Amino acid concentrations in blood serum of horses performing long lasting low-intensity exercise

The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes in the concentrations, after two rides different for distance covered, of different amino acids in endurance horses. Blood samples have been collected from horses just before the start, at the top of a steep slope (819 m difference in height) and just at the end of a 32-km endurance ride. A second group, competing in a 72 km endurance ride, has also been sampled immediately before and after the race. In serum samples, the concentrations of alanine, arginine, asparagine, glycine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine have been measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). anova and t-test have been used to study the differences in the concentrations of the amino acids. The pre-ride concentrations of the free amino acids were different between the two races, except for methionine and leucine. Differences between start and end race have been found for both groups for all the considered parameters except asparagine, isoleucine, leucine and lysine for the 72 km ride. Increases have been recorded for the shorter and decreases for the longer ride in the blood serum concentrations. Significant increases have also been found between the starting sampling and the second, at the top of the slope, only for alanine, arginine, asparagines, phenylalanine and lysine. The ride length has a significant impact on blood serum amino acids mobilization and uptake; in the shorter race the increases stand only for mobilization, whereas in the longer the decrease can be considered the effect of the onset of the amino acids catabolism.     

The effects of short intensive exercise on plasma free amino acids in standardbred trotters

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short intense exercise on plasma amino acid concentrations in trotters and to test the repeatability of plasma amino acids concentration in samples obtained on two independent days under field conditions. Plasma amino acid concentrations were analysed in blood samples of 36 standardbred trotters before and after intense exercise over a distance of 2000 m. Sampling was repeated in 20 horses after 35 days. Exercise intensity was estimated from post‐exercise lactate levels. Horses were divided in two groups according to a cut‐off lactate concentration at 15 mmol/l. The plasma concentrations of alanine, aspartate, glutamate, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and taurine increased and arginine, asparagine, citrulline, glutamine, glycine, histidine, methionine, serine, tryptophan and 3‐methylhistidine decreased after exercise. Ornithine, threonine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and valine concentrations remained constant. Higher intensity of exercise significantly decreased tryptophan and increased taurine concentrations. Sampling day had a significant effect on the absolute pre‐ and post‐exercise amino acid concentrations. Exercise had a significant influence on the concentrations of most plasma amino acids in trotters. These changes could reflect shifts between the free amino acid compartments, but there were also some indications for muscle catabolism. The amino acid supply of sporting horses could be of specific significance for maintaining muscle integrity and for the improvement of post‐exercise recovery of competition horses.     

The Effect of Different Physical Exercise on Plasma Leptin,Cortisol, and Some Energetic Parameters Concentrations in Purebred Arabian Horses

Leptin is a hormone that coordinates food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolic rate; it is, however, unknown how exercise influences plasma leptin concentration in horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the exercise-induced changes in plasma leptin concentration in purebred Arabian horses competing in races and endurance rides. A total number of 26 horses (12 purebred Arabian racehorses aged 3–5 years and 14 endurance horses aged 7–14 years) were studied during performing routine physical exercise. From each horse, blood samples were collected at rest and immediately after the exercise session. Concentrations of plasma leptin, cortisol, lactic acid, uric acid, triacylglycerols, glycerol and free fatty acids were determined. Exercise-induced increase in cortisol and free fatty acid values were higher in endurance horses than in racehorses. Neither endurance nor race exercises influenced the plasma leptin concentration. Further research is needed to elucidate the effects of different types of exercise on leptin synthesis and secretion in horses.     

精氨酸分解代谢及其在马健康养殖中的应用研究进展

精氨酸,又名2-氨基-5-胍基戊酸,是哺乳动物体内一氧化氮的唯一氮供体和尿素循环的关键氨基酸之一。精氨酸是20种蛋白质氨基酸中碱性最强的氨基酸,具有亲水性侧链。饲粮中添加适量的精氨酸可以调控母畜的生殖系统血流量及胎盘对营养物质的转运和代谢,进而提高繁殖性能。本文主要从精氨酸分解代谢以及饲粮中补喂精氨酸对马生殖系统血流量、血液参数和胎盘功能等方面的影响进行总结,为精氨酸在马健康养殖中的应用提供科学的理论参考。     

Heart rate, blood biochemistry and performance of horses competing in a 100 km endurance ride

To determine whether a clinical examination was adequate to assess the fitness of horses in an endurance ride, and to characterise the relationship between a clinical assessment of the horse's fitness and its blood biochemistry, 23 horses were monitored before, during and after an 87 to 100 km endurance ride. Blood samples were taken before the ride, at three checkpoints on the ride, immediately after the ride and one day later for the determination of packed cell volume, total protein, lactate, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase and plasma electrolytes. Heart rate measurements appeared to be a reliable indicator of the metabolic status of endurance horses suggesting that veterinary examinations according to the official Fédération Equestre Internationale rules are adequate to protect the health and welfare of horses competing in endurance races.     

