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Published on: June 2, 2022
Synovial fluid studies in navicular disease.
1Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL 9 7 TA, UK. minna@viitanen.freeserve.co.uk
Research in Veterinary Science
|January 19, 2002
Summary
Biochemical analysis of synovial fluid in horses with navicular disease reveals altered glycosaminoglycans and matrix metalloproteinases. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) can standardize diagnostic measurements between the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint.
Area of Science:
- Equine orthopedics
- Biochemistry
- Diagnostic biomarkers
Background:
- Navicular disease is a common cause of lameness in horses.
- Biochemical changes in synovial fluid offer potential diagnostic insights.
- Understanding these changes can improve treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biochemical differences in synovial fluid associated with equine navicular disease.
- To determine if distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fluid can serve as a diagnostic indicator for navicular bursa changes.
- To evaluate specific biomarkers including COMP, GAG, HA, MMPs, and TP.
Main Methods:
- Synovial fluid samples were collected from the navicular bursa and DIP joint of horses with and without navicular disease.
- Levels of COMP, GAG, HA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TP were quantified.
- Biochemical ratios (e.g., GAG/COMP) were calculated to account for dilution effects.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation in COMP, GAG, HA, MMP-2, and TP levels was observed between the navicular bursa and DIP joint in healthy horses.
- In navicular disease, COMP levels remained consistent between the two joints, suggesting its utility as a normalizing agent.
- Horses with navicular disease showed significantly lower GAG concentrations and GAG/COMP ratios.
- Elevated HA concentrations and HA/COMP, MMP-2/COMP, and MMP-9/COMP ratios were found in DIP joint fluid, while MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity increased in navicular bursae fluid.
Conclusions:
- Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) can be used to standardize biochemical measurements in synovial fluids from the navicular bursa and DIP joint.
- Decreased GAG levels and increased MMP activity in synovial fluid are indicative of navicular disease.
- Synovial fluid analysis, particularly using COMP as a reference, holds diagnostic potential for equine navicular disease.
