Metabolomic Signatures Discriminate Horses with Clinical Signs of Atypical Myopathy from Healthy Co-grazing Horses.

Atypical myopathy (AM) is a severe rhabdomyolysis syndrome that occurs in grazing horses. Despite the presence of toxins in their blood, all horses from the same pasture are not prone to display clinical signs of AM. The objective of this study was to compare the blood metabolomic profiles of horses with AM clinical signs with those of healthy co-grazing (Co-G) horses. To do so, plasma samples from 5 AM horses and 11 Co-G horses were investigated using untargeted metabolomics. Metabolomic data were evaluated using unsupervised, supervised, and pathway analyses. Unsupervised principal component analysis performed with all detected features separated AM and healthy Co-G horses. Supervised analyses had identified 1276 features showing differential expression between both groups. Among them, 46 metabolites, belonging predominantly to the fatty acid, fatty ester, and amino acid chemical classes, were identified by standard comparison. Fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, organic dicarboxylic acids, and fatty esters were detected with higher intensities in AM horses in link with the toxins' pathological mechanism. The main relevant pathways were lipid metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism; and glycine metabolism. This study revealed characteristic metabolite changes in the plasma of clinically affected horses, which might ultimately help scientists and field veterinarians to detect and manage AM. The raw data of metabolomics are available in the MetaboLights database with the access number MTBLS2579.

Kinematics and electromyographic activity of horse riders during various cross-country jumps in equestrian.

The objective of this study was to identify the key biomechanical patterns (functional muscles and kinematics) of amateur horse riders during various cross-country jumps in equestrian. Eleven riders first performed a control condition that corresponded to jumps over three different obstacles (log wall, brush and tree trunk) before jumping over the same three obstacles in a cross-country course. 3D Kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity was synchronously collected which included seven muscles of the riders back, lower and upper limbs. Maximum voluntary isometric strength of knee extensors was also measured before and immediately after the race to investigate potential fatigue. Our results showed similar EMG activity for the different obstacles. Whereas some kinematics alterations were observed between obstacles. Moreover, back movements alterations were recorded between the jumps of the cross-country as compared to the control condition. Finally, muscle strength was not altered after the race. In conclusion, our study indicates that upper and lower body muscles contributed to the realisation of various jumps during a cross-country and that the different configurations of the obstacles did not induced specific muscular and kinematic responses.

Screening and evaluation of antiviral compounds against Equid alpha-herpesviruses using an impedance-based cellular assay.

Equid alpha-herpesviruses (EHV) are responsible for different diseases in equine population. EHV-1 causes respiratory diseases, abortions and nervous disorders, EHV-4 causes respiratory diseases and sporadic abortion, while EHV-3 is responsible of equine coital exanthema. In view of the lack of efficacy of vaccines against EHV-1 and EHV-4 and in the absence of vaccines against EHV-3, the use of antiviral treatment is of great interest. In this study, we documented the interest of the Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) technology to monitor the cytopathic effects induced by these viruses on equine dermal cells, and established the efficacy of this method to evaluate the antiviral effect of aciclovir (ACV) and ganciclovir (GCV). In addition, the RTCA technology has also been found appropriate for the high-throughput screening of small molecules against EHV, allowing the identification of spironolactone as a novel antiviral against EHV.

Equine PBMC Cytokines Profile after In Vitro α- and γ-EHV Infection: Efficacy of a Parapoxvirus Ovis Based-Immunomodulator Treatment.

Equine herpesviruses (EHV) infect horses early during life and the persistence of these viruses through establishment of latency represents a real risk. A better understanding of the immune response to EHV infection is necessary to improve our methods of prevention and decrease the risk of transmission. The objectives of this study were to characterise the cytokine gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after in vitro EHV-1, EHV-4, and EHV-2 infection and to determine the efficacy of inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) against these 3 viruses. PBMC were isolated from 3 horses and infected in vitro with EHV-1, EHV-4, or EHV-2 in the presence or absence of iPPVO. In vitro culture of PBMC with EHV-1, EHV-4, and iPPVO induced a significant increase of IFN-α, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ gene expression. EHV-4 also triggered a significant increase of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA. EHV-2 triggered a significant increase of IFN-α, IFN-ß, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA. The presence of iPPVO induced an earlier and stronger expression of IFN-α, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ mRNA during EHV infection and reduced the inflammatory response induced by EHV-2. In conclusion, this study suggests that the presence of iPPVO potentiates the development of the immune response to in vitro EHV infection.

