Characterization and comparison of fecal microbiota in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and age-matched controls.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Altered gut microbiota has been associated with dopaminergic degenerative diseases in people, but studies on horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) are lacking.

Hypothesis/objectives

Investigate the effect of PPID on fecal microbiota in horses.

Animals

Nine horses with PPID and 13 age-matched control horses.

Methods

Prospective control study. Fecal samples were collected bimonthly. Microbial analysis used 16S rRNA sequencing to determine the relative abundance at genus and phylum levels, assess alpha and beta diversity and identify core microbiota.

Results

Horses with PPID had decreased relative abundances of Christensenellaceae R-7 group (median; 95% confidence interval [CI]: PPID, 2.04; 1.82-2.35 vs control, 2.54; 2.37-2.76

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11758151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature