Transforming growth factor-beta levels during second- intention healing are related to the different course of wound contraction in horses and ponies.
Abstract: Wound healing in horses is often complicated by wound infection, exuberant granulation tissue, and hypertrophic scars, especially when wounds are located on the limbs. Wound healing in ponies is less problematic, characterized by a greater degree of wound contraction and a more intense initial inflammatory response. Because both processes are influenced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), it was hypothesized that the better wound healing in ponies was associated with different TGF-beta profiles. A series of small wounds was created on the distal limbs and hindquarters of ponies and horses. Tissue samples were harvested on alternate days until day 13 postwounding, and levels of total and active TGF-beta were determined. Levels of TGF-beta were significantly higher in pony wounds than in those of horses. The TGF-beta profile differed between limb and body wounds, with levels in body wounds decreasing at the end of the experiment and persisting in limb wounds. In ponies, the higher TGF-beta levels can, to a large extent, explain the more intense inflammatory response and may explain the greater degree of wound contraction. Apparently adequate levels in the limbs fail to result in greater wound contraction, probably because of a stronger fixation of the skin. The persistence of elevated levels of TGF-beta may result in the production of exuberant granulation tissue. Further research on the temporal patterns of the different TGF-beta isoforms seems indicated, because manipulation of TGF-beta levels appears to be a promising option for intervention in problematic wound healing in horses.
Publication Date: 2002-07-09 PubMed ID: 12100380DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-475x.2002.10608.xGoogle 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
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 research focuses on the wound healing process in horses and ponies, specifically their transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) levels. The study suggests that ponies encounter fewer wound healing complexities due to higher TGF-beta levels, which results in a more intense initial inflammatory response and greater wound contraction.
Understanding the Research
- The research highlights the complications horses face during the wound healing process, particularly with wounds on the limbs. These issues can include wound infection, grow out of control granulation tissue, and hypertrophic scars.
- When compared to wound healing in horses, wound healing in ponies is noticeably less problematic. This difference is largely attributed to an elevated degree of wound contraction in ponies and a stronger initial inflammatory response.
The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta)
- The study suggests that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a protein that controls proliferation, cellular differentiation, and other functions in most cells, notably influences the wound healing process.
- As part of the investigation, researchers hypothesized that differing TGF-beta profiles could underlie ponies’ superior wound healing capacity.
Research Methodology and Findings
- Small wounds were deliberately created on the hindquarters and distal limbs of both horses and ponies. Tissue samples were harvested on alternate days until the 13th day post-wounding to review the levels of total and active TGF-beta.
- The results displayed significantly higher TGF-beta levels in pony wounds than in horse wounds.
- Moreover, there was differentiation in TGF-beta profiles in limb and body wounds. The levels in body wounds declined towards the end of the experiment but persisted in limb wounds.
Implications of Research and Future Research Directions
- In ponies, raised TGF-beta levels may largely explain the enhanced inflammatory response and possible greater level of wound contraction.
- Where in ponies, wound contraction is substantial despite significant TGF-beta levels in the limbs, due to firmer skin fixation, elevated levels might lead to the production of excessive granulation tissue.
- Further investigation is required to understand the temporal patterns of different TGF-beta isoforms, as manipulating these levels could offer a potential solution for problematic wound healing in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
van den Boom R, Wilmink JM, O'Kane S, Wood J, Ferguson MW.
(2002).
Transforming growth factor-beta levels during second- intention healing are related to the different course of wound contraction in horses and ponies.
Wound Repair Regen, 10(3), 188-194.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-475x.2002.10608.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. R.vandenBoom@vet.uu.nl
MeSH Terms
- Actins / metabolism
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Hindlimb / injuries
- Horses
- Inflammation / physiopathology
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / analysis
- Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
- Wound Healing / physiology
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
