Levels of Serum Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Subunit in Clinically Healthy Standardbred Horses.
Authors: Rojas-Núñez Irene, Gomez Adriana Morales, Selland Emily K, Oduol Theresa, Wolf Stephanie, Palmer Scott, Mohammed Hussni O
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Serum Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Subunit in Healthy Standardbred Horses Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) shows promise as a serum biomarker for neurological injury and disease in humans and animals, with potential implications for identifying performance-limiting conditions in racehorses; however, no reference ranges existed for clinically healthy equine populations. Rojas-Núñez and colleagues analysed 1,349 serum samples from 1,291 clinically healthy Standardbred racehorses using ELISA methodology, stratifying data by age, sampling timing relative to racing (pre- or post-race), and race finishing position. The median serum pNF-H concentration was 0.0 ng/mL, with a 95% reference interval of 0.0–0.412 ng/mL; notably, serum levels showed no significant association with age, did not change measurably before or after racing, and bore no relationship to finishing position in paired samples. These findings establish a robust reference range for pNF-H in healthy Standardbreds, enabling future studies to identify clinically meaningful elevations that may indicate subclinical neurological compromise, traumatic injury, or conditions affecting performance—information of particular value for veterinarians evaluating racehorses presenting with subtle gait abnormalities, unexplained poor form, or suspected neurological involvement where diagnostic imaging findings remain inconclusive.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Serum pNF-H levels <0.412 ng/mL are normal in healthy standardbred racehorses; higher levels may indicate neurologic injury or disease requiring further investigation
- •This reference range applies to both pre- and post-race samples, making pNF-H a useful objective biomarker for detecting subclinical neurologic problems affecting performance
- •Unlike some biomarkers, pNF-H does not vary significantly with age or normal training stress, simplifying interpretation in clinical practice
Key Findings
- •Median serum pNF-H concentration in clinically healthy standardbred racehorses was 0.0 ng/mL
- •Reference interval for serum pNF-H in standardbred racehorses is 0.0-0.412 ng/mL (95% of samples)
- •Serum pNF-H concentration showed no association with age, pre- vs post-race sampling, or race finishing position
- •pNF-H can be used as a serum biomarker in healthy racehorses with established reference ranges for comparison in neurologic disease cases