Interleukin-1Ra (Il-1Ra) and serum cortisol level relationship in horse as dynamic adaptive response during physical exercise.
Abstract: The monitoring of endocrine and immunologic markers during exercise is of paramount importance to assess and/or maintain the physical well-being of athletes as well as to optimize the athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the linkage between acute stress response and immune status in Thoroughbred horses competing in an official 1300-m race. From 10 horses blood was collected 1 week before the day of the race (1W-BEFORE), before (REST) and immediately after the race to assess the cortisol, Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), total proteins, white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) concentration. Higher levels of cortisol, Il-1Ra, WBC and erythrocytes indices after exercise was found than 1W-BEFORE and REST (P < 0.0001). Cortisol concentration was positively correlated with Il-1Ra, WBC, RBC, Hb and Hct. Overall, the findings suggest that submaximal exercise induces an acute stress response and an immune system reaction in athletic horse. Also, the correlation found between cortisol levels and Il-1Ra, WBC and erythrocytes indices open new scenario on the positive role of this hormone on the complex and dynamic physiological adaptation to exercise implemented by the organism to re-establish the homeostatic equilibrium, and, interestingly, to maintain an adequate anti-inflammatory environment after exercise.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-12-13 PubMed ID: 34922262DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110368Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research explores the relationship between the stress response and the immune status in Thoroughbred horses involved in a 1300-m race, showing a positive correlation between cortisol levels and several health markers.
Study Objective
- This study aimed to examine the connection between acute stress response and immune system status in Thoroughbred horses participating in an official 1300-m race.
Methodology
- Blood was drawn from 10 horses at three intervals: 1 week before the race, just before the race, and immediately after the race. These samples were tested for cortisol levels, Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), total proteins, white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) concentration.
Findings
- The researchers observed higher levels of cortisol, IL-1Ra, WBC and erythrocyte indices after the race than one week prior to the race and immediately before it.
- A positive correlation was discovered between cortisol concentration and IL-1Ra, WBC, RBC, Hb, and Hct, indicating that exercise-induced stress response and immune system reaction in athletic horses are interconnected.
- These findings imply that submaximal exercise brings about an acute stress response and triggers the immune system in race horses.
Significance and Implications
- This correlation between cortisol levels and other health monitors opens up possibilities for further investigation into the positive effects of this hormone in complex physiological adaptations of the body to exercise.
- These findings suggest the role of cortisol in maintaining a balanced internal environment and an anti-inflammatory environment after physical exertion.
Cite This Article
APA
Arfuso F, Giudice E, Panzera M, Rizzo M, Fazio F, Piccione G, Giannetto C.
(2021).
Interleukin-1Ra (Il-1Ra) and serum cortisol level relationship in horse as dynamic adaptive response during physical exercise.
Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 243, 110368.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110368 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy. Electronic address: farfuso@unime.it.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / immunology
- Hydrocortisone / blood
- Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / blood
- Leukocytes
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
Citations
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