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Insulin, glucagon, and leptin in critically ill foals
R J I M Barsnick1, S D A Hurcombe, P A Smith
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Critically ill foals with sepsis exhibit altered energy metabolism, including hypoglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Insulin and leptin levels may predict survival in septic foals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Endocrine dysregulation of energy metabolism is known in critically ill humans but understudied in foals.
- Sepsis significantly impacts metabolic hormones, necessitating research in equine neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hormonal response of energy metabolism in critically ill foals.
- To compare insulin, glucagon, and leptin concentrations in septic, sick nonseptic, and healthy foals.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 44 septic, 62 sick nonseptic, and 19 healthy foals (<7 days old).
- Blood samples were collected at admission; sepsis was defined by positive blood culture or sepsis score ≥12.
Main Results:
- Septic foals showed lower glucose and insulin, and higher triglycerides and glucagon compared to healthy foals.
- Higher insulin and lower leptin concentrations were associated with mortality in septic foals.
- Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index was elevated in septic foals.
Conclusions:
- Septic foals experience hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low insulin, and high glucagon, indicating altered energy metabolism.
- Insulin and leptin may serve as prognostic indicators for survival in septic foals.
- The hormonal response to critical illness in foals differs from that observed in humans.
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