Multiple molecular detection of respiratory viruses and associated signs of airway inflammation in racehorses.

BACKGROUND: The potential involvement of viruses in inflammatory airway disease (IAD) was previously investigated through either serology or PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs (NS). The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and incidence of viral genome detection by qPCR in the equine airways, and their association with respiratory clinical signs. METHODS: Both NS and tracheal washes (TW) were collected monthly on 52 Standardbred racehorses at training, over 27 consecutive months (581 samples). Equid herpesviruses (EHV)-1, -4, -2 and -5, equine rhinitis virus-A and -B (ERBV), equine adenovirus-1 and -2, equine coronavirus and equine influenza virus were systematically investigated in both NS and TW. Nasal discharge, coughing, tracheal mucus score and TW neutrophil proportions were simultaneously recorded. RESULTS: Genome for 7/10 viruses were detected at least once throughout the study; up to 4 different viruses being also concomitantly detected. Monthly incidence in TW was respectively 27.9% (EHV-5), 24.8% (EHV-2), 7.1% (ERBV), 3.8% (EHV-4), 1.9% (EAdV1) and 0.2% (EHV-1; ERAV). Neither agreement nor correlation between NS and TW was found for respectively genome detection and viral loads. Detection of viral genome in NS was not associated with any clinical sign. Coughing was significantly associated with TW detection of EHV-2 DNA (OR 3.1; P = 0.01) and ERBV RNA (OR 5.3; P < 0.001). Detection of EHV-2 DNA in TW was also significantly associated with excess tracheal mucus (OR 2.1; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Detection and quantification of EHV-2 and ERBV by qPCR in TW, but not in NS, should be considered when investigating horses with IAD.

Development and Validation of a Quantitative PCR Method for Equid Herpesvirus-2 Diagnostics in Respiratory Fluids.

The protocol describes a quantitative RT-PCR method for the detection and quantification of EHV-2 in equine respiratory fluids according to the NF U47-600 norm. After the development and first validation step, two distinct characterization steps were performed according to the AFNOR norm: (a) characterization of the qRT-PCR assay alone and (b) characterization of the whole analytical method. The validation of the whole analytical method included the portrayal of all steps between the extraction of nucleic acids and the final PCR analysis. Validation of the whole method is very important for virus detection by qRT-PCR in order to get an accurate determination of the viral genome load. Since the extraction step is the primary source of loss of biological material, it may be considered the main source of error of quantification between one protocol and another. For this reason, the AFNOR norm NF-U-47-600 recommends including the range of plasmid dilution before the extraction step. In addition, the limits of quantification depend on the source from which the virus is extracted. Viral genome load results, which are expressed in international units (IU), are easier to use in order to compare results between different laboratories. This new method of characterization of qRT-PCR should facilitate the harmonization of data presentation and interpretation between laboratories.

Detection and quantitation of equid gammaherpesviruses (EHV-2, EHV-5) in nasal swabs using an accredited standardised quantitative PCR method.

Equid gammaherpesviruses-2 and -5 are involved in respiratory problems, with potential clinical manifestations such as nasal discharge, pharyngitis and swollen lymph nodes. These viruses are sometimes associated with a poor-performance syndrome, which may result in a significant and negative economic impact for the horse industry. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate quantitative PCR methods for the detection and quantitation of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in equine respiratory fluids. Two distinct tests were characterised: (a) for the qPCR alone and (b) for the whole method (extraction and qPCR) according to the standard model AFNOR XP U47-600-2 (viz., specificity, quantifiable sensibility, linearity, accuracy, range of application, trueness, precision, repeatability and precision of reproducibility). EHV-2 and EHV-5 detection were performed on nasal swabs collected from 172 horses, all of which exhibited clinical signs of respiratory disease. The data revealed a high rate of EHV-2/EHV-5 co-detection that was correlated significantly with age. Viral load of EHV-2 was significantly higher in young horses whereas viral load of EHV-5 was not significantly different with age.

