Evaluation of serum cytokine levels in recurrent airway obstruction

Abstract

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) represents a serious health problem and is traditionally classified as an allergic disease, where contact with an antigen can induce clinical airway inflammation, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and reversible airway obstruction. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of the Th2 response in the lungs of human patients with asthma and horses with heaves. These cells are involved in the production of cytokines which regulate the synthesis of immunoglobulins. 40 horses were evaluated: 30 horses with RAO and 10 healthy animals. The expression levels of interferon-alpha 1 (IFN-α 1 ), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β, (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-13 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the serum obtained from control and RAO-susceptible horses during crisis. In all the patients, serum cytokine levels were detected. Serum median IL-13 and IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in RAO-affected horses than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The serum median IFN-α 1 , IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α levels were similar in both groups. These results indicate a low variability of the levels of cytokines and a high frequency of their detection in serum samples from horses with RAO. Immune mechanisms involved in equine RAO are more complex than those defined by a simple Th1/Th2 dichotomy.

The Dynamics of Circulating Immune Complexes in Horses with Severe Equine Asthma

“…Researchers have tried to characterise the cytokine profile during an asthma exacerbation. However, the published results are still inconsistent, especially those regarding the expression of INF-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 [5][6][7][8]. Although the immunological pathway of this disease has not been fully determined, the significant contribution of the T cells in the pathogenesis of the disease has been confirmed.…”

“…Results regarding the predominant participation of either Th1 or Th2 remain inconsistent. It is assumed that this may be due to a mixed Th1/Th2 response or a Th1/Th2-imbalance [1,8].…”

Fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in a horse during bronchoalveolar lavage – single case report

“…Clinical examination prior to the procedure did not reveal any abnormalities and the horse was classified as healthy. The horse was restrained in a stock and sedated with 0.01 mg/kg of detomidine (Domosedan, Orionpharma, Espoo, Finland) and 0.01 mg/kg of butorphanol (Morphasol, aniMedica, GmBH, Senden-Bösensell, Germany) [8]. A twitch was additionally used.…”

Impact of Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) on Selected Antioxidants in Horses

“…Some studies showed a statistically significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in ill horses, while other studies showed a decrease in activity of these enzymes (18,22). Inconsistent results may be associated with the exacerbation of symptoms, horse maintenance or any treatment administered (1). High activity of antioxidant enzymes in different studies and low in others suggested that redox system is upregulated during exposure to dusty straw and hay to combat oxidative stress (22,65).…”

“…This is due to the pathophysiology of the disease and its different course. RAO is a disease that occurs in middle-aged horses, consisting of inflammation and gradual bronchospasm with bronchial walls rebuilding, and excessive production of mucus (1). It occurs most commonly in horses kept in stables, exposed to dust and fed low-quality hay.…”