Equine sarcoid (ES) is the most common skin cancer in horses and poses a major challenge in veterinary medicine. This project investigated the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in whole blood as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for equine sarcoids. In particular, the value of three specific miRNAs (eca-miR-127, eca-miR-379, eca-miR-432) was evaluated in horses treated with either an extract of European mistletoe (Viscum album) or a placebo. In a study carefully matched for breed, age and sex, blood samples from 45 horses with ES and 15 healthy horses were analysed at three different time points using RT-qPCR.
The results showed that the expression of eca-miR-432 was significantly lower in horses affected by ES than in control animals. This indicates a moderate diagnostic potential of eca-miR-432 for the detection of equine sarcoids, with a diagnostic accuracy of 71% and a sensitivity of 74%.
The expression of miRNAs was not significantly influenced by treatment with mistletoe extract, breed, sex or season. No prognostic value could be determined for any of the miRNAs examined. Although eca-miR-432 shows moderate diagnostic potential for equine sarcoids in whole blood, the identification of reliable prognostic miRNA biomarkers remains a challenge.
This research contributes to improving the understanding and diagnosis of this complex equine disease, which is of great importance for animal health.
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