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Topic:Biochemistry
The study of biochemistry in horses encompasses the chemical processes and substances that occur within equine organisms. This field investigates the molecular interactions and pathways that are fundamental to horse physiology, including metabolism, enzyme activity, and genetic expression. Key areas of interest include the examination of metabolic disorders, nutrient absorption, and the biochemical basis of muscle function and energy production. Researchers utilize biochemical analysis to understand health and disease mechanisms in horses, contributing to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. This page gathers peer-reviewed studies and scholarly articles that explore various biochemical processes and their implications for equine health and performance.
Blood pressure, electrolyte and fluid balance in horses with insulin dysregulation after short-term treatment with canagliflozin. Short-term treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors decreases blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to investigate the impact of a 3-week treatment with canagliflozin on blood pressure in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses and to study effects on fluid balance. This was a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design study. The primary study evaluated glucose and insulin responses during an oral sugar test, and these results have been published previously. Here we report the effect of canagliflozin treatment on blood pressure, PCV, serum proteins and e...
Ortholog-specific Spatial Expression of Vanins in the Respiratory Tract of Horses. Equine asthma (EA) is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease in horses, but molecules thought to be relevant in its pathogenesis are not yet fully understood. Recently, increased Vanin-1 (VNN1) levels were found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from horses with severe EA. Human VNN1 is known as a pantetheinase, which is associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma, but the equine vanins (eVNNs) are uncharacterized. We identified the domain architecture of eVNN in silico and analyzed its tissue expression in healthy horses using RT-PCR (=5) and in situ hybridization (=3). Recombin...
Effect of sample storage on pH-value in equine faeces. Measurements of pH-value in equine faeces are often performed in studies on nutrition and health in horses, but a standard protocol for it is lacking despite the knowledge that different sample handling may affect the pH-value. Sample handling prior to pH-measurement is often determined by practical settings and has been reported to vary in published studies within the area. The purpose of the current study was therefore to investigate the influence of different combinations of storage time and temperature on the pH-value in equine faecal samples in comparison to immediate pH-measurement at de...
Adaptive variation in butyrylcholinesterase-influenced lipid metabolism during horse domestication. Lipid metabolism influences horse athletic performance, yet its genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of lipid metabolic traits by quantifying key metabolic parameters and sequencing the genomes of 298 horses. We identify a missense mutation (ECA19:9,198,989, G>C) in the BCHE gene that is strongly associated with lipid metabolism, especially butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity. The "C" allele is associated with increased BChE activity and reduced intracellular triglyceride levels, hepatic adiposity, and overall fat mass, highlighting a central role for BCHE in...
Effects of pulsed electromagnetic therapy on the major hematological and biochemical parameters in horses. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, a commonly used supplementary treatment in the horse industry, shows promise in enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting cellular repair; however, its effects on equine physiology remain unclear. Limited research and inconsistent protocols create uncertainty about its efficacy and safety in horses. Our study evaluates the short-term effects of PEMF on hematological and biochemical parameters in horses. Five active sport horses underwent PEMF therapy for five consecutive days using a full-body blanket at specific frequencies. Bloo...
In Vivo Metabolite Formation and In Vitro Cytochrome P450-Mediated Metabolism of Vonoprazan in Horses. Vonoprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker with potential for the treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Vonoprazan metabolic pathways in horses have not been characterized. This study aimed to identify vonoprazan metabolites following oral administration and to determine the metabolic enzymes responsible for their metabolism using in vitro models. Six healthy adult Thoroughbred horses received vonoprazan (0.5 and 1 mg/kg PO) in a randomized crossover design. Plasma concentrations of vonoprazan-N-oxide (M-I) and vonoprazan-nitrone (M-III) were quantified using a validated liquid...
The effect of intravenous fluids administered prior to competition: A randomized clinical. Administration of intravenous fluids prior to competition is common at major equestrian competitions, yet few studies have evaluated the benefits of this practice. Objective: The hypothesis was that pre-ride intravenous fluid therapy would be associated with a lower heart rate and improved laboratory hydration parameters during or after the ride. Methods: 14 client owned horses entered in a 45 km ride in extreme heat and terrain were randomly assigned to receive IV fluids (IVF) or no IV fluids (NIV) the day before the ride. Blood samples and physical examination findings were collected at 6 ti...
Four Haylages, One Metabonome: Defining Diet Driven Metabolic Shifts in Ponies. Haylage is widely fed to all categories of stabled horses across Europe and New Zealand. Haylage can vary from high energy nutrient dense forage to low energy highly fibrous fodder, yet little is known about the impact different haylages have on metabolism in horses. This study provides the first direct comparison of feeding four different haylages: early cut (Lolium multiflorum), later cut (Lolium perenne) rye grass (R1 and R2); early and late cut meadow grass (M1 and M2), on urinary and faecal metabonomics, in ponies at maintenance. Using replicated Latin Square design, eight individually ho...
Hepatic encephalopathy associated with extensive hepatic diaphragmatic herniation in an adult horse. Diaphragmatic hernia in horses is a rare condition, most commonly presenting with signs of colic and, less frequently, respiratory compromise. Hepatic herniation through a diaphragmatic defect with secondary hepatic failure and encephalopathy has rarely been documented in horses. Methods: A 5-year-old Mangalarga Marchador stallion was evaluated for progressive neurological deterioration, including obtundation, head pressing, ataxia, and circling. Serum biochemistry revealed severe hepatobiliary dysfunction, characterised by increased gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase activiti...
Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Horses with Left-Sided Valvular Heart Disease. In human medicine, homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is used as a biomarker reflecting endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombogenesis, oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease. An automated enzyme-cycling assay for homocysteine, established for humans, has been validated and reference ranges have been created for horses. In this study the homocysteine assay was further evaluated by assessing short-term stability (whole blood and plasma samples stored at 4 °C and room temperature for 24 h), long-term stability (two years), the effect of different anticoagulants (lithium h...
The effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on stallion spermatozoa motility and vitality in vitro. This study evaluated the effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seed extract on stallion spermatozoa quality in vitro, focusing on motility, vitality, and functional competence. In vitro spermatozoa analyses showed that fenugreek seed extract did not demonstrate overt cytotoxicity under the tested conditions: S1 = 1562 µg/mL; S2 = 781 µg/mL; S3 = 390.5 µg/mL; S4 = 195.25 µg/mL; S5 = 97.62 µg/mL; S6 = 48.81 µg/mL; S7 = 24.40 µg/mL. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) revealed a concentration- and time-dependent Treatment × Time interac...
High-Throughput Equine Plasma Profiling Using Laser-Assisted Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. Remnants of erythrocyte removal from blood constitute therapeutic plasma-a water-based solution containing mainly platelets, extracellular vesicles (EVs), protein and lipid complexes and ions. Plasma-based therapies, including their use to accelerate wound healing in human and animal patients, are increasingly gaining prominence in regenerative medicine; however, methods for the optimal preparation of individual plasma are still under development. Rapid and accurate analysis of plasma composition is essential for the development of therapeutic applications and for ensuring the quality of plasm...
Evaluation of an Immunoturbidometric Assay for Measurement of Total Adiponectin Concentration in Equine Serum Samples. Total adiponectin (TA) is a marker of metabolic health in equids, with values below a critical decision point of < 7.9 μg/mL conferring increased risk of laminitis. Objective: To evaluate an IT assay to measure serum [TA] in equids and to assess its correlation with [high molecular weight adiponectin] (HMWA) measured by ELISA. Methods: Total serum adiponectin concentrations from 207 adult horses were measured using both an IT assay for TA and HMWA using a previously validated ELISA assay. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Passing-Bablok regression. Intra- and inter-assa...
The Effects of Cysteamine Zinc Supplementation on Blood Hormones, Intestinal Flora, and Metabolites in Lactating Mares. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cysteamine zinc (CS-Zn) supplementation on blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, fecal fermentation, fecal microbial diversity, and blood metabolites in lactating mares. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture, and fecal samples were collected via rectal sampling before morning tethering on days 30, 60, and 90 of the trial. Fecal samples were analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial diversity, while changes in blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, and blood non-targeted metabolomics were also analyzed. The res...
Anti-Inflammatory and Metabolic Effects of Fresh Versus Freeze-Dried Platelet-Rich Plasma on Equine Osteoarthritis in an Ex Vivo Cartilage-Synovium Explant Co-Culture System: A Pilot Study. Equine osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of lameness and economic loss in horses. While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has clinical potential, the biological effects of fresh PRP (F-PRP) and freeze-dried PRP (FD-PRP) remain insufficiently defined. This pilot study compared 25% and 50% F-PRP and FD-PRP in an interleukin-1β-induced equine cartilage-synovium explant co-culture model. PRP treatments reduced inflammatory responses, with significant downregulation of COX-2 and PGE2 expression, and 25% F-PRP showed the most consistent inhibition of nitric oxide production. PRP also significantly redu...
