The role of selenium and vitamin E in a Transylvanian enzootic equine recurrent rhabdomyolysis syndrome.
Abstract: A severe form of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs enzootically in a well-defined region of Transylvania, Harghita county. At the highest lying two settlements (more than 800 m above sea level), the prevalence of equine rhabdomyolysis is between 17 and 23%, while in the neighbouring villages in the valley it is less than 2%. The objective of our study was to clarify the role of selenium and vitamin E in the high prevalence of rhabdomyolysis in that region. Soil and hay samples were collected from each area to evaluate mineral content. Ten horses from the non-affected and 20 horses from the affected area were tested for serum selenium, vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), muscle enzymes, lactate and electrolytes. Hay samples collected from the affected area had lower selenium content. Horses in the affected regions had significantly lower serum selenium (P = 0.006) and GSH-Px levels than animals living in the non-affected regions. A good correlation between erythrocyte GSH-Px and serum selenium concentration could be demonstrated (r = 0.777, P < 0.001). Serum vitamin E levels were low independently of the origin of the horse. Based on our results, selenium deficiency possibly has a role in the Transylvanian enzootic equine recurrent rhabdomyolysis syndrome.
Publication Date: 2021-09-07 PubMed ID: 34491901DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00031Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigates the role of selenium and vitamin E deficiencies in the high prevalence of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage due to physical exertion) in horses in certain areas of Transylvania. The results suggest a possible connection between selenium deficiency and this syndrome.
Research Objective
- The goal of this study was to determine why a severe form of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by muscle damage due to physical exertion, is prevalent in certain high-altitude areas of Harghita county in Transylvania. Specifically, the researchers wanted to investigate the roles of selenium and vitamin E deficiencies in the condition.
Methodology
- Soil and hay samples were collected from each area under study to assess their mineral content. Furthermore, ten horses from unaffected areas and twenty from affected areas were tested for serum selenium, vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, an enzyme that helps prevent damage to cellular components), muscle enzymes, lactate, and electrolytes.
Findings
- Hay samples from the affected regions were found to have lower selenium content. Horses from these regions also had significantly lower levels of serum selenium and GSH-Px compared to horses from unaffected regions.
- A strong correlation was found between erythrocyte GSH-Px and serum selenium concentrations. On the other hand, serum vitamin E levels were low regardless of whether the horse was from an affected or non-affected region.
Conclusions
- From the findings, the researchers suggest that selenium deficiency may play a role in the high prevalence of equine recurrent rhabdomyolysis in the affected regions of Transylvania. However, further research may be needed to fully understand the extent of this role and other potential factors contributing to this health issue in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Kósa CA, Nagy K, Szenci O, Baska-Vincze B, Andrásofszky E, Szép R, Keresztesi Á, Mircean M, Taulescu M, Kutasi O.
(2021).
The role of selenium and vitamin E in a Transylvanian enzootic equine recurrent rhabdomyolysis syndrome.
Acta Vet Hung, 69(3), 256-265.
https://doi.org/10.1556/004.2021.00031 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1 Veterinary Cabinet Uz Bence SRL, Szentegyháza (Vlahita), Romania.
- 2 MTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Üllő, Hungary.
- 2 MTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Üllő, Hungary.
- 3 Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, H-1078, Budapest, Hungary.
- 3 Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, H-1078, Budapest, Hungary.
- 4 Doctoral School of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- 5 Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Economics, Socio-Human Sciences and Engineering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.
- 6 Institute for Research and Development for Hunting and Mountain Resources, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.
- 4 Doctoral School of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- 5 Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Economics, Socio-Human Sciences and Engineering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.
- 6 Institute for Research and Development for Hunting and Mountain Resources, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania.
- 7 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- 7 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- 2 MTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Üllő, Hungary.
- 3 Department of Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, H-1078, Budapest, Hungary.
- 8 University Equine Hospital, Department/Hospital for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Glutathione Peroxidase / blood
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Rhabdomyolysis / epidemiology
- Rhabdomyolysis / veterinary
- Romania / epidemiology
- Selenium / blood
- Vitamin E / blood
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