Circulating microRNAs as potential predictive biomarkers of equine metabolic syndrome.

Circulating miRNA panels may enable non-invasive early detection of equine metabolic syndrome.

This pilot study investigates circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), a complex endocrine disorder characterized by insulin dysregulation and increased laminitis risk. Plasma samples from 45 horses (13 EMS, 16 overweight/obese non-insulin dysregulated, 16 healthy controls) were analyzed using targeted OpenArray technology. Four miRNAs showed differential expression: miR-221 increased in EMS versus healthy horses; miR-132 elevated in overweight/obese non-dysregulated group; miR-186 and miR-15a decreased in EMS and overweight/obese groups compared to healthy controls. Functional analysis revealed these miRNAs target genes involved in critical insulin signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, AMPK, and FOXO signaling. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that miRNA combinations effectively discriminated between clinical groups (AUC 0.79-0.93). These findings suggest circulating miRNA profiles could serve as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for EMS identification and development, offering mechanistic insights into disease pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.

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