Correction: Xue et al. Untargeted Sweat Metabolomics and Targeted Plasma Amino Acid Profiling Reveal Dynamic Metabolic Remodeling During Conditioning in Yili Horses. Biology 2026, 15, 1033.

Overview

• This study investigates metabolic changes in Yili horses during physical conditioning by analyzing sweat and plasma metabolites.
• The researchers used untargeted metabolomics on sweat and targeted amino acid profiling on plasma to reveal how the horses’ metabolism adapts dynamically during training.

Background and Purpose

• Yili horses are a breed known for their strength and endurance, commonly used in racing and work.
• Physical conditioning in horses induces metabolic changes that can affect performance and health.
• Understanding these changes at the molecular level can help optimize training and improve wellbeing.
• Previous studies focused mostly on blood metabolites, but sweat is a less explored biological fluid that can reflect metabolism noninvasively.
• The study aimed to combine untargeted sweat metabolomics with targeted plasma amino acid profiling to comprehensively characterize metabolic remodeling during conditioning.

Methodology

• Subjects: Yili horses undergoing a conditioning/training program.
• Sample Collection:
  • Sweat samples were collected for untargeted metabolomics analysis.
  • Blood samples (plasma) were collected for targeted amino acid profiling.
• Analytical Techniques:
  • Untargeted metabolomics was conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify a broad spectrum of metabolites present in sweat.
  • Targeted analysis focused specifically on quantifying plasma amino acids, key indicators of protein metabolism and overall metabolic status.
• Data Analysis:
  • Metabolic profiles were compared before and after conditioning.
  • Statistical and bioinformatics tools were used to identify significant changes and pathway remodeling.

Key Findings

• Dynamic metabolic remodeling was observed in Yili horses with conditioning, indicating physiological adaptation to exercise stress.
• Sweat metabolomics revealed numerous metabolites that varied significantly with training, including energy substrates and metabolic intermediates.
• Plasma amino acid profiling showed targeted changes in amino acid concentrations related to protein turnover, energy metabolism, and recovery processes.
• Integrated analysis suggested shifts in pathways related to energy production, oxidative stress management, and nitrogen metabolism.
• These biochemical changes correlate with enhanced physical capacity and adaptive stress responses during training.

Implications and Applications

• The research highlights the usefulness of sweat as a noninvasive biofluid for monitoring metabolic status in horses, potentially allowing easier assessment in field conditions.
• The combined metabolomic approach provides a more holistic understanding of exercise-induced metabolic changes than blood analysis alone.
• Results can inform better conditioning practices by identifying metabolic markers linked to optimal performance and recovery.
• This approach could be extended to other horse breeds or athletic animals to enhance training and health management strategies.

Research Context and Future Directions

• The study contributes to the growing field of metabolomics in equine science, integrating systemic and local metabolic information.
• Future research could explore longitudinal monitoring throughout different training stages and recovery periods.
• Further validation of specific biomarkers identified in sweat and plasma may help develop practical diagnostic tools for trainers and veterinarians.
• Investigations into how nutrition, environment, and genetics interact with metabolic remodeling may yield additional insights.