Serum C-reactive Protein and Protein Electrophoretic Pattern Correlated With Age in Horses.

The research investigates the relationship between age and inflammation in horses, specifically the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and protein electrophoretic pattern.

Study Design

• The study included 30 Italian Saddle horses from the same training center. These horses were categorized into three groups based on age: Group A (2-4 years) comprised young horses; Group B (7-10 years) encompassed adult horses; and Group C (15-20 years) included old horses.
• The researchers collected blood samples from the horses to assess various parameters. These included the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, and several types of globulins.

Key Findings

• The researchers found an age-related difference in some parameters. Specifically, CRP and α-1 and α-2 globulin levels generally rose with age (P < 0.001).
• Conversely, the albumin levels and the albumin:globulin ratio were lower in adult and old horses (Groups B and C) compared to young horses (Group A), with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.001).
• A positive correlation was found between the age of the horses and the levels of CRP and α-1 and α-2 globulins. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the age of the horses and albumin levels.

Implications

• This study suggests that as horses age, they show an increased acute phase response, represented by heightened CRP and certain globulin levels. This may be attributed to intensified inflammation or “inflammaging”, a term referring to chronic low-grade inflammation common in aging tissues.
• The research points out that α-globulins comprise many other acute phase proteins (APPs) besides CRP, suggesting a potential role for additional APPs in chronic inflammation or inflammaging.
• Further investigations are recommended to understand what other APPs could contribute to chronic inflammation in horses, as these could serve as vital inflammatory biomarkers for aging in this species.