Veterinary Sciences

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13 pages, 7816 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Equine Herpesvirus Type 8 Using In-Vitro and In-Vivo Models

by Yanfei Ji, Dandan Xu, Wenxuan Si, Yu Zhang, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Xia Zhao and Wenqiang Liu

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(4), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12040367 - 15 Apr 2025

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Abstract

Equine herpesvirus type 8 (EHV-8) is predominantly isolated from donkeys, but its biological properties and pathogenic potential remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of the EHV-8 LCDC01 isolate by examining its effects in rabbit kidney (RK-13) cells [...] Read more.

Equine herpesvirus type 8 (EHV-8) is predominantly isolated from donkeys, but its biological properties and pathogenic potential remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of the EHV-8 LCDC01 isolate by examining its effects in rabbit kidney (RK-13) cells and BALB/c mice. The virus was assessed for its ability to induce viral replication, pathological changes, and alterations in pro-inflammatory responses. In vitro, the EHV-8 infection of RK-13 cells induced characteristic cytopathic effects, including cell contraction, the formation of grapevine bundle-like structures, and detachment. In vivo, mice infected with the virus exhibited no clinical signs other than weight loss. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis detected viral DNA exclusively in the lungs of infected mice, while TaqMan PCR further confirmed the presence of EHV-8 nucleic acids in the lungs, liver, brain, and intestines. Furthermore, ELISA assays revealed a significant increase in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-α, in the lungs (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that EHV-8 primarily replicates in the lung tissue of mice and can induce inflammatory responses. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of EHV-8 and lays the groundwork for further investigation into its potential impact on equine and other animal populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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15 pages, 1984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Absolute Quantitative Lipidomics Reveals Differences in Lipid Compounds in the Blood of Trained and Untrained Yili Horses

by Tongliang Wang, Jun Meng, Jianwen Wang, Wanlu Ren, Xixi Yang, Wusiman Adina, Yike Bao, Yaqi Zeng and Xinkui Yao

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030255 - 10 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between blood lipid levels and the differences in cardiac structure and function of trained and untrained Yili horses as related to exercise performance. We utilized quantitative lipidomics technology to elucidate how the differences [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between blood lipid levels and the differences in cardiac structure and function of trained and untrained Yili horses as related to exercise performance. We utilized quantitative lipidomics technology to elucidate how the differences in lipid compounds in the blood influenced performance outcomes. Sixteen 18-month-old Yili horses were selected, ten of which received a 15-week training regimen, and six were kept as untrained controls. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography, while plasma lipid metabolites were detected and identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that key cardiac structural indices, such as left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness, were significantly greater in the trained group compared with the untrained group, indicating that exercise training promotes adaptive cardiac remodeling. Regarding lipid metabolites, significant differences were observed between the trained and untrained groups, with a total of 281 lipids identified—212 upregulated and 69 downregulated. These differentially expressed lipids were primarily enriched in pathways such as necroptosis, ether lipid metabolism, and sphingolipid signaling, which are associated with cell migration, survival, proliferation, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Further correlation analysis revealed that differences in certain lipids, such as PE (20:4_18:0), PC (17:0_18:1), and LPC subclasses, were significantly correlated with exercise-mediated cardiac structural and functional changes and exercise performance enhancement. These findings provide novel molecular insights into the effects of exercise training on cardiac structure and lipid metabolism in horses and can serve as a reference for training strategies and preserving cardiac health in performance horses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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10 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Equine Distal Limb Wounds: Economic Impact and Short-Term Prognosis of Non-Synovial Versus Synovial Lesions in Southern Germany

by Valeria Albanese, Paola Straticò, Holger Fischer and Lucio Petrizzi

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030205 - 1 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Injuries to the distal limb are common in horses. The clinical aspect of the lesions is variable based on the structures that are involved. Synovial structures as well as tendons and/or ligaments may be involved in such injuries, affecting treatment modalities and costs, [...] Read more.

