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Dynamics of DHA and EPA supplementation: incorporation into equine plasma, synovial fluid, and surfactant glycerophosphocholines

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Abstract

Introduction

Horses with asthma or osteoarthritis frequently receive ω-3 fatty acid supplements. Docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5) acids are essential ω-3 fatty acid precursors of anti-inflammatory mediators and components of structural glycerophospholipids (GPL) that act as reservoirs of these fatty acids. Analysis of the incorporation of dietary DHA + EPA into GPL pools in different body compartments has not been undertaken in horses.

Objectives

We undertook a detailed study of dietary supplementation with DHA + EPA in horses and monitored incorporation into DHA- and EPA-containing glycerophosphocholines (GPC) 38:5, 38:6, 40:5, and 40:6 in plasma, synovial fluid (SF), and surfactant.

Methods

Horses (n = 20) were randomly assigned to the supplement or control group and evaluated on days 0, 30, 60, and 90. GPC in plasma, SF, and surfactant were measured by high-resolution mass spectrometry with less than 3 ppm mass error. Validation of DHA and EPA incorporation into these GPC was conducted utilizing MS2 of the [M + Cl]− adducts of GPC.

Results

Dietary supplementation resulted in augmented levels of GPC 38:5, 38:6, 40:5, and 40:6 in all compartments. Maximum incorporation into GPCs was delayed until 60 days. Significant increases in the levels of GPC 38:5, 40:5, and 40:6, containing docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5), also was noted.

Conclusions

DHA and EPA supplementation results in augmented storage pools of ω-3 essential fatty acids in SF and surfactant GPC. This has the potential to improve the ability of anti-inflammatory mechanisms to resolve inflammatory pathways in these critical compartments involved in arthritis and asthma.

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Data availability

Detailed data and materials are available upon request. A supplemental data table is available in Excel format.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Stacy Anderson and Alyssa Reed for their help with sample collection, Joey Morgan, Julie Wells, Ashley Caldwell, Saira Ortega Morales, Raeshelle Strobel, and Michelle Norden Sund for their assistance with laboratory analysis, and the Lincoln Memorial University–College of Veterinary Medicine student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners for assisting with horse feeding and monitoring. The supplement used in this study was provided at no cost by Nutramax. The daily balancer pellet fed to horses throughout the study was provided at no cost by Purina.

Funding

This research was funded by Lincoln Memorial University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Metabolomics Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN, 37752, USA

    Undine Christmann, Courtney L. Hancock, Cathleen M. Poole, Audrey L. Emery, Jesse R. Poovey, Casey Hagg, Eric A. Mattson & Paul L. Wood

  2. DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN, 37752, USA

    Jon J. Scarborough, Jordan S. Christopher, Alexander T. Dixon & Dustin J. Craney

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  1. Undine Christmann
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Contributions

Study design (PLW, UC); Study conduct (PLW, PG, CLH, CMP, ALE, JRP, JJS, JSC, ATD, DJC, UC, EM), Data reduction (PLW, CLH, CMP, ALE, JRP, JJS, JSC, ATD, DJC), Manuscript (PLW, UC), Manuscript review (all contributors).

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Correspondence to Undine Christmann.

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Christmann, U., Hancock, C.L., Poole, C.M. et al. Dynamics of DHA and EPA supplementation: incorporation into equine plasma, synovial fluid, and surfactant glycerophosphocholines. Metabolomics 17, 41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-021-01792-5

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