Proteomic analysis emphasizes the adaptation of energy metabolism in horses during endurance races.
Authors: Gotić Jelena, Špelić Luka, Kuleš Josipa, Horvatić Anita, Gelemanović Andrea, Ljubić Blanka Beer, Mrljak Vladimir, Bottegaro Nika Brkljača
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Proteomic Analysis of Endurance Exercise in Horses Endurance racing demands sustained aerobic metabolism and physiological resilience, yet the precise protein-level adaptations horses undergo during competition remain incompletely characterised. Researchers used tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics on serum samples collected before and after an 80 km endurance race from 13 horses to map the dynamic protein responses to prolonged exertion, with validation of key findings through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical assay. The analysis revealed substantial shifts in energy metabolism pathways alongside acute phase response proteins, notably elevated haptoglobin and altered apolipoprotein profiles post-race, reflecting the body's coordinated metabolic reallocation and inflammatory adaptation. These findings provide molecular-level evidence for how equine systems manage fuel utilisation and systemic stress during competition, offering practitioners insight into the physiological strain markers that could inform conditioning protocols, recovery strategies, and identification of maladaptive responses in individual horses. Understanding these proteomic signatures may refine assessment of fitness adequacy and resilience in endurance athletes, particularly when integrated with conventional clinical and performance monitoring.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Serum protein profiles, particularly apolipoprotein and haptoglobin, can serve as biomarkers for monitoring metabolic stress and recovery in endurance horses
- •Understanding proteomic changes during endurance racing helps identify physiological limits and optimize training and conditioning protocols
- •Post-race protein analysis may help assess whether an individual horse has coped well with endurance demands and inform fitness management decisions
Key Findings
- •Proteomic analysis revealed significant changes in serum protein abundance in response to 80 km endurance racing
- •Apolipoprotein and haptoglobin levels showed measurable changes from pre- to post-race, indicating metabolic and inflammatory adaptation
- •Energy metabolism proteins demonstrated adaptive responses reflecting physiological demands of long-term aerobic exercise