Studies on growth cartilage in the horse and their application to aetiopathogenesis of dyschondroplasia (osteochondrosis).
Abstract: The importance of osteochondrosis (dyschondroplasia) to the horse industry has been well documented since it was first recorded 50 years ago. The condition is known to be multifactorial in origin, arising from focal failure of endochondral ossification at predilection sites in articular/epiphyseal growth cartilage, but specific information on its aetiopathogenesis is sparse. This paper reviews the current knowledge of growth cartilage metabolism and the process of normal endochondral ossification in the horse. It highlights the localization of various protein products of chondrocytes and the differences in the zones of articular cartilage. In the early focal lesions (referred to as dyschondroplasia) there are alterations in the chondrocytes, extracellular matrix and some of the local protein products. The most obvious feature is an alteration in matrix metabolism which may be responsible for triggering a range of other factors leading to the development of a retained core of cartilage and a primary lesion of dyschondroplasia. Based on available evidence, a preliminary hypothesis for pathogenesis is presented. This suggests that there are a number of factors capable of initiating the condition. One of these involves high circulating insulin levels from high energy feeding which may affect chondrocyte maturation leading to altered matrix metabolism and faulty mineralization resulting in the formation of cartilage cores which characterize the condition. Further research to test this hypothesis is needed before there can be a rational basis for prophylaxis.
Publication Date: 1999-01-12 PubMed ID: 9883086DOI: 10.1016/s1090-0233(98)80121-4Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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This research article delves into the study of growth cartilage in horses and their roles in dyschondroplasia also known as osteochondrosis, a known health condition in horses. The paper reviews current understanding of the process and provides a hypothesis for possible triggers of the condition.
Understanding Dyschondroplasia in Horses
- The paper explores dyschondroplasia (osteochondrosis), which has been impacting the horse industry for the past five decades.
- This condition results from irregularity in endochondral ossification, which is the process of forming bone from growth cartilage.
- It’s a multifactorial condition which means that it arises from several factors, although its specific causes are still not clearly defined.
Examining Growth Cartilage Metabolism in Horses
- The researchers did an in-depth review of existing knowledge on growth cartilage metabolism and the process of endochondral ossification in horses.
- They aimed at studying the difference in various zones of articular cartilage and how different protein products localize in them.
Alterations in Chondrocytes
- In dyschondroplasia, the paper notes that there are changes in the chondrocytes, which are cells found in cartilage, and alterations in the extracellular matrix, which supports the structure of the tissue.
- The primary alteration is often found in the matrix metabolism. This could initiate a number of other factors, leading to the formation of retained cartilage core and typical lesions of dyschondroplasia.
Hypothesis for Dyschondroplasia Pathogenesis
- The paper presented a preliminary hypothesis for dyschondroplasia pathogenesis. They suggested that multiple factors could lead to this condition.
- One of the potential factors is high insulin levels, resulting from high energy feeding. This can affect the maturation of chondrocytes, leading to altered matrix metabolism, improper mineralization, and subsequently, the formation of cartilage cores that characterize the condition.
- The researchers stressed the need for further research to test this hypothesis, as a validated understanding could provide a rational basis for prevention of this condition in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Jeffcott LB, Henson FM.
(1999).
Studies on growth cartilage in the horse and their application to aetiopathogenesis of dyschondroplasia (osteochondrosis).
Vet J, 156(3), 177-192.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1090-0233(98)80121-4 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cartilage, Articular / growth & development
- Growth Plate / growth & development
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horses / growth & development
- Osteochondritis / etiology
- Osteochondritis / veterinary
- Osteogenesis
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Van Cauter R, Serteyn D, Lejeune JP, Rousset A, Caudron I. Evaluation of the appearance of osteochondrosis lesions by two radiographic examinations in sport horses aged from 12 to 36 months.. PLoS One 2023;18(5):e0286213.
- Littiere TO, Castro GHF, Rodriguez MDPR, Bonafu00e9 CM, Magalhu00e3es AFB, Faleiros RR, Vieira JIG, Santos CG, Verardo LL. Identification and Functional Annotation of Genes Related to Horses' Performance: From GWAS to Post-GWAS.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jul 10;10(7).
- Fradinho MJ, Mateus L, Bernardes N, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study.. PLoS One 2019;14(7):e0219900.
- Bourebaba L, Ru00f6cken M, Marycz K. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in Horses - Molecular Background of its Pathogenesis and Perspectives for Progenitor Stem Cell Therapy.. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2019 Jun;15(3):374-390.
- Power J, Hernandez P, Wardale J, Henson FM. Alterations in sclerostin protein in lesions of equine osteochondrosis.. Vet Rec Open 2014;1(1):e000005.
- Desjardin C, Riviere J, Vaiman A, Morgenthaler C, Diribarne M, Zivy M, Robert C, Le Moyec L, Wimel L, Lepage O, Jacques C, Cribiu E, Schibler L. Omics technologies provide new insights into the molecular physiopathology of equine osteochondrosis.. BMC Genomics 2014 Oct 31;15(1):947.
- Dierks C, Lu00f6hring K, Lampe V, Wittwer C, Dru00f6gemu00fcller C, Distl O. Genome-wide search for markers associated with osteochondrosis in Hanoverian warmblood horses.. Mamm Genome 2007 Oct;18(10):739-47.
- Koch TG, Heerkens T, Thomsen PD, Betts DH. Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from equine umbilical cord blood.. BMC Biotechnol 2007 May 30;7:26.