1
|
Young AE, Finno CJ. Current insights into equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. Vet J 2024; 305:106129. [PMID: 38734404 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease associated with vitamin E deficiency in the first year of life. It is the second most common cause of spinal ataxia in horses euthanized for neurologic disease. Equine NAD/EDM is characterized by neurologic signs including a symmetric proprioceptive ataxia (> grade 2/5) and a wide-base stance at rest. There are currently no antemortem tests for eNAD/EDM in any breed. Conclusive diagnosis requires postmortem histologic evaluation of the brainstem and spinal cord at necropsy. Research studies on antemortem biomarkers and genetic testing are ongoing. The development of a genetic test for eNAD/EDM would have widespread impact, even if it were breed specific. Currently, the best approach to eNAD/EDM is to focus on preventing cases by providing pregnant mares and foals with access to pasture. Alternatively, dams' diets can be supplemented with high doses of water-soluble RRR-α-tocopherol during the last trimester of gestation, with continued supplementation of foals through the first two years of life. It is important to measure horses' baseline serum vitamin E levels prior to supplementing. While considered generally safe, oversupplementation of vitamin E is possible and can lead to coagulopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Young
- Center for Equine Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Center for Equine Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Powers A, Peek SF, Reed S, Donnelly CG, Tinkler S, Gasper D, Woolard KD, Finno CJ. Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy in Gypsy Vanner horses. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1792-1798. [PMID: 38613444 PMCID: PMC11099697 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects young, genetically predisposed horses that are deficient in vitamin E. Equine NAD/EDM has not previously been documented in Gypsy Vanner horses (GVs). OBJECTIVES To evaluate: (1) the clinical phenotype, blood vitamin E concentrations before and after supplementation and pedigree in a cohort of GV horses with a high prevalence of neurologic disease suspicious for eNAD/EDM and (2) to confirm eNAD/EDM in GVs through postmortem evaluation. ANIMALS Twenty-six GVs from 1 farm in California and 2 cases from the Midwestern U.S. METHODS Prospective observational study on Californian horses; all 26 GVs underwent neurologic examination. Pre-supplementation blood vitamin E concentration was assessed in 17- GVs. Twenty-three were supplemented orally with 10 IU/kg of liquid RRR-alpha-tocopherol once daily for 28 days. Vitamin E concentration was measured in 23 GVs after supplementation, of which 15 (65%) had pre-supplementation measurements. Two clinically affected GVs from California and the 2 Midwestern cases had necropsy confirmation of eNAD/EDM. RESULTS Pre-supplementation blood vitamin E concentration was ≤2.0 μg/mL in 16/17 (94%) of GVs from California. Post-supplementation concentration varied, with a median of 3.39 μg/mL (range, 1.23-13.87 μg/mL), but only 12/23 (52%) were normal (≥3.0 μg/mL). Normalization of vitamin E was significantly associated with increasing age (P = .02). Euthanized horses (n = 4) had eNAD/EDM confirmed at necropsy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE GVs could have a genetic predisposition to eNAD/EDM. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered and monitored in young GVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Powers
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadison, Wisconsin 53706USA
| | - Simon F. Peek
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadison, Wisconsin 53706USA
| | - Steve Reed
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, 2150 Georgetown RoadLexington, Kentucky 40511USA
| | - Callum G. Donnelly
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, California 95616USA
| | - Stacey Tinkler
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicinePurdue University, 625 Harrison StreetWest Lafayette, Indiana 47907USA
| | - David Gasper
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadison, Wisconsin 53706USA
| | - Kevin D. Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, California 95616USA
| | - Carrie J. Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, California 95616USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown KA, Bender SJ, Johnson AL. Clinical and histopathological features in horses with neuroaxonal degeneration: 100 cases (2017-2021). J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:431-439. [PMID: 38095342 PMCID: PMC10800219 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult horses with proprioceptive ataxia and behavior changes that have histologic lesions consistent with neurodegenerative disease have been increasingly recognized. