Effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich microalgae supplementation on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in horses with equine metabolic syndrome

Abstract Much of the equine population is obese and therefore predisposed to the development of additional health concerns such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). However, pharmacological treatments for EMS are limited. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is a therapeutic strategy in humans with metabolic dysfunction that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation, but effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in horses with EMS are unclear. Therefore, in this pilot study, ten mixed-sex and mixed-breed horses with EMS were fed a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich microalgae containing 16 g DHA/horse/day or served as controls for 46 days. Inflammatory status was measured using serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using flow cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Circulating fatty acids, triglyceride, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations were also determined. Insulin and glucose dynamics were assessed with oral sugar (OST) and frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance testing (FSIGTT). Post-supplementation, treated horses had an increase in many circulating fatty acids, including DHA (P