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Leduc L, Leclère M, Lavoie JP. Towards personalized medicine for the treatment of equine asthma. Vet J 2024:106125. [PMID: 38704018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Although horses with asthma share similar clinical signs, the heterogeneity of the disease in terms of severity, triggering factors, inflammatory profile, and pathological features has hindered our ability to define biologically distinct subgroups. The recognition of phenotypes and endotypes could enable the development of precision medicine, including personalized, targeted therapy, to benefit affected horses. While in its infancy in horses, this review outlines the phenotypes of equine asthma and discusses how knowledge gained from targeted therapy in human medicine can be applied to evaluate the potential opportunities for personalized medicine in equine asthma and to suggest avenues for research to advance this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Leduc
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Mathilde Leclère
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Lavoie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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Mazan MR, Deveney EF. A cross-sectional observational study of birefringent particulates in bronchoalveolar lavage cytology in horses with equine asthma from the West v East coasts of the USA. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297181. [PMID: 38573986 PMCID: PMC10994282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma (EA) is an important cause of wastage in the USA horse industry. Exposure to organic particulates, from stable dust, airborne pollen, and fungal loads, is posited to be the main cause. Dust arising from the earth's crust has been largely ignored as a contributor to EA in the veterinary literature. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of birefringent particulates in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with a clinical complaint of EA residing in the arid West of the USA v. the East, in an effort to determine the contribution of geolocation to geogenic dust exposure. We analyzed BALF cytology and historical data sent to our referral clinical laboratory from 148 horses from the West Coast and 233 horses from the East Coast of the USA over a 6-year period, using light microscopy to determine cell proportions and other visible elements as well as a polarizing lens to detect birefringent material. Univariate analysis showed that horses from the West coast were significantly more likely to have birefringent particulates in the BALF than horses from the East coast (40.5% v. 8.6%, p < 0.001); while horses from the East had higher BALF neutrophil proportions. Horses from the West also had lower proportions of neutrophils in the BALF than those from the East (27.1 v. 10.9, p < .001). Using historical and BAL data in a forward stepwise binary logistic regression model with presence of birefringent particulates found within alveolar macrophages as the outcome, geographical location in the West retained significance as a predictor (OR 8.0, CI [4.3-14.8], p< .001). While the birefringent particulates cannot be identified on the basis of polarizing microscopy alone, this study provides evidence that horses from the West are exposed to inorganic particulates that may contribute to signs of equine asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R. Mazan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, MA, United States of America
| | - Edward F. Deveney
- Department of Physics, Photonics and Optical Engineering, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA, United States of America
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Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Bazzocchi C, Consiglio AL, Comazzi S, Cozzi MC, Gusmara C, Gaspari G, Cialini C, Bizzotto D, Dellacà R, Ferrucci F. Cytokine mRNA expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage cells from horses affected by different equine asthma subtypes. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 135:105033. [PMID: 38423374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Equine asthma (EA) is a respiratory syndrome associated with the increase of different leukocyte populations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Its pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the mRNA expression of different cytokines in the BALF, different EA subtypes and lung function. Fifteen horses underwent physical examination, airway endoscopy, BALF cytology and lung function testing (8/15). One horse did not have evidence of EA and was used as healthy reference, while the others were classified as affected by neutrophilic or mixed granulocytic EA. Cells isolated from the residual BALF were used for IL-1β, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A genes expression by quantitative RT-PCR., Cytokine expression was compared between groups, and their correlations with BALF leukocyte and lung function were evaluated. IL-1β expression was positively correlated with BALF neutrophils count (p=0.038, r=0.56) and with increased expiratory resistance (p=0.047, r=0.76). IFN-γ was correlated with BALF mast cells (p=0.029, r=0.58). IL-4 was higher in horses with mixed granulocytic EA than neutrophilic (p=0.008), positively correlated with BALF mast cells (p=0.028, r=0.59) and inversely with whole-breath (p=0.046, r=-0.76) and expiratory reactance (p=0.003, r=-0.93). Finally, IL-17A was inversely correlated with expiratory reactance (p=0.009, r=-0.92). These results support that multiple immune responses are involved in EA pathogenesis; innate, Th2, and Th17 responses. Innate immunity appeared associated with neutrophilic inflammation, and Th2 response with increased mast cells. The role of Th1 response in EA remains questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maria Lo Feudo
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory "Franco Tradati", Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Luca Stucchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari 07100, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bazzocchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Lange Consiglio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Stefano Comazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Cozzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Claudia Gusmara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaspari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Chiara Cialini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Davide Bizzotto
- TechRes Lab, Department of Electronics, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 40, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dellacà
- TechRes Lab, Department of Electronics, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Giuseppe Colombo 40, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory "Franco Tradati", Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
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Jentsch MC, Lübke S, Schrödl W, Volke D, Krizsan A, Hoffmann R, Kaiser-Thom S, Gerber V, Marti E, Wagner B, Schnabel CL. Immunoproteomics enable broad identification of new Aspergillus fumigatus antigens in severe equine asthma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1347164. [PMID: 38487534 PMCID: PMC10937411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe equine asthma (SEA) is a common chronic disease of adult horses with characteristic recurrent airway obstruction and similarities to neutrophilic asthma in humans. As an extrinsic stimulus, hay dust exposure is a major risk factor and induces acute exacerbation in susceptible horses. However, single inducing agents of SEA have hardly been identified on a molecular basis. Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a common mold species in hay and has been described as a major provoking agent of SEA. Methods Aiming to identify disease-relevant antigens, we analyzed A. fumigatus using an immunoproteomics approach on two-dimensional immunoblots of A. fumigatus protein probed with serum from environmentally matched asthmatic and healthy horses (n=5 pairs). A. fumigatus binding serum immunoglobulins (Pan-Ig), and the isotypes IgG4/7 and IgG3/5 were quantified for each protein spot and then compared between asthmatic and healthy horses. Results and discussion For 21 out of 289 spots serum immunoglobulin (Ig) binding was different between the two groups for Pan-Ig or the isotypes. If differences were detected, Pan-Ig and IgG4/7 binding to the proteins were lower, while IgG3/5 binding was higher in asthmatic than healthy horse sera. Proteins were extracted from the 21 spots of interest and analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Eight prioritized proteins (candidate antigens) were expressed as recombinant proteins. Some of these have been previously described as major or minor A. fumigatus allergens, alongside other proteins, most with hydrolase activity. Recombinant candidate antigens were tested on 1D immunoblots to confirm their relevance as antigens by serum antibody binding. Four proteins (beta-hexosaminidase, class II aldolase/adducin domain protein, glucoamylase, peptide hydrolase B0XX53) showed different antibody binding characteristics between asthmatic and healthy horses and are likely relevant antigens in SEA. Their identification can provide the basis for innovative diagnostics, prevention, or therapeutic approaches. Additionally, a more profound understanding of SEA and its potential underlying mechanisms can be established. Elevated serum IgG3/5 antibodies correlate with T helper cell 2 responses in other equine pathologies, and the recombinant SEA antigens developed here can become instrumental in analyzing the involvement of SEA-specific T cell responses and Ig responses in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Christin Jentsch
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lübke
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Volke
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andor Krizsan
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Kaiser-Thom
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Marti
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Christiane L. Schnabel
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Diez de Castro E, Fernandez-Molina JM. Environmental Management of Equine Asthma. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:446. [PMID: 38338089 PMCID: PMC10854533 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental practices related to the inhalation of airborne dust have been identified as the main cause of equine asthma (EA) and reasonably, they are truly relevant in its treatment and control, especially for horses with its severe form. Vast research regarding environmental recommendations has been conducted in recent years. However, no recent exhaustive reviews exist that gather all this new evidence. The aim of this review is to report and compare the most pertinent information concerning the environmental management of EA. The main findings highlight the importance of the type of forage used for feeding but also its method of production and possible contamination during manufacture and/or storage. Procedures to reduce this, such as soaking and steaming hay, improve its hygienic quality, although they also decrease forage's nutritional value, making dietetic supplementation necessary. Regarding stabling, despite some conflicting results, avoiding straw as bedding and improving barn ventilation continue to be the common recommendations if turning to pasture is not feasible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most critical point in correct environmental control. Educating owners about the genuine benefits of these measures should be a cornerstone of EA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Diez de Castro
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
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Leduc L, Costa M, Leclère M. The Microbiota and Equine Asthma: An Integrative View of the Gut-Lung Axis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:253. [PMID: 38254421 PMCID: PMC10812655 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Both microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions can have effects beyond the local environment and influence immunological responses in remote organs such as the lungs. The crosstalk between the gut and the lungs, which is supported by complex connections and intricate pathways, is defined as the gut-lung axis. This review aimed to report on the potential role of the gut-lung gut-lung axis in the development and persistence of equine asthma. We summarized significant determinants in the development of asthma in horses and humans. The article discusses the gut-lung axis and proposes an integrative view of the relationship between gut microbiota and asthma. It also explores therapies for modulating the gut microbiota in horses with asthma. Improving our understanding of the horse gut-lung axis could lead to the development of techniques such as fecal microbiota transplants, probiotics, or prebiotics to manipulate the gut microbiota specifically for improving the management of asthma in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Leduc
- Clinical Sciences Department, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Marcio Costa
- Veterinary Department of Biomedical Sciences, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Mathilde Leclère
- Clinical Sciences Department, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
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Leduc L, Leclère M, Gauthier LG, Marcil O, Lavoie J. Severe asthma in horses is associated with increased airway innervation. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:485-494. [PMID: 38054207 PMCID: PMC10800206 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Altered innervation structure and function contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness in human asthma, yet the role of innervation in airflow limitation in asthma in horses remains unknown. HYPOTHESIS To characterize peribronchial innervation in horses with asthma. We hypothesized that airway innervation increases in horses with asthma compared with controls. ANIMALS Formalin-fixed lung samples from 8 horses with severe asthma and 8 healthy horses from the Equine Respiratory Tissue Biobank. Ante-mortem lung function was recorded. METHODS Blinded case-control study. Immunohistochemistry was performed using rabbit anti-s100 antibody as a neuronal marker for myelinating and non-myelinating Schwann cells. The number and cumulative area of nerves in the peribronchial region and associated with airway smooth muscle were recorded using histomorphometry and corrected for airway size. RESULTS Both the number (median [IQR]: 1.87 × 10-5 nerves/μm2 [1.28 × 10-5 ]) and the cumulative nerve area (CNA; 1.03 × 10-3 CNA/μm2 [1.57 × 10-3 ]) were higher in the peribronchial region of horses with asthma compared with controls (5.17 × 10-6 nerves/μm2 [3.76 × 10-6 ], 4.14 × 10-4 CNA/μm2 [2.54 × 10-4 ], Mann-Whitney, P = .01). The number of nerves within or lining airway smooth muscle was significantly higher in horses with asthma (4.47 × 10-6 nerves/μm2 [5.75 × 10-6 ]) compared with controls (2.26 × 10-6 nerves/μm2 [1.16 × 10-6 ], Mann-Whitney, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Asthma in horses is associated with greater airway innervation, possibly contributing to airway smooth muscle remodeling and exacerbating severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Leduc
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
| | - Mathilde Leclère
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Jean‐Pierre Lavoie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculté de Médecine VétérinaireUniversité de MontréalSaint‐HyacintheQuebecCanada
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Barosova R, Baranovicova E, Hanusrichterova J, Mokra D. Metabolomics in Animal Models of Bronchial Asthma and Its Translational Importance for Clinics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:459. [PMID: 38203630 PMCID: PMC10779398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bronchial asthma is an extremely heterogenous chronic respiratory disorder with several distinct endotypes and phenotypes. These subtypes differ not only in the pathophysiological changes and/or clinical features but also in their response to the treatment. Therefore, precise diagnostics represent a fundamental condition for effective therapy. In the diagnostic process, metabolomic approaches have been increasingly used, providing detailed information on the metabolic alterations associated with human asthma. Further information is brought by metabolomic analysis of samples obtained from animal models. This article summarizes the current knowledge on metabolomic changes in human and animal studies of asthma and reveals that alterations in lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle found in the animal studies resemble, to a large extent, the changes found in human patients with asthma. The findings indicate that, despite the limitations of animal modeling in asthma, pre-clinical testing and metabolomic analysis of animal samples may, together with metabolomic analysis of human samples, contribute to a novel way of personalized treatment of asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Barosova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
| | - Eva Baranovicova
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Juliana Hanusrichterova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Daniela Mokra
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (R.B.); (J.H.)
