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Home / Equine Research Bank / Front Vet Sci / Characterization of exercise-induced hemolysis in endurance ...
Frontiers in veterinary science2023; 10; 1115776; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1115776

Characterization of exercise-induced hemolysis in endurance horses.

Abstract: Exercise-induced hemolysis occurs as the result of intense physical exercise and is caused by metabolic and mechanical factors including repeated muscle contractions leading to capillary vessels compression, vasoconstriction of internal organs and foot strike among others. We hypothesized that exercise-induced hemolysis occurred in endurance racehorses and its severity was associated with the intensity of exercise. To provide further insight into the hemolysis of endurance horses, the aim of the study was to deployed a strategy for small molecules (metabolites) profiling, beyond standard molecular methods. The study included 47 Arabian endurance horses competing for either 80, 100, or 120 km distances. Blood plasma was collected before and after the competition and analyzed macroscopically, by ELISA and non-targeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A significant increase in all hemolysis parameters was observed after the race, and an association was found between the measured parameters, average speed, and distance completed. Levels of hemolysis markers were highest in horses eliminated for metabolic reasons in comparison to finishers and horses eliminated for lameness (gait abnormality), which may suggest a connection between the intensity of exercise, metabolic challenges, and hemolysis. Utilization of omics methods alongside conventional methods revealed a broader insight into the exercise-induced hemolysis process by displaying, apart from commonly measured hemoglobin and haptoglobin, levels of hemoglobin degradation metabolites. Obtained results emphasized the importance of respecting horse limitations in regard to speed and distance which, if underestimated, may lead to severe damages.
Copyright © 2023 Pakula, Halama, Al-Dous, Johnson, Filho, Suhre and Vinardell.
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Publication Date: 2023-04-27 PubMed ID: 37180073PubMed Central: PMC10174325DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1115776Google 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.

The research investigates the occurrence and factors related to exercise-induced hemolysis, a condition resulting from intense exercise, in endurance racehorses. Evidence suggests a link between the severity of this condition and exercise intensity, with possible implications for horse health and performance.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aimed to deepen the understanding of exercise-induced hemolysis in endurance horses, exploring the connection between the severity of this condition and the extent of exercise. Specifically, the study intended to profile small molecules, or metabolites, in addition to applying standard molecular methods.

Methodology

  • A total of 47 Arabian endurance horses engaged in 80, 100, or 120 km races were included in the research.
  • Blood plasma was collected before and after each race to be analyzed via various techniques – namely macroscopic analysis, ELISA, and non-targeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Findings

  • Following the races, all hemolysis parameters significantly increased, suggesting exercise-induced hemolysis in endurance horses is a reality.
  • An association was also observed between the measured parameters of hemolysis, average speed, and distance completed. This finding reinforces the hypothesis that the severity of exercise-induced hemolysis is tied to exercise intensity.
  • Compared to finishers and horses disqualified for lameness (gait abnormality), horses removed from the races due to metabolic reasons exhibited the highest levels of hemolysis markers. The data indicated that intense exercise, metabolic challenges, and hemolysis might be interconnected.
  • Metabolomic techniques revealed beyond standard measurements (like hemoglobin and haptoglobin), levels of degradation metabolites of hemoglobin, thereby adding to the understanding of exercise-induced hemolysis.

Conclusion and Significance

  • The findings stress the crucial importance of taking into account a horse’s limitations in terms of speed and distance. Pushing beyond these limitations may result in substantial harm to the horse, highlighting the potential dangers of intense exercise for these animals.
  • The utilization of advanced techniques such as omics along with conventional methodologies has given a more comprehensive insight into the process of exercise-induced hemolysis, which could contribute to better management of equine health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Pakula PD, Halama A, Al-Dous EK, Johnson SJ, Filho SA, Suhre K, Vinardell T. (2023). Characterization of exercise-induced hemolysis in endurance horses. Front Vet Sci, 10, 1115776. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1115776

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Pages: 1115776

Researcher Affiliations

Pakula, Patrycja D
  • Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
Halama, Anna
  • Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
Al-Dous, Eman K
  • Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
Johnson, Sarah J
  • Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
Filho, Silvio A
  • Department of Endurance Racing, Al Shaqab, Doha, Qatar.
Suhre, Karsten
  • Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
Vinardell, Tatiana
  • Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
  • College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.

Conflict of Interest Statement

PP, EA-D, SJ, and TV were employed by Qatar Foundation. SF was employed by Al Shaqab. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
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