Thoroughbred horses susceptible to Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis have elevated skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacities. Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) is a skeletal muscle disease that can intermittently impede careers of equine athletes. Manifesting as episodes of muscular stiffness and degeneration, RER causes lost training and competition days. RER is associated with abnormal intracellular calcium (Ca) regulation. Calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate contraction may also be transported into mitochondria, which impacts energy production. RER-susceptible horses exhibit down-regulated mitochondrial proteins but upregulated mitochondrial genes. Thus, mitochondrial function may ...
Conserved skeletal muscle transcriptomic responses to pacing strategies in Thoroughbred horses. This study investigated whether different pacing patterns during high-intensity exercise elicit distinct transcriptional responses in equine skeletal muscle. Eight Thoroughbred horses completed two treadmill exercise sessions in a randomized crossover design. In the positive-pacing condition, horses exercised at 110% maximal O₂ uptake (V˙O₂max) for 1 min followed by 90% V˙O₂max for 1 min, whereas in the negative-pacing condition, the order was reversed. At 4 h after exercise, the positive-pacing protocol resulted in upregulation of 1,989 genes and downregulation of 840 genes, whereas t...
Dental disorders are associated with minimal synovial changes in the temporomandibular joint in horses. Dental disorders have been proposed as factors contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort in horses, but objective evidence linking these conditions to synovial fluid alterations remains limited. This study evaluated whether the severity of dental abnormalities influences the physicochemical and cytological characteristics of TMJ synovial fluid and whether occlusal adjustment induces measurable synovial changes over time. Unassigned: Thirty-three horses were assigned to mild, moderate, or severe dental abnormality groups. Synovial fluid was collected bilaterally from the discotem...
Untargeted Sweat Metabolomics and Targeted Plasma Amino Acid Profiling Reveal Dynamic Metabolic Remodeling During Conditioning in Yili Horses. Training induces sweat morphology changes in horses from muddy sweat (MS) to foamy sweat (FS) and clear sweat (CS), reflecting physiological adaptation. However, the metabolic mechanisms linking sweat phenotypes to systemic amino acid dynamics remain unclear. This study integrated sweat untargeted metabolomics and plasma amino acid targeted metabolomics to reveal coordinated metabolic remodeling. Six 2-year-old horse stallions underwent 10-week training. Plasma and sweat were sampled pre- and post-race at each stage. LC-MS/MS and UHPLC-MS/MS were used for sweat metabolome and plasma amino aci...
The progression values of heart rate and biochemical plasma parameters during training of 3-years old warmblood stallions for breeding licensing. Physiological adaptation to training in young sport horses remains incompletely characterized, particularly during standardized preparation for breeding licensing. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular and plasma biochemical responses to acute exercise and long-term training in three-year-old Czech Warmblood stallions during standardized free jumping exercise. Methods: Thirteen Czech Warmblood stallions were monitored over a 112-day training period. Heart rate parameters (minimum, maximum, and mean) were recorded during standardized free jumping tests. Plasma biochemi...
Mitochondrial Adaptations to Exercise Training in Equine Skeletal Muscle: A Narrative Review. The horse represents one of the most physiologically specialized athletic mammals, capable of sustaining both high-intensity and prolonged exercise. Central to this remarkable performance capacity is the metabolic adaptability of skeletal muscle and its mitochondrial network. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence from equine, human, and rodent studies on exercise-induced mitochondrial remodeling in equine skeletal muscle. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using terms related to equine exercise physiology, mitochondrial biolog...
Comparative hematological and serum biochemical profiling of grassland Xichun and Xilingol horses. The Grassland Xichun horse is an emerging crossbred population developed from Xilingol mares and Thoroughbred stallions in Inner Mongolia, China, yet its blood physiological profile has not been systematically characterized. In this study, we compared 32 hematological and serum biochemical parameters between 177 Grassland Xichun horses and 35 Xilingol horses maintained under the same extensive grazing conditions. Following Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction, 17 of 32 parameters differed significantly between breeds. Grassland Xichun horses showed markedly higher RBC count (9.145 vs 7.905 × 10...