Stimulation of airway neutrophils following dexamethasone administration and equid herpesvirus-2 challenge in horses.

The aim of this study was to investigate neutrophil stimulation following experimentally-induced airway inflammation in healthy horses. Six horses received dexamethasone and four were then inoculated with equid herpesvirus-2 (EHV-2). Significant neutrophilia was detected in tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for up to 6 days. Concentrations of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were significantly increased compared to baseline for up to 14 days in tracheal washes and both markers were significantly correlated with neutrophil counts. Serum levels of surfactant protein D were not significantly modified throughout the study. These results suggest that dexamethasone administration with or without EHV-2 inoculation is associated with a sustainable activation and degranulation of neutrophils in the trachea along with moderate modifications detectable in the lower airways.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Standardbred racehorses: influence of unilateral/bilateral profiles and cut-off values on lower airway disease diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the lung side being sampled would significantly influence bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytological profiles and subsequent diagnosis in Standardbred racehorses. One hundred and thirty-eight French Trotters in active training and racing were included in a prospective observational study. BAL was performed using videoendoscopy in both right and left lungs during summer meetings in 2011 (64 horses) and 2012 (74 horses). Cytological data performed 24h later from right and left lungs were compared and specifically used to classify horses as affected with exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), inflammatory airway disease (IAD), or were 'controls'. For IAD, cytological definition was based on two different cut off values. Neutrophil percentages, haemosiderophage percentages and the haemosiderophage/macrophage (H/M) ratios were significantly higher in the right compared to the left lung. Measures of intra-class correlation coefficients revealed a fair agreement between left and right lungs for percentages of mast cells, eosinophils, and for the H/M ratio, and a moderate agreement for neutrophil percentages. Fair to moderate agreements were observed between left and right lungs for the diagnosis of IAD and/or EIPH based on kappa coefficients. When sampling one lung only, the risk of incorrectly classifying a horse as a 'control' increased with the use of the restraint cut-off values for IAD. As BAL from one lung is not representative of the other lung in the same horse, both lungs should be sampled for a better assessment of lung cellularity and for a precise diagnosis of lower airway diseases.

Long-lasting airway inflammation associated with equid herpesvirus-2 in experimentally challenged horses.

The aim of this trial was to investigate the putative involvement of equid herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) in airway inflammation of adult horses. Six horses received corticosteroid treatment, before either mock infection (n=2) or EHV-2 strain LK4 inoculation (n=4). These four horses were also submitted to immunosuppression 84 days post inoculation. EHV-2 was detected by quantitative PCR in respiratory samples up to respectively 21 days and 14 days. Nested PCR, cloning and sequencing allowed the detection of five different 'field' strains throughout the trial. Neutrophils proportions were transiently increased in respiratory fluids; neutrophilia being significantly associated with concomitant EHV-2 detection. The laboratory findings reproduced in this trial were compatible with sub-clinical lower airway inflammation and suggest that EHV-2 infection should be suspected when investigating poorly-performing horses.

Dynamic culture induces a cell type-dependent response impacting on the thickness of engineered connective tissues.

Mesenchymal cells are central to connective tissue homeostasis and are widely used for tissue-engineering applications. Dermal fibroblasts and adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) allow successful tissue reconstruction by the self-assembly approach of tissue engineering. This method leads to the production of multilayered tissues, devoid of exogenous biomaterials, that can be used as stromal compartments for skin or vesical reconstruction. These tissues are formed by combining cell sheets, generated through cell stimulation with ascorbic acid, which favours the cell-derived production/organization of matrix components. Since media motion can impact on cell behaviour, we investigated the effect of dynamic culture on mesenchymal cells during tissue reconstruction, using the self-assembly method. Tissues produced using ASCs in the presence of a wave-like movement were nearly twice thicker than under standard conditions, while no difference was observed for tissues produced from dermal fibroblasts. The increased matrix deposition was not correlated with an increased proliferation of ASCs, or by higher transcript levels of fibronectin or collagens I and III. A 30% increase of type V collagen mRNA was observed. Interestingly, tissues engineered from dermal fibroblasts featured a four-fold higher level of MMP-1 transcripts under dynamic conditions. Mechanical properties were similar for tissues reconstructed using dynamic or static conditions. Finally, cell sheets produced using ASCs under dynamic conditions could readily be manipulated, resulting in a 2 week reduction of the production time (from 5 to 3 weeks). Our results describe a distinctive property of ASCs' response to media motion, indicating that their culture under dynamic conditions leads to optimized tissue engineering.

Assessing fitness in endurance horses.

A field test and a standardized treadmill test were used to assess fitness in endurance horses. These tests discriminated horses of different race levels: horses participating in races of 120 km and more showed higher values of VLA4 (velocity at which blood lactate reached 4 mmol/L) and V200 (velocity at which heart rates reached 200 beats per min) than horses of lower race levels.

Emergence of novel equine arteritis virus (EAV) variants during persistent infection in the stallion: origin of the 2007 French EAV outbreak was linked to an EAV strain present in the semen of a persistently infected carrier stallion.

During the summer of 2007, an outbreak of equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred in Normandy (France). After investigation, a link was suggested between an EAV carrier stallion (A) and the index premise of the outbreak. The full-length nucleotide sequence analysis of a study reference strain (F27) isolated from the lung of a foal revealed a 12,710 nucleotides EAV genome with unique molecular hallmarks in the 5'UTR leader sequence and the ORF1a sequence encoding the non-structural protein 2. The evolution of the viral population in the persistently infected Stallion A was then studied by cloning ORFs 3 and 5 of the EAV genome from four sequential semen samples which were collected between 2000 and 2007. Molecular analysis of the clones confirmed the likely implication of Stallion A in the origin of this outbreak through the yearly emergence of new variants genetically similar to the F27 strain.

Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in equine aborted foetuses and neonates.

Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are major causes of equine mortality and cause severe economic loss to the equine industry. The present study was based on a complete necropsy protocol associated with classical microbiological examinations and molecular biology on 407 cases of abortion, stillbirths and neonate death. Based on this retrospective survey, "less common" abortive infectious agents were characterised by molecular tools in nine independent cases of abortion or neonate mortality. Among others, Chlamydophila abortus (1 case), Coxiella burnetii (6 cases) and Neospora caninum (3 cases) were detected by real-time PCR; one of these samples being co-infected by N. caninum and C. burnetii. DNA detection of this latter bacterium is reported here for the first time in equine abortion samples. C. burnetii should, along with other common pathogens, probably be taken into account in equine abortion.

Evaluation of two magnetic-bead-based viral nucleic acid purification kits and three real-time reverse transcription-PCR reagent systems in two TaqMan assays for equine arteritis virus detection in semen.

This study showed that under specifically defined conditions with respect to nucleic acid extraction method and testing reagents, a previously described real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay (T1 assay) provides sensitivity equal to or higher than that of virus isolation for the detection of equine arteritis virus in semen.

Cell sheet technology for tissue engineering: the self-assembly approach using adipose-derived stromal cells.

In the past years, adipose tissue has spurred a wide interest, not only as a source of adult multipotent stem cells but also as a highly eligible tissue for reconstructive surgery procedures. Tissue engineering is one field of regenerative medicine progressing at great strides in part due to its important use of adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs). The development of diversified technologies combining ASCs with various biomaterials has lead to the reconstruction of numerous types of tissue-engineered substitutes such as bone, cartilage, and adipose tissues from rodent, porcine, or human ASCs. We have recently achieved the reconstruction of connective and adipose tissues composed entirely of cultured human ASCs and their secreted endogenous extracellular matrix components by a methodology known as the self-assembly approach of tissue engineering. The latter is based on the stimulation of ASCs to secrete and assemble matrix components in culture, leading to the production of cell sheets that can be manipulated and further assembled into thicker multilayer tissues. In this chapter, protocols to generate both reconstructed connective and adipocyte-containing tissues using the self-assembly approach are described in detail. The methods include amplification and cell banking of human ASCs, as well as culture protocols for the production of individual stromal and adipose sheets, which are the building blocks for the reconstruction of multilayered human connective and adipose tissues, respectively.

Neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic variants of equine herpesvirus 1 in France.

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a common pathogen of the horse which may induce mild respiratory distress, abortion, neonatal death and neurological disease. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the EHV-1 DNA polymerase (ORF30 A(2254) to G(2254)) has been associated with clinical signs of Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The aim of this work was to analyze the ORF30 genomic region among a panel of EHV-1 DNA extract in order to estimate the prevalence of the EHV-1 neuropathogenic genotype in France. Samples coming from cases associated with EHM, horses with respiratory symptoms and aborted mares, each obtained between 2002 and 2009, were investigated. DNA was directly extracted from biological samples and allelic discrimination was performed using real-time PCR. Thirty of the 125 analysed horses (24%) presented the G(2254) genotype of ORF 30. Among them, 7/16 were provided by EHM cases, 1/24 by respiratory cases and 22/85 by abortion cases. Concerning EHM, the 7 G(2254) genotype of ORF30 were all isolated in 2009 during two outbreaks where mortality was observed. Regarding the 22 G(2254) genotype of ORF 30, 17 were identified in foetuses on which EHV-1 was detected by PCR, without any certainty of viral implication in the abortion. These findings clearly suggest that other factors need to be considered for a better understanding of the impact of DNA polymerase genotype upon EHV-1 neuropathogenic phenotype.

Molecular detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in the bone marrow of asymptomatic horses.

Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease, the aetiological agents of which are either Theileria equi or Babesia caballi parasites. Piroplasmosis is commonly encountered in acute or sub-acute clinical forms although clinically recovered horses may remain asymptomatic but infected for several years. The clinical detection of such apparently healthy carrier horses (that serve as a host for subsequent infecting ticks), remains a worldwide challenge for controlling the spread of the disease. The aim of the present paper is to report on the detection of both T. equi and B. caballi by PCR in the bone marrow of naturally infected asymptomatic horses. Among 35 bone marrow samples evaluated for orthopaedic clinical research purposes, three samples from clinically healthy horses were found to be positive for T. equi, one of which was also positive for B. caballi. Even if the precise localisation of these parasites as well as the underlying mechanisms for persistence still remains unknown, one should not exclude bone marrow as a potential reservoir site for T. equi and B. caballi in infected asymptomatic horses. We suggest that, this possible localisation site (the bone marrow) should be considered as a therapeutic target when treating parasitic infection in apparently healthy horses.

Sub-clinical diseases affecting performance in Standardbred trotters: diagnostic methods and predictive parameters.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sub-clinical diseases in poorly-performing Standardbred horses, compare their physiological response to exercise with control horses, and identify predictive parameters of poor-performance. Fifty horses underwent thorough clinical and ancillary examinations, including haematological and biochemical evaluation, Doppler echocardiography, standardised exercise tests (SETs) on both treadmill and racetrack, treadmill video-endoscopy and collection of respiratory fluids. Most of the poorly-performing horses exhibited many concomitant diseases. The most frequently diagnosed problems involved the lower and upper respiratory tract and the musculoskeletal system. Poor-performers had lower speeds at a blood lactate (LA) concentration of 4mmol/L (V(LA4)) and a heart rate (HR) of 200bpm (V(200)) on treadmill and racetrack, as well as lower values for haematological parameters, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme and antioxidants, compared to control horses. Problems of the respiratory system were the most frequently diagnosed sub-clinical diseases affecting performance. SETs, together with some blood markers, may be useful as a non-specific diagnostic tool for early detection of diseases that may affect performance.

Multilocus sequence analysis for typing Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri.

Fifty-three strains belonging to the pathogenic species Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira kirschneri were analyzed by multilocus sequence analysis. The species formed two distinct branches. In the L. interrogans branch, the phylogenetic tree clustered the strains into three subgroups. Genogroups and serogroups were superimposed but not strictly.