Changes in plasma metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities in aging riding horses.
Authors: Asahi Yukari, Arai Toshiro, Tanaka Yoshikazu
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Ageing riding horses experience progressive changes in metabolic regulation and inflammatory markers that may signal increased risk of age-related disease, even when clinically healthy and adequately condition-scored. Yukari and colleagues measured plasma metabolites, hormones, and enzyme activities across horses of varying ages to identify early biomarkers of inflammaging—the persistent, low-grade systemic inflammation characteristic of advanced age. Key findings included elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and insulin alongside increased serum amyloid A (SAA) and malondialdehyde (markers of inflammation and oxidative stress), whilst adiponectin and superoxide dismutase activity declined; these changes were particularly pronounced in horses over 17 years old. Whilst regular ridden work appears protective against inflammaging, SAA combined with lipid and metabolic markers emerged as a practical tool for practitioners to identify horses entering a pro-inflammatory metabolic state before clinical disease develops. For farriers, veterinarians, and coaches managing geriatric riding horses, routine monitoring of SAA and lipid profiles could inform nutritional interventions, workload adjustment, and early therapeutic strategies to support healthy ageing.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor SAA levels in horses over 17 years as an early indicator of inflammaging; combined assessment with lipid profile provides better detection
- •Even regularly ridden horses show age-related metabolic decline after age 17—intensify monitoring and consider dietary/supplemental antioxidant support
- •Track trends in triglycerides, cholesterol, and insulin in older horses; elevated values alongside SAA warrant investigation for subclinical inflammatory disease
Key Findings
- •Plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, BUN, and insulin concentrations increase with age in clinically healthy riding horses
- •Adiponectin, plasma SOD, and leukocyte AMPK activity decrease with age, indicating reduced antioxidant capacity
- •Horses over 17 years show proinflammatory signs with elevated SAA and MDA levels despite continuous exercise
- •SAA combined with lipid markers may serve as useful biomarkers for detecting inflammaging in aging riding horses