Blood serum branched chain amino acids and tryptophan modifications in horses competing in long-distance rides of different length

During long-distance exercise, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism could lead to an increase in the blood tryptophan/BCAA ratio and an early onset of 'central fatigue'. Based on these considerations, we studied the modifications of blood serum BCAA and tryptophan (Try) levels in 30 endurance horses competing in rides varying in distance from 20 to 72 km. From all horses, blood samples were drawn just before and just after the end of the ride. Samples were analysed for their leucine (Leu), valine (Val), isoleucine (Iso) and Try levels. Data were processed by anova, using sampling moment and ride as factors, and by LSD post hoc test. Significant differences were recorded among the different distance rides for Leu, Val, Iso, Try, Try/BCAA ratio; the same trend was recorded between samples taken at the start and the end of the race for Val and Leu. The main effect observed was an increase of BCAA levels for all rides, except the 72-km ride; for Try, a significant increase was present in all races, except the 50-km ride. The Try/BCAA ratio decreased in 20- and 50-km races and increased in the others. These data confirm that long-distance exercise involves a mobilization of BCAA. The utilization of BCAA seems to be important in prolonged exercise: in the 72-km ride, we observed a decrease in BCAA blood serum levels, while a major role of Try was indicated by its increase, resulting in a rise of the Try/BCAA ratio.     

Acute phase protein concentrations after limited distance and long distance endurance rides in horses

Acute phase proteins (APP) have been described as useful for assessing health in human and animal patients, as they closely reflect the acute phase reaction (APR). In humans and dogs a reaction analogous to APR has also been described after prolonged or strenuous exercise. The aim of this study was to determine, if similar reactions occur in endurance horses after limited and long distance rides. Seventeen horses that successfully completed various distance competitions were tested. Routine haematological and biochemical tests were performed and the concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin were measured. Typical endurance exercise-induced haematological and biochemical changes were observed in all horses, regardless the distance. After long distance rides, the level of SAA markedly increased, but CRP and haptoglobin concentrations remained unchanged. After limited distance rides no changes in the levels of APPs were noted. Exercise-induced APR in horses occurred only after prolonged, strenuous exertion, and differed from APR in inflammation in that only SAA concentration was increased.     

Clinical Applications of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-Vasopressin Axis in the Horse and Future Directions for Research

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone–vasopressin axis (RAAV) is known to play significant roles in preserving hemodynamic stability in response to changes in blood volume, blood pressure, electrolytes, and water. In the previous years, some studies focused on RAAV in the horse, showing substantial future clinical and research applications. Early studies assessed the response of this axis to different types of exercise (increasing intensity exercise vs. endurance). Aldosterone and vasopressin concentrations were measured in horses with mild dehydration induced by endurance exercise in comparison with horses suffering from exhaustion and metabolic problems after prolonged exercise. More recently, the neurohumoral response to heart failure, mainly in congestive states, has received special attention. The activation of the RAAV in congestive heart failure has important prognosis applications and inhibitors of this axis have been clinically studied, as the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. However, inhibitors of renin, aldosterone, and vasopressin have not been studied in horses. Additionally, the investigation of the changes in blood pressure during dehydration, sepsis, and endotoxemia in foals and adult horses might show important applications in the treatment of states that induce modifications in blood pressure. Inappropriately low RAAV activity has been detected in human patients with prolonged vasodilatory shock, and exogenously administered vasopressin could be used as a potent vasopressor agent to stabilize cardio-circulatory function. Similarly, it might be administered to septic foals for similar purposes. Finally, the RAAV axis also has important implications in the development as well as in the treatment of the chronic renal failure, although it has not been investigated in horses.     