Evaluation of oxidative stress in ill neonatal foals: a preliminary study. Oxidative stress both contributes to and results from sepsis pathophysiology, but its role in ill foals remains poorly characterized. Objective: Ill foals will exhibit decreased antioxidant defense activity and increased oxidative products compared with healthy foals, and these changes will be associated with higher sepsis scores, lower survival scores, and non-survival. Methods: Twenty-six foals < 14 days old: 16 hospitalized foals (11 sick non-septic, 5 septic; median age, 1.5 days; range 1-13) and 10 healthy Standardbred foals (2 days old). Nine of 16 ill foals survived to discharge...
Evaluation of a canine Coll2-1 ELISA kit for use in equine serum and its correlation with radiographic joint disease. This study evaluated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Coll2-1, a peptide fragment of type II collagen released during cartilage degradation in horses using a kit originally developed for dogs. Objective: The objectives of this study were to: 1) assess the analytical applicability of the canine Coll2-1 ELISA in equine serum and 2) explore the correlations between Coll2-1 concentrations and radiographic scores of osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. Methods: Twelve Lusitano stallions, of similar age and workload but presenting different radiographic scores were include...
Effect of Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) supplementation to the semen extender on kinematic and oxidative parameters of Marwari stallions during freezing. The current research aimed at examining the impact of different quantities of Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) supplemented to the semen extender on the post-thaw quality of Marwari stallion spermatozoa. Semen samples were obtained via an artificial vagina from six fertile stallions and diluted with an extender containing Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 µg/mL, or without Spirulina as a control. Aliquots of diluted semen were subjected to cooling (4 °C, 120 min) and then frozen (-196 °C, 1 day), after which the kinematic paramet...
Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Systemic Oxidative Status in Breeding Stallions During Intensive Semen Collection. Breeding stallions are subjected to increased metabolic and physiological demands during the reproductive season, which may lead to enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and disruption of redox balance. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary antioxidant supplementation on oxidative status, metabolic profile, and hindgut fermentation in stallions undergoing intensive semen collection activity. Ten adult breeding stallions were assigned either to a control group or to a treatment group receiving a commercial antioxidant supplement (Oxyliver) for 60 days, followed by a 60-day...
Metabolomic Analysis of the Effects of Cysteamine Zinc on the Composition and Amino Acid Profile of Mare’s Milk. This study aims to investigate the effects of cysteamine zinc supplementation on milk production, composition, amino acid profile, and metabolites in mares. Building on prior experimental findings, a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight of CS-Zn was selected for the experimental group, which was compared with a control group. Milk samples were collected at various time points, and milk yield was recorded each time. Routine analysis of milk components, as well as the determination of milk metabolites and amino acids, were performed. The results indicated that, compared to the control group, the experime...
Meat Quality Characteristics of Mongolian Horses in Inner Mongolia: Regional Superiority and Transcriptomic Insights into Tenderness Differences Between Muscular Locations. Horse meat is a high-quality protein source. A total of 50 two-year-old male horses with similar body weights (300 ± 50 kg) were used: 30 for regional comparison (10 each from Bulgan province region of Mongolia (BPM), Tuv province region of Mongolia (TPM), and Inner Mongolia region of China (IMC)) and an additional 20 from the IMC region for muscle-site analysis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying regional and muscle-site differences in the meat quality of Mongolian horses, with particular emphasis on tenderness, this study analyzed chemical composition, minerals, fatty acids, a...
Physiological determinants of plasma biochemical parameters in horses: a structured review. The biochemical profile of horses is a cornerstone in equine clinical diagnostics, offering valuable insights into health status, disease progression, and physiological adaptation to internal and external stimuli. However, the interpretation of these biochemical parameters is far from straightforward, as they are subject to significant variation influenced by a range of physiological factors. Age, sex, breed, level of physical activity, nutritional condition, and reproductive status can all modulate baseline biochemical values, potentially leading to diagnostic inaccuracies if not properly con...
Comparative Analysis of Meat Quality and Flavor Among Four Categories of Mongolian Horses. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality and flavor of meat from four categories of Mongolian horses (Wushen, Baicha, Barhu, and Ujimqin). Physicochemical indicators, electronic nose, electronic tongue, and lipidomics were used to characterize meat quality and flavor and to screen for differential markers. Results showed that Wushen Horses had the highest pH, serine, glutamic acid, total free amino acids (∑FAA), total non-essential amino acids (∑NEAA), total amino acids (∑TAA), NEAA/TAA, W2S sensor response, umami and richness values, and had the lowest cooking lo...
