Could miRNAs Predict OA and OCD?

The University of Guelph released information about new equine research on microRNAs (miRNAs). The following article contains information about that research and a link to the scientific paper.

They noted that horses can suffer from joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). These conditions can lead to pain and lameness. OCD can self-resolve in many horses and not lead to OA. In other horses, OCD can be managed surgically with good outcomes.

Osteoarthritis is common in athletic and older horses. It can be career ending once joint components begin to break down and cycles of inflammation begin. However, many horses—and people—live with OA. It can be managed and does not always progress to end-stage disease.

Study on miRNAs

Researchers at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College reported on their investigations into tiny molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs). These are present in blood and joint fluid. Researchers are finding that certain miRNAs could be used to predict the onset of joint diseases, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatments.

They noted that micoRNAs could be early predictors of OA and OCD. They also said there is potential for them to play a role in targeting new treatments. “These molecules can influence various biological processes such as regulating inflammation, cartilage decay, cell death in cartilage, and changes in the extracellular matrix,” noted Guelph’s press release.

How the Study was Conducted

The Guelph press release noted that in this study, OVC researchers collected blood and joint fluid from horses with OA and OCD as well as from healthy horses. The research used 5 controls, 5 horses with OA, and 5 with OCD. The control horses were from a research herd so were not in regular work.

Analysis of these samples revealed differences in miRNA levels between horses with healthy and diseased joints.

They found 57 different miRNAs in OA plasma, 45 in OCD plasma, and 21 between OA and OCD plasma. One miRNA (miR-140-5p) was found in higher amounts in the joint fluid of horses with OA.

Other studies suggest that miR-140 molecules are associated with good joint health. Its presence is linked to a slower worsening of the condition in joints affected by OA. Although mir-140 molecules are traditionally thought to be a protective miRNA, this new study hypothesises that the molecule might be over-expressed in early joint disease in an attempt to save the joint before joint disease can progress further.

This over-expression might help detect OA before it causes noticeable problems.

Future research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm miRNAs as biomarkers.