysis of their relationship with osteochondrosis in Polish sport horse breeds.

This research article investigates how variations in certain genes may influence the occurrence of osteochondrosis in Polish sport horse breeds.

Objective of the research

• The main objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the polymorphisms (or variations) in selected genes and determine if they have a potential impact on the occurrence of osteochondrosis, a joint disease, in Polish Warmblood horses, a type of sport horse breed.

Methodology

• A total of 198 horses selected for official performance tests formed the research group.
• Three sets of joints – the fetlock, hock, and stifle – were inspected by X-ray twice; once before the tests and then again at the end.
• The severity of the disease in each horse was then rated based on the X-ray results.

Selection of genes

• The researchers selected 13 candidate genes that previous studies have potentially linked to the development of osteochondrosis.
• They further investigated 32 variations (polymorphisms) within these genes.

Findings

• The study discovered that seven Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the MATN1, CPVL, HYAL1, XIRP2, FRZB, COL5A2 and IGF1 genes were associated with the occurrence of osteochondrotic lesions in different joints.
• SNPs are genetic variations that occur at a single position in the DNA sequence. These discovered SNPs indicate a link between these genes and the occurrence of osteochondrosis.

Conclusion

• The findings from these genetic variations provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of osteochondrosis in sport horse breeds.
• This implies that these gene variations could potentially be used to predict or diagnose osteochondrosis in Polish Warmbloods and possibly other sport horse breeds.