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Describe the history, clinical findings and histopathologic features of horses presented to a referral institution with neuroaxonal degeneration. ANIMALS One hundred horses with a necropsy diagnosis of neuroaxonal degeneration compatible with neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM). METHODS Retrospective study of horses presented to the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, between 2017 and 2021 with a necropsy diagnosis of eNAD/EDM. RESULTS Affected horses had a median age of 8 years (range, 1-22), and the majority were Warmbloods (72). Sixty-eight horses had behavioral changes, and all 100 had proprioceptive ataxia (median grade, 2/5). Fifty-seven horses had abnormal findings on cervical vertebral radiographs, and 14 had myelographic findings consistent with compressive myelopathy. No antemortem diagnostic test results were consistently associated with necropsy diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease. All 100 horses had degenerative lesions characteristic of eNAD in the brainstem gray matter, and 24 had concurrent degenerative features of EDM in the spinal cord white matter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clinical and histopathologic findings in this large group of horses with neurodegenerative disease were most consistent with eNAD/EDM, but with a different signalment and clinical presentation from earlier descriptions. The increasing occurrence of neurodegenerative disease in horses and the safety risk posed emphasize the importance of focused research in affected horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara A. Brown
- Department of Clinical Studies—New Bolton CenterUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicineKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Susan J. Bender
- Department of PathobiologyUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Amy L. Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies—New Bolton CenterUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicineKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma Y, Peng S, Donnelly CG, Ghosh S, Miller AD, Woolard K, Finno CJ. Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin E transport genes as determinants for risk of equine neuroaxonal dystrophy. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:417-423. [PMID: 37937700 PMCID: PMC10800183 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder associated with vitamin E deficiency. In humans, polymorphisms in genes involved in vitamin E uptake and distribution determines individual vitamin E requirements. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in vitamin E metabolism would be associated with an increased risk of eNAD/EDM in Quarter Horses (QHs). ANIMALS Whole-genome sequencing: eNAD/EDM affected (n = 9, postmortem [PM]-confirmed) and control (n = 32) QHs. VALIDATION eNAD/EDM affected (n = 39, 23-PM confirmed) and control (n = 68, 7-PM confirmed) QHs. Allele frequency (AF): Publicly available data from 504 horses across 47 breeds. METHODS Retrospective, case control study. Whole-genome sequencing was performed and genetic variants identified within 28 vitamin E candidate genes. These variants were subsequently genotyped in the validation cohort. RESULTS Thirty-nine confirmed variants in 15 vitamin E candidate genes were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM (P < .01). In the validation cohort, 2 intronic CD36 variants (chr4:726485 and chr4:731082) were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM in clinical (P = 2.78 × 10-4 and P = 4 × 10-4 , respectively) and PM-confirmed cases (P = 6.32 × 10-6 and 1.04 × 10-5 , respectively). Despite the significant association, variant AFs were low in the postmortem-confirmed eNAD/EDM cases (0.22-0.26). In publicly available equine genomes, AFs ranged from 0.06 to 0.1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Many PM-confirmed cases of eNAD/EDM were wild-type for the 2 intronic CD36 SNPs, suggesting either a false positive association or genetic heterogeneity of eNAD/EDM within the QH breed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunzhuo Ma
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
| | - Sichong Peng
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
- Present address:
EclipsebioSan Diego, California 92121USA
| | - Callum G. Donnelly
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
- Present address:
Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthaca, New York 14853USA
| | - Sharmila Ghosh
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
| | - Andrew D. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomic PathologyCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthaca, New York 14853USA
| | - Kevin Woolard
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
| | - Carrie J. Finno
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavis, California 95616USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Finno CJ, Johnson AL. Equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy and Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2022; 38:213-224. [PMID: 35811203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroaxonal degenerative disease in the horse is termed equine neuroaxonal dystrophy (eNAD), when pathologic lesions are localized to the brainstem and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) and degenerative changes extend throughout the spinal cord. Both pathologic conditions result in identical clinical disease, most commonly characterized by the insidious onset of ataxia during early development. However, later onset of clinical signs and additional clinical features, such as behavior changes, is also observed. A definitive diagnosis of eNAD/EDM requires histologic evaluation of the caudal medulla and cervicothoracic spinal cord. Strong evidence has suggested that eNAD/EDM is an inherited disorder and there seems to be a role for vitamin E acting as an environmental modifier to determine the overall severity of the phenotype of horses affected with eNAD/EDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Finno
- Department of Veterinary Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Room 4206 Vet Med 3A One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bedenice
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bitschi ML, Bagó Z, Rosati M, Reese S, Goehring LS, Matiasek K. A Systematic Approach to Dissection of the Equine Brain-Evaluation of a Species-Adapted Protocol for Beginners and Experts. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:614929. [PMID: 33390909 PMCID: PMC7775367 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.614929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction of new imaging modalities for the equine brain have refocused attention on the horse as a natural model for ethological, neuroanatomical, and neuroscientific investigations. As opposed to imaging studies, strategies for equine neurodissection still lack a structured approach, standardization and reproducibility. In contrast to other species, where adapted protocols for sampling have been published, no comparable guideline is currently available for equids. Hence, we developed a species-specific slice protocol for whole brain vs. hemispheric dissection and tested its applicability and practicability in the field, as well as its neuroanatomical accuracy and reproducibility. Dissection steps are concisely described and depicted by schematic illustrations, photographs and instructional videos. Care was taken to show the brain in relation to the raters' hands, cutting devices and bench surface. Guidance is based on a minimum of external anatomical landmarks followed by geometric instructions that led to procurement of 14 targeted slabs. The protocol was performed on 55 formalin-fixed brains by three groups of investigators with different neuroanatomical skills. Validation of brain dissection outcomes addressed the aptitude of slabs for neuroanatomical studies as opposed to simplified routine diagnostic purposes. Across all raters, as much as 95.2% of slabs were appropriate for neuroanatomical studies, and 100% of slabs qualified for a routine diagnostic setting. Neither autolysis nor subfixation significantly affected neuroanatomical accuracy score, while a significant negative effect was observed with brain extraction artifacts. Procedure times ranged from 14 to 66 min and reached a mean duration of 23.25 ± 7.93 min in the last of five trials in inexperienced raters vs. 16 ± 2.83 min in experts, while acceleration of the dissection did not negatively impact neuroanatomical accuracy. This protocol, derived analogously to the consensus report of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force in dogs and cats, allows for systematic, quick and easy dissection of the equine brain, even for inexperienced investigators. Obtained slabs feature virtually all functional subcompartments at suitable planes for both diagnostic and neuroscientific investigations and complement the data obtained from imaging studies. The instructive protocol and brain dissection videos are available in Supplementary Material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya-Lena Bitschi
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Zoltán Bagó
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd. (AGES), Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Mödling, Austria
| | - Marco Rosati
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lutz S Goehring
- Division of Medicine and Reproduction, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Equine Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Donnelly CG, Burns E, Easton-Jones CA, Katzman S, Stuart R, Cook SE, Finno CJ. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous alpha-tocopherol in healthy adult horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2020; 33:215-219. [PMID: 34326575 DOI: 10.1111/eve.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin E is essential for neuromuscular function. The primary treatment, oral supplementation with natural ('RRR') α-tocopherol, is not effective in all horses. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a subcutaneously administered RRR-α-tocopherol preparation. Horses were randomly assigned in a cross-over design to initially receive RRR-α-tocopherol (5000 IU/450 kg of 600 IU/mL) subcutaneously (n = 3) or orally (n = 3) or were untreated sentinels (n = 2). Tissue reactions following injection in Phase I of the study necessitated adjustment of the preparation with reduction of the RRR-α-tocopherol concentration to 500 IU/mL in Phase 2. Following an 8-week washout period, horses received the reciprocal treatment route with the new preparation (5000 IU/450 kg of 500 IU/mL). Serum, CSF and muscle α-tocopherol concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography over a 14-day period during each phase. Serum and CSF α-tocopherol concentrations increased significantly postinjection only when the 500 IU/mL product was administered (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the muscle concentration of α-tocopherol following either treatment. All eight horses had marked tissue reaction to subcutaneous injection, regardless of product concentration. Whilst we have demonstrated that this route may be a useful alternative to oral supplementation, the marked tissue reaction makes use of such products limited at this time to only the most refractory of cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C G Donnelly
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
| | - E Burns
- Morris Animal Foundation, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - S Katzman
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California: Davis, Davis
| | - R Stuart
- Stuart Products Inc, Bedford, Texas
| | - S E Cook
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California: Davis, Davis, USA
| | - C J Finno
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hales EN, Esparza C, Peng S, Dahlgren AR, Peterson JM, Miller AD, Finno CJ. Genome-Wide Association Study and Subsequent Exclusion of ATCAY as a Candidate Gene Involved in Equine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy Using Two Animal Models. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E82. [PMID: 31936863 PMCID: PMC7016928 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. Clinical signs of neurological deficits develop within the first year of life in vitamin E (vitE) deficient horses. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out using 670,000 SNP markers in 27 case and 42 control Quarter Horses. Two markers, encompassing a 2.5 Mb region on ECA7, were associated with the phenotype (p = 2.05 × 10-7 and 4.72 × 10-6). Within this region, caytaxin (ATCAY) was identified as a candidate gene due to its known role in Cayman Ataxia and ataxic/dystonic phenotypes in mouse models. Whole-genome sequence data in four eNAD/EDM and five unaffected horses identified 199 associated variants within the ECA7 region. MassARRAY® genotyping was performed on these variants within the GWAS population. The three variants within ATCAY were not concordant with the disease phenotype. No difference in expression or alternative splicing was identified using qRT-PCR in brainstem across the ATCAY transcript. Atcayji-hes mice were then used to conduct functional analysis in a second animal model. Histologic lesions were not identified in the central nervous system of Atcayji-hes mice. Additionally, supplementation of homozygous Atcayji-hes mice with 600 IU/day of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate (vitE) during gestation, lactation, and adulthood did not improve the phenotype. ATCAY has therefore been excluded as a candidate gene for eNAD/EDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Hales
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Christina Esparza
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Sichong Peng
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Anna R Dahlgren
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Janel M Peterson
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population, Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.N.H.); (C.E.); (S.P.); (A.R.D.); (J.M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Previously Identified Genetic Variants in ADGRL3 Are not Associated with Risk for Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy across Breeds. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10090681. [PMID: 31491999 PMCID: PMC6770705 DOI: 10.3390/genes10090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is a neurologic disease that has been reported in young horses from a wide range of breeds. The disease is inherited and associated with vitamin E deficiency during the first two years of life, resulting in bilateral symmetric ataxia. A missense mutation (chr3:71,917,591 C > T) within adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3) was recently associated with risk for EDM in the Caspian breed. In order to confirm these findings, genotyping of this missense mutation, along with the three other associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genomic region, was carried out on 31 postmortem-confirmed eNAD/EDM cases and 43 clinically phenotyped controls from various breeds. No significant association was found between eNAD/EDM confirmed cases and genotype at any of the four identified SNPs (P > 0.05), including the nonsynonymous variant (EquCab2.0 chr3:71,917,591; allelic P = 0.85). These findings suggest that the four SNPs, including the missense variant in the ADGRL3 region, are not associated with risk for eNAD/EDM across multiple breeds of horses.
Collapse
|
11
|
Toledo L, Jerdy H, Silva P, Carvalho E, Lessa D. Neuroaxonal Dystrophy in a mule: first case reported. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 12-month-old mule (sterile hybrid equine species) presented unspecific neurological changes (symmetric ataxia, dysmetria, conscious proprioceptive deficit and weakness). Due to poor prognosis and to the fact that a sibling from the previous generation exhibited similar clinical signs that were not definitively diagnosed, the animal was euthanized. Diagnosis of neuroaxonal dystrophy was confirmed by anatomohistopathological analysis. This is the first clinical case of neuronal dystrophy in a mule reported in the world. The clinical and histopathological characteristics of this disease were very similar to those reported for several equine breeds. Therefore, the disease should also be considered in the diagnosis of neurological conditions in mules and donkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - H.L. Jerdy
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense “Darcy Ribeiro”, Brazil
| | | | - E.C.Q. Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense “Darcy Ribeiro”, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Posbergh CJ, Pollott GE, Southard TL, Divers TJ, Brooks SA. A Nonsynonymous Change in Adhesion G Protein–Coupled Receptor L3 Associated With Risk for Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy in the Caspian Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
13
|
Abstract
EPM, CVSM, and EDM are currently recognized as the 3 most common neurologic diseases in US horses, with the latter 2 conditions being most prevalent in young animals. Moreover, horses competing at shows and performance events are at greater risk for exposure to highly contagious, neurologic EHV-1 outbreaks. A clinical diagnosis of any neurologic disease should be based on a careful history, complete neurologic examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing and interpretation. However, mild or early neurologic signs can often mimic or be mistaken for an orthopedic condition when horses present for performance-related concerns.
Collapse
|
14
|
Burns EN, Finno CJ. Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy: prevalence, impact, and management. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2018; 9:63-67. [PMID: 30234005 PMCID: PMC6135079 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s148542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder affecting many horse breeds. Clinical signs include a symmetric ataxia and an abnormal stance at rest, similar to cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, and equine herpesvirus 1 myeloencephalopathy. This review will provide an update on the disease prevalence, management, impact, and ongoing research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Burns
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA,
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Estell K, Spriet M, Phillips KL, Aleman M, Finno CJ. Current dorsal myelographic column and dural diameter reduction rules do not apply at the cervicothoracic junction in horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2018; 59:662-666. [PMID: 29998490 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously published myelographic studies do not report findings at the junction between the seventh cervical (C7) and first thoracic vertebrae (T1). Modern digital radiographic equipment allows improved visualization of C7-T1. Based on clinical experience, we hypothesized that 50% reduction of the dorsal myelographic column or 20% reduction of the dural diameter, criteria commonly used as a supportive finding for spinal cord compression in the cervical vertebral column, do not apply at C7-T1. A myelographic study was performed on 12 healthy, neurologically normal horses. Our hypothesis was confirmed; using established criteria eight of 12 horses would have been classified as having evidence of spinal cord compression at C7-T1. The dorsal myelographic column reduction at C7-T1 was 48 ± 12%, while the C6-C7 dorsal myelographic column reduction was 33 ± 17% (mean ± standard deviation) (P = 0.010). The dural diameter reduction at C7-T1 (22.0 ± 6.7%) was significantly greater than the dural diameter reduction at C6-C7 (13.2 ± 9.5%) (P = 0.0007). Further measurements and comparisons suggested that the apparent greater reduction of dorsal myelographic column and dural diameter at C7-T1 was due to larger intravertebral measurements at C7 rather than smaller intervertebral values at C7-T1. Based on these findings, alternative criteria should be used at C7-T1 when assessing clinical cases for cervical stenotic myelopathy. Reduction of the dorsal myelographic column by 60% or of the dural diameter by 30% would avoid high numbers of false positive myelographic cases at C7-T1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Estell
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Leesburg, VA, 20176
| | - Mathieu Spriet
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - Kathryn L Phillips