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Simões J, Tilley P. Decision Making in Severe Equine Asthma-Diagnosis and Monitoring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3872. [PMID: 38136909 PMCID: PMC10740644 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Decision making consists of gathering quality data in order to correctly assess a situation and determine the best course of action. This process is a fundamental part of medicine and is what enables practitioners to accurately diagnose diseases and select appropriate treatment protocols. Despite severe equine asthma (SEA) being a highly prevalent lower respiratory disease amongst equids, clinicians still struggle with the optimization of routine diagnostic procedures. The use of several ancillary diagnostic tests has been reported for disease identification and monitoring, but many are only suitable for research purposes or lack practicality for everyday use. The aim of this paper is to assist the equine veterinarian in the process of decision making associated with managing SEA-affected patients. This review will focus on disease diagnosis and monitoring, while also presenting a flow-chart which includes the basic data that the clinician must obtain in order to accurately identify severely asthmatic horses in their everyday routine practice. It is important to note that European and American board-certified specialists on equine internal medicine can provide assistance in the diagnosis and treatment plan of SEA-affected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Simões
- Equine Health and Welfare Academic Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4Animals), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Tilley
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4Animals), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Schnabel CL, Jentsch MC, Lübke S, Kaiser-Thom S, Gerber V, Vrtala S, Huang HJ, Rhyner C, Wagner B, Hoffmann R, Volke D. Immunoproteomics reveal increased serum IgG3/5 binding to Dermatophagoides and yeast protein antigens in severe equine asthma in a preliminary study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293684. [PMID: 38162673 PMCID: PMC10754955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe equine asthma (SEA) is a common, chronic respiratory disease of horses characterized by hyperreactivity to hay dust which has many similarities to severe neutrophilic asthma in humans. SEA-provoking antigens have not been comprehensively characterized, but molds and mites have been suggested as relevant sources. Here, we identified relevant antigen candidates using immunoproteomics with IgG isotype-binding analyses. Methods Proteins from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting (2D immunoblots) resulting in a characteristic pattern of 440 spots. After serum incubation, antibody (Ig)-binding of all Ig (Pan-Ig) and IgG isotypes (type-2-associated IgG3/5, type-1-associated IgG4/7) was quantified per each spot and compared between asthmatic and healthy horses' sera (n=5 per group). Results Ig binding differences were detected in 30 spots. Pan-Ig binding was higher with asthmatics compared to healthy horses' sera on four spots, and IgG3/5 binding was higher on 18 spots. Small IgG4/7 binding differences were detected on 10 spots with higher binding with asthmatics' sera on four but higher binding with healthy horses' sera on six spots. Proteins from the spots with group differences including mite and yeast proteins were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The latter likely originated from the feeding substrate of the Der p culture. Prioritized antigen candidates amongst the proteins identified were Der p 1, Der p 11, group 15 allergens, myosin heavy chain, and uncharacterized Der p proteins. Additionally, yeast enolases, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and heat shock proteins were prioritized. Eleven antigen candidates were tested for confirmation by ELISAs using the respective proteins separately. Differences in asthmatics vs. healthy horses' serum Ig binding to Der p 1, Der p 18, and three yeast enzymes (enolase, ADH, and PGK) confirmed these as promising antigens of immune responses in SEA. Discussion Antigens with relevance in SEA were newly identified by immunoproteomics, and yeast antigens were considered for SEA for the first time. Serum IgG3/5 binding to relevant antigens was increased in SEA and is a novel feature that points to increased type-2 responses in SEA but requires confirmation of the corresponding cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane L. Schnabel
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria-Christin Jentsch
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lübke
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Kaiser-Thom
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Vrtala
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Huey-Jy Huang
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudio Rhyner
- Christine Kühne Center for Allergy, Research, and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy and Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Volke
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy and Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Mönki J, Holopainen M, Ruhanen H, Karikoski N, Käkelä R, Mykkänen A. Lipid species profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells of horses housed on two different bedding materials. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21778. [PMID: 38066223 PMCID: PMC10709413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipidome of equine BALF cells has not been described. The objectives of this prospective repeated-measures study were to explore the BALF cells' lipidome in horses and to identify lipids associated with progression or resolution of airway inflammation. BALF cells from 22 horses exposed to two bedding materials (Peat 1-Wood shavings [WS]-Peat 2) were studied by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The effects of bedding on lipid class and species compositions were tested with rmANOVA. Correlations between lipids and cell counts were examined. The BALF cells' lipidome showed bedding-related differences for molar percentage (mol%) of 60 species. Whole phosphatidylcholine (PC) class and its species PC 32:0 (main molecular species 16:0_16:0) had higher mol% after Peat 2 compared with WS. Phosphatidylinositol 38:4 (main molecular species 18:0_20:4) was higher after WS compared with both peat periods. BALF cell count correlated positively with mol% of the lipid classes phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, ceramide, hexosylceramide, and triacylglycerol but negatively with PC. BALF cell count correlated positively with phosphatidylinositol 38:4 mol%. In conclusion, equine BALF cells' lipid profiles explored with MS-based lipidomics indicated subclinical inflammatory changes after WS. Inflammatory reactions in the cellular lipid species composition were detected although cytological responses indicating inflammation were weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Mönki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Viikintie 49, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Minna Holopainen
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit (HiLIPID), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), and Biocenter Finland, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 3 Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Ruhanen
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit (HiLIPID), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), and Biocenter Finland, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 3 Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ninja Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Viikintie 49, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reijo Käkelä
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit (HiLIPID), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), and Biocenter Finland, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 3 Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, P.O. Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Mykkänen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Viikintie 49, P.O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Martineau M, Kokabi E, Taiebi A, Lefebvre S, Pradier S, Jaÿ M, Tardy F, Leon A. Epidemiology and pathogenicity of M. equirhinis in equine respiratory disorders. Vet Microbiol 2023; 287:109926. [PMID: 38006720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are pathogens involved in respiratory disorders of various animal hosts. In horses, Mycoplasma (M.) equirhinis is the species most frequently detected in clinical respiratory specimens, with a prevalence of 12-16%, but its clinical implication in equine respiratory disorders remains unclear. Here we screened 1948 clinical specimens for the presence of M. equirhinis. The samples were both tracheal washes (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) collected by veterinarians in France in day-to-day work between 2020 and 2022. The samples were associated with a standardized form that served to collect key general and clinical information, such as horse age, breed, and living environment. M. equirhinis was detected using a combination of culture and post-enrichment PCR. Other diagnostic data included virology and bacteriology as well as neutrophil counts, when available. Prevalence of M. equirhinis was examined as a function of a clinical score based on four significant clinical signs (nasal discharge, cough, dyspnoea, and hyperthermia). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was run to identify risk factors for the presence of M. equirhinis, and comparative prevalence analysis was used to test for association with other bacteria and viruses. TW and BAL were analysed independently, as we found that TW samples were associated with a higher prevalence of M. equirhinis. As prevalence remained steady whatever the clinical score, M. equirhinis cannot be considered a primary pathogen. M. equirhinis was more frequently isolated in thoroughbreds and trotters and in horses living exclusively stabled compared to other horses or other living environments. M. equirhinis was never detected in BAL specimens with a 'normal' neutrophil count, i.e. 5%, suggesting it could be associated with an inflammatory response, similar to that observed in equine asthma. Prevalence of M. equirhinis was shown to increase in the presence of other bacteria such as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zoo) or viruses, and S. zoo load was higher in M. equirhinis-positive samples, suggesting a potential increase of clinical signs in the event of co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Martineau
- LABÉO, Research Department, Saint-Contest, 14000 Caen, France; Univ of Caen Normandie, Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, F-14000 Caen, France; University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal mycoplasmosis, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Elena Kokabi
- LABÉO, Research Department, Saint-Contest, 14000 Caen, France; Univ of Caen Normandie, Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Anis Taiebi
- LABÉO, Research Department, Saint-Contest, 14000 Caen, France; Univ of Caen Normandie, Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Stéphanie Lefebvre
- University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal mycoplasmosis, 69007 Lyon, France
| | | | - Maryne Jaÿ
- University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal mycoplasmosis, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Florence Tardy
- University of Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal mycoplasmosis, 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Albertine Leon
- LABÉO, Research Department, Saint-Contest, 14000 Caen, France; Univ of Caen Normandie, Univ Rouen Normandie, INSERM, DYNAMICURE UMR 1311, F-14000 Caen, France.
