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Frontiers in molecular biosciences2019; 6; 45; doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00045

A First Step Toward Unraveling the Energy Metabolism in Endurance Horses: Comparison of Plasma Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomic Profiles Before and After Different Endurance Race Distances.

Abstract: Endurance racing places high demands on energy metabolism pathways. Metabolomics can be used to investigate biochemical responses to endurance exercise in humans, laboratory animals, and horses. Although endurance horses have previously been assessed in the field (i.e., during races) using broad-window Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics, these studies included several different race locations, race distances, age classes, and race statuses (finisher or elimination). The present NMR metabolomics study focused on 40 endurance horses racing in three race categories over 90, 120, or 160 km. The three races took place in the same location. Given that energy metabolism is closely related to exercise intensity and duration (and therefore distance covered), the study's objective was to determine whether the metabolic pathways recruited during the race varied as a function of the total ride distance. For each horse, a plasma sample was collected the day before the race, and another was collected at the end of the race. Sixteen, 15, and 9 horses raced over 90, 120, and 160 km, respectively. Proton NMR spectra (500 MHz) were acquired for these 80 plasma samples. After processing, the spectra were divided into bins representing the NMR variables and then classified using orthogonal projection on latent structure models supervised by the sampling time (pre- or post-race) or the distance covered. The models revealed that the post-race metabolomic profiles are associated to the total ride distance groups. By combining biochemical assay results and NMR data in multiblock models, we further showed that enzymatic activities and metabolites are significantly associated to the race category. In the highest race category (160 km), there appears to be a metabolic switch from carbohydrate consumption to lipid consumption in order to maintain glycaemia. Furthermore, signs of protein breakdown were more apparent in the longest race category. The metabolic shift seen in the different racing categories could be related to a mixture of three important factors that are the ride distance, the training status and the inherited endurance capacity of the various horses competing.
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Publication Date: 2019-06-12 PubMed ID: 31245385PubMed Central: PMC6581711DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00045Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study analyzes the metabolic responses in endurance horses racing at varying distances utilizing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics. The main finding suggests that longer races prompt a metabolic switch in horses from consuming carbohydrates to lipids, indicating potential evidence of protein breakdown.

Understanding the Study

The study was done to understand the types of energy metabolism pathways endurance horses use when they compete in different distances in endurance racing. By studying these pathways, researchers hoped to gain insights into how energy is conserved and expended in these animals during intense physical activity.

  • The study involved 40 different endurance horses, divided into three race categories – 90km, 120km, and 160km races. Plasma samples were collected from each horse before and after their respective races.
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was used to analyze the plasma samples. NMR metabolomics is a technique that allows the observation of metabolic changes and reactions within an organism. Through this, the researchers were able to gain a deeper understanding of the horses’ metabolism during a race.

Analyzing the Findings

The resulting data showed that differences in metabolic responses were seen corresponding to the distances raced. More specifically, a major metabolic change was identified as the distance of the race increased.

  • The researchers found that for longer races, the horses had a “metabolic switch” from consuming carbohydrates to lipids. This switch is significant as it could directly affect the horse’s performance. By using lipids (fats) as energy instead of carbohydrates, the body may be conserving its carbohydrate resources, which are quick sources of energy, for critical moments.
  • This study also found some indications of protein breakdown in the horses that competed in the 160km race. This may occur when the body lacks sufficient carbohydrates and fats to burn for energy, leading it to start breaking down proteins as a last resort. Protein breakdown is typically a negative health indication as proteins are major building blocks of the body’s cells and tissues.
  • The researchers attribute the metabolic shifts observed to three key factors: the distance of the race, the training status of the horse, and inherited endurance capacity. Each of these factors would influence the horse’s performance and the metabolic processes that take place during a race.

Study Relevance

This study provides a deeper understanding of the metabolic adaptations that occur during endurance racing in horses and how different types of races affect these adaptations. These findings could potentially influence training strategies and inform more effective nutrition plans to enhance performance and maintain the horses’ health during intense physical activity.

Cite This Article

APA
Le Moyec L, Robert C, Triba MN, Bouchemal N, Mach N, Rivière J, Zalachas-Rebours E, Barrey E. (2019). A First Step Toward Unraveling the Energy Metabolism in Endurance Horses: Comparison of Plasma Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomic Profiles Before and After Different Endurance Race Distances. Front Mol Biosci, 6, 45. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2019.00045

Publication

Frontiers in molecular biosciences
ISSN: 2296-889X
NlmUniqueID: 101653173
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Pages: 45
PII: 45

Researcher Affiliations

Le Moyec, Laurence
  • UBIAE EA 7362, Université Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Évry, France.
Robert, Céline
  • Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology (GABI - UMR1313), INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
  • École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Triba, Mohamed N
  • CSPBAT, UMR 7244, CNRS, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.
Bouchemal, Nadia
  • CSPBAT, UMR 7244, CNRS, Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.
Mach, Núria
  • Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology (GABI - UMR1313), INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Rivière, Julie
  • Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology (GABI - UMR1313), INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Zalachas-Rebours, Emmanuelle
  • Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology (GABI - UMR1313), INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Barrey, Eric
  • Animal Genetics and Integrative Biology (GABI - UMR1313), INRA, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France.

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Citations

This article has been cited 12 times.
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