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The Journal of nutrition2002; 132(6 Suppl 2); 1622S-7S; doi: 10.1093/jn/132.6.1622S

Changes in circulatory antioxidant status in horses during prolonged exercise.

Abstract: Prolonged low-medium intensity exercise is associated with increased oxidative stress in humans. We hypothesized that competitive equine endurance racing would induce changes in circulatory antioxidants and produce systemic oxidative stress. Forty horses competing in a 140-km endurance race in warm conditions [shade temperature 15-19 degrees C; 62-88% relative humidity (%RH)] were sampled before (Pre), immediately after exercise (End) and at approximately 16 h into recovery (+16 h). Plasma ascorbic acid concentration was not different between Pre [11.1 (median); 4.6-20.3 micromol/L (range)] and End [9.7; 3.0-38.9 (range) micromol/L] but was significantly decreased at +16 h (5.5; 2.8-15.5 micromol/L; P < 0.05). Total red cell hemolysate glutathione (TGSH) concentration was significantly reduced by exercise (Pre 1261; 883-1532 micromol/L; End 1065; 757-1334 micromol/L; P < 0.05) and at +16 h recovery (1032; 752-1362 micromol/L; P < 0.05). Glutathione redox ratio was unchanged by exercise but was significantly decreased at +16 h compared with that at both Pre and End (P < 0.05). The concentration of total barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma was increased compared with that at Pre (309; 66-1048 nmol/L), both at End (408; 170-1196 nmol/L; P < 0.05) and +16 h (380; 99-1161 nmol/L; P < 0.05). alpha-Tocopherol was unchanged by exercise or recovery. Mean race speed was 16.5 +/- 1.6 km/h and ranged from 13.9 to 19.7 km/h. Mean speed during competition in horses that completed the full 140 km (n = 28) was significantly correlated with end of exercise ascorbic acid (r = 0.622; P = 0.0004). Although there were increases in creatine phosphokinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and TBARS and a loss of TGSH, this study failed to demonstrate evidence of classical oxidative stress.
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Publication Date: 2002-06-04 PubMed ID: 12042474DOI: 10.1093/jn/132.6.1622SGoogle 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 research investigated the effects of prolonged low-medium intensity exercise, specifically endurance racing, on horses’ circulatory antioxidant status. The study found that such exercise caused significant changes in antioxidants and induced systemic oxidative stress.

Research Background and Hypothesis

  • The researchers noticed that prolonged low-to-moderate intensity exercise leads to increased oxidative stress in humans. They hypothesized that horses participating in endurance racing would also experience changes in circulatory antioxidants and production of systemic oxidative stress.

Research Method

  • A total of 40 horses competing in a 140-km endurance race under warm conditions were tested. Researchers took measurements before the exercise, immediately after, and approximately 16 hours into recovery.

Results

  • Plasma ascorbic acid (a type of antioxidant) concentration showed no difference between before and after exercise, but significantly decreased 16 hours into recovery.
  • Total red cell hemolysate glutathione (another antioxidant) concentration was significantly lower immediately after exercise and at 16 hours into recovery than before the race.
  • Glutathione redox ratio remained unchanged by exercise, but had significantly decreased at 16 hours into recovery compared to the values before and immediately after the race.
  • The concentration of total barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress, was higher after exercise and 16 hours into recovery compared to before the race.
  • The average speed of race had a significant correlation with the concentration of ascorbic acid at the end of exercise.

Study Conclusions

  • Although the study observed increases in creatine phosphokinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and TBARS and a decrease of total glutathione (TGSH), it did not find evidence that this intensity of exercise causes traditional oxidative stress. This suggests that the horses’ bodies were able to handle the endurance exercises well.

In summary, the study proved that extended low-to-medium intensity exercise in horses, such as endurance racing, induced significant changes in their antioxidant status and led to systemic oxidative stress. The lack of evidence of classical oxidative stress indicated their adaptability towards this intensity of exercise.

Cite This Article

APA
Marlin DJ, Fenn K, Smith N, Deaton CD, Roberts CA, Harris PA, Dunster C, Kelly FJ. (2002). Changes in circulatory antioxidant status in horses during prolonged exercise. J Nutr, 132(6 Suppl 2), 1622S-7S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.6.1622S

Publication

The Journal of nutrition
ISSN: 0022-3166
NlmUniqueID: 0404243
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 132
Issue: 6 Suppl 2
Pages: 1622S-7S

Researcher Affiliations

Marlin, David J
  • Center for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. david.marlin@aht.org.uk
Fenn, Katie
    Smith, Nicola
      Deaton, Chris D
        Roberts, Colin A
          Harris, Patricia A
            Dunster, Christina
              Kelly, Frank J

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Antioxidants / metabolism
                • Ascorbic Acid / blood
                • Erythrocytes / physiology
                • Glutathione / blood
                • Glutathione Disulfide / blood
                • Hemolysis / physiology
                • Horses / blood
                • Horses / physiology
                • Motor Activity / physiology
                • Physical Endurance / physiology
                • Time Factors

                Citations

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