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13
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Sad EP, Hess TM, Santos HA, Lessa DAB, Botteon PDTL. Molecular and Cellular Evaluation of Horses With Summer Pasture Associated Asthma Syndrome. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 131:104928. [PMID: 37730075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Equine asthma is an airway disease that affects a large number of horses annually leading to considerable economic losses in the horse industry. Despite advances in research in this area, there is still a lack of information on its etiology and molecular characterization in pasture associated asthma. The objective of the current study was to characterize the inflammatory disease of lower airways in horses maintained on pasture through cytologic and immunologic profile during the summer in a tropical environment by analysis of the gene expression of Th1 cytokines (IFN- λ, IL-8), Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in healthy and asthma horses on pasture. A group 39 of clinically healthy horses maintained on native pasture and supplemented with concentrate was evaluated by BAL analyzed for differential cellular count and assigned into a control and an asthma group. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed in the BAL by reverse time PCR (RT-PCR) (IL-1α (alpha), IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, TNF-α alpha and IFN-λ), using β-actin as housekeeping gene. Higher gene expression of IL-1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IFN-λ in the BAL of asthma horses was found. Current results indicate an increase in Th2, characterizing an allergic inflammatory reaction due to the significant increase in IL-5 in asthmatic horses (10.3 ± 1.13), when compared to the values obtained in normal horses (3.27 ± 0.46). The only down regulated cytokine in the asthma group was TNF-α, suggesting a chronic antigenic reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanja M Hess
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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14
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Lee DF, Everest DJ, Cooley W, Chambers MA. Investigation of nasal epithelial cells as a surrogate for bronchial epithelial cells in the research of equine asthma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293956. [PMID: 37943759 PMCID: PMC10635438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma, previously known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) or Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), is an often-debilitating condition that may severely affect both performance and quality of life. Research is hindered by the low sample numbers of subjects recruited to studies, a consequence in part of the invasive nature of the sampling methods of bronchial brushing and biopsy. We present an alternative method of sampling equine airway epithelial cells, the 'nasal brush method' (NBM). Obtained by light brushing of the ventral meatus whilst the horse is under standing sedation, these cells express the same markers of differentiation as their deeper counterparts. Grown as 3-D spheroids or as air-liquid interface cultures, nasal epithelial cells are responsive to the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-13. This may be attenuated by modulation of the Notch signalling pathway using the gamma-secretase inhibitor Semagecestat; a previously unreported finding that cements the link between equine and human asthma research and strengthens the case for a One Health approach in researching asthma pathophysiology and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Frances Lee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - William Cooley
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Andrew Chambers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
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15
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Robins TJ, Bedenice D, Mazan M. A Longitudinal Analysis of Equine Asthma Presentation and Response to Treatment Using Lung Function Testing and BAL Cytology Analysis in Combination with Owner Perception. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3387. [PMID: 37958142 PMCID: PMC10649418 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Equine asthma (EA) is a pervasive and important cause of poor performance and respiratory morbidity in horses. Diagnosis of EA includes an owner complaint, clinical scoring, lung function testing, and cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology. There is a paucity of information about the longitudinal course of the disease using these outcome assessments; thus, this study sought to describe and quantify, in horses with more than one visit to a specialty pulmonary clinic in New England, the type and range of clinical presentations with an eventual diagnosis of EA. It also aimed to develop and compare the outcomes of scoring systems for owner complaints and veterinary assessments, document and assess the diagnostic methods used, and evaluate the response of the horses to treatment and time. (2) Methods: This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional, STROBE-compliant observational analysis of equine patients who visited the Tufts Cummings Hospital for Large Animals (HLA) for evaluation of equine asthma (EA) from 1999-2023. The horses were categorized as having mild-moderate (mEA) or severe EA (sEA) using the ACVIM consensus statement guidelines. After excluding those with inadequate documentation or only one visit (n = 936), a total of 76 horses were included in the study. Of the 197 visits, 138 (70.0%) resulted in a diagnosis of mEA and 45 (22.8%) resulted in a diagnosis of sEA. Demographic information, owner complaints, clinical examination and scoring, lung function testing, BAL cytology, and recommendations for environmental remediation and pharmacologic treatment were recorded for all the visits. The data were analyzed for agreement between owner complaints (complaint score, CS) and clinical examination findings (examination score, ES), changes in CS and ES, lung function testing, and BAL cytology over time, with 197 visits recorded. (3) Results: A comparison between the CS and ES showed that the owners were more likely than veterinarians to detect cough, and a decrease in cough was the most common owner observation after treatment. The response to the histamine challenge, used to detect airway hyperreactivity, was significantly improved with treatment or time in the horses with mEA, whereas baseline lung function did not significantly change in mEA or sEA. (4) Conclusions: Owners can be astute observers of clinical signs, especially cough, in EA. Tests of airway hyperreactivity are more successful in detecting changes in mEA than are baseline lung function testing and assessment of BAL cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melissa Mazan
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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16
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Herrmann I, Sanchez AJ. Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Allergen-Specific Immuno-Therapy in Horses with Allergic Cutaneous and Respiratory Diseases-A Systematic Review. Vet Sci 2023; 10:613. [PMID: 37888565 PMCID: PMC10611411 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only current intervention that has the ability to modify the immune response toward a tolerogenic state. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of AIT in horses with allergic diseases in a systematic manner. Three databases were searched to identify articles reporting clinical outcomes and adverse events associated with AIT. The articles were evaluated for beneficial responses to AIT, defined as a ≥50% reduction in clinical signs, and clinical remission. Horses with respiratory diseases, urticaria, and pruritic dermatitis receiving insect monotherapy or multi-allergen AIT were included. All adverse events were graded, and analytical and confounding biases were assessed. The results showed that multi-allergen AIT had a beneficial response in 75% of horses with respiratory diseases, 88% with urticaria, and 56% with pruritic dermatitis. However, horses treated solely with insect AIT for pruritic dermatitis had a lower response rate (36%). Self-limiting local reactions were the most common adverse events, with systemic reactions grade II accounting for 11% of reported events. Analytical and confounding biases were identified as major limitations in the available studies. Further research is needed to address these biases and provide stronger evidence on the efficacy and safety of AIT in horses with allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Herrmann
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Adrianna Jordan Sanchez
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA;
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17
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Hamouzová P, Drábková Z, Stehlíková Š, Řeháková K, Čížek P, Dobešová O, Jahn P, Doubek J. Regulatory T lymphocytes and selected cytokines in horses with mild to severe equine asthma and different inflammatory cytology profiles. Res Vet Sci 2023; 163:104998. [PMID: 37651940 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.104998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This study determined Tregs and inflammatory cytokines in BALF and peripheral blood (PB) of adult horses with mild and severe asthma and different BALF cytological inflammation profiles. Horses of diverse breeds with asthma (age range: 2-20 years, n = 24) were divided into groups according to the number of points obtained in a standardized clinical scoring system (mild-moderate equine asthma - MEA, severe equine asthma - SEA) and according to the inflammation type based on cytological finding. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and MMP-9 in the BALF were determined by ELISA. Tregs in the BALF and PB were detected by flow cytometry. Horses with SEA were older than horses with MEA and had higher concentrations of MMP-9 in the BALF (P < 0.05). The neutrophilic inflammation group was characterised by higher age, grade of clinical score, percentage of Tregs and MMP-9 concentration in the BALF compared to the mastocytic inflammation group (P < 0.05). Age positively correlated with neutrophils, grade of score, Tregs in the BALF and in the PB. The grade of score positively correlated with MMP-9. The percentage of Tregs in the BALF positively correlated with Tregs in the PB. Tregs in the BALF and PB positively correlated with neutrophils and MMP-9 in the BALF and with IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in the plasma. IFN-γ and IL-10 in the plasma positively correlated with the age. The results indicate that the evaluation of selected parameters in PB, the collection of which is less invasive than the collection of BALF, is of potential importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Hamouzová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Drábková
- Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Šárka Stehlíková
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristína Řeháková
- Small Animal Clinical Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Čížek
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Olga Dobešová
- Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Jahn
- Equine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Doubek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; Small Animal Clinical Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
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18
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Riihimäki M, Fegraeus K, Nordlund J, Waern I, Wernersson S, Akula S, Hellman L, Raine A. Single-cell transcriptomics delineates the immune cell landscape in equine lower airways and reveals upregulation of FKBP5 in horses with asthma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16261. [PMID: 37758813 PMCID: PMC10533524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43368-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma (EA) is a heterogenous, complex disease, with a significant negative impact on horse welfare and performance. EA and human asthma share fundamental similarities, making EA a useful model for studying the disease. One relevant sample type for investigating chronic lung inflammation is bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), which provides a snapshot of the immune cells present in the alveolar space. To investigate the immune cell landscape of the respiratory tract in horses with mild-to-moderate equine asthma (mEA) and healthy controls, single-cell RNA sequencing was conducted on equine BALF cells. We characterized the major immune cell populations present in equine BALF, as well as subtypes thereof. Interestingly, the most significantly upregulated gene discovered in cases of mEA was FKBP5, a chaperone protein involved in regulating the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miia Riihimäki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kim Fegraeus
- Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Nordlund
- Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ida Waern
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Wernersson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srinivas Akula
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Hellman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda Raine
- Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Martineau M, Castagnet S, Kokabi E, Tricot A, Jaÿ M, Léon A, Tardy F. Detection of Mycoplasma spp. in horses with respiratory disorders. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:747-754. [PMID: 36572918 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteria belonging to the genus Mycoplasma are small-sized, have no cell walls and small genomes. They commonly cause respiratory disorders in their animal hosts. Three species have been found in the respiratory tract of horses worldwide, that is., Mycoplasma (M.) equirhinis, M. pulmonis and M. felis, but their role in clinical cases remains unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to i) develop and validate tools to detect, isolate and identify different Mycoplasma spp. strains in clinical equine respiratory-tract specimens and ii) subsequently define the prevalence of the three species in France depending on sample types and horse characteristics (age, breed, sex). STUDY DESIGN Validation of a workflow for mycoplasma diagnosis and subsequent prevalence study. METHODS Mycoplasma-free tracheal wash samples spiked with numerated strains and DNA dilutions were used to validate the culture methods and real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assay. Isolated strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Prevalences were determined on a population of 616 horses with respiratory disorders, sampled in France in 2020. RESULTS In total, 104 horses (16.9%) were found to be positive for Mycoplasma spp. by at least one method. M. equirhinis was the predominant circulating species, accounting for 85% of the rt-PCR-positive samples and 98% of the 40 cultured strains. MAIN LIMITATION The proposed pre-enrichment procedure improves the sensitivity of detection but hinders the quantification of the initial mycoplasma load in the clinical specimens. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of mycoplasma varied with age, breed, and type of sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Martineau
- LABÉO, Research Department, St Contest, Caen, France
- NormandieUniversité, CAEN/ROUEN Universités, DYNAMICURE, INSERM U1311, France
- Université de Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses Animales, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Castagnet
- LABÉO, Research Department, St Contest, Caen, France
- NormandieUniversité, CAEN/ROUEN Universités, DYNAMICURE, INSERM U1311, France
| | - Elena Kokabi
- LABÉO, Research Department, St Contest, Caen, France
- NormandieUniversité, CAEN/ROUEN Universités, DYNAMICURE, INSERM U1311, France
| | - Agnès Tricot
- Université de Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses Animales, Lyon, France
| | - Maryne Jaÿ
- Université de Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses Animales, Lyon, France
| | - Albertine Léon
- LABÉO, Research Department, St Contest, Caen, France
- NormandieUniversité, CAEN/ROUEN Universités, DYNAMICURE, INSERM U1311, France
| | - Florence Tardy
- Université de Lyon, Anses, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses Animales, Lyon, France
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20
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Höglund N, Nieminen P, Mustonen AM, Käkelä R, Tollis S, Koho N, Holopainen M, Ruhanen H, Mykkänen A. Fatty acid fingerprints in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and its extracellular vesicles reflect equine asthma severity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9821. [PMID: 37330591 PMCID: PMC10276833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma (EA) is an inflammatory disease of the lower airways driven by mediators released from cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vehicles for lipid mediators, which possess either pro-inflammatory or dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving functions. In this study, we investigated how the respiratory fatty acid (FA) profile reflects airway inflammatory status. The FA composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), BALF supernatant, and bronchoalveolar EVs of healthy horses (n = 15) and horses with mild/moderate EA (n = 10) or severe EA (SEA, n = 5) was determined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The FA profiles distinguished samples with different diagnoses in all sample types, yet they were insufficient to predict the health status of uncategorized samples. Different individual FAs were responsible for the discrimination of the diagnoses in different sample types. Particularly, in the EVs of SEA horses the proportions of palmitic acid (16:0) decreased and those of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) increased, and all sample types of asthmatic horses had elevated dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3n-6) proportions. The results suggest simultaneous pro-inflammatory and resolving actions of FAs and a potential role for EVs as vehicles for lipid mediators in asthma pathogenesis. EV lipid manifestations of EA can offer translational targets to study asthma pathophysiology and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Höglund
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Petteri Nieminen
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne-Mari Mustonen
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland, 80101, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Reijo Käkelä
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit, HiLIPID, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, and Biocenter Finland, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sylvain Tollis
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ninna Koho
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Holopainen
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit, HiLIPID, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, and Biocenter Finland, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Ruhanen
- Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit, HiLIPID, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, and Biocenter Finland, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Mykkänen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Kozłowska N, Wierzbicka M, Pawliński B, Domino M. Co-Occurrence of Severe Equine Asthma and Palatal Disorders in Privately Owned Pleasure Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1962. [PMID: 37370472 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the "unified or united airway disease" theory, diseases in the upper and lower airways frequently co-occur because they represent a single morphological and functional unit. Palatal disorders (PDs) and severe equine asthma (SEA) are frequent diseases that, respectively, affect upper and lower equine airways; however, clinical studies focusing on the co-occurrence of PDs and SEA are limited. The present study investigated the prevalence of PDs in horses affected by SEA, and whether prevalence decreased after SEA treatment. Forty-six privately owned horses affected by SEA in exacerbation were included. For each horse, the severity of the asthma clinical signs was assessed using a previously described scoring system, and the co-occurrence of palatal disorders was investigated using overground endoscopy, before and after treatment for SEA. Before treatment (in exacerbation), 67.4% of SEA-affected horses showed evidence of PDs, including 39.1% showing evidence of palatal instability (PI) and 28.3% of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Airway inflammation (neutrophil percentage in the tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) was worse in horses with co-occurring PDs. After treatment (in remission), no horses showed evidence of PI, while DDSP was diagnosed in 8.7% of horses. These findings suggest that palatal disorders respond to asthma treatment, supporting the hypothesis that both diseases could be manifestation of a common underlying disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kozłowska
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wierzbicka
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pawliński
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Woodrow JS, Sheats MK, Cooper B, Bayless R. Asthma: The Use of Animal Models and Their Translational Utility. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071091. [PMID: 37048164 PMCID: PMC10093022 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by chronic lower airway inflammation that results in airway remodeling, which can lead to a permanent decrease in lung function. The pathophysiology driving the development of asthma is complex and heterogenous. Animal models have been and continue to be essential for the discovery of molecular pathways driving the pathophysiology of asthma and novel therapeutic approaches. Animal models of asthma may be induced or naturally occurring. Species used to study asthma include mouse, rat, guinea pig, cat, dog, sheep, horse, and nonhuman primate. Some of the aspects to consider when evaluating any of these asthma models are cost, labor, reagent availability, regulatory burden, relevance to natural disease in humans, type of lower airway inflammation, biological samples available for testing, and ultimately whether the model can answer the research question(s). This review aims to discuss the animal models most available for asthma investigation, with an emphasis on describing the inciting antigen/allergen, inflammatory response induced, and its translation to human asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour Woodrow
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| | - M Katie Sheats
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Bethanie Cooper
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Rosemary Bayless
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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23
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Cullinane A, Garvey M, Walsh C, Gibbons J, Creighton A. A Scoping Review of Non-Structural Airway Disease as a Cause of Poor Performance in Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030429. [PMID: 36766318 PMCID: PMC9913315 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between poor performance and respiratory disease in Thoroughbred racehorses that do not have a structural abnormality of the respiratory tract, is often based on anecdotal evidence. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the scientific evidence for such associations. Publications were selected based on a search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and CAB Direct), in English and without date restriction, followed by a screening process to exclude non-relevant papers, duplicates, and reviews. This process identified 996 publications of which 20 were analysed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. The results indicated that the evidence supporting the relationship between proposed diagnostic indicators and poor performance is variable. There is a need for better quality evidence. In particular, there are conflicting reports relating to the impact of equine asthma and EIPH on athletic performance. Furthermore, a lack of standardisation in the measurement of racehorse performance makes it difficult to compare findings from different studies. The industry would benefit from high-level guidance concerning the design of controlled performance studies in Thoroughbred racehorses to collect comprehensive data and facilitate targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Cullinane
- The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co., W91 RH93 Kildare, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-45-866266; Fax: +353-45-866273
| | - Marie Garvey
- The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co., W91 RH93 Kildare, Ireland
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - James Gibbons
- The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co., W91 RH93 Kildare, Ireland
| | - Alan Creighton
- The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co., W91 RH93 Kildare, Ireland
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24