Body weight,hematologic findings,and serum and plasma biochemical findings of horses competing in a 48-, 83-, or 159-km endurance ride under similar terrain and weather conditions

OBJECTIVE: To compare physiologic, hematologic, and selected serum and plasma biochemical variables obtained from horses competing in 48-, 83-, or 159-km endurance rides before competition and at the same cumulative distance points. ANIMALS: 83 horses. PROCEDURE: Weight and rectal temperature measurements and blood samples were obtained from horses before, during, and after 1 of 3 rides conducted on the same day. Plasma protein (PP), lactate, WBC, serum electrolyte, and calcium concentrations; PCV; and creatine kinase (CK) activity were determined. Assessments were made to determine whether any differences among groups, with respect to total distance competed, could be explained by differences in lap speed or conditioning and to investigate the effect of time in transit or on-site prior to competition on results of blood analyses or competition outcome. RESULTS: Horses in the 159-km distance group had the lowest preride serum sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, and calcium concentrations. As hours in transit increased, preride PP concentration was significantly greater; serum sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations were lower; CK activity at 159 km was greater; and horses were more likely to be eliminated. The preride sodium was significantly greater in horses that completed the ride, compared with those eliminated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Among distance groups, distance ridden, speed, level of fitness, and years of experience of horses had little effect on the variables examined. Electrolyte and water supplementation and earlier arrival at the event may be beneficial for horses that are transported long distances to endurance competition.     

A review of the role of acid-base balance in amino acid nutrition

Acid-base balance and amino acid metabolism are intimately related. Changes in acid-base balance influence the metabolic fate of many amino acids. Also, acid-base homeostasis is achieved in part by alteration of amino acid metabolism, not only in the kidney, but also in liver, muscle and splanchnic tissue. Glutamine is the primary amino acid involved in renal ammonia-genesis, a process intimately related to acid excretion. The metabolism of other amino acids, such a serine, glycine and the branched-chain amino acids, also appears to be influenced by acid-base balance. Conversely, the metabolic fate of various amino acids will influence the daily acid load experienced by the animal. Oxidation of amino acids contributes to the total acid and base load imposed on the pig. The basic (cationic) amino acids (lysine, arginine and histidine) yield neutral end-products plus a proton; sulfur (methionine and cysteine) amino acids are also acidogenic because they generate sulfuric acid when oxidized. The dicarboxylic (anionic) amino acids (aspartate and glutamate, but not asparagine and glutamine) consume acid when oxidized and thus reduce the acid load of the diet. Acid-base balance and related phenomena are discussed in the context of practical and metabolic aspects of amino acid nutrition.     

日粮中添加氨基酸对焉耆马运动性能、血浆抗氧化能力及代谢指标的影响

试验旨在探讨日粮中添加氨基酸对焉耆马赛后运动性能及抗氧化能力的影响.选取运动成绩、体重、体尺、年龄相近的焉耆马11匹,随机分为3组:对照组(3匹)、试验Ⅰ组(4匹)、试验Ⅱ组(4匹).对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组分别在基础日粮中添加不同水平氨基酸.试验开始第20天对各组马匹进行20 km模拟比赛,赛后30 min内测定各组试验马匹的体温、脉搏、呼吸,同时采集各试验马匹血液.结果表明,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马赛后0 min心率均显著低于对照组(P<0.05),赛后20 min心率、赛后5 min呼吸频率均极显著低于对照组(P<0.01);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马赛后血浆中GSH-Px、T-SOD活力及GLU浓度分别比对照组高34.41%(P>0.05)、37.02%(P<0.01)、37.41%(P<0.01)和32.06%(P>0.05)、35.46%(P<0.01)、26.98%(P<0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马赛后血浆中MDA、LA浓度分别比对照组低38.46%(P<0.05)、17.56%(P<0.05)和38.26%(P<0.05)、13.04%(P>0.05).饲料中添加氨基酸,可提高焉耆马运动性能,有利于焉耆马运动后生理机能的快速恢复;可提高运动后焉耆马的抗氧化能力,减缓焉耆马在运动期间的疲劳症状,相比而言,添加0.25%赖氨酸的效果较好.     

Comparison of amino acid profiles between rats subjected to forced running and voluntary running exercises

It has been suspected that in comparison with glucose or fatty acids, the levels of amino acids may readily change with different forms of exercise. In the present study, we measured the concentrations of amino acids, glucose, triglycerides, total protein and total cholesterol in the blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats subjected to forced running exercise on a treadmill, and voluntary running exercise using a wheel, with a constant running distance of 440 m. Rats that performed no running and rats subjected to immobilization stress were used as controls. We observed a few significant changes in the levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, total protein and total cholesterol in all groups. Whereas, plasma amino acid levels were significantly changed by exercise and stress, especially during the light period. The plasma levels of many amino acids were specifically increased by forced running; some were decreased by immobilization stress. Few amino acids showed similar changes in their levels as a result of voluntary running. In addition, there was a significant difference in the degree of amino acid imbalance between blood and CSF. These results provide the first information on changes in levels of amino acids in plasma and CSF resulting from forced and voluntary exercises.     