Injuries to the distal limb are common in horses. The clinical aspect of the lesions is variable based on the structures that are involved. Synovial structures as well as tendons and/or ligaments may be involved in such injuries, affecting treatment modalities and costs, and prognosis. This retrospective study compares wounds involving synovial structures to wounds without such involvement in terms of treatment duration and costs, and prognosis. Synovial wounds were much more expensive to treat and carried a lower prognosis. Involvement of tendons and/or ligaments in the wounds resulted in more expensive and prolonged treatment courses compared to cases without such involvement, even without synovial contamination. The prognosis for discharge was good overall for both groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

17 pages, 5171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aflatoxin B1-Induced Apoptosis in Donkey Kidney via EndoG-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

by Yanfei Ji, Yu Zhang, Wenxuan Si, Jing Guo, Guiqin Liu, Changfa Wang, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Xia Zhao and Wenqiang Liu

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020130 - 5 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent environmental and forage contaminant that poses significant health risks to both humans and livestock due to its toxic effects on various organs and systems. Among its toxicological effects, nephrotoxicity is a hallmark of AFB1 exposure. However, the [...] Read more.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent environmental and forage contaminant that poses significant health risks to both humans and livestock due to its toxic effects on various organs and systems. Among its toxicological effects, nephrotoxicity is a hallmark of AFB1 exposure. However, the precise mechanisms underlying AFB1-induced kidney damage in donkeys remain poorly understood. To investigate this, we established a donkey model exposed to AFB1 by administering a diet supplemented with 1 mg AFB1/kg for 30 days. Kidney apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining, while gene expression and protein levels of Endonuclease G (EndoG), as well as genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis, were quantified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Our findings indicate that AFB1 exposure resulted in significant kidney injury, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Notably, AFB1 exposure upregulated the expression of EndoG and promoted its translocation to the ER, which subsequently induced ER stress and activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These results suggest that AFB1-induced kidney damage in donkeys is mediated through the oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, primarily involving the EndoG-IRE1/ATF6-CHOP signaling axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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12 pages, 2498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Forelimb and Hindlimb Joint Conformation of Morna Racehorses (Equus caballus)

by Israr Ahmad, Sahar Ijaz, Mirza M. Usman, Ayesha Safdar, Imdad U. Khan, Muhammad Zeeshan and Syed S. U. H. Bukhari

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010020 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints [...] Read more.

Measuring limb joint angles is crucial for understanding horse conformation, performance, injury diagnosis, and prevention. While Thoroughbred horses have been extensively studied, local Pakistani breeds (e.g., Morna racehorse) have not received scientific attention. This study aimed to quantify normal angles of limb joints in the Morna breed. Limb joint angles of standing horses (n = 50) were quantified using a measuring tape, height stick, protractor scale, and goniometer. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) values for the forelimb joint angles were 123.02 ± 3.46° for elbow, 171.52 ± 2.39° for knee, and 147.68 ± 5.11° for fetlock. The mean ± SD values for the hindlimb joint angles were 128.62 ± 4.08° for stifle, 160.40 ± 3.89° for hock, and 155.48 ± 2.68° for fetlock. There was a non-significant (p > 0.05) correlation between horse joint angles and, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). The elbow and stifle joint angles of Morna align well with characteristics associated with optimal racing performance. However, the hock and fetlock angles differ from jumping Thoroughbred and French trotters. We recommend further research to examine the conformation of the Morna breed, particularly by measuring the lengths of limb segments and correlating it with joint angles. This may provide valuable insights into individual variations within the breed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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10 pages, 1114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Serum Lipids, Biochemical Parameters, Selected Antioxidant Elements and Oxidative Stress Profiles in Late Pregnant Jennies with Hyperlipemia

by Qingze Meng, Yang Shao, Wei Li, Jia Lu, Xinyue Wang and Liang Deng

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120664 - 18 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Donkeys are particularly at risk of hyperlipemia. Hyperlipemia is a metabolic disease caused by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue, which often impacts pregnant and lactating jennies (female donkeys) during periods of negative energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Donkeys are particularly at risk of hyperlipemia. Hyperlipemia is a metabolic disease caused by the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue, which often impacts pregnant and lactating jennies (female donkeys) during periods of negative energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of lipids, biochemical parameters, selected antioxidant elements and oxidative stress parameters in late pregnant jennies affected by hyperlipemia. Compared with the healthy jennies, the hyperlipemic animals exhibited significantly elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), coupled with reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin (ALB) (p < 0.05). The serum levels of biochemical parameters related to liver function, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and cholinesterase (CHE), showed a significant increase in the hyperlipemia group compared to the healthy group (p < 0.05). The serum level of selenium was significantly lower (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with TGs (r = 0.85) and ALB (r = 0.73) in the hyperlipemia group. The hyperlipemic jennies showed diminished serum levels of antioxidant capacity and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). The area under the curve values for T-CHO, ALB, AKP, CHE, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione and MDA were relatively high. Thus, our findings reflect metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction and oxidative stress in late pregnant hyperlipemic jennies, providing a basis for the improvement of clinical diagnostic methods and early prevention and control of hyperlipemia in jennies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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Review

