Cytokines, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance: Dangerous Liaisons

Insulin resistance, the body’s inability to control blood sugar levels with normal amounts of insulin, is known to be associated with equine obesity, altered reproductive function, and pasture-associated laminitis. In addition, insulin resistance
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Systemically or critically ill horses, such as those with sepsis (a whole-body inflammatory state caused by infection), might have a better chance of survival if their insulin is controlled, researchers from the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center reported earlier this month.

Insulin resistance, the body’s inability to control blood sugar levels with normal amounts of insulin, is known to be associated with equine obesity, altered reproductive function, and pasture-associated laminitis. In addition, insulin resistance also develops in horses during periods of systemic inflammation.

According to Mandi Vick, PhD, and Barry Fitzgerald, PhD, co-authors on this study, a relationship between obesity, insulin resistance, and increased levels of circulating inflammatory mediators and molecules, known as cytokines, has previously been identified.

"We hypothesize that inflammation directly results in insulin resistance and that adipose tissue, the fat reserves in the body, participates in the development of inflammation and insulin resistance," explained Fitzgerald. Together, these series of events could predispose horses to develop complications, including laminitis

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.

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