Use of Omics Data in Fracture Prediction; a Scoping and Systematic Review in Horses and Humans.
Authors: Lee Seungmee, Baker Melissa E, Clinton Michael, Taylor Sarah E
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Omics Data in Fracture Prediction Despite advances in imaging technology and epidemiological analysis, bone injuries remain a significant welfare concern in racehorses, yet traditional peptide biomarker studies have failed to deliver consistent predictive capability. This 2021 systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA-P guidelines, examined the literature between 2008 and 2020 to evaluate whether microRNA (miRNA) profiling—a molecular approach offering insight into gene expression patterns—could reliably identify horses and humans at risk of fracture. Of 40 papers reviewed, only three examined miRNA in equine musculoskeletal disease (none specifically addressing stress fractures), whilst 11 human studies profiling osteoporotic fracture patients revealed inconsistent findings between studies, with conflicting results from target prediction programmes further limiting clinical translation. Exercise was identified as a significant variable affecting miRNA expression in both species—for instance, endurance work upregulated miR-21 whilst downregulating miR-125b—highlighting the need for rigorous methodological standardisation. Whilst miRNA profiling research in equine medicine is developing, no validated miRNA signature currently exists for fracture prediction; practitioners should await further evidence with stricter study design, consistent sample sizing, exercise protocols, and normalisation methods before integrating this technology into clinical practice.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •MicroRNA profiling is not yet ready for clinical application in predicting fractures in horses; continue relying on established imaging and epidemiological methods
- •Research in equine molecular biomarkers is still in early stages—standardized protocols for sample handling, exercise controls, and data normalization are needed before clinical utility can be achieved
- •Future fracture prevention strategies in racehorses should not depend on miRNA biomarkers until study designs are harmonized and findings become reproducible across independent research groups
Key Findings
- •Only 3 miRNA studies in equine musculoskeletal disease were identified, none specifically addressing stress fractures in horses
- •Differentially expressed miRNAs in human osteoporotic fracture patients were inconsistent across studies, with conflicting results from target prediction programmes
- •Exercise affected miRNA profiles in both species (miR-21 upregulated by endurance exercise; miR-125b downregulated by exercise)
- •No miRNA profile has yet demonstrated reliable predictive capacity for fracture occurrence despite recent advances in molecular profiling