Dr Halper's Latest Paper

New link to Dr Halper's latest paper on DE added to the articles listed on the right.  This is a PDF file and will require a PDF reader..

Peruvian Saddle for Research $$$

NICE peruvian saddle with corona, stirrups, guarnicion, and retrancas is being donated to help research.  Contact information and tons of photos of each piece may be found here:
http://ppsaddle.blogspot.com/

Please share this with all your horsey friends!

HERDA (Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia)

Fran Jurga's blog has an interesting post on HERDA today.   Further reading indicates there are some similarities to DSLD-ESPA listed in the post, such as:

• HERDA is a connective tissue disease  
• HERDA  horses have loose, stretchy skin, and
• Cornea and aortic valves have been affected
• HERDA is compared to EDS in humans

Q. What are genetic disorders?

If you need a quick brush up, check out of the AHA's Nov '09 presentation on Genetic Disorders (in PDF format).  While most of this presentation is directed at the Arabian horse owner, the information found in pages 3-13 of this report is not breed specific.  The information is thoughtfully presented for the layman in an easy-to-understand manner and will benefit anyone needing a quick refresher course.  Pages 71-73 of the presentation include information on breeding, genetic testing, and research and are well worth reading.

Research

Link to latest research on right under "Articles."
Abstract

Defects in glycosylation of decorin can result in systemic hereditary disease. A mutation in the galactosyl transferase I gene is the underlying defect of a progeroid form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We have previously described pathological changes in equine systemic proteoglycan accumulation (ESPA, formerly
degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis) as consisting of excessive presence of decorin and other proteoglycans in organs and structures with a high content of connective tissue. Using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, and one- and two-dimensional immunoblotting we have determined that decorin from ESPA-tendons had a higher molecular weight than decorin from non-affected control tendons. Glycosaminoglycan structure and monosaccharide composition were determined with HPLC analysis of chondroitinase ABC-digested glycosaminoglycans and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. This analysis revealed an increase in the total content of sulfated disaccharides, particularly due to enhanced sulfation at 6-position of N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) with a subsequent decrease in the
ratio of 4-sulfation to 6-sulfation disaccharides in the ESPA decorin. The ESPA-affected decorin also exhibited altered biological activity resulting in (1) diminished binding of TGFβ1 (and of anti-decorin antibody) to ESPA decorin, and (2) increased expression of TGFβ1 in ESPA tissues.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we have identified several novel processes that may contribute to the pathogenesis of ESPA. We hypothesize that decorin undergoes changes in glycosylation of its glycosaminoglycans chains. Future experiments will demonstrate whether these changes are due to genetic changes in one or more of the glycosylation enzymes. We hypothesize that the decreased affinity of the proteoglycan for TGFβ1 leads to changes in TGFb expression and has a direct effect on collagen and proteoglycan activity. Future studies will target the effect of these perturbations in glycosylation on fibrillogenesis and impaired biomechanical function.

Definitions:

Pathogenesis -- is the origination and development of a disease
Decorin is a proteoglycan
Glycosylation -- is the enzymatic process that links saccharides to produce glycans attached to proteins, ...
Proteoglycan -- a group of polysaccharide-protein joined together and present in connective tissue and cartilage
Fibrillogenesis -- the development of fine fibrils normally present in collagen fibers of connective tissue
TGFβ1 -- Transforming growth factor beta 1 or TGFβ1 is a polypeptide member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of cytokines.

From BloodHorse.com

This is from 2002, but interesting that they studied fetlock breakdown. Anyone know the results from this study?

Easy Print from BloodHorse.com: "USE OF STEM CELLS FOR CARTILAGE REPAIR TO COMBAT ARTHRITIS AND STRESS-INDUCED BREAKDOWN Dr. Alan J. Nixon, Cornell University. First year, $50,749. Stems cells answer the body's call for repair of tissues such as muscle, tendon, bone, and fat as well as cartilage. The specific aim of this project is to use stem-cell based cartilage resurfacing to lessen arthritis and stress-induced fetlock breakdown."