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LESA-MS detects differences in lipid profiles between healthy and footrot-affected tissues
Rebecca E Greatorex1, Sidrah Rahman1, Kei F Carver Wong1
1School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. rian.griffiths@nottingham.ac.uk.
The Analyst
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Ovine footrot, a costly sheep infection, involves altered lipid metabolism. This study used liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA-MS) to reveal distinct lipid profiles in healthy versus infected sheep feet.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Biochemistry
- Mass Spectrometry
Background:
- Ovine footrot is a contagious sheep infection causing significant economic losses.
- Previous research noted gene expression changes in lipid metabolism in affected sheep feet.
- The specific role of lipids in footrot pathogenesis remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare lipid profiles in healthy and footrot-affected ovine foot tissues.
- To investigate the potential role of specific lipids in the pathogenesis of ovine footrot.
Main Methods:
- Liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA-MS) was employed to extract and analyze lipids.
- Lipids were extracted from both healthy and footrot-affected sheep foot tissue samples.
- Statistical analysis (t-tests) was used to compare lipid abundances between sample groups.
Main Results:
- Phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholines (PC 16:0/18:1 and PC 16:0/16:1), were abundant in both healthy and affected tissues.
- Triacylglycerols were significantly more abundant in healthy tissues compared to footrot-affected tissues.
- Phosphatidylserines or phosphatidylthreonines were found in higher abundance in footrot-affected tissues.
Conclusions:
- LESA-MS provides a rapid method for lipidomic analysis in complex biological tissues.
- Distinct lipid profiles exist between healthy and footrot-affected ovine feet.
- These findings suggest a role for specific lipids in ovine footrot pathogenesis and potentially other inflammatory diseases.
