Horses commonly suffer from joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which can lead to pain and lameness. It is often challenging for veterinarians to diagnose these conditions early in the disease process, and no treatments are currently available to reverse the joint damage they cause.
New Research on Equine Joint Disease Biomarkers
In a pathfinding study, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) researchers investigated microRNAs (miRNAs) present in horses’ blood and joint fluids. These molecules influence various biological processes such as regulating inflammation, cartilage decay, cell death in cartilage, and changes in the extracellular matrix. The goal of this research was to see if certain miRNAs could be early predictors of OA and OCD and play a role in targeting new treatments.
In this study, OVC researchers collected blood and joint fluid from horses with OA, OCD, and no joint disease. Analysis of these samples revealed differences in miRNA levels between horses with healthy and diseased joints. They found 57 different miRNAs in OA plasma, 45 in OCD plasma, and 21 between OA and OCD plasma. One miRNA (miR-140-5p) was found in higher amounts in the joint fluid of horses with OA.
Other studies suggest miR-140 is associated with good joint health and linked to a slower progression of OA. Historically, researchers have believed miR-140 to be a protective miRNA. However, this study hypothesizes it might be overexpressed in early joint disease in an attempt to save the joint before joint disease can progress further. This overexpression might help veterinarians detect equine OA before it causes noticeable problems.
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis is common in athletic and older horses, and it can be career-ending once joint components break down and cycles of inflammation begin. While future research with larger cohorts is still needed, these preliminary findings show promise that miRNAs could someday be used to detect joint diseases early and target new treatments, paving the way for advances in equine joint health management.
Reference
Antunes J, Salcedo-Jiménez R, Lively S, Potla P, Coté N, et al. (2024) microRNAs are differentially expressed in equine plasma of horses with osteoarthritis and osteochondritis dissecans versus control horses. PLOS ONE 19(2): e0297303. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297303
Related Reading
- Pentosan Shown to Control Clinical Signs of Osteoarthritis in Horses
- Systemic and Intra-Articular Therapies for Lame Horses
- Understanding the Biomechanics of the Horse’s Fetlock Joint
Stay in the know! Sign up for EquiManagement’s FREE weekly newsletters to get the latest equine research, disease alerts, and vet practice updates delivered straight to your inbox.