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Woodrow JS, Hines M, Sommardahl C, Flatland B, Lo Y, Wang Z, Sheats MK, Lennon EM. Initial investigation of molecular phenotypes of airway mast cells and cytokine profiles in equine asthma. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:997139. [PMID: 36713876 PMCID: PMC9875299 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.997139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma is a naturally occurring lung disease characterized by chronic, partially reversible airway obstruction, pulmonary remodeling, and lower airway inflammation. Asthma is currently divided into two major groups, mild to moderate asthma (mEA) and severe asthma (sEA), but further subtyping by phenotype (i.e., clinical presentation) and/or endotype (i.e., cellular mechanisms) may be warranted. For this study, we were interested in further investigation of cellular and inflammatory characteristics of EA, including airway mast cells. The purpose of this study was to: (1) compare mast cell protease mRNA expression between healthy and asthmatic horses, (2) analyze the cytokine profile present in BALF of currently defined equine asthma groups, and (3) use these data to evaluate potential biomarkers of defined asthma groups. We hypothesized that there would be significant differences in the cellular mast cell phenotypes (i.e., mucosal vs. connective tissue) and cytokine profiles in the BALF of asthmatic vs. healthy horses and across asthma groups. We assert these characteristics may inform additional subtypes of equine asthma. Adult horses were recruited from the institution's teaching herd and clinical caseload. Mast cell protease gene expression of the BALF cellular component and multiplex bead immunoassay for cytokine concentrations in the BALF supernatant were investigated. Airway mast cells primarily expressed tryptase, with low levels of chymase. No significant changes in protease expression were detected across groups. Horses with severe asthma had increased TNF-α, CXCL-8, and IFN-γ concentrations in BALF supernatant. Multidimensional analysis demonstrated healthy and mEA horses have overlapping characteristics, with sEA separating from the other groups. This difference was primarily due to BALF neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations. These study results further inform understanding of EA immunopathology, and future studies designed to investigate asthma phenotypes and endotypes. Ultimately, a better understanding of these groups could help identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane S. Woodrow
- Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States,Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Melissa Hines
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Carla Sommardahl
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Bente Flatland
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Yancy Lo
- Bioinformatics Core, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Bioinformatics Core, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mary Katie Sheats
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Lennon
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States,*Correspondence: Elizabeth M. Lennon ✉
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25
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Wyler M, Sage SE, Marti E, White S, Gerber V. Protein microarray allergen profiling in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of horses with asthma. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 37:328-337. [PMID: 36479920 PMCID: PMC9889601 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnostic value of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in horses with asthma is uncertain. A recently developed protein microarray detected abnormally high latex-specific IgE concentrations in the serum of horses with severe asthma. OBJECTIVES The main objective was to characterize the IgE profiles of asthmatic horses in Switzerland using a protein microarray platform in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The secondary objective was to determine whether serological and BALF allergen-specific IgE concentrations correlated. ANIMALS Forty-four asthmatic and 39 control horses ≥5 years of age. METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study investigated the sensitization profiles of horses with asthma compared with environmentally matched healthy controls. Both serum and BALF were analyzed using the protein microarray. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify and rank the importance of the allergens for class detection (ie, asthma vs control), with a variable influence on the projection (VIP) >1 considered significant. RESULTS The allergens that best discriminated (VIP >1) asthmatic horses from controls were proteins derived from fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus), insects (Culicoides spp.), and latex (Hevea brasiliensis). The serological model predictive ability was markedly inferior (area under the curve [AUC] 0.585, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.454-0.747) to that of the BALF (AUC 0.751, 95% CI: 0.582-0.866). The two models shared nine allergens, of which eight showed significant weak to moderate correlations. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The concentrations of several allergen-specific IgE were higher in asthmatic horses. The protein microarray performed better on BALF than serum for detection of asthma. Serological IgE concentrations do not closely correlate with BALF concentrations and should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Wyler
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Sophie Elena Sage
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Eliane Marti
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Samuel White
- Department of Animal, Equine and Veterinary SciencesNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamshireUK
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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26
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Effect of Hay Steaming on the Estimated Precaecal Digestibility of Crude Protein and Selected Amino Acids in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223092. [PMID: 36428320 PMCID: PMC9686632 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Steaming hay is increasingly used to treat low-quality forage because it was proven to reduce inhalable allergens such as mould spores, bacteria, and airborne dust particles. Preliminary results have shown a substantial loss of precaecal (pc) digestibility (D) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA). For this purpose, six different batches of hay from central Germany were divided into four subsamples, and each one was individually steamed. Native hay and four replicates of each steamed subsample were analysed for CP, AA, neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP), neutral detergent soluble crude protein (NDSCP) as well as pepsin insoluble CP (piCP). Based on the analytical parameters, pcD of CP, protein solubility (PS), piCP (% CP) and precaecal digestible (pcd) CP and pcdAA contents were calculated. Selected Maillard reaction products (MRP), namely furosine and carboxymethyllysine (CML), were also analysed. Steaming did not affect CP content (native = 69, steamed = 67 g/kg dry matter, DM; p > 0.05), but it had an impact on the insoluble part of CP. Thus, NDICP increased by 57% (native = 27, steamed = 42 g/kg DM; p < 0.05) and piCP by 15% overall (native = 40, steamed = 46% of CP; p < 0.05). This could be a consequence of the heat damage and the associated increase in MRP. The content of furosine rose by 67% (native = 17.6, steamed = 29.4 mg/100 g DM; p < 0.05). The content of CML increased by 120% (native = 5.1, steamed = 11.3 mg/100 g DM; p < 0.05). We chose to analyse these two MRPs because they represent the reaction products with the limiting AA lysine. In contrast, the soluble fractions of CP declined, while PS as a percentage of CP decreased by 38% as a result of the treatment, and NDSCP was reduced by as much as 41% (p < 0.05). In line with this, the steaming process decreased the pcD of CP (native = 56%, steamed = 35%; p < 0.05) and pcdCP (native = 37.9, steamed = 22.5 g/kg DM; p < 0.05), respectively. The same effects were shown for selected AA; e.g., sulphuric AA pcd methionine plus pcd cysteine decreased by 45%, pcd threonine decreased by 41%, and the limited AA pcd lysine decreased by more than 50% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the high temperatures generated during steaming lead to protein damage and consequently to a reduction in the pcD of CP and essential AA. Nevertheless, steaming successfully reduces viable microorganisms and binds dust particles. Therefore, steamed hay is still a proper and sometimes the only possible roughage for horses suffering from respiratory diseases such as equine asthma. Essentially, horse diets based on steamed hay should be balanced accordingly.
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27
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Changes in Management, Welfare, Emotional State, and Human-Related Docility in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212981. [DOI: 10.3390/ani12212981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an increase in awareness of their essential needs, many stallions continue to be kept in conditions limiting their social interactions and movement. To supplement the studies which highlight the effects of these practices on selected aspects of equine mental and physical wellbeing, we aimed to monitor a group of 32 adult intact stallions during their transition from tethered housing with limited outdoor access to free group housing through the lens of their overall welfare, perceived emotional status, and docility toward humans. Over three visits (before the management change, two weeks, and three months after, respectively), their welfare, qualitative behavior, and docility were assessed. Analysis of the data collected showed an improvement in the stallions’ overall welfare and no decrease in their docility after their group-release, with a constant correlation between these two aspects. The evaluation of their emotional states was less relevant, lacking consistency between the assessments for most of the descriptors used, warranting further research in similar conditions. Although our study covered a relatively short period of time, our results provide encouraging support for stallion owners in deciding on a similar management change for the welfare of their animals.
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28
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Sage SE, Nicholson P, Leeb T, Gerber V, Jagannathan V. Long-Read Transcriptome of Equine Bronchoalveolar Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101722. [PMID: 36292607 PMCID: PMC9602388 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We used Pacific Biosciences long-read isoform sequencing to generate full-length transcript sequences in equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells. Our dataset consisted of 313,563 HiFi reads comprising 805 Mb of polished sequence information. The resulting equine BALF transcriptome consisted of 14,234 full-length transcript isoforms originating from 7017 unique genes. These genes consisted of 6880 previously annotated genes and 137 novel genes. We identified 3428 novel transcripts in addition to 10,806 previously known transcripts. These included transcripts absent from existing genome annotations, transcripts mapping to putative novel (unannotated) genes and fusion transcripts incorporating exons from multiple genes. We provide transcript-level data for equine BALF cells as a resource to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Elena Sage
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pamela Nicholson
- Next Generation Sequencing Platform, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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29
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Effect of the Administration of a Nutraceutical Supplement in Racehorses with Lower Airway Inflammation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182479. [PMID: 36139339 PMCID: PMC9495102 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild−moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways of the horse, characterized by tracheal mucus accumulation, cough and poor performance. The therapeutic approach is based on pharmacological treatment and environmental management. Moreover, the efficacy of the administration of antioxidant molecules has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of a commercial nutraceutical supplement, composed of several herbal extracts, on lower airway inflammation in racehorses. Twelve Thoroughbreds affected by MEA were selected. All horses underwent a clinical examination with assignment of a clinical score, airway endoscopy and cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In seven horses, the supplement was administered for 21 days in association with environmental changes, while in five horses only environmental changes were performed. All procedures were repeated at the end of the study. Data concerning the clinical score, the endoscopic scores and the cytology at the beginning and at the end of the study were statistically compared. Data showed a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the clinical score and a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the tracheal mucus score. The results showed the beneficial effect of the supplement on mild−moderate lower airway inflammation, probably due to its antioxidant activity.
