Oral supplementation with Lithothamnion extract in horses subjected to oligofructose overload intake: effects on systemic inflammation and multiple organ function

Abstract

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common condition in horses with gastrointestinal disorders. If not prevented or controlled, SIRS promotes multiple organ dysfunctions that may culminate in serious disabilities or even death. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lithothamnion supplementation on systemic inflammatory response and organ function variables in horses undergoing oligofructose overload (OFO) intake. Twelve healthy horses were randomly divided into control and treated groups. The treated group received Lithothamnion (100 mg/kg bw PO BID) for 7 days before oligofructose intake (10 g/kg PO). Horses underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation immediately before and 6, 12, 18, and 24 h following administration of oligofructose. Parametric data were subjected to ANOVA in randomized blocks, followed by Tukey, and Student's t-tests for mean comparsions. Non-parametric data were analyzed by the Friedman, Dunn's, and Mann-Whitney tests (P < .05). Systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction was evident in both groups; however, these changes were milder and delayed in the treated group. Supplementation attenuated and delayed the tachycardia, tachypnea, leukocytosis, hyperproteinemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperalbuminemia and hyperglycemia in treated horses undergoing OFO. Furthermore, increases in packed cell volume, red blood cells, hemoglobin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, indirect and direct bilirubin and creatinine were observed only in the control group, remaining unchanged in the treated group. These findings demonstrate the potential of oral supplementation with Lithothamnion to ameliorate systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction in horses at risk of acquiring gastrointestinal disorders.