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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2006; 173(3); 532-540; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.01.003

Exercise-induced alterations in plasma concentrations of ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol in horses.

Abstract: Six Standardbred (STB) mares (11+/-2 years, 521+/-77 kg; means+/-SD) performed an exercise trial (EX) where they underwent an incremental exercise test (GXT) as well as a parallel control trial (CON) to test the hypothesis that short-term, high intensity exercise would alter plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin and cortisol. Plasma samples were taken before (0 min), during (last 10s at 6, 8m/s, and the velocity eliciting VO(2max)), and after exercise (2, 10, 30, 60 min; 12 and 24h post-GXT). A second set of blood samples was collected before and after an afternoon meal given at 1515 h (at 1500, 1514, 1530, and 1545 h). Data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's test. During the GXT, there were no changes (P>0.05) in the plasma concentrations of glucose, leptin, adiponectin or ghrelin. However, there was a 29% increase (P<0.05) in mean plasma cortisol concentration and a 35% decrease (P<0.05) in mean plasma insulin concentration. Substantial increases (P<0.05) in the mean plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol of 36% and 102%, respectively, were seen in the EX trial during the first 60 min post-GXT. Plasma leptin concentration, measured at the 24h post-GXT time point, was 20% lower (P<0.05) during the EX trial compared with the parallel time point in the standing control (CON) trial. Plasma ghrelin concentration was 37% lower (P<0.05) in the EX trial compared with CON before and after the afternoon meal, but was 43% higher (P<0.05) 12h post-GXT. There were no differences between EX and CON for plasma concentrations of insulin or adiponectin during recovery. It was concluded that short-term high intensity exercise alters plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in STB mares post-exercise, which may signal the exercised animals to alter energy intake.
Publication Date: 2006-03-03 PubMed ID: 16516509DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.01.003Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research examined if short-term, high-intensity exercise changes the plasma concentrations of several key hormones involved in regulating energy balance in horses. The results showed that cortisol and insulin levels changed during exercise, while the levels of leptin and ghrelin, which can influence energy intake, altered after the exercise.

Study Design and Participants

  • The study involved six Standardbred mares with an average age of 11 years and average weight of 521 kg.
  • The horses went through an exercise trial (EX) consisting of an incremental exercise test (GXT) and a control trial, where they maintained their regular standing (CON).
  • Multiple plasma samples were collected at various intervals before, during, and after the exercise to assess hormonal changes.
  • A separate set of samples was also collected around mealtime to measure any food-induced changes.
  • Data analysis involved ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey’s test.

Exercise Findings

  • No significant changes were found in the levels of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, or ghrelin during the exercise.
  • However, cortisol levels in plasma increased by 29%, and insulin decreased by 35% during the exercise.

Post-Exercise Findings

  • In the initial 60 minutes after exercise, plasma concentrations of glucose and cortisol increased notably, 36% and 102% respectively, compared to rest conditions.
  • Leptin levels were found to be 20% lower 24 hours after exercise in comparison to the control trial.
  • Ghrelin levels were 37% lower in the EX trial as against the CON trial before and after the meal, but spiked 43% higher 12 hours post-exercise.
  • No significant changes were noticed in the plasma concentrations of insulin or adiponectin during the recovery phase after exercise.

Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that short-term high-intensity exercise changes the plasma concentrations of leptin and ghrelin after exercise in Standardbred mares. These changes could trigger the horse’s body to alter energy intake.
  • While cortisol and insulin levels change during the exercise, other hormones like ghrelin and leptin undergo changes post-exercise. This dichotomy could be of importance in understanding the overall energy balance in exercising horses and the subsequent impact on their performance and recovery.

Cite This Article

APA
Gordon ME, McKeever KH, Betros CL, Manso Filho HC. (2006). Exercise-induced alterations in plasma concentrations of ghrelin, adiponectin, leptin, glucose, insulin, and cortisol in horses. Vet J, 173(3), 532-540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.01.003

Publication

ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 173
Issue: 3
Pages: 532-540

Researcher Affiliations

Gordon, Mary E
  • Equine Science Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 84 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525, USA.
McKeever, Kenneth H
    Betros, Cynthia L
      Manso Filho, Helio C

        MeSH Terms

        • Adiponectin / blood
        • Analysis of Variance
        • Animals
        • Cross-Over Studies
        • Exercise Test / veterinary
        • Female
        • Ghrelin
        • Glucose / metabolism
        • Horses / blood
        • Hydrocortisone / blood
        • Insulin / blood
        • Leptin / blood
        • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
        • Peptide Hormones / blood
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
        • Time Factors

        Citations

        This article has been cited 9 times.
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