Spirulina platensis Improves Mitochondrial Function Impaired by Elevated Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (ASCs) and Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs), and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Horses
Authors: D. Nawrocka, K. Kornicka, Agnieszka Śmieszek, K. Marycz
Journal: Marine Drugs
Summary
Equine Metabolic Syndrome represents an increasingly prevalent endocrine disorder characterised by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation, yet therapeutic options remain limited. Nawrocka and colleagues investigated whether Spirulina platensis supplementation could ameliorate the cellular dysfunction underlying EMS by examining its effects on adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and intestinal epithelial cells isolated from affected horses, alongside in vivo feeding trials. In vitro exposure to Spirulina extract restored cellular morphology and function through oxidative stress reduction, enhanced cell viability, suppressed senescence markers, improved proliferation rates, and critically, protected mitochondrial integrity—effects particularly significant given the central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic disease. Horses receiving Spirulina-supplemented diets demonstrated measurable weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, whilst the extract also effectively dampened lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. For equine practitioners, these findings suggest Spirulina platensis warrants consideration as an adjunctive nutritional intervention in EMS management, addressing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction at the cellular level whilst generating observable metabolic improvements—though further investigation into optimal dosing, long-term safety, and integration with conventional treatment protocols would strengthen the evidence base for clinical recommendation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Spirulina platensis supplementation may offer a complementary dietary strategy to support management of EMS horses by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing systemic inflammation
- •Weight loss coupled with improved insulin sensitivity suggests potential benefit as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional EMS management (dietary restriction, exercise, medications)
- •Results are preliminary in vivo findings; further controlled clinical trials with defined sample sizes and control groups are needed before recommending widespread use in practice
Key Findings
- •Spirulina platensis supplementation in vitro reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and intestinal epithelial cells from EMS-affected horses
- •In vivo, horses fed Spirulina-based diet demonstrated weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity
- •Spirulina extract protected against mitochondrial dysfunction and suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages