Application of Raman Spectroscopy for the Evaluation of Metabolomic Dynamic Analysis in Athletic Horses.

This research study used Raman spectroscopy, a technique that determines the metabolic status by studying several components in biological fluids, to evaluate the serum composition of athletic horses. The aim was to identify specific biomarkers related to sports performance in these horses.

Methodology

• The research examined five Italian Saddle horses that were clinically healthy and regularly trained. These horses were provided with a standardized obstacle course with predetermined parameters.
• This course involved a speed of 350 m/minute and included eleven jumps of 1.25m in height, preceded by a warm-up session.
• Sera of these horses were collected at differing time intervals: at rest, immediately after exercise, 30 minutes and 1 hour after the end of the exercise.

Raman Spectroscopy Approach

• Raman measurements were performed on the collected sera using a diode laser with the excitation wavelength of 785 nm.
• Raman spectroscopy helped identify peaks and bands of differing position and intensity as per the varying experimental conditions.
• The spectral intensity of the Raman spectrum after training and 30 minutes after the conclusion of the exercise had notably decreased compared to the pre-exercise value.
• Interestingly, one hour after the exercise ended, the spectrum returned to the pre-exercise or basal value.

Conclusions

• The results substantiate the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in examining and revealing the metabolic status of horses after physical exertion.
• The dramatic change in spectroscopic data immediately following exercise provides key insights into metabolomic changes that happen due to exercise.
• Recovery to baseline values a clear hour after exercising indicates that metabolomic changes are temporary and can be accurately tracked to understand the post-exercise recovery process.