Oral supplementation with superoxide dismutase in Standardbred trotters in training: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

This research study investigates the effects of supplements rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD) — an antioxidant enzyme found in a specific type of melon — on muscle and antioxidant balance in standardbred trotters undergoing training. The study found that these SOD supplements could increase blood resistance to haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and reduce muscle membrane permeability.

Introduction

• The study was premised on the fact that intense physical exercise leads to the production of excess reactive oxygen species, which can disrupt the antioxidant/oxidant balance in horses undergoing training.
• The disruption of this balance can lead to inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, which can negatively impact the horse’s health and performance.
• Supplements containing high levels of antioxidants have been suggested to counteract this imbalance, thereby enhancing the health and performance of the horse.
• The study particularly focused on a supplement made from a specific variety of melon that is high in superoxide dismutase (SOD) — an antioxidant enzyme.

Methods

• The research team divided 24 standardbred trotters — matched by age, sex, and training level — into two groups: one group received daily supplements of SOD (520 iu/day) and the other received a placebo.
• The study took place over a period of 60 days, with the researchers assessing various health and performance metrics (e.g., physiological response to exercise, plasma enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and blood resistance to hemolysis) at the start of the study (T0), and after 30 days (T30), and 60 days (T60).

Results

• At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group that received the SOD supplements exhibited a considerable increase in blood resistance to haemolysis compared to the placebo group.
• The SOD group also had lower levels of creatine kinase (CK) — an enzyme that indicates damage to muscle tissue — compared to the placebo group, suggesting reduced muscle permeability brought on by training.

Conclusion

• A principal takeaway from this study is that SOD supplementation appears to enhance blood resistance to haemolysis and prevent the increase in muscle permeability due to intense training.
• This research brings additional insight into the potential health benefits of antioxidant-rich supplements for horses undergoing rigorous training, opening up promising avenues for future research and practice.