Effects of two training protocols on Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses.
Abstract: Studies in man have shown a correlation between Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) genetic polymorphisms, ACE activity in the blood and superior athletic performance in sports requiring endurance. It has been hypothesised that the same correlation occurs in horses. There is no information in the literature concerning the effects of training on ACE activity in equine plasma. Objective: Exercise training influences the activity of circulating ACE and the response observed is dependent on the exercise protocol. Methods: Thirteen horses of mixed breeds were randomly allocated 2 different training protocols to be carried out for a period of 15 weeks. Blood samples were collected from each horse before the beginning of training to determine baseline values. Subsequent sampling took place every 15 days throughout the training phase and for 8 weeks of paddock rest. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity was determined by automated spectrophotometry. Results: Training for 15 weeks significantly increased plasma ACE activity, irrespective of training protocol. Differences observed in ACE activity pattern between the 2 training protocols were not statistically significant. Increase in ACE activity peaked with maximum workload. As soon as training was interrupted, ACE levels significantly decreased. Conclusions: Exercise training affects levels of ACE activity in equine plasma. The mechanism for this is not yet elucidated, but cardiovascular adaptation to exercise and blood pressure changes might be involved in this regulation. Conclusions: Exercise training produced a gradual increase in enzymatic activity and might warrant the use of ACE as a tool for fitness monitoring. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme enzymatic activity in the plasma might be directly correlated to a change in genetic expression and that variability must be taken into account when evaluating results from horses undergoing a physical training programme.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-03-15 PubMed ID: 21496083DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00320.xGoogle 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
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
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 outlines how exercise training affects Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in the blood of horses, a finding that could be instrumental in fitness monitoring. The variations in ACE activity might be linked to cardiovascular adaptation to exercise, blood pressure changes, and genetic expression variance.
Methodology
- The study involved 13 horses of mixed breeds, who were randomly assigned to one of two different training protocols for a span of 15 weeks.
- Baseline values for the study were determined by collecting blood samples from each horse before the start of training.
- Additional sampling was carried out every 15 days during the training period as well as for eight weeks of paddock rest.
- The activity of the Angiotensin I-converting enzyme was measured using automated spectrophotometry.
Results
- The ACE activity in plasma significantly increased after 15 weeks of training, irrespective of the training protocol that was followed.
- The activity patterns of ACE between the two training protocols were not significantly different.
- The peak increase in ACE activity coincided with the highest workload.
- When training was interrupted, there was a significant drop in ACE levels in the horse’s plasma.
Conclusions
- Training exercises directly impact the level of ACE activity in equine plasma.
- It is not yet clear on which exact mechanism triggers this, but the research hypothesizes that it could be due to cardiovascular adaptation to exercise or changes in blood pressure.
- The study recommends the use of ACE for fitness monitoring, given the gradual increase in enzymatic activity observed during training.
- The research tentatively suggests that the enzymatic activity of ACE in plasma may be directly tied to a change in the genetic expression. This variation has to be taken into account when interpreting results from horses undergoing a physical training program.
Cite This Article
APA
Costa MF, Davies HM, Anderson GA, Slocombe RF.
(2011).
Effects of two training protocols on Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses.
Equine Vet J, 43(4), 466-470.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00320.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Waikato Institute of Technology, Department of Science and Primary Industries, Hamilton, New Zealand. mfveterinaria@hotmail.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Heart Rate / physiology
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / blood
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Physical Endurance / physiology
- Random Allocation
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
