Sphingolipids are lipids that have sphingoid as a common backbone in their long-chain base component. They are the second most abundant lipid constituting biological membranes, and are involved in signal transduction in the body.

Carboxy group is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom single-bonded to any other group, double-bonded to an oxygen atom, and single-bonded to a hydroxy group, at the end of the carbon chain in a compound. Reduction of the carboxy group results in a hydroxy or aldehyde group.

The functions of the skin to prevent external stimuli and foreign substances, such as allergy-causing substances, bacteria, and viruses, from entering the skin and to prevent evaporation of water from the body are referred to as the skin barrier function. The skin of atopic dermatitis is naturally prone to dryness, and because the skin barrier function is impaired, it is unable to prevent foreign substances from entering the skin, causing inflammation, itching, eczema, and other symptoms.

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the body. It helps form bones and skin, providing them with elasticity.

Aggravated laminitis is a disease in which the hoof bone separates from the hoof wall due to inflammation and necrosis of the internal lamina foliacea caused by stress on the hoof’s outer surface. The inflammation of the lamina foliacea is caused by an obstruction of blood circulation. Horses are heavy and it is difficult to stop the progression of the disease, which can be a factor in euthanasia if the acute condition leaves the horse functionally impaired.