Dynamic Change of Free Serum L-carnitine Concentration in Relation to Age, Sex, and Exercise in Anglo-Arabian Thoroughbred Horses.
Abstract: The physiological role of L-carnitine in equine species is worthy of investigation; however, the systemic content of free L-carnitine and its dynamic change in growing foals as well as in exercising horses are still poorly investigated. In this study, the influence of age and exercise on free serum L-carnitine levels was evaluated in equine species. Ten foals were monitored from 6 up to 18 months of age (group 1), whereas 60 horses were divided in six groups in accordance with their age: group 2, 2-year-old; group 3, 3-year-old; group 4, 4-year-old; group 5, 5-year-old; group 6, 6-year-old; group 7, 7-year-old. To assess the age and sex effect on free serum L-carnitine values, blood samples were collected from foals and horses. Adult horses (groups 2-7) were subjected to a simulate 1,660-m race, and blood samples were collected before the simulate race (TPRE), within 10 minutes (TPOST10) from the end of race, and after 30 minutes (TPOST30) from the end of race. The amino acid levels were influenced by age (P < .0001) in foals and horses. Decreased levels of amino acid were observed at TPOST10 with respect to TPRE and TPOST30. (P < .001). The findings suggest that the biosynthetic pathway of L-carnitine is organizing and adapting to the metabolic needs of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue in the course of growth. L-carnitine could play a role for the provision of energy to the exercising muscles. Further studies are needed to evaluate possible beneficial effects of L-carnitine during growing phase and on parameters of equine physical performance.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-12-04 PubMed ID: 33478765DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103343Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the relationship between age, exercise, and the naturally occurring substance known as L-carnitine in the bodies of Anglo-Arabian thoroughbred horses.
Background and Aim of Research
- The study aimed to investigate the physiological role of L-carnitine in horses. Prior to this research, information on the systemic content of free L-carnitine and how it changes within growing and exercising horses was limited.
- L-carnitine is important for the metabolism of fat in the body, providing energy for muscles. Understanding its dynamics might provide insights into the metabolic needs of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue, and overall equine physical performance.
Research Method
- Ten foals aged between 6 and 18 months (group 1) were monitored, and 60 horses were divided into six groups according to age, from 2 to 7 years old (group 2-7).
- Blood samples were regularly collected from all horses to measure free serum L-carnitine levels, to assess the effects of age and sex on these values.
- In addition, the older horses (groups 2-7) were subjected to a simulated 1,660-metre race, and blood samples were taken before and after the race to study the impact of exercise.
Findings
- The research found that the level of L-carnitine in horses was significantly influenced by age, with a marked decrease observed over time.
- The levels of amino acids also dropped following the simulated race, indicating that L-carnitine and its metabolic pathway might play a role in providing energy to exercising muscles.
- The study suggests that as a horse develops and grows, its metabolic needs adapt and the biosynthetic pathway of L-carnitine organizes accordingly. This highlights the substance’s potential role in the growth phase and physical performance of horses.
Recommendation
- The researchers recommend further investigation to confirm the potential benefits of L-carnitine during the growing phase of horses and its impact on equine physical performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Fazio F, Piccione G.
(2020).
Dynamic Change of Free Serum L-carnitine Concentration in Relation to Age, Sex, and Exercise in Anglo-Arabian Thoroughbred Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 97, 103343.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103343 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy. Electronic address: farfuso@unime.it.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Amino Acids
- Animals
- Carnitine
- Horses
- Muscles
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Vidal Moreno de Vega C, Lemmens D, de Meeûs d'Argenteuil C, Boshuizen B, de Maré L, Leybaert L, Goethals K, de Oliveira JE, Hosotani G, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Devisscher L, Delesalle C. Dynamics of training and acute exercise-induced shifts in muscular glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, 8, and 12 expression in locomotion versus posture muscles in healthy horses. Front Physiol 2023;14:1256217.
- Kirsch K, Fercher C, Horstmann S, von Reitzenstein C, Augustin J, Lagershausen H. Monitoring Performance in Show Jumping Horses: Validity of Non-specific and Discipline-specific Field Exercise Tests for a Practicable Assessment of Aerobic Performance. Front Physiol 2021;12:818381.
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