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30
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Sage SE, Nicholson P, Peters LM, Leeb T, Jagannathan V, Gerber V. Single-cell gene expression analysis of cryopreserved equine bronchoalveolar cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929922. [PMID: 36105804 PMCID: PMC9467276 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomic profile of a cell population can now be studied at the cellular level using single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). This novel technique provides the unprecedented opportunity to explore the cellular composition of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the horse, a species for which cell type markers are poorly described. Here, scRNA-seq technology was applied to cryopreserved equine BALF cells. Analysis of 4,631 cells isolated from three asthmatic horses in remission identified 16 cell clusters belonging to six major cell types: monocytes/macrophages, T cells, B/plasma cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils and mast cells. Higher resolution analysis of the constituents of the major immune cell populations allowed deep annotation of monocytes/macrophages, T cells and B/plasma cells. A significantly higher lymphocyte/macrophage ratio was detected with scRNA-seq compared to conventional cytological differential cell count. For the first time in horses, we detected a transcriptomic signature consistent with monocyte-lymphocyte complexes. Our findings indicate that scRNA-seq technology is applicable to cryopreserved equine BALF cells, allowing the identification of its major (cytologically differentiated) populations as well as previously unexplored T cell and macrophage subpopulations. Single-cell gene expression analysis has the potential to facilitate understanding of the immunological mechanisms at play in respiratory disorders of the horse, such as equine asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E. Sage
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Sophie E. Sage,
| | - Pamela Nicholson
- Next Generation Sequencing Platform, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laureen M. Peters
- Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Next Generation Sequencing Platform, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vidhya Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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31
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Ellis KL, Contino EK, Nout‐Lomas YS. Poor performance in the horse: Diagnosing the non‐orthopaedic causes. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Ellis
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Erin K. Contino
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Yvette S. Nout‐Lomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
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32
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Klier J, Fuchs S, Winter G, Gehlen H. Inhalative Nanoparticulate CpG Immunotherapy in Severe Equine Asthma: An Innovative Therapeutic Concept and Potential Animal Model for Human Asthma Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162087. [PMID: 36009677 PMCID: PMC9405334 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Severe equine asthma is the most common globally widespread non-infectious equine respiratory disease (together with its mild and moderate form), which is associated with exposure to hay dust and mold spores, has certain similarities to human asthma, and continues to represent a therapeutic problem. Immunomodulatory DNA sequences (CpG) bound to nanoparticles were successfully administered by inhalation to severe asthmatic horses in several studies. It was possible to demonstrate a significant, sustained, one-to-eight-week improvement in important clinical parameters: partial oxygen pressure in the blood, quantity and viscosity of tracheal mucus secretion in the airways, and the amount of inflammatory cells in the respiratory tracts of severe asthmatic horses. The immunotherapy with CpG is performed independent of specific allergens. At an immunological level, the treatment leads to decreases in allergic and inflammatory parameters. This innovative therapeutic concept thus opens new perspectives in severe equine asthma treatment and possibly also in human asthma treatment. Abstract Severe equine asthma is the most common globally widespread non-infectious equine respiratory disease (together with its mild and moderate form), which is associated with exposure to hay dust and mold spores, has certain similarities to human asthma, and continues to represent a therapeutic problem. Immunomodulatory CpG-ODN, bound to gelatin nanoparticles as a drug delivery system, were successfully administered by inhalation to severe equine asthmatic patients in several studies. It was possible to demonstrate a significant, sustained, and allergen-independent one-to-eight-week improvement in key clinical parameters: the arterial partial pressure of oxygen, the quantity and viscosity of tracheal mucus, and neutrophilic inflammatory cells in the respiratory tracts of the severe equine asthmatic subjects. At the immunological level, an upregulation of the regulatory antiallergic and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as well as a downregulation of the proallergic IL-4 and proinflammatory IFN-γ in the respiratory tracts of the severe equine asthmatic patients were identified in the treatment groups. CD4+ T lymphocytes in the respiratory tracts of the asthmatic horses were demonstrated to downregulate the mRNA expression of Tbet and IL-8. Concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 were significantly decreased directly after the treatment as well as six weeks post-treatment. This innovative therapeutic concept thus opens new perspectives in the treatment of severe equine asthma and possibly also that of human asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Klier
- Equine Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Fuchs
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-838-62299; Fax: +49-30-838-4-62529
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33
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Gressler AE, Lübke S, Wagner B, Arnold C, Lohmann KL, Schnabel CL. Comprehensive Flow Cytometric Characterization of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cells Indicates Comparable Phenotypes Between Asthmatic and Healthy Horses But Functional Lymphocyte Differences. Front Immunol 2022; 13:896255. [PMID: 35874777 PMCID: PMC9296846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.896255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine asthma (EA) is a highly relevant disease, estimated to affect up to 20% of all horses, and compares to human asthma. The pathogenesis of EA is most likely immune-mediated, yet incompletely understood. To study the immune response in the affected lower airways, mixed leukocytes were acquired through bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and the cell populations were analyzed on a single-cell basis by flow cytometry (FC). Samples of 38 horses grouped as respiratory healthy or affected by mild to moderate (mEA) or severe EA (sEA) according to their history, clinical signs, and BAL cytology were analyzed. Using FC, BAL cells and PBMC were comprehensively characterized by cell surface markers ex vivo. An increased percentage of DH24A+ polymorphonuclear cells, and decreased percentages of CD14+ macrophages were detected in BAL from horses with sEA compared to healthy horses or horses with mEA, while lymphocyte proportions were similar between all groups. Independently of EA, macrophages in BAL were CD14+CD16+, which contrasts the majority of CD14+CD16- classical monocytes in PBMC. Percentages of CD16-expressing BAL macrophages were reduced in BAL from horses with sEA compared to healthy horses. While PBMC lymphocytes predominantly contain CD4+ T cells, B cells and few CD8+ T cells, BAL lymphocytes comprised mainly CD8+ T cells, fewer CD4+ T cells and hardly any B cells. These lymphocyte subsets’ distributions were similar between all groups. After PMA/ionomycin stimulation in vitro, lymphocyte activation (CD154 and T helper cell cytokine expression) was analyzed in BAL cells of 26 of the horses and group differences were observed (p=0.01–0.11). Compared to healthy horses’ BAL, CD154+ lymphocytes from horses with mEA, and CD4+IL-17A+ lymphocytes from horses with sEA were increased in frequency. Activated CD4+ T helper cells were more frequent in asthmatics’ (mEA, sEA) compared to healthy horses’ PBMC lymphocytes. In summary, FC analysis of BAL cells identified increased polymorphonuclear cells frequencies in sEA as established, while macrophage percentages were mildly reduced, and lymphocyte populations remained unaffected by EA. Cytokine production differences of BAL lymphocytes from horses with sEA compared to healthy horses’ cells point towards a functional difference, namely increased local type 3 responses in sEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Elisabeth Gressler
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lübke
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Corinna Arnold
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina L Lohmann
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christiane L Schnabel
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Janssen P, Tosi I, Hego A, Maréchal P, Marichal T, Radermecker C. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Are Found in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluids of Horses With Severe Asthma and Correlate With Asthma Severity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921077. [PMID: 35911691 PMCID: PMC9326094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma encompasses a spectrum of heterogenous immune-mediated respiratory disorders sharing a similar clinical pattern characterized by cough, wheeze and exercise intolerance. In horses, equine asthma can be subdivided into severe or moderate asthma according to clinical symptoms and the extent of airway neutrophilic inflammation. While severe asthmatic horses are characterized by an elevated neutrophilic inflammation of the lower airways, cough, dyspnea at rest and high mucus secretion, horses with moderate asthma show a milder neutrophilic inflammation, exhibit intolerance to exercise but no labored breathing at rest. Yet, the physiopathology of different phenotypes of equine asthma remains poorly understood and there is a need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms tailoring those phenotypes in order to improve clinical management and elaborate novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we sought to quantify the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of moderate or severe asthmatic horses and healthy controls, and assessed whether NETs correlated with disease severity. To this end, we evaluated the amounts of NETs by measuring cell-free DNA and MPO-DNA complexes in BALF supernatants or by quantifying NETs release by BALF cells by confocal microscopy. We were able to unequivocally identify elevated NETs levels in BALF of severe asthmatic horses as compared to healthy controls or moderate asthmatic horses. Moreover, we provided evidence that BALF NETs release was a specific feature seen in severe equine asthma, as opposed to moderate asthma, and correlated with disease severity. Finally, we showed that NETs could act as a predictive factor for severe equine asthma. Our study thus uniquely identifies NETs in BALF of severe asthmatic horses using three distinct methods and supports the idea that moderate and severe equine asthma do not rely on strictly similar pathophysiological mechanisms. Our data also suggest that NETs represent a relevant biomarker, a putative driver and a potential therapeutic target in severe asthma disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Janssen
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Irene Tosi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Hego
- In Vitro Imaging Platform, GIGA Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pauline Maréchal
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thomas Marichal
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Coraline Radermecker
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, GIGA Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Coraline Radermecker,
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35
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Kinnison T, McGilvray TA, Couëtil LL, Smith KC, Wylie CE, Bacigalupo SA, Gomez-Grau E, Cardwell JM. Mild-moderate equine asthma: A scoping review of evidence supporting the consensus definition. Vet J 2022; 286:105865. [PMID: 35817389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Current consensus defines mild-moderate equine asthma (mEA; previously inflammatory airway disease) by a hierarchy of indicators of lung pathology: cough, poor performance, increased tracheobronchial mucus, inflammatory bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology and pulmonary dysfunction. Exclusion criteria include fever, systemic disease, or increased resting respiratory effort. The aim of this review was to inform future research by identifying gaps, strengths and weaknesses in the current body of evidence supporting this consensus-proposed definition. Objectives were to critique evidence supporting the inclusion of each diagnostic indicator in the case definition, by summarising and evaluating evidence for its association with higher-level indicators of lung inflammation. Searches of three databases identified 2275 articles relating to mEA or its diagnostic indicators, from which 298 full-text articles were screened and 45 reviewed in full. Studies (n = 44) had been performed worldwide in clinics, hospitals, racetracks, yards or research herds, in 6092 horses. Studies were predominantly opportunistic observational (n = 13/44: 29.5%) or cross-sectional (n = 11/44; 25%). The median number of horses per study was 74. Where breed and use were reported most were Thoroughbreds (58.2%; 2730/4688) and racehorses (72.8%; n = 3960/5439). Domains rated as high risk of bias in almost 50% of articles were 'study power' and 'masking'. Heterogeneity in clinical and laboratory measures precluded meta-analysis. Evidence was more consistent for certain pairwise relationships (e.g., between cough and tracheobronchial mucus) than others (e.g., BAL cytology and lung function). Findings highlight the need for increased standardisation of diagnostic methods and reporting to facilitate future systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kinnison
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - T A McGilvray
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - L L Couëtil
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - K C Smith
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C E Wylie
- Rossdales Equine Hospital, Cotton End Road, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7NN, UK
| | - S A Bacigalupo
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - E Gomez-Grau
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - J M Cardwell
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
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36
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Mazan M. Equine exercise physiology-challenges to the respiratory system. Anim Front 2022; 12:15-24. [PMID: 35711503 PMCID: PMC9197307 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfac035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Mazan
- Clinical Sciences, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westborough Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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The Immune Mechanisms of Severe Equine Asthma-Current Understanding and What Is Missing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060744. [PMID: 35327141 PMCID: PMC8944511 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe equine asthma is a chronic respiratory disease of adult horses, occurring when genetically susceptible individuals are exposed to environmental aeroallergens. This results in airway inflammation, mucus accumulation and bronchial constriction. Although several studies aimed at evaluating the genetic and immune pathways associated with the disease, the results reported are inconsistent. Furthermore, the complexity and heterogeneity of this disease bears great similarity to what is described for human asthma. Currently available studies identified two chromosome regions (ECA13 and ECA15) and several genes associated with the disease. The inflammatory response appears to be mediated by T helper cells (Th1, Th2, Th17) and neutrophilic inflammation significantly contributes to the persistence of airway inflammatory status. This review evaluates the reported findings pertaining to the genetical and immunological background of severe equine asthma and reflects on their implications in the pathophysiology of the disease whilst discussing further areas of research interest aiming at advancing treatment and prognosis of affected individuals.
