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Differential expression of equine muscle biopsy proteins during normal training and intensified training in young standardbred horses using proteomics technology.
Abstract: The major aim of the present study was to investigate the proteome of standardbred horses at different stages of training and intensified training. We searched for biomarkers using small skeletal muscle biopsies of live animals. 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were successfully applied to investigate training-induced differential expression of equine muscle biopsy proteins. Despite the poor resolution of the equine genome and proteome, we were able to identify the proteins of 20 differential spots representing 16 different proteins. Evaluation of those proteins complies with adaptation of the skeletal muscle after normal training involving structural changes towards a higher oxidative capacity, an increased capacity to take up long-chain fatty acids, and to store energy in the form of glycogen. Intensified training leads to additional changed spots. Alpha-1-antitrypsin was found increased after intensified training but not after normal training. This protein may thus be considered as a marker for overtraining in horses and also linked to overtraining in human athletes.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2009-11-13 PubMed ID: 20374942DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2009.11.001Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research study was conducted to investigate the impact of normal and intensified training on the protein expression in the muscles of young standardbred horses. The authors identified specific proteins, including Alpha-1-antitrypsin, that showed different levels of expression in response to intensified training, suggesting its potential as a marker for overtraining in horses and possibly in human athletes.
Study Methodology and Primary Goals
- The study primarily aimed to understand the responses of a horse’s body at different levels of training by analyzing their muscle tissue proteins.
- The investigation was carried out on standardbred horses, a breed known for its performance in harness racing.
- Muscle biopsies, which are small samples of muscle tissue, were obtained from live animals to gather data for the study.
- The researchers utilised two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry—advanced techniques in proteomics—to differentiate the expression levels of various muscle proteins in response to training.
Findings and Interpretation
- Despite the limited resolution of the horse genome and proteome, the researchers managed to identify 16 different proteins from 20 different spots observed in the electrophoresis gel.
- The changes in these proteins suggest that the horse’s skeletal muscle adapts to training by developing a greater oxidative capacity (ability to use oxygen), an increased ability to absorb long-chain fatty acids, and to store energy as glycogen.
- Intensified training, beyond normal levels, appeared to result in further changes in the expression of certain proteins.
Key Protein Observed: Alpha-1-antitrypsin
- A significant finding was the increased presence of the Alpha-1-antitrypsin protein after intensified training. This protein did not show the same level of increased expression following normal training.
- This discrepancy led researchers to propose Alpha-1-antitrypsin as a potential biomarker for overtraining in horses, which might also be applicable to human athletes, signalling possible stresses that could lead to damaging physical conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Bouwman FG, van Ginneken MM, Noben JP, Royackers E, de Graaf-Roelfsema E, Wijnberg ID, van der Kolk JH, Mariman EC, van Breda E.
(2009).
Differential expression of equine muscle biopsy proteins during normal training and intensified training in young standardbred horses using proteomics technology.
Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics, 5(1), 55-64.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbd.2009.11.001 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, PO BOX 616, NL-6200MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Aging / metabolism
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Horses / metabolism
- Muscle Proteins / metabolism
- Muscles / metabolism
- Muscles / pathology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Proteome / metabolism
- Proteomics / methods
- Tissue Extracts
Citations
This article has been cited 14 times.- Wang J, Wang S, Wu H, Dong S, Zhang B. Muscle Energy Technique plus Neurac Method in Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus and Assessment of Quality of Life. Dis Markers 2022;2022:6318721.
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- Reemtsma FP, Giers J, Horstmann S, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H. Evaluation of Concentration Changes in Plasma Amino Acids and Their Metabolites in Eventing Horses During Cross-Country Competitions as Potential Performance Predictors. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 17;15(24).
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