Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a horse's
environment may play a role in the development of equine metabolic syndrome
(EMS).
This finding, made by researchers at The University of Minnesota,
could explain some of the variability in EMS severity that can't be explained
by other commonly measured factors, such as diet, exercise and season. The
study, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, was published in Chemosphere.
"This is a pivotal piece of a very complicated jigsaw
puzzle. There are a lot of horse owners out there who are very diligent about
providing their horses fantastic care, but the horse is still diagnosed (with
EMS)," said Dr. Molly McCue, Professor and interim Associate Dean of
Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota.
"It's important to be aware that these chemicals contribute to the
problem, so we can look for ways to reduce horses' exposure to them."
The research team studied more than 300 horses from 32 farms
in the United States and Canada. They focused on Welsh ponies and Morgan
horses, as these breeds are more likely to develop EMS than others. The team
collected data on the horses' lifestyles, including diet, exercise and past
illnesses, as well as their farm location.
Researchers also examined plasma from the horses and looked
for EDCs that have effects on estrogen (EEQ) and aryl hydrocarbon (TEQ)
receptors in the horse. Simultaneously, they determined whether an individual
horse had blood test results consistent with an EMS profile (including insulin
and glucose at rest and following a sugar challenge). The team then analysed
the results to look for correlations between plasma EDC concentration and these
variables.
They found that serum glucose and insulin, both baseline and after oral
sugar challenge, and leptin concentrations were associated with EEQ, and serum
triglyceride concentration was associated with TEQ.
The team concluded that accumulation of EDCs may explain
some environmental variance seen in horses with EMS, but the precise role and
dose response to EDCs in horses with EMS is not clear at this time.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are usually man-made
substances, found in products such as pesticides, plastics and personal care
products. They are common in the environment and can mimic a body's hormones,
blocking real ones from doing their jobs. Because of this, they are known to
produce harmful effects in humans and wildlife. Horses likely encounter EDCs in
their food.
Equine metabolic syndrome is characterized by endocrine
abnormalities in horses and ponies. Affected horses and ponies tend to develop
pockets of fat and/or become obese, and they have altered insulin dynamics. EMS
also is one of the most common causes of laminitis.
"The more we know about a disease, especially a
devastating and incurable disease like EMS, the more we can find innovative
ways to prevent it," said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Morris Animal Foundation
Interim Vice President of Scientific Programs. "While EDCs are difficult
to avoid at the moment, the information from this study will greatly improve
veterinarians' ability to predict the disease and provide opportunities to
prevent it."
This is the first study to examine associations between EDCs
and disease in domestic animals. Dr. McCue said it remains to be seen how
significant the association is but hopes future studies will further scientific
understanding and help advance veterinary care for horses.
For more details, see:
Associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals and equine
metabolic syndrome phenotypes
S.A. Durward-Akhurst, N.E.Schultz, E.M.Norton, A.K.Rendahl, H.Besselink,
P.A.Behnisch, A.Brouwer, R.J.Geor, J.R.Mickelson, M.E.McCue.
Chemosphere (2018) Vol 218, pp 652-661
3 comments:
Would excess nitrates in hay fed be considered a disrupting chemical? Can nitrate overload from hay contribute to early onset of EMS?
It's great to hear these news about EDCs in horses diets
I worked on EDCs in humans diet in my masters inspite of I am an equine veterinarian
Will do my phD on EDCs in horses diets
People tend to seek a silver bullet for their own health concerns and the same applies to their animal friends. It is very plausible that environmental toxins impact horses and are a part of the problem. I have read many studies on this subject and one thing that stood out is the use of antioxidants, heavy doses of resveratrol, are effective. Medical professionals and scientists have successfully healed people from diabetes, MS, szchitzophrenia, lupus, etc. I myself healed from a variety of medical conditions through altering what I put in my body, on my body, and use in my environment. It was life changing! I am concerned about the number of horses are exposed to since man has become their caretaker. What is sprayed on the food whether it be pellets, alfalfa, grass, as it is growing or the numerous artificial ingredients in supplements and the sprays we apply, are like foreign Invaders the horse never was exposed to and its history before man. The same applies to humans. Never before in history have we consumed so many artificial ingredients applied so many chemicals to our bodies and used so many chemicals in our immediate environment. It's not a magic bullet. It's about changing the way we think about health.
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