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Research in veterinary science2012; 93(3); 1402-1406; doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.02.008

Acute phase protein concentrations after limited distance and long distance endurance rides in horses.

Abstract: Acute phase proteins (APP) have been described as useful for assessing health in human and animal patients, as they closely reflect the acute phase reaction (APR). In humans and dogs a reaction analogous to APR has also been described after prolonged or strenuous exercise. The aim of this study was to determine, if similar reactions occur in endurance horses after limited and long distance rides. Seventeen horses that successfully completed various distance competitions were tested. Routine haematological and biochemical tests were performed and the concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin were measured. Typical endurance exercise-induced haematological and biochemical changes were observed in all horses, regardless the distance. After long distance rides, the level of SAA markedly increased, but CRP and haptoglobin concentrations remained unchanged. After limited distance rides no changes in the levels of APPs were noted. Exercise-induced APR in horses occurred only after prolonged, strenuous exertion, and differed from APR in inflammation in that only SAA concentration was increased.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-03-03 PubMed ID: 22390917DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.02.008Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 research studied the effects of endurance rides on horses by measuring their acute phase protein (APP) concentrations. It found that a prolonged, strenuous ride led to an increase in Serum Amyloid A (SAA), one type of APP, but no changes in C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or haptoglobin. Short rides did not affect APP levels.

Introduction and Objective of the Study

  • The research aimed to determine whether horses undertaking endurance rides experienced similar acute phase reactions (APRs) to humans and dogs after strenuous exercise. APRs involve the production of acute phase proteins (APPs), which can indicate inflammation and other bodily stresses.

Methodology

  • Seventeen horses who successfully completed various distance competitions were tested.
  • Routine blood tests were carried out, along with measurements of SAA, CRP and haptoglobin concentrations. These three types of proteins are all APPs, which can indicate APRs.

Results

  • All the horses tested showed typical changes in their blood levels related to endurance exercise, irrespective of the distance they had traveled.
  • After the long-distance rides, horses showed a marked increase in SAA, but not in CRP or haptoglobin concentrations.
  • There were no significant changes in any of the APPs following short-distance rides.

Conclusion

  • APRs in horses were observed only after prolonged and strenuous exertion, and this reaction was found to be different from the APR seen in inflammation.
  • The APP response in horses after strenuous endurance exercise is selective, affecting only SAA but not other APPs. This study provides valuable insights into equine physiology, particularly the body’s stress response during prolonged physical exertion.

Cite This Article

APA
Cywińska A, Szarska E, Górecka R, Witkowski L, Hecold M, Bereznowski A, Schollenberger A, Winnicka A. (2012). Acute phase protein concentrations after limited distance and long distance endurance rides in horses. Res Vet Sci, 93(3), 1402-1406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.02.008

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 1532-2661
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 93
Issue: 3
Pages: 1402-1406
PII: S0034-5288(12)00071-9

Researcher Affiliations

Cywińska, Anna
  • Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland. anna_cywinska@sggw.pl
Szarska, Ewa
    Górecka, Renata
      Witkowski, Lucjan
        Hecold, Mateusz
          Bereznowski, Andrzej
            Schollenberger, Antoni
              Winnicka, Anna

                MeSH Terms

                • Acute-Phase Proteins / metabolism
                • Animals
                • Female
                • Horses / blood
                • Horses / physiology
                • Male
                • Physical Conditioning, Animal
                • Physical Endurance / physiology
                • Sports

                Citations

                This article has been cited 23 times.
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