Effect of n-3 PUFAs on markers of inflammation in arthritic horses

• Main Author: Manhart, Denise Rae
• Other Authors: Gibbs, Pete
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: n3 PUFA; arthritis
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1413; http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/ETD-TAMU-1413

Sixteen horses with at least one arthritic joint were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=8) was fed a control ration at 1% BW in grain. The treatment group (n=8) was fed an isocaloric diet similar to the control diet with additional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the form of two pelleted supplements. Coastal hay was fed free choice, and both groups consumed their respective diet for 90 days. On d 0, 30, 60, and 90 synovial fluid was collected from one arthritic joint on each horse, and blood samples were collected every 15 days. Synovial fluid was analyzed for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1, and white blood cell concentration, and plasma was analyzed for fibrinogen and Prostaglandin E2. Force plate analysis was used to determine changes in weight distribution throughout the trial. Fatty acid analysis revealed the main n3 supplied by the supplements was docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3). Treatment horses consumed 9.3 g docosahexaenoic acid daily, while control horses consumed only 0.42 g daily. A reduction in concentrate intake also allowed treatment horses to consume 25.45 g less of linoleic acid (C18:2n6)per day. Excluding hay, the n6:n3 ratio of the treatment diet was 5:1 compared to the control diet with a ratio of 11:1. Analysis of plasma fatty acid profiles revealed treatment horses experienced an increase in plasma docosahexaenoic acid, along with a decrease in linoleic acid (C18:2n6). Total plasma n6:n3 ratio of treatment horses was 23:1, as opposed to 27:1 in the control horses. Treatment horses had significantly lower synovial fluid white blood cell concentration and plasma Prostaglandin E2 (P < 0.05). A trend towards decreased fibrinogen (P = 0.076) was also seen in the treatment horses. Synovial fluid TNF-α and IL-1 concentrations were not obtained due to problems with the assay kits or procedures. Force plate data from seven horses was analyzed. No significant increase in weight placed on arthritic limbs (P = 0.12) was seen. This data provides further evidence that a decrease in the n6:n3 ratio of the diet and plasma can lead to a decrease in the production of inflammatory compounds in arthritic joints.