Non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS)

Background: Because of intensive management and athletic competition, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) afflicts up to ۹۳% of performance horses. This includes Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), caused by acid injury, and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), linked to stress and impaired mucosal defense. Although gastroscopy serves as the diagnostic gold standard, it is invasive, requiring fasting and sedation, limiting clinical use. Thus, salivary and serum biomarkers that are non-invasive have recently become promising diagnostic and monitoring tools. Methods: Studies validating non-invasive salivary and serum biomarkers were reviewed. Automated assays measured key analytes (Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), Uric Acid, Calprotectin) and oxidative stress indicators for the diagnosis and surveillance of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), including monitoring mucosal healing post-treatment. Results: EGUS was identified with increased salivary ADA, Calprotectin, and S۱۰۰A۱۲ confirming immune and neutrophilic activation. Ammonia levels rose and Bicarbonate lowered, with the latter being the most severe in ESGD. Uric Acid (UA) yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for EGUS detection. EGGD patients had lower Oxytocin, Zinc, and Magnesium levels, indicative of stress‑related compromised glands. Systemic analysis showed increased MDA, TNF‑α, and IL‑۶ that represented oxidative inflammation. Bicarbonate and Urea increased with treatment, ADA and CK decreased and Vimentin upregulated with mucosal repair. Conclusion: Standardized salivary biomarker assays offer a dependable, fast, and safe approach for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) diagnosis and surveillance. Diagnosis is supported by increased levels of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), Calprotectin, and S۱۰۰A۱۲, confirming immune and neutrophilic activation. Crucially, the ability of these markers—specifically elevated Bicarbonate and decreased ADA post-therapy—to reflect mucosal healing is invaluable, potentially minimizing recurring gastroscopy requirements. Uric Acid provides the highest diagnostic accuracy for detection. Incorporating these non-invasive tools significantly refines the welfare-based management of gastric ulcer disease in equine practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) ، Salivary Biomarkers ، Non-invasive Diagnosis ، Uric Acid ، Treatment Monitoring