Variation in insulin response to oral sugar test in a cohort of horses throughout the year and evaluation of risk factors for insulin dysregulation.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research paper focuses on the exploration of insulin response variations in the Oral Sugar Test (OST) carried out in 29 horses over a period of time and identifies possible risk factors associated to insulin dysregulation and maximum insulin concentration. It unveils key insights such as a lack of exercise posing a risk factor for insulin dysregulation.
Methods
The research study followed a prospective, longitudinal cohort model in which the OST was carried out on 29 Finnhorses periodically – every other month over the span of a year. The researchers also recorded serum total adiponectin concentration along with other obesity-related phenotypic variables.
- Changes in maximum insulin concentration (InsMax), adiponectin, scale weight, body condition score, cresty neck score (CNS), and fasting glucose concentration were assessed and recorded systematically.
- Risk factors for InsMax and Insulin Dysregulation (ID) status were analyzed and groups with and without ID were compared against each other.
Results
The OST results were carefully evaluated in the course of the study.
- Throughout the study period, 14 horses were consistently categorized as non-ID, while 15 experienced ID at least once.
- The ID status of 12 horses varied throughout the year, testament to changing insulin response over different periods.
- The research noted no significant seasonal variation in neither the insulin variables measured during the OST nor the levels of adiponectin in horses.
- The study sheds light on factors such as increasing age and CNS, and decreasing adiponectin that contribute to high InsMax post OST.
- The study revealed that lack of exercise posed a higher risk of ID in horses when compared to horses with exercise.
- Horses with ID were found to have comparatively lower serum adiponectin concentrations, longer neck circumference, and larger height than horses in the non-ID group.
Conclusion
While the study acknowledges inadequacies such as variability in environmental conditions (feeding, exercise) and the exclusive use of one horse breed, it makes significant conclusions.
- The study concludes that the results of OST and adiponectin levels do not display seasonal variations.
- The researchers also note that several horses exhibited variable ID status throughout the year, thereby suggesting the potential necessity for repeated OSTs.
- Among the risk factors for insulin dysregulation, a lack of regular physical exercise was identified, providing clear direction for preventive care and attention.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
MeSH Terms
- Adiponectin
- Animals
- Blood Glucose / metabolism
- Glucose Tolerance Test / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Insulin / metabolism
- Longitudinal Studies
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
Grant Funding
- The Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research
- Erkki Rajakoski Foundation
- The Finnish Veterinary Research Foundation
- The Doctoral Programme in Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
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