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PloS one2021; 16(6); e0250329; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250329

The examination of biophysical parameters of the skin in Polish Konik horses.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the biophysical parameters of the skin in Polish Konik horses (Polish primitive horses). According to the authors, this is the first assessment performed on such a wide scale in this group of animals. The evaluation carried out is innovative both with regards to the breed of the animals and the wide scope of the physicochemical skin assessment. The study group comprised mares, stallions and geldings, and the evaluations concerned transepidermal water loss, corneometry, pH, skin temperature assessment and mexametry. These parameters were assessed in five skin regions: the lips, the right ear, the prosternum, the right side of the neck and the chest. The measurements were taken after spreading the hair apart, with the use of a Multiprobe Adapter System (MPA®) and dedicated probes (Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany). The measurements revealed statistically significant differences in the values of transepidermal water loss in the lips in mares compared with stallions (P = 0.023) and also in stallions compared with geldings (P = 0.009). Corneometry showed significantly higher results in the neck region in mares compared with stallions (P = 0.037) and the prosternum areas in mares and geldings compared with stallions (P = 0.037 and P = 0.018). Skin pH measurement on the right side of the neck rendered significantly higher values in stallions than in mares (P = 0.037). In geldings, the skin temperature was significantly higher than in stallions (P = 0.049). Once the appropriate physicochemical values for specific animal species and breeds are determined, non-invasive methods of skin examination in many diseases and also methods of evaluation of the efficacy and/or adverse effects of applied medications can be established.
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Publication Date: 2021-06-21 PubMed ID: 34153061PubMed Central: PMC8216546DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250329Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

This study investigates the biophysical properties of the skin in a specific breed of horses, Polish Konik horses. The researchers analyzed parameters including water loss through the skin, skin moisture levels, pH, skin temperature, and how light reflects off the skin in various areas of the horses’ bodies. The results indicate differences in these properties based on the sex of the horse, which could inform the development of non-invasive skin examination methods and treatment evaluation techniques for various diseases.

Research Objectives and Scope

  • The aim of this study was to explore the biophysical properties of the skin in a unique Polish horse breed not extensively studied before. The skin properties analyzed included transepidermal water loss, corneometry (skin moisture measurement), pH, skin temperature, and the reflection of light off the skin (mexametry).
  • The study included various horse types from this breed including mares (female horses), stallions (male horses), and geldings (castrated male horses).
  • The measurements were taken from five skin regions – the lips, right ear, prosternum (the area on the chest between the horse’s front legs), right side of the neck, and the chest.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used a specialized device called a Multiprobe Adapter System and dedicated probes to assess these biophysical properties. The assessments were done after managing the hair of the horses to prevent interference with the measurements.

Research Findings

  • The study uncovered significant differences in skin properties among the different horse types. Mares and stallions differed significantly in transepidermal water loss measured at the lips, and also between stallions and geldings.
  • Corneometry readings were also significantly different, showing higher results in the neck region of mares compared to stallions and higher in the prosternum areas of mares and geldings compared with stallions.
  • The skin pH level on the right side of the neck was significantly higher in stallions than in mares.
  • Geldings showed significantly higher skin temperature than stallions.

Implications of the Research

  • This study expands our knowledge of skin properties in Polish Konik horses. The findings can be used to develop non-invasive methods of skin examination and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment for various diseases in these horses.
  • The significant variations observed among different horse types in terms of their skin properties underline the necessity of characterizing these traits for individual animal species and breeds. This is crucial in informing the development of examination methods, precision medicine approaches, and treatment protocols.

Cite This Article

APA
Cekiera A, Popiel J, Siemieniuch M, Jaworski Z, Slowikowska M, Siwinska N, Zak A, Niedzwiedz A. (2021). The examination of biophysical parameters of the skin in Polish Konik horses. PLoS One, 16(6), e0250329. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250329

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Pages: e0250329

Researcher Affiliations

Cekiera, Agnieszka
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
Popiel, Jarosław
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
Siemieniuch, Marta
  • Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
  • Research Station of Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of PAS, Ruciane-Nida, Poland.
Jaworski, Zbigniew
  • Department of Horse Breeding and Riding, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland.
Slowikowska, Malwina
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
Siwinska, Natalia
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
Zak, Agnieszka
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
Niedzwiedz, Artur
  • Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Hair / physiology
  • Horses / physiology
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Poland
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena
  • Skin Temperature
  • Water Loss, Insensible

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Marsella R. Skin Barrier in Normal and Allergic Horses: What Do We Know?. Vet Sci 2025 Jan 24;12(2).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12020091pubmed: 40005851google scholar: lookup
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