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brown JC, Valberg SJ, Hogg M, Finno CJ. Effects of feeding two RRR-α-tocopherol formulations on serum, cerebrospinal fluid and muscle α-tocopherol concentrations in horses with subclinical vitamin E deficiency. Equine Vet J 2017; 49:753-758. [PMID: 28432750 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-tocopherol (α-TP) supplementation is recommended for the prevention of various equine neuromuscular disorders. Formulations available include RRR-α-TP acetate powder and a more expensive but rapidly water-dispersible liquid RRR-α-TP (WD RRR-α-TP). No cost-effective means of rapidly increasing serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-TP with WD RRR-α-TP and then sustaining concentrations with RRR-α-TP acetate has yet been reported. OBJECTIVES To evaluate serum, CSF and muscle α-TP concentrations in an 8-week dosing regimen in which horses were transitioned from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate. STUDY DESIGN Non-randomised controlled trial. METHODS Healthy horses with serum α-TP of <2 μg/mL were divided into three groups and followed for 8 weeks. In the control group (n = 5), no α-TP was administered. In the second group (Group A; n = 7), 5000 IU/day RRR-α-TP acetate was administered. In the third group (Group WD-A; n = 7), doses of 5000 IU/day of WD RRR-α-TP were administered over 3 weeks, followed by a 4-week transition from WD RRR-α-TP to RRR-α-TP acetate, and a final 1 week of treatment with RRR-α-TP acetate. Serum samples were obtained weekly; muscle biopsies were obtained before, at 2.5 weeks and after supplementation. CSF samples were obtained before and after the 8-week period of supplementation. RESULTS Serum α-TP increased significantly in Group WD-A at week 1 and remained significantly higher than in Group A and the control group throughout the transition, with inter-individual variation in response. Serum α-TP increased significantly by week 7 in Group A. CSF α-TP increased significantly in Group WD-A only. Muscle α-TP concentrations did not differ significantly across groups. Serum and CSF α-TP were closely correlated (r = 0.675), whereas serum and muscle-α-TP concentrations were not correlated. MAIN LIMITATIONS The study duration was short and data on pre-transition CSF was lacking. CONCLUSIONS The administration of 5000 IU/day of water-dispersible RRR-α-TP rapidly increases serum α-TP. Serum and CSF α-TP concentrations are sustained with a gradual transition to 5000 IU/day of RRR-α-TP acetate. Periodic evaluation of serum α-TP concentrations is recommended because responses vary among individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Brown
- University of Minnesota Equine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - S J Valberg
- Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - M Hogg
- University of Minnesota Equine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - C J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Diseases of the Nervous System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7322266 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
18
|
Finno CJ, Kaese HJ, Miller AD, Gianino G, Divers T, Valberg SJ. Pigment retinopathy in warmblood horses with equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy and equine motor neuron disease. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:304-309. [PMID: 27491953 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A pigment retinopathy has been reported in adult horses with equine motor neuron disease (EMND) arising from chronic α-tocopherol (α-TP) deficiency. A pigment retinopathy has not been identified in horses with neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (NAD/EDM) that affects genetically susceptible young horses with α-TP deficiency. The objective of this report is to describe, for the first time, a pigment retinopathy in a family of α-TP-deficient Warmbloods (WB) with clinically apparent NAD/EDM or EMND. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES Twenty-five WB horses from one farm underwent complete neurologic and ophthalmic examinations and serum α-TP concentrations were assessed. Two of the most severely ataxic horses were euthanized and postmortem examinations performed. RESULTS Alpha-TP deficiency was widespread on this farm (22 of 25 horses). Eleven of 25 horses were clinically normal (age range 2-12 years), one had signs of EMND (6 years of age), 10 had signs of ataxia consistent with NAD/EDM (1-10 years), and two of these were postmortem confirmed concurrent NAD/EDM and EMND. A pigment retinopathy characterized by varying amounts of granular dark pigment in the tapetal retina was observed in four clinically apparent NAD/EDM horses (two postmortem confirmed concurrent NAD/EDM and EMND) and one horse with clinical signs of EMND. CONCLUSIONS A pigment retinopathy can be present in young α-TP-deficient Warmblood horses with clinical signs of EMND as well as those with signs of NAD/EDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie J Finno
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Andrew D Miller
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Giuliana Gianino
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Thomas Divers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Stephanie J Valberg
