Detection of recombinant human EPO administered to horses using MAIIA lateral flow isoform test.

The research article focuses on a novel testing method for detecting the illegal administration of human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to horses to enhance endurance capacity, which can jeopardize their health and welfare.

Overview of the Study

• The study was conducted to detect the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in horses. rHuEPO is sometimes illicitly used to enhance a horse’s endurance capability, but can lead to serious health risks such as increased blood viscosity, severe anaemia, and even sudden death.
• The researchers tested a novel micro-chromatographic method, EPO WGA MAIIA, to detect the presence of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents such as the rHuEPO glycoprotein varieties Eprex and Aranesp, in both urine and plasma samples from horses.

Methodology and Findings

• Seven horses were administered 40 IU Eprex kg(-1) day(-1) over the course of six days, with the presence of Eprex in horse plasma traceable up to 2-5 days after the final injection. In urine samples collected from two horses, Eprex was detectable up to 3 days.
• A single injection of Aranesp was detected in plasma up to 9 days post-injection, and in the urine up to 8 days, the final day of testing.
• The LC-FAIMS-MS/MS system, with a one-day reporting time, confirmed the presence of Eprex up to one day after injection in six of the seven horses, and Aranesp up to 5 days after injection in plasma samples.
• The MAIIA system demonstrated to be an effective tool with high sensitivity and a notably short reporting time of just one hour.

Implications of the Study

• The results of the study suggest that the MAIIA system can potentially and efficiently detect the administration of illegal endurance-enhancing agents, like rHuEPO, in horses used in horseracing. The objective of the study is not only to ensure a level playing field in the sport but also to safeguard the health and welfare of the horses.
• The successful detection of rHuEPO could potentially deter its administration to enhance horse performance, thus reducing the associated health risks.