Horses, like humans, can suffer from joint diseases such as Osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which can lead to pain and lameness. Diagnosing these conditions early is currently difficult, and there are no treatments available to reverse the damage.
Researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) are conducting a groundbreaking study on microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood and joint fluid to potentially predict the onset of joint diseases. This could lead to earlier and more effective treatments for affected horses.
MiRNAs have the potential to not only predict OA and OCD but also play a role in developing new treatments. These tiny molecules can impact biological processes like inflammation regulation, cartilage decay, and cell death in cartilage.
OVC researchers collected samples from horses with OA and OCD, as well as healthy horses, and found differences in miRNA levels between diseased and healthy joints. They identified specific miRNAs, such as miR-140-5p, which were found in higher amounts in horses with OA. This miRNA is associated with good joint health and may help slow the progression of joint disease.
Further research with larger groups of horses is necessary to confirm miRNAs as biomarkers. However, these preliminary findings offer hope for the early detection of joint diseases and the development of targeted treatments, potentially revolutionising joint health management for horses.