Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a condition that causes progressive deterioration of the tendons and suspensory ligaments in horses. Though it has been documented for decades, there has been no cause—or cure—identified.
A horse with DSLD often has bilateral dropped fetlocks or straight hocks. They often have trouble standing up once they're lying down. Their limbs may swell, especially around the suspensory ligaments and their branches. As the disease progresses, horses often become lame and are euthanized.
DSLD is often only confirmed via necropsy as taking tendon or ligament samples for analysis is risky – it can damage the structure, leading to poor healing and possible permanent impairment.
Dr. Jennifer Hope Roberts of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and a research team have found that the overexpression of two genes in a horse's skin and hair may be able to be used as a biomarker to diagnose the disorder in living horses. The disease can occur in any breed, to horses of any age or gender, but there are some breeds in which the disease is more prevalent, including Arabians, Peruvian Paso Finos, Quarter Horses, and Warmbloods.
The disease actually affects more than just ligaments: it also affects tendons, the aorta, and the whites of horse's eyes. Skin changes are also often noted.
DSLD skin biopsies that were examined during necropsies via RNA sequencing have shown the overexpression of multiple genes, including genes for keratins (KRT). The scientists hypothesized that some of these genes could be used as biomarkers for diagnosing the disease.
Upon further study, the scientists confirmed a significant increase in KRT83 and BMP-2 genes in the hair follicles of horses with DSLD. These horses also had high FOS expressions in the dermis.
Testing confirmed a significant increase in BMP-2 genes in hair follicles in DSLD cases, as well as abnormally high expression of FOS in the epidermis, especially in aging horses. The team recommended using these markers to diagnose DSLD in living horses, specifically with aged horses.
The team says further research is needed to determine whether this panel could be used to identify the disease in horses as they age. They are unsure if this expression is the result of a mutation on these genes, other genes, or a result of a separate genetic alteration.
Further studies are needed to determine if DSLD is a heritable genetic disorder that could be tested for.
Read more at HorseTalk.
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