Plasma HMGB-1 and Nucleosome Concentrations in Horses with Colic and Healthy Horses

Abstract

Background: Acute gastrointestinal disease occurs commonly in horses. Novel biomarkers might improve the understanding of SIRS and aid diagnosis and determination of prognosis. Hypotheses: Increased plasma concentrations of the biomarkers HMGB-1 and nucleosomes are associated with severity of gastrointestinal lesions in horses; concentrations of these biomarkers will be greater in horses with lesions more likely to cause SIRS; and will provide additional information compared with standard biomarkers fibrinogen and SAA. Animals: Thirty horses with gastrointestinal disease, 22 healthy horses. Methods: Prospective study. Plasma samples taken on admission were used for measurement of HMGB-1, nuc..