Radiographic assessment of normal parameters of forelimb distal phalanx in Turkmen horses.

The Turkmen horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world with unique characteristics in agility, endurance and jump, being publicly acclaimed. Laminitis affects the limbs and decreases athletic performance. Radiographic evaluation is essential to confirm the sinking diagnosis in every breed of a horse suffering from laminitis. Since no information about distal phalanx radiographic measurements in this breed has been reported, the current study was designed and conducted. In the present study, 24 clinically sound registered Turkmen horses of both sexes (15 mares and nine stallions) were selected. Lateromedial radiographic views of both front distal phalanges were taken, focusing on the distal phalanx. After magnification correction, images were used to measure founder distances (FD) and other distal phalanx radiographic measurements using an image processing program. There was no significant difference between radiographic measurements of the left and right front feet. The FD had a significant positive correlation with weight. The horses under 3 years of age had a significantly greater U angle than the horses over the age of three. Also, palmarocortical length (PCL) in the Turkmen stallions was significantly higher than mares. In this investigation, PCL in horses under the age of three was significantly lower than horses over 3 years of age. The values determined in this study can be used as baseline data of front feet in Turkmen horses.

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in horses: hormonal and biochemical study (19 cases).

To investigate the hormonal and biochemical profiles of horses with osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), serum insulin, cortisol, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, fasting blood glucose (FBG), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high- and low-density lipoproteins, albumin and uric acid were measured in horses definitely diagnosed with OCD (n=19) as well as clinically normal horses (n=18). Proxies representing insulin sensitivity [reciprocal of square root of insulin concentration (RISQI)] and beta cell responsiveness [modified insulin to glucose ratio (MIRG)] were calculated. Body fat percent (BF%) was estimated according to fat depth over the rump using ultrasonography. Body condition score (BCS), weight, and waist circumference were also determined. Glucose was significantly higher and MIRG, BCS, BF% and TG were significantly lower in OCD- horses compared to control group. Based on BCS scores, horses in control group were overweight. The results of the present study, higher FBG and lower MIRG, might implicate the existence of a footmark of insulin/glucose derangement. The body mass index and muscle mass were not measured in this study; nonetheless, a lower BF% might implicate a higher body muscle mass in OCD affected horses, which were comparably underweight compared to control group. While insulin resistance does also occur in human individuals and horses with lower BF%, horses with higher muscle mass may show greater potential for exercise, which in turn, exerts greater physical pressure on cartilages. An underlying hormonal predisposition could make these horses more prone to OCD, originally triggered by mechanical pressures.

In vitro study of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 9, 13 and serum amyloid A mRNAs expression in equine fibroblast-like synoviocytes treated with doxycycline.

Application of synthetic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitors, such as doxycycline is one of the possible therapeutic options for osteoarthritis. However, little is known about the protective mechanism of doxycycline in equine models on MMPs inhibitors as well as on serum amyloid A (SAA) gene expression. This study investigated the effects of doxycycline on mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and SAA of equine fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). The FLSs were established from synovial fluids of clinically normal metacarpophalangeal joints of 6 skeletally mature horses. The cells were treated with either 10 or 100 µg/mL of doxycycline for 48 h. The mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and SAA were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment with doxycycline resulted in significantly decreased mRNA expression of MMP-1 in FLSs at both concentrations (P = 0.001). No significant differences were detected among groups for MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 (P > 0.05). Only a tendency towards a decrease in mRNA expression level of SAA in the presence of doxycycline could be detected. Doxycycline inhibits MMP-1 gene expression at the transcript level. These findings indicate that doxycycline can protect the articular environment through inhibition of MMP-1 at transcript level.

L'application d'inhibiteurs synthétiques des métalloprotéinases de la matrice (MMP), telle que la doxycycline, est une des options thérapeutiques possibles pour l'ostéoarthrite. Toutefois, peu de choses sont connues sur le mécanisme protecteur de la doxycycline dans les modèles équins des inhibiteurs des MMP, de même que sur l'expression génique de l'amyloïde sérique A (SAA). La présente étude visait à déterminer les effets de la doxycycline sur l'expression de l'ARNm de MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, et SAA des synoviocytes équins apparentés aux fibroblastes (FLS). Les FLS ont été établis à partir du liquide synovial provenant d'articulations métacarpo-phalangiennes cliniquement normales de six chevaux squelettiquement matures. Les cellules ont été traitées avec 10 ou 100 µg/mL de doxycycline pendant 48 h. L'expression d'ARNm de MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, et SAA a été évaluée par réaction d'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase en temps réel. Le traitement avec la doxycycline a causé une diminution significative de l'expression de MMP-1 par les FLS et ce pour les deux concentrations (P = 0,001). Aucune différence significative ne fut détectée parmi les groupes MMP-2, MMP-9, et MMP-13 (P > 0,05). Seulement une tendance à la diminution de l'expression d'ARNm de SAA en présence de doxycycline pouvait être notée. La doxycycline inhibe l'expression génique de MMP-1 à l'étape de la transcription. Ces informations indiquent que la doxycycline peut protéger l'environnement articulaire en inhibant MMP-1 à l'étape de la transcription.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Influence of Short-term, Repeated Fasting on the Skin Wound Healing of Female Mice.

Caloric restriction in mice has been found to retard the rate of aging, increase mean and maximum life spans, and inhibit the occurrence of many age-associated diseases. The following study was conducted to investigate the effect of short-term repeated fasting (4 consecutive days, every 2 weeks) before wound creation on skin wound healing. Mice were used for macroscopic study (n = 40) and hydroxyproline analysis (n = 10). Mice were also used for microscopic study (n = 36) and were divided equally into a fasting group and a control group. The results revealed that there were significant differences in epithelialization, contraction, healing, amount of collagen, and hydroxyproline between the control and fasting groups (P < 0.05). Based on the results, it can be argued that caloric restriction preceding the wound-healing period has the potential to accelerate the healing process. .

Increased levels of the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins in the synovial fluid of dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

The present study investigated whether the 14-3-3 η and γ proteins, which are potent matrix metalloprotease (MMP) stimulators, are detectable in the synovial fluid of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Synovial fluid samples from 7 dogs with unilateral CCLR and control samples from 4 dogs without a history of any joint inflammation or any other abnormalities underwent Western blot analysis for the 14-3-3 η, γ, and σ proteins as well as MMP-1 and MMP-3. Craniocaudal and lateral radiographic projections of the stifle joint were evaluated for the presence and severity of 13 specific radiographic markers of osteoarthritis and graded numerically. The Spearman method was used to detect any correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the radiograph-based grade. The η isoform was present only in the samples from the dogs with CCLR. The levels of 14-3-3-γ, MMP-1, and MMP-3 were significantly higher in the samples from the dogs with CCLR than in the control samples (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the CCLR and control samples in the level of the σ isoform. The Spearman method showed a significant correlation between the 14-3-3-η level in the synovial fluid and the presence of either patellar osteophytes or lateral or medial (or both) condylar periarticular osteophytes (P < 0.05). The MMP stimulatory effect of the 14-3-3 η and γ isoforms may be the reason for the high levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 observed. Thus, 14-3-3 proteins, especially the η isoform, may be important markers of osteoarthritis caused by CCLR.

Evaluation of clinical examination for differential diagnosis of lameness by navicular apparatus or heel pain in horses.

To evaluation of clinical examination for differential diagnosis of navicular region pain from other forms of palmar heel pain in the forelimb in horses the present study was undertaken. Thirty four horses with lameness referable to the palmar aspect of the hoof based on their response to the palmar digital nerves analgesia were divided into 2 groups based on their response to both distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa analgesia. Horses that were profoundly improved by both analgesic blocks (distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa) were considered to have navicular region pain whereas, all other horses were considered to have other cause of palmar heel pain. The responses to various diagnostic tests such as hoof tester, distal limb flexion and toe wedge tests were compared between the groups. For all diagnostic tests, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values for navicular pain were calculated. According to the present study the single most accurate diagnostic test was analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint for navicular region pain.