Relationship between trace elements status in mane hair and atrial fibrillation in horse.

This study investigates the possible relationship between elevated levels of certain trace elements in horse hair and atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, in the animals, finding significant links especially with high concentrations of calcium and zinc.

Methodology

• The aim was to investigate the link between concentrations of trace elements in horse hair and the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the animals.
• A total of 27 horses were studied and divided into two groups: 22 horses in the control group with no trace of AF and 5 horses in the other group with confirmed AF.
• These divisions were made based on electrocardiograph results, a specific test that records the electrical signals in the heart.
• Concentrations of nineteen different trace elements were detected in the hair of these horses using the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method, a technique used to analyze the chemical elements in a sample.

Results and Findings

• The results showed that the mean concentrations of calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) in the hair of horses in the AF group were noticeably higher than in horses from the control group.
• The ratio of zinc to copper (Zn/Cu) in the horse hair was also significantly higher in the AF group compared to the control group. This is denoted by the figures 29.8 +/- 5.5 for the AF group and 23.4 +/- 2.2 for the control group, where the +/- indicates the standard deviation from the mean.
• The results suggest a clear correlation between the elevated levels of calcium and zinc in horse hair and the presence of AF in the animals.

Implications and Conclusions

• While the study establishes a link between the elevated levels of specific trace elements and AF, it does not imply a direct cause-effect relationship. Further studies are needed to determine whether these elevated trace elements cause AF, or whether they are a symptom or a sign of the condition.
• This study provides a base for further research into preventative measures or potential treatment strategies for equine AF. Monitoring the levels of trace elements could provide an early warning sign of AF, or act as a measure of the effectiveness of treatment protocols.
• The PIXE method could be a non-invasive and efficient way to monitor trace element levels in horses, and potentially in other animals or even in human patients in the future.