Age-dependent expression of osteochondrosis-related genes in equine leukocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a developmental disease in horses which has a significant impact on the horse's welfare and performance. The early disturbance in the process of endochondral ossification progresses to inflammatory and repair processes in older horses. Previously, differentially expressed genes in leukocytes of OC-affected horses have been identified. The aim of the present study is to detect age-related changes in these differentially expressed genes.

Materials and methods

The expression of OC-related genes was analysed by real-time PCR and subsequent statistical analysis (ΔΔCT) in the leukocytes of 135 Belgian Warmblood horses divided into three different age groups: <12 months (n=47), 18-24 months (n=50) >30 months (n=38).

Results

Relative expre

SUBMITTER: Mendoza L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4567144 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature