Analysis of serum peptide barcodes and peptidome profiles of horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome by using MALDI–TOF MS and LC–MS/MS
Issued Date
2026-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
18360939
eISSN
18365787
DOI
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105038885707
Journal Title
Animal Production Science
Volume
66
Issue
5
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Animal Production Science Vol.66 No.5 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Angkanaporn K., Tesena P., Roytrakul S. Analysis of serum peptide barcodes and peptidome profiles of horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome by using MALDI–TOF MS and LC–MS/MS. Animal Production Science Vol.66 No.5 (2026). doi:10.1071/AN25325 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116864
Title
Analysis of serum peptide barcodes and peptidome profiles of horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome by using MALDI–TOF MS and LC–MS/MS
Author(s)
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Context: Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a prevalent condition in performance horses, often leading to reduced athletic performance, poor welfare, and economic loss. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure effective treatment and management. Currently, gastroscopy remains the gold standard but is invasive, costly, and not always accessible. Therefore, the identification of reliable serum biomarkers offers a promising non-invasive diagnostic alternative. Aim: This study aimed to analyse serum peptide barcodes and peptidome profiles in horses with EGUS by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: In total, 64 purebred and mixed Thoroughbred horses were examined. Horses were classified into the following three groups according to average gastroscopic scores: Survey normal (n = 36), Survey mild (n = 14), and Survey severe (n = 14). Serum samples were collected and initially screened using MALDI–TOF MS to detect peptide barcodes, followed by LC–MS/MS to further identify and quantify specific peptide profiles. Key results: Distinct peptide patterns were detected between healthy and EGUS-affected horses. Peptide profiles showed group-specific differences, with 16, 9, and 6 peptides being identified as unique to the normal, mild, and severe groups respectively. These peptides were associated with biological processes including gastrointestinal tissue integrity, inflammatory regulation, and mucosal repair. The combined use of MALDI–TOF MS and LC–MS/MS allowed for high-resolution discrimination of disease severity. Conclusion: Serum peptide profiling demonstrated strong potential for the non-invasive diagnosis of EGUS. Identified peptide biomarkers provided insights into disease mechanisms and represent a promising step towards developing accessible diagnostic tools for equine practice. Implications: Serum peptide biomarkers show potential as a non-invasive tool for detecting and monitoring equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Their use could support earlier diagnosis, improve welfare, and reduce reliance on gastroscopy in performance horses.