Molecular docking and experimental validation of the effect of ergothioneine on heat shock protein-70 following endurance exercise by Arabian stallions.
Authors: Adah Adakole Sylvanus, Ayo Joseph Olusegun, Adah Deborah Arimie, Nwonuma Charles Obiora, Lawal Teslim Alabi
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Ergothioneine and Heat Shock Protein Response in Endurance Horses Exercise-induced oxidative stress represents a significant concern in equine endurance sports, where intense physical exertion can overwhelm the body's antioxidant defences and trigger potentially damaging free radical accumulation. Researchers administered ergothioneine (0.02 mg/kg daily for four weeks) or placebo to 18 Arabian stallions before subjecting them to a 30 km endurance exercise test, measuring antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), oxidative damage markers (malondialdehyde), and heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) responses before and after exercise, whilst molecular docking studies modelled the biochemical interaction between ergothioneine and HSP-70. The ergothioneine-supplemented group demonstrated enhanced HSP-70 induction following exercise, suggesting that this naturally occurring amino acid derivative may amplify the horse's cellular stress-response mechanisms—the protective proteins that help tissues recover from exertional damage. For practitioners managing endurance horses, these findings propose ergothioneine as a potential oral supplement to support physiological resilience during demanding training or competition, though further research into optimal dosing, duration of supplementation, and performance outcomes in different disciplines would strengthen clinical application.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ergothioneine supplementation may help manage exercise-induced oxidative stress in endurance horses, potentially improving recovery and performance
- •The 0.02 mg/kg oral daily dose for 4 weeks represents a practical supplementation protocol to trial for endurance-trained stallions
- •HSP-70 modulation through ergothioneine could be a biomarker for evaluating anti-stress interventions in equine sports medicine
Key Findings
- •Ergothioneine supplementation at 0.02 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks modulated heat shock protein-70 response following 30 km endurance exercise in Arabian stallions
- •Molecular docking analysis demonstrated specific interaction between ergothioneine ligand and HSP-70 protein
- •Antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde concentrations were measured to assess oxidative stress mitigation