Equine Metabolic Disorders and Insulin Regulation

Equine metabolic disorders encompass a spectrum of interrelated conditions characterised principally by abnormal energy balance, adiposity and dysregulated insulin dynamics. Central to this syndrome is the development of insulin resistance, whereby tissues such as skeletal muscle, liver and adipose become less responsive to circulating insulin, prompting compensatory hyperinsulinaemia. Chronic elevations in insulin concentration contribute to systemic low-grade inflammation, altered lipid metabolism and increased risk of endocrinopathic laminitis. Adipose tissue acts not merely as an inert energy store but as an endocrine organ, secreting adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines that further perturb insulin signalling. Meanwhile, mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle and stromal cells exacerbates oxidative stress and impairs glucose utilisation. Management strategies integrate dietary modulation—limiting non-structural carbohydrates and harnessing nutrient supplements—with controlled exercise and weight normalisation. Early detection via clinical assessment of body condition, regional adiposity and dynamic insulin testing is crucial. Recent advances have elucidated molecular regulators of adipogenesis, the role of sex hormone-binding globulin in metabolic homeostasis and practical tools for field assessment, underscoring the global significance of optimising insulin regulation for equine health and welfare.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that obesity in older mares induces marked insulin dysregulation and compromises skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, with decreased oxidative capacity and increased reactive oxygen species production. A complex nutrient blend designed to support equine metabolism and gut health restored insulin sensitivity, enhanced lipid metabolism and improved mitochondrial oxidative capacity with reduced oxidative stress. In contrast, L-carnitine supplementation alone yielded modest benefits in muscle lipid handling and mitochondrial performance but did not significantly alter insulin signalling. These findings establish dietary intervention as an effective means to counteract obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction in mature horses.

Equine Metabolic Disorders and Insulin Regulation publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in equine metabolic disorders and insulin regulation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS): Cluster of endocrine and metabolic disturbances characterised by obesity, regional adiposity, insulin dysregulation and laminitis predisposition.

Insulin dysregulation: Condition in which insulin secretion or tissue responsiveness is inappropriate for maintaining normoglycaemia, often leading to hyperinsulinaemia.

Hyperinsulinaemia: Elevated circulating insulin concentration beyond physiological requirements, frequently associated with insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance: Reduced sensitivity of target tissues to insulin’s actions on glucose uptake and metabolic regulation.

Mitochondrial oxidative capacity: Ability of mitochondria to consume oxygen for ATP production, critical for cellular energy metabolism.

Cresty neck score (CNS): Visual and tactile scoring system to assess regional fat deposition along the nuchal crest of equines.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): Plasma glycoprotein that regulates bioavailability of sex steroids and influences cellular metabolic pathways.

Adipogenesis: Process by which precursor cells differentiate into mature adipocytes, contributing to fat mass expansion.

References

1. Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions improves insulin sensitivity and reduces systemic inflammation in equine metabolic affected horses. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024).
2. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) Maintains Proper Equine Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells (ASCs)’ Metabolic Functions and Negatively Regulates their Basal Adipogenic Potential. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports (2023).
3. Adiposity in mares induces insulin dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction which can be mitigated by nutritional intervention. Scientific Reports (2024).
4. The cresty neck score is an independent predictor of insulin dysregulation in ponies. PLOS ONE (2019).