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14 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Genomic Characterization of Equid Alphaherpesviruses: Structure, Function, and Genetic Similarity

by Diqiu Liu, Xiaoyang Zhao and Xiaojun Wang

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030228 - 3 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), EHV-4, EHV-8, and EHV-9, are classified within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and are recognized as causative agents of respiratory, urogenital, and neurological disorders in horses. These viruses, collectively referred to as αEHVs, exhibits both unique and shared characteristics in terms [...] Read more.

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), EHV-4, EHV-8, and EHV-9, are classified within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and are recognized as causative agents of respiratory, urogenital, and neurological disorders in horses. These viruses, collectively referred to as αEHVs, exhibits both unique and shared characteristics in terms of host interaction, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and immune evasion, which arise from both the identities and discrepancies among respective genomic homologs. The genomic architecture of αEHVs is similar to other members of the same subfamily, such as well-known HSV-1, VZV, and PRV. However, research on the molecular mechanisms underlying αEHV infection and immune response remains significantly less advanced compared to studies on human, porcine, and bovine herpesviruses. This paper systematically describes the genomic structure, function, and genetic similarities of αEHVs and conducts a comparative analysis of selected αEHVs through pairwise sequence alignments of nucleotides and amino acids. This review offers an extensive synthesis of the current understanding related to the study of αEHVs, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for future research endeavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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11 pages, 9028 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Equine Herpesvirus-1 Induced Respiratory Disease in Dezhou Donkey Foals: Case Study from China, 2024

by Lian Ruan, Liangliang Li, Rongze Yang, Anrong You, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Yue Yu, Li Chen, Yubao Li, Guiqin Liu, Changfa Wang and Tongtong Wang

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12010056 - 14 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1008

Abstract

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in the equine industry worldwide, which leads to severe respiratory diseases and abortions in horses. However, reports of EHV-1 infection in donkeys are limited, particularly in China. This case study reported [...] Read more.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a significant pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in the equine industry worldwide, which leads to severe respiratory diseases and abortions in horses. However, reports of EHV-1 infection in donkeys are limited, particularly in China. This case study reported an EHV-1-induced respiratory disease in Dezhou donkey foals in Shandong Province, China, in July 2024. Three one-month-old foals exhibited high fever, nasal discharge, and respiratory distress, with a 100% mortality rate. The causative agent, strain LC126, was isolated from a one-month-old donkey foal exhibiting severe respiratory disease. Phylogenetic analysis of the EHV-1 isolate LC126 showed close similarity to EHV-1. Overall, our study revealed that EHV-1 can cause respiratory distress as well as death in donkeys. The study underscores the emerging threat of EHV-1 in donkeys and highlights the need for veterinarians and breeders to give proper attention to the potential threat of EHV-1 outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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7 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Pathogens from Cooked Donkey Meat Products in Beijing Area in One Health Context

by Yiting Liu, Hongyun Duan, Luo Yang, Hong Chen, Rongzheng Wu, Yi Li, Yiping Zhu and Jing Li

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(12), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120645 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 892

Abstract

The prevalence of foodborne diseases has raised concerns due to the potential transmission of zoonotic bacterial pathogens through meat products. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of pathogenic bacteria in cooked donkey meat products [...] Read more.

The prevalence of foodborne diseases has raised concerns due to the potential transmission of zoonotic bacterial pathogens through meat products. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of pathogenic bacteria in cooked donkey meat products from Beijing. Twenty-one cooked donkey meat samples were collected from different delis, subjected to homogenization, and analyzed for bacterial contamination. Molecular identification was performed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing targeting the 16S rDNA gene. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. A total of forty bacterial isolates were identified, with Proteus mirabilis being the predominant species, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Novosphingobium. Both Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited high levels of resistance to several antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin. This study’s findings underscore the public health risk posed by antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens and emphasize the necessity for enhanced food safety surveillance within the One Health context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Progress of Equine Medical Research in China and Beyond)

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