Characterization and differentiation of equine experimental local and early systemic inflammation by expression responses of inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes.
Authors: Vinther Anne Mette L, Heegaard Peter M H, Skovgaard Kerstin, Buhl Rikke, Andreassen Stine M, Andersen Pia H
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers used an experimental cross-over design in six horses to characterise how peripheral blood leukocytes respond differently to local versus systemic inflammation, inducing acute synovitis through intra-articular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and comparing this to systemic endotoxemia via intravenous LPS administration. By measuring expression of 22 inflammation-related genes in whole blood samples and analysing serial post-induction responses through principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering, they identified distinct gene expression profiles that differentiated the localised inflammatory state from early systemic inflammation. The findings revealed that whilst some immune markers were shared between local and systemic responses, the peripheral leukocyte transcriptome showed measurable differences that could potentially allow clinicians to distinguish whether an inflammatory process remains compartmentalised or is progressing systemically. For equine practitioners managing joint infections, cellulitis, or other inflammatory conditions, these molecular signatures may eventually provide diagnostic tools to identify early systemic involvement before clinical signs become severe, enabling more targeted and timely therapeutic intervention. The work establishes a foundation for translating gene expression biomarkers into practical monitoring strategies for horses at risk of local inflammation escalating into life-threatening systemic disease.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Measuring specific leukocyte gene expression patterns could help clinicians differentiate between localized joint inflammation and systemic inflammatory responses in horses with similar clinical signs
- •Understanding the molecular signature of local versus systemic inflammation may improve diagnostic accuracy and guide earlier intervention decisions for conditions like synovitis or sepsis
- •Blood-based molecular markers could serve as objective tools to monitor disease progression and treatment response in inflammatory conditions
Key Findings
- •22 inflammation-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes were measured to differentiate local versus systemic inflammation responses in horses
- •Expression profiles using RT-qPCR and hierarchical clustering successfully distinguished between LPS-induced acute synovitis (local inflammation) and LPS-induced endotoxemia (systemic inflammation)
- •Gene expression patterns in peripheral blood leukocytes can characterize the transition from local to systemic inflammatory states in equine models