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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2005; 18(2); 271-293; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00006-8

The equine metabolic syndrome peripheral Cushing’s syndrome.

Abstract: Certain management practices tend to promote the development of obesity (metabolic syndrome) in mature horses as they enter their teenage years. These management practices include the provision of starch-rich (high glycemic index) and fat-supplemented rations to healthy horses that are relatively inactive. Some horse breeds and ponies appear to be genetically predisposed to metabolic syndrome. The accretion of intra-abdominal adiposity by equids is associated with the development of insulin insensitivity (hyperinsulinemia), glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insidious-onset laminitis. Omental adipocytes are metabolically active, secreting free fatty acids and hormonally active mediators including cortisol, leptin, and resistin that might contribute to persistence and worsening of insulin refractoriness and the obese phenotype. We have hypothesized that obesity-associated laminitis arises as a consequence of vascular changes and a hypercoagulable state, similar to the development of atherosclerosis in human type 2 diabetes. Several molecular mechanisms that might serve to explain the development of insulin insensitivity as a result of excessive adiposity have been incriminated. Little investigation into the relationship between obesity, insulin insensitivity, and laminitis in horses has been reported to date. Insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance can be improved by dietary restriction and exercise aimed at reversing omental obesity. Management practices that promote the development of obesity are likely initiated during the first 10 years of the horse's life. Veterinarians and horse owners must recognize that mature-onset obesity in adult horses is associated with a risk for development of laminitis. Obesity and insulin insensitivity might be prevented if horse owners can be educated to feed rations with a relatively lower glycemic index to inactive horses. Investigative research pertaining to the development of antiobesity drugs for human patients is continuing. Greater than 30 new pharmaceuticals are in various stages of research. However, it will likely take many years before any of these drugs are shown to be useful and safe in horses. Lifestyle changes in the form of diet and exercise patterns are still the crux of therapy for both human and equine patients.
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Publication Date: 2005-01-08 PubMed ID: 15635908DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00006-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigated the relationship between certain horse management practices, obesity, and the onset of metabolic syndrome (characterized by insulin insensitivity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and laminitis) in horses entering their teenage years. Management practices leading to obesity and the condition’s negative impact on horse health were assessed, alongside potential prevention strategies and treatments.

Background

  • The research focused on the link between management practices, like feeding starch-rich, high glycemic index and fat supplemented diets to inactive horses, and the development of obesity (metabolic syndrome) as horses age.
  • The study notes some horse breeds and ponies may be genetically pre-disposed to this metabolic syndrome.
  • Obesity in horses is linked with an accumulation of intra-abdominal adiposity (fat), leading to various health problems including hyperinsulinemia (insulin insensitivity), glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and laminitis (a painful inflammation in a horse’s foot).

The Role of Adipocytes

  • The research drew attention to the role of omental adipocytes (fat cells within the abdomen), which are apparently metabolically active and produce substances such as cortisol, leptin, and resistin. These substances could contribute to persistent insulin insensitivity and worsen the obese condition.
  • The authors theorized that laminitis related to obesity arises due to vascular changes and a hypercoagulable state, comparable to atherosclerosis development in human type 2 diabetes.

Potential Solutions and Future Research

  • The research stressed potential solutions to these health problems, highlighting that insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in horses can be improved by dietary restriction and exercise aimed at reducing abdominal obesity.
  • The need for awareness about these health risks among horse owners and veterinarians was emphasized, given the common practices that promote obesity among horses in their first 10 years.
  • The effectiveness and safety of over 30 new pharmaceuticals being researched as potential anti-obesity drugs were noted, although these are years away from being proven and introduced into veterinary practice.
  • However, the importance of lifestyle changes, namely diet modification and increased physical activity, was underlined as the key to obesity and related health problems management in both human and equine patients.

Cite This Article

APA
Johnson PJ. (2005). The equine metabolic syndrome peripheral Cushing’s syndrome. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 18(2), 271-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00006-8

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Pages: 271-293

Researcher Affiliations

Johnson, Philip J
  • Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Clydesdale Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. johnsonpj@missouri.edu

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Cushing Syndrome / metabolism
  • Cushing Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cushing Syndrome / veterinary
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / veterinary
  • Diet, Reducing / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism
  • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
  • Horses
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Lameness, Animal / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / veterinary
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Obesity / veterinary

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This article has been cited 33 times.
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