Effect of Age and Performance on Physical,Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters in Endurance Horses

Endurance horses are subjected to heightened stress even after several conditioning protocols. Hence, the goal of this study was to examine the effect of age and performance on the hematology, biochemistry, and physical parameters after an endurance race. Eighteen horses aged 6-15 years were grouped into 80-km race category. All the horses were physically examined, and blood samples were collected postrace. After physical examination, the poor (n = 9) and good (n = 9) performance horses were identified. Potassium concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) in the good performance horses; chloride concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) in the poor performance horses. The mean blood glucose concentration of the poor performance horses in all the age-groups was significantly higher (P < .05). The mean blood lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < .05) in the poor performance horses. There was significant effect of performance on heart rate (P < .031), capillary refill time (P < .013), and gut motility (P < .05). Univariate Fisher exact test results were significantly higher for skin recoil (P < .03), mucous membrane (P < .03), and gait (P < .04) in the performance categories. In conclusion, the influence of age was seen in the poor performance category in relation to lactate, but age did not influence other physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters of the endurance horses. Thus, further studies are required to determine whether physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters during training could be used to estimate performance in endurance horses based on age.     

Biochemical changes in horses during a 50-mile endurance ride

Blood samples were taken from 15 horses before and after a 50-mile ride to examine the changes occurring in some biochemical constituents. There was a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in plasma potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations and a rise in inorganic phosphate but there was no alteration in plasma sodium, chloride or protein levels or change in haematocrit. After the ride there was a highly significant (P less than 0.01) fall in blood glucose corresponding with increased lipolysis and a rise in plasma free fatty acids (P less than 0.001) and glycerol (P less than 0.001). There was a modest increase in blood lactate and a rise in plasma creatine phosphokinase. The results of this preliminary investigation are discussed in relation to the problem of exhaustion in horses during endurance rides.     

Equine dysautonomia (grass sickness) is associated with altered plasma amino acid levels and depletion of plasma sulphur amino acids

To determine whether equine dysautonomia (ED) is associated with alterations in plasma amino acid metabolism, plasma amino acid profiles were determined for horses with acute (n = 10), subacute (n = 6) and chronic (n = 7) ED and for healthy cograzing horses (n = 6) and control horses (n = 10). Horses with acute ED had perturbations in plasma amino acid profiles resembling those of severe protein malnutrition. In addition, horses with ED and cograzing healthy horses had depletion of the plasma sulphur amino acids cyst(e)ine and methionine. As similar plasma amino acid perturbations occur in subacute/chronic cyanide toxicity, the role of cyanogenic glycosides in the aetiology of ED warrants further study. Unfortunately, amino acid analysis cannot be used as a definitive premortem diagnostic test for ED, since there was overlap in the individual amino acid levels of control, cograzing and ED horses.     

Possible Relationship Between Performance and Oxidative Stress in Endurance Horses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, antioxidant biomarkers, and performance during a multiday 210-km endurance race. Nine endurance athlete horses participated in this study. Samples were always taken at the same times of day, before the beginning of the race and after every day of competition. Analytic measurements included glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase activity, thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARs), and reactive carbonylated derivatives. Competition intensity was low, with an average speed of 12.56 ± 0.9 km/h. Four horses were unable to finish the race because of metabolic problems or fatigue. GR activity increased progressively (P < .001) throughout the competition, and TBARs showed a significant rise compared with baseline values (P < .01) but remained at the same levels throughout the 3 days of competition. Catalase and reactive carbonylated derivatives did not show any significant alterations in any time period. The best performance was obtained from horses who demonstrated higher GR capacity and/or lower TBAR concentration. In conclusion, redox status seems to modulate horses' performance in endurance races, but further studies are needed to better determine the adequate oxidant/antioxidant ratio to acquire optimal performance.     

