(E46) Evaluation of Endothelial Glycocalyx Shedding in Horses with Small Intestinal Disease

Abstract:

Background: Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) degradation results in vascular hyperpermeability, inappropriate leukocyte adhesion and intravascular coagulation. Small intestinal (SI) EG shedding during inflammatory and ischemic states has been shown to be predictive of morbidity and mortality in human ICU settings. The shedding of EG components such as syndecan-1, heparin sulfate, and hyaluronan shedding both intravascularly and peritoneally in horses has not been evaluated. Greater understanding of EG dysregulation may contribute to improved clinical management and may have diagnostic utility in horses with SI disease. Hypothesis: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine if blood and peritoneal fluid (PF) levels of syndecan-1, heparin sulfate (HS) and hyaluronan are elevated in horses with small intestinal disease compared to their healthy counterparts. Animals: Twelve horses, grouped as healthy (H; 4), small intestinal inflammation (SII; 4), or small intestinal strangulating (SIS; 4).

Methods: In an ongoing prospective study, paired PF and blood samples were obtained from each group and analyzed via equine validated ELISA for syndecan-1, HS and hyaluronan concentrations.

Results: Hyaluronan was significantly increased in the blood (p=0.0162) and PF (p=0.0024) of SI disease compared to H horses. Hyaluronan and HS were significantly increased in the blood of SII compared to SIS horses (p= 0.028 and p=0.028, respectively). Syndecan-1 was significantly increased in the PF of horses with SIS (p=0.038).

Conclusions: Based on preliminary findings, EG components are elevated in horses with SI disease and may have utility in differentiating horses with SII and SIS disease.