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Adamič N, Prpar Mihevc S, Blagus R, Kramarič P, Krapež U, Majdič G, Viel L, Hoffman AM, Bienzle D, Vengust M. Effect of intrabronchial administration of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on severe equine asthma. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:23. [PMID: 35063028 PMCID: PMC8777441 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe equine asthma (SEA) is a common chronic respiratory disease and a significant health and well-being problem in horses. Current therapeutic strategies improve pulmonary function and clinical signs in some horses, but in the long-term, return to full athletic function appears to be rare. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the effect of intrabronchial administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) on pulmonary inflammatory and clinical parameters in horses with SEA. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty adult horses diagnosed with SEA were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10), and treated either with a single intrabronchial application of autologous AD-MSC or oral dexamethasone for three weeks. A targeted clinical examination with determination of clinical score, maximal change in pleural pressure during the breathing cycle, and an endoscopic examination of the airways were performed at baseline and three weeks after treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed cytologically, and IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-17, TNFα and IFNγ mRNA and protein concentrations were measured at baseline and three weeks. The horses were then monitored over one year for recurrence of SEA. A non-inferiority analysis and a linear mixed-effects model were performed to assess differences between treatments. RESULTS The non-inferiority of AD-MSC treatment was not established. However, AD-MSC administration significantly ameliorated the clinical score (P = 0.01), decreased the expression of IL-17 mRNA (P = 0.05) and IL-1β (P ≤ 0.001), IL-4 (P ≤ 0.001), TNFα (P = 0.02) protein levels, and had a positive long-term effect on SEA-associated clinical signs (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Intrabronchial administration of AD-MSC had limited short-term anti-inflammatory effects but improved the clinical signs of SEA at one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Adamič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Rok Blagus
- Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Kramarič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Laurent Viel
- Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew M Hoffman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dorothee Bienzle
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Modest Vengust
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Training associated alterations in equine respiratory immunity using a multiomics comparative approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:427. [PMID: 35013475 PMCID: PMC8748960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophilic airway inflammation is highly prevalent in racehorses in training, with the term mild to moderate equine asthma (MMEA) being applied to the majority of such cases. Our proposed study is largely derived from the strong association between MMEA in racehorses and their entry into a race training program. The objectives of this study are to characterise the effect of training on the local pulmonary immune system by defining the gene and protein expression of tracheal wash (TW) derived samples from Thoroughbred racehorses prior to and following commencement of race training. Multiomics analysis detected 2138 differentially expressed genes and 260 proteins during the training period. Gene and protein sets were enriched for biological processes related to acute phase response, oxidative stress, haemopoietic processes, as well as to immune response and inflammation. This study demonstrated TW samples to represent a rich source of airway cells, protein and RNA to study airway immunity in the horse and highlighted the benefits of a multiomics methodological approach to studying the dynamics of equine airway immunity. Findings likely reflect the known associations between race-training and both airway inflammation and bleeding, offering further insight into the potential mechanisms which underpin training associated airway inflammation.
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40
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Mönki J, Saastamoinen M, Karikoski N, Norring M, Rajamäki M, Mykkänen A. Effects of Bedding Material on Equine Lower Airway Inflammation: A Comparison of Two Peat Beddings, Wood Pellet, and Straw Pellet. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:799645. [PMID: 34977227 PMCID: PMC8718510 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.799645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of bedding material on air quality are important amongst horses worldwide. Respiratory diseases, especially equine asthma, are highly prevalent with air hygiene playing a major role on the pathophysiology of these diseases. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of four bedding materials on the respiratory signs, tracheal mucus score, and tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology in healthy adult horses. The study design was a prospective controlled cross-over study, and the subjects were healthy adult riding school horses (n = 32) from a single stable. Wood pellet, straw pellet, and loosely stored peat (Peat 3) were compared to peat packed in plastic-covered bales (Peat 2). Lower airway endoscopy and sampling (TW and BALF) for cytological examination were performed after each 35-day bedding period. The tracheal mucus scores (P = 0.014) and respiratory rate (P = 0.026) were higher during the straw pellet period compared to the Peat 2 period. The respiratory rate was lower during the wood pellet period compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.004). The TW neutrophil percentage during the straw pellet period was higher compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.0003). The BALF neutrophil percentage was higher during the straw pellet period (P = 0.005) and during the Peat 3 period compared to the Peat 2 period (P = 0.04). We conclude that baled peat (Peat 2) caused lower neutrophil percentages in the airway samples compared to straw pellet and loosely stored peat (Peat 3). No difference was observed between Peat 2 and wood pellet. The information gained from this study may assist veterinarians and horse owners in selecting appropriate bedding materials, especially for horses with equine asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Mönki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Ninja Karikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marianna Norring
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Mykkänen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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41
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Stucchi L, Ferrucci F, Bullone M, Dellacà RL, Lavoie JP. Within-Breath Oscillatory Mechanics in Horses Affected by Severe Equine Asthma in Exacerbation and in Remission of the Disease. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010004. [PMID: 35011110 PMCID: PMC8749667 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oscillometry is a technique that measures the resistance (R) and the reactance (X) of the respiratory system. In humans, analysis of inspiratory and expiratory R and X allows to identify the presence of tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFLt). The aim of this study was to describe inspiratory and expiratory R and X measured by impulse oscillometry system (IOS) in horses with severe asthma (SEA) when in clinical remission (n = 7) or in exacerbation (n = 7) of the condition. Seven healthy, age-matched control horses were also studied. Data at 3, 5, and 7 Hz with coherence > 0.85 at 3 Hz and >0.9 at 5 and 7 Hz were considered. The mean, inspiratory and expiratory R and X and the difference between inspiratory and expiratory X (ΔX) were calculated at each frequency. The data from the three groups were statistically compared. Results indicated that in horses during exacerbation of severe asthma, X during expiratory phase is more negative than during inspiration, such as in humans in presence of EFLt. The evaluation of X during inspiration is promising in discriminating between horses with SEA in remission and control horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Stucchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michela Bullone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
| | - Raffaele L. Dellacà
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Jean Pierre Lavoie
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
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Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Alberti E, Stancari G, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. The Role of Thoracic Ultrasonography and Airway Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Equine Asthma and Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110276. [PMID: 34822649 PMCID: PMC8619806 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild-moderate (MEA), severe (SEA) equine asthma and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) are common respiratory disorders in horses. The present retrospective study aims to evaluate the role of ultrasonography and endoscopy in the diagnosis of these conditions. Three hundred and three horses were included and divided into SEA, MEA and MEA + EIPH groups, on the basis of history, clinical examination and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) cytology; scores were assigned to lung ultrasonography, pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH), tracheal mucus (TM) and tracheal bifurcation edema (TB). These scores were compared between groups, and their associations with age, BALf cytology, tracheal wash microbiology and between endoscopic and ultrasonographic scores were statistically analyzed. Ultrasonographic scores were higher in the SEA and MEA + EIPH groups and associated with increased BALf neutrophils and hemosiderophages. The PLH score was higher in younger horses affected by MEA and EIPH and associated with increased eosinophils and hemosiderophages. TM and TB scores were greater in older horses affected by SEA, associated with increased neutrophils and inversely correlated with hemosiderophages. Moreover, TM grade was negatively correlated with mast cells. Thoracic ultrasonography and airway endoscopy can provide useful information about the inflammatory status of upper and lower airways in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maria Lo Feudo
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Luca Stucchi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Elena Alberti
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Giovanni Stancari
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Bianca Conturba
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (G.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Enrica Zucca
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250334146
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Dupuis-Dowd F, Lavoie JP. Airway smooth muscle remodelling in mild and moderate equine asthma. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:865-874. [PMID: 34529300 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway smooth muscle remodelling in severe equine asthma includes both thickening of airway smooth muscle, resulting from hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and changes in contractility. However, airway smooth muscle changes have not been studied in milder forms of the disease. OBJECTIVES To investigate bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in horses with mild and moderate asthma (MEA). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. METHODS The endobronchial biopsies from 18 horses with MEA referred to the Equine Hospital of the Université de Montréal and from seven healthy age-matched control horses were studied. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology. Airway smooth muscle cell proliferation was measured by quantifying the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) using immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. The expression of the (+)insert smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) isoform, an hypercontractile protein, was assessed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Expression of the (+)insert SMMHC isoform in airway smooth muscle was approximately 1.5 times greater in horses with MEA compared with controls (P = .02, mean difference 0.01). Although there were no differences between groups in the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (P = .4) or myocyte density (P = .3, mean difference -0.6), the percentage of proliferating myocytes was correlated to pulmonary neutrophilia in horses with neutrophilic inflammation (P = .01, r = .80) and to the expression of the (+)insert SMMHC isoform in asthmatic horses (P = .03, r = .66). MAIN LIMITATIONS Small cohorts of horses were studied, and conclusions are limited to the central airways. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the presence of bronchial smooth muscle remodelling in mild forms of equine asthma and pave the way for the development of biomarkers to measure asthma progression and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Dupuis-Dowd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Lavoie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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44
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Herteman N, Mosing M, Waldmann AD, Gerber V, Schoster A. Exercise-induced airflow changes in horses with asthma measured by electrical impedance tomography. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2500-2510. [PMID: 34505734 PMCID: PMC8478024 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine asthma (EA) causes airflow impairment, which increases in severity with exercise. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technique that can detect airflow changes in standing healthy horses during a histamine provocation test. OBJECTIVES To explore EIT-calculated flow variables before and after exercise in healthy horses and horses with mild-to-moderate (MEA) and severe equine asthma (SEA). ANIMALS Nine healthy horses 9 horses diagnosed with MEA and 5 with SEA were prospectively included. METHODS Recordings were performed before and after 15 minutes of lunging. Absolute values from global and regional peak inspiratory (PIF, positive value) and expiratory (PEF, negative value) flows were calculated. Data were analyzed using a mixed model analysis followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparisons test to evaluate the impact of exercise and diagnosis on flow indices. RESULTS Control horses after exercise had significantly lower global PEF and PIF compared to horses with SEA (mean difference [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.0859 arbitrary units [AU; 0.0339-0.1379], P < .001 and 0.0726 AU [0.0264-0.1188], P = .001, respectively) and horses with MEA (0.0561 AU [0.0129-0.0994], P = .007 and 0.0587 AU [0.0202-0.0973], P = .002, respectively). No other significant differences were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Electrical impedance tomography derived PIF and PEF differed significantly between healthy horses and horses with SEA or MEA after exercise, but not before exercise. Differences between MEA and SEA were not observed, but the study population was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Herteman
- Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Mosing
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Andreas D Waldmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Equine Clinic, Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern and Agroscope, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine, Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Barton AK, Gehlen H. [Remodeling in equine asthma - Effects of antigen avoidance and pharmacological therapy]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2021; 49:320-325. [PMID: 34470055 DOI: 10.1055/a-1581-6231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The term remodeling describes the process resulting in a tissue that is structurally and architecturally altered compared to its healthy counterpart. At least in severe equine asthma, this occurs mainly, but not exclusively, as a consequence of neutrophilic airway inflammation and is characterized by hypertrophy of the smooth muscle layers in airway and arterial walls as well as fibrosis of the bronchial walls and pulmonary interstitial tissue. To date, much less is known for mild to moderate equine asthma. For a long time it was assumed that these processes are irreversible, and at least for the remodeling of airway smooth muscle this is valid until today. In contrast, remodeling of the extracellular matrix disappears almost completely following long-term remission in consequence to strict antigen avoidance and environmental improvement as well as after glucocorticoid therapy. The remodeling of the arterial vasculature is also reversible following at least 12 months of antigen avoidance and bronchodilatory therapy, but not by inhaled glucocorticoids alone. Although not proven to date, the mild to moderate forms with a good prognosis for complete recovery may be a progenitor for severe equine asthma, in which lung function is restricted even during disease remission despite the absence of obvious clinical signs. Early diagnosis and therapy are, therefore, essential for the management of equine asthma prior to the development of irreversible remodeling, in particular of the bronchial smooth muscle. Antigen avoidance is of highest importance, and should be supported by glucocorticoids and bronchodilators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kristin Barton
- Klinik für Pferde, allgemeine Chirurgie und Radiologie, Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Klinik für Pferde, allgemeine Chirurgie und Radiologie, Freie Universität Berlin
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Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Alberti E, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Intradermal Testing Results in Horses Affected by Mild-Moderate and Severe Equine Asthma. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072086. [PMID: 34359214 PMCID: PMC8300230 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine asthma is a respiratory syndrome sharing several similarities with human asthma and represents the most common cause of chronic coughing in horses. Based on the severity and recurrence of the conditions, it is classified as mild-moderate or severe equine asthma. Although a precise pathogenetic mechanism has not yet been identified, it is generally agreed that environmental allergens behave as triggers of a hypersensitivity response (HR), culminating in asthmatic exacerbations. In human medicine, the skin prick test is considered the gold standard of allergy testing; similarly, in equine medicine, intradermal testing is used to identify hypersensitivities to specific allergens. The present study describes and compares the results of intradermal testing in horses affected by either mild-moderate or severe equine asthma to evaluate the responsiveness of asthmatic horses and to identify the most frequently involved allergens. Type-I HR was shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis of severe equine asthma, while type-IV HR seems to be involved mostly in milder forms. Insects represented the antigens inducing the most frequent and strongest reactions among asthmatic horses, followed by Dermatophagoides spp. and dog epithelium; these allergens should therefore be considered for avoidance strategies and the future development of desensitizing allergen-specific immunotherapy. Abstract Equine asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disorder, classified as mild-moderate (MEA) and severe (SEA). SEA is characterized by recurrent exacerbations, consisting of dyspnea, coughing and exercise intolerance; MEA causes poor performance, occasional cough and mucus hypersecretion. Although a precise pathogenesis is not completely understood, allergic mechanisms are considered an important pathophysiological feature of equine asthma. In equine medicine, intradermal testing (IDT) is effective in identifying hypersensitivity to specific allergens. However, to date, the studies about IDT in asthmatic horses obtained contradictory results. This study aims to evaluate IDT responses in MEA and SEA horses and to identify the most significant allergens. Thirty-eight asthmatic horses were enrolled and underwent IDT using 50 allergens; reactions were evaluated at 30 min, 4, 24 and 48 h and were assigned a score from 0 to 4. In SEA horses, the most frequent and strongest reactions were observed at 30 min and 4 h, suggesting the involvement of type I hypersensitivity; in MEA horses, also type IV hypersensitivity seemed to play a major role. Insects, Dermatophagoides spp. and dog epithelium induced in MEA and SEA horses the most significant hypersensitivity responses and could therefore be considered as the main allergenic antigens in our geographic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maria Lo Feudo
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Luca Stucchi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Elena Alberti
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Bianca Conturba
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Enrica Zucca
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory “Franco Tradati”, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.M.L.F.); (E.A.); (E.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-033-4146
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Application across species of a one health approach to liquid sample handling for respiratory based -omics analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14292. [PMID: 34253818 PMCID: PMC8275668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway inflammation is highly prevalent in horses, with the majority of non-infectious cases being defined as equine asthma. Currently, cytological analysis of airway derived samples is the principal method of assessing lower airway inflammation. Samples can be obtained by tracheal wash (TW) or by lavage of the lower respiratory tract (bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid; BALF). Although BALF cytology carries significant diagnostic advantages over TW cytology for the diagnosis of equine asthma, sample acquisition is invasive, making it prohibitive for routine and sequential screening of airway health. However, recent technological advances in sample collection and processing have made it possible to determine whether a wider range of analyses might be applied to TW samples. Considering that TW samples are relatively simple to collect, minimally invasive and readily available in the horse, it was considered appropriate to investigate whether, equine tracheal secretions represent a rich source of cells and both transcriptomic and proteomic data. Similar approaches have already been applied to a comparable sample set in humans; namely, induced sputum. Sputum represents a readily available source of airway biofluids enriched in proteins, changes in the expression of which may reveal novel mechanisms in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to establish a robust protocol to isolate macrophages, protein and RNA for molecular characterization of TW samples and demonstrate the applicability of sample handling to rodent and human pediatric bronchoalveolar lavage fluid isolates. TW samples provided a good quality and yield of both RNA and protein for downstream transcriptomic/proteomic analyses. The sample handling methodologies were successfully applicable to BALF for rodent and human research. TW samples represent a rich source of airway cells, and molecular analysis to facilitate and study airway inflammation, based on both transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. This study provides a necessary methodological platform for future transcriptomic and/or proteomic studies on equine lower respiratory tract secretions and BALF samples from humans and mice.
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Schellenberg LM, Regenthal R, Abraham G. The Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 reduces the β 2-adrenoceptor density but enhance cAMP formation in primary equine bronchial epithelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174323. [PMID: 34246652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study addresses the effect of the Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 on the β2-adrenoceptor density and β-agonist-stimulated intracellular second messenger cAMP formation in primary equine bronchial epithelial cells (EBEC). Y-27632 significantly decreased the β2-adrenoceptor number (Bmax) without markedly affecting the receptor affinity (dissociation constant, KD) to the radioligand [125I]-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). In contrast, Y-27632 augmented the β-agonist-stimulated intracellular cAMP production. Herein, Y-27632 markedly increased the maximal cAMP responses (Emax) (isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine) but did not shift the β-agonist concentration-effect curves to the left. The β2-selective antagonist ICI 118.551 and the β1/β2-antagonsit propranolol but not the β1-selctive antagonist CGP 20712A reversed the isoproterenol-induced cAMP formation equally in Y-27632-treated and control EBEC, suggesting the effect was merely related to the β2-subtype. These results show that Y-27632 differentially regulates the receptor density and function. Thus, these findings provide the first evidence that the functional interaction of the β2-adrenoceptor and Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling pathways decreases the receptor expression but enhances receptor downstream cAMP formation. This differential regulation of the receptor density and function by Y-27632 should be further reconsidered with regard to the beneficial effect of the drug in asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Marie Schellenberg
- University of Leipzig, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, An den Tierkliniken 15, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Regenthal
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Härtelstr. 16 -18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Getu Abraham
- University of Leipzig, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, An den Tierkliniken 15, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Secombe C, Adler A, Hosgood G, Raisis A, Mosing M. Can bronchoconstriction and bronchodilatation in horses be detected using electrical impedance tomography? J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2035-2044. [PMID: 33977584 PMCID: PMC8295671 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) generates images of the lungs based on impedance change and was able to detect changes in airflow after histamine challenge in horses. OBJECTIVES To confirm that EIT can detect histamine-provoked changes in airflow and subsequent drug-induced bronchodilatation. Novel EIT flow variables were developed and examined for changes in airflow. METHODS Bronchoconstriction was induced using stepwise histamine bronchoprovocation in 17 healthy sedated horses. The EIT variables were recorded at baseline, after saline nebulization (control), at the histamine concentration causing bronchoconstriction (Cmax ) and 2 and 10 minutes after albuterol (salbutamol) administration. Peak global inspiratory (PIFEIT ) and peak expiratory EIT (PEFEIT ) flow, slope of the global expiratory flow-volume curve (FVslope ), steepest FVslope over all pixels in the lung field, total impedance change (surrogate for tidal volume; VTEIT ) and intercept on the expiratory FV curve normalized to VTEIT (FVintercept /VTEIT ) were indexed to baseline and analyzed for a difference from the control, at Cmax , 2 and 10 minutes after albuterol. Multiple linear regression explored the explanation of the variance of Δflow, a validated variable to evaluate bronchoconstriction using all EIT variables. RESULTS At Cmax , PIFEIT , PEFEIT , and FVslope significantly increased whereas FVintercept /VT decreased. All variables returned to baseline 10 minutes after albuterol. The VTEIT did not change. Multivariable investigation suggested 51% of Δflow variance was explained by a combination of PIFEIT and PEFEIT . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Changes in airflow during histamine challenge and subsequent albuterol administration could be detected by various EIT flow volume variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristy Secombe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Andy Adler
- Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton UniversityOttawaCanada
| | - Giselle Hosgood
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Anthea Raisis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Martina Mosing
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch UniversityPerthAustralia
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50
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Mainguy-Seers S, Lavoie JP. Glucocorticoid treatment in horses with asthma: A narrative review. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2045-2057. [PMID: 34085342 PMCID: PMC8295667 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial research efforts to improve the treatment and outcome of horses with asthma, glucocorticoids (GC) remain the cornerstone of drug treatment of this prevalent disease. The high efficacy of GC to relieve airway obstruction explains their extensive use despite potential deleterious effects. However, much is yet to be uncovered concerning GC use in horses with asthma, including the comparative efficacy of the different drugs, the determination of minimal effective doses and the mechanisms underlying their variable modulation of airway inflammation. The objectives of this structured review were to report and compare the plethora of effects of the various GC used in asthmatic horses with a focus on impact on lung function, airway inflammation, and bronchial remodeling. Adverse effects are also briefly described, with an emphasis on those that have been specifically reported in horses with asthma. Ultimately, we aimed to highlight gaps in the literature and to identify future research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mainguy-Seers
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Lavoie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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