饲粮外源代谢葡萄糖水平对仔猪门静脉回流组织氨基酸利用的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮外源代谢葡萄糖(MG)水平对断奶仔猪门静脉回流组织(PDV)氨基酸利用量的影响。选择20头健康状况良好、体重在7.74 kg左右的25日龄杜×长×大三元杂交断奶仔猪,分为4个处理组,每组5个重复,给每头猪的门静脉、颈动脉和肠系膜静脉安装血管插管,并安装"T"型回肠瘘管。待仔猪术后恢复正常后,4组分别饲喂MG水平为22.82%、26.59%、36.37%、42.41%的等能、等氮的玉米-豆粕型饲粮,每种饲粮添加0.1%的二氧化钛(TiO2)作外源指示剂。术后3 d,从肠系膜静脉持续灌注对氨基马尿酸(PAH),并从门静脉和颈动脉采血,并且在回肠段收集食糜。结果表明:仔猪PDV氨基酸利用量随着MG水平增加呈先上升后下降的趋势;PDV对17种氨基酸的利用量均在饲粮MG水平为26.59%时达到最大值;必需氨基酸、非必需氨基酸、生糖氨基酸、支链氨基酸也在饲粮MG水平为26.59%时达到最大值(P<0.05)。可见,饲粮适宜MG水平能够显著增加小肠氨基酸消失量和门静脉氨基酸净吸收量,从而显著提高仔猪PDV对饲粮蛋白质的利用效率。     

Metabolic and clinical traits in horses undergoing feed deprivation for elective orthopaedic surgery

The objective of this study was to investigate some metabolic and clinical effects of feed deprivation in horses that were submitted for orthopaedic surgery. The effects of preoperative feed restriction were investigated in 20 horses submitted for elective orthopaedic surgery.The patients were fasted from 12 hours before until 4 hours after surgery. Serum free amino acids, glucose,free fatty acids (FFA), white blood cell counts, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined 24 hours before surgery, 2 hours after the end of anaesthesia and 24 and 72 hours after surgery. Besides, abdominal sounds, appetite, faecal quality and body temperature were examined. Serum free amino acids did not react homogenously, concentrations were partly increasing or decreasing. Plasma glucose and FFA increased after surgery and returned to their preoperative levels 72 hours after surgery. A significant rise of the segmented granulocytes occurred 24 hours after surgery, all other parameters of the leukogram did not exceed the physiological range. AST reached its highest activity 24 hours after surgery, whereas CK activities were highest at 2 hours after surgery. Abdominal sounds were significantly reduced until 24 hours after surgery, however, appetite was not depressed. Faecal quality was physiological after surgery. Mean body temperature stayed within the physiological range. In conclusion, a relatively short perioperative fasting period had significant effects on the metabolic traits in horses, however the effects on physiological functions were minor. The consequences of major surgical procedures need to be addressed in future studies.     

The effect of exercise on blood metabolite levels in the horse.

The effects of exercise of different intensities on blood concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, free fatty acids and glycerol were studied in a group of clinically normal horses. Blood lactate, pyruvate and lactate/pyruvate ratio increased during exercise, particularly during galloping. These changes occurred within the first 12-15 seconds of exercise indicating that anaerobic metabolic pathways are brought into use very quickly in the strenuously exercising horse. Since blood glycerol levels were significantly increased during exercise body lipids were also mobilised. At the same time, free fatty acid levels increased during cantering but decreased during galloping indicating increased fat oxidation during strenuous exercise. It was concluded that both lipids and carbohydrates are as important energy sources in the exercising horse as in other species.     

添加硫辛酸对焉耆马运动性能、血浆抗氧化能力及代谢指标的影响

试验旨在探讨日粮中添加硫辛酸对焉耆马赛后运动性能、血浆抗氧化能力及代谢指标的影响.选取运动成绩、体重、体尺、年龄相近的焉耆马11匹, 随机分为3组,分别为:对照组(3匹)、试验Ⅰ组(4匹)、试验Ⅱ组(4匹).对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组分别在基础日粮中添加12.5、25 g/(d·匹)的硫辛酸.试验开始第20天对各组马匹进行20 km模拟比赛,赛后30 min内测定各组试验马匹的体温、脉搏、呼吸,同时采集各试验组马匹血液.结果表明,无论是赛后0 min还是赛后20 min,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组测得的心率均极显著低于对照组(P <0.01);试验Ⅰ组焉耆马血浆中GSH-Px活力比对照组高44.30%(P <0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马血浆中SOD活力、T-AOC大小分别比对照组高42.33%(P <0.01)、44.72%(P <0.01)和77.41%(P >0.05)、68.62%(P >0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马血浆中MDA浓度比对照组低41.09%(P <0.05)、23.48%(P >0.05);试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ组焉耆马血浆中NEFA浓度与对照组相比有升高的趋势(P >0.05).在饲料中添加硫辛酸,可提高焉耆马运动性能,有利于焉耆马运动后生理指标的快速恢复,提高运动后焉耆马的抗氧化能力,减缓焉耆马在运动期间的疲劳症状,相比而言,添加12.5 g/(d·匹)硫辛酸组效果较佳.