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48895, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Finno CJ, Valberg SJ, Shivers J, D'Almeida E, Armién AG. Evidence of the Primary Afferent Tracts Undergoing Neurodegeneration in Horses With Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy Based on Calretinin Immunohistochemical Localization. Vet Pathol 2015; 53:77-86. [PMID: 26253880 DOI: 10.1177/0300985815598787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is characterized by a symmetric general proprioceptive ataxia in young horses, and is likely underdiagnosed for 2 reasons: first, clinical signs overlap those of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy; second, histologic lesions--including axonal spheroids in specific tracts of the somatosensory and motor systems--may be subtle. The purpose of this study was (1) to utilize immunohistochemical (IHC) markers to trace axons in the spinocuneocerebellar, dorsal column-medial lemniscal, and dorsospinocerebellar tracts in healthy horses and (2) to determine the IHC staining characteristics of the neurons and degenerated axons along the somatosensory tracts in EDM-affected horses. Examination of brain, spinal cord, and nerves was performed on 2 age-matched control horses, 3 EDM-affected horses, and 2 age-matched disease-control horses via IHC for calbindin, vesicular glutamate transporter 2, parvalbumin, calretinin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Primary afferent axons of the spinocuneocerebellar, dorsal column-medial lemniscal, and dorsospinocerebellar tracts were successfully traced with calretinin. Calretinin-positive cell bodies were identified in a subset of neurons in the dorsal root ganglia, suggesting that calretinin IHC could be used to trace axonal projections from these cell bodies. Calretinin-immunoreactive spheroids were present in EDM-affected horses within the nuclei cuneatus medialis, cuneatus lateralis, and thoracicus. Neurons within those nuclei were calretinin negative. Cell bodies of degenerated axons in EDM-affected horses are likely located in the dorsal root ganglia. These findings support the role of sensory axonal degeneration in the pathogenesis of EDM and provide a method to highlight tracts with axonal spheroids to aid in the diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C J Finno
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - S J Valberg
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - J Shivers
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - E D'Almeida
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - A G Armién
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Finno CJ, Famula T, Aleman M, Higgins RJ, Madigan JE, Bannasch DL. Pedigree analysis and exclusion of alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (TTPA) as a candidate gene for neuroaxonal dystrophy in the American Quarter Horse. J Vet Intern Med 2012. [PMID: 23186252 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (NAD/EDM) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting young horses of various breeds that resembles ataxia with vitamin E deficiency in humans, an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein gene (TTPA). To evaluate variants found upon sequencing TTPA in the horse, the mode of inheritance for NAD/EDM had to be established. HYPOTHESIS NAD/EDM in the American Quarter Horse (QH) is caused by a mutation in TTPA. ANIMALS 88 clinically phenotyped (35 affected [ataxia score ≥2], 53 unaffected) QHs with a diagnosis of NAD/EDM with 6 affected and 4 unaffected cases confirmed at postmortem examination. PROCEDURES Pedigrees and genotypes across 54,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were assessed to determine heritability and mode of inheritance of NAD/EDM. TTPA sequence of exon/intron boundaries was evaluated in 2 affected and 2 control horses. An association analysis was performed by 71 SNPs surrounding TTPA and 8 SNPs within TTPA that were discovered by sequencing. RT-PCR for TTPA was performed on mRNA from the liver of 4 affected and 4 control horses. RESULTS Equine NAD/EDM appears to be inherited as a polygenic trait and, within this family of QHs, demonstrates high heritability. Sequencing of TTPA identified 12 variants. No significant association was found using the 79 available variants in and surrounding TTPA. RT-PCR yielded PCR products of equivalent sizes between affected cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE NAD/EDM demonstrates heritability in this family of QHs. Variants in TTPA are not responsible for NAD/EDM in this study population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Finno C, Valberg S. A Comparative Review of Vitamin E and Associated Equine Disorders. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 26:1251-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00994.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C.J. Finno
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Minnesota; St. Paul; MN
| | - S.J. Valberg
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Minnesota; St. Paul; MN
| |
Collapse
|