Plasma Apelin Concentration in Exercised Horses: Preliminary Study.

The research focuses on examining the impact of varying intensities of physical exercise on the plasma apelin concentration in horses. It additionally investigates the effects of regular training on resting apelin levels in horses.

Research Objectives and Methodologies

• The objective of the study was to ascertain if different intensities of physical exertion affect the plasma concentration of apelin in horses. Additionally, it aimed to determine if long-term regular training had an effect on resting blood apelin levels.
• The study involved 20 purebred Arabian horses, divided into two groups. One group consisted of 10 racing horses aged 3 years and the second comprised of 10 horses ranging from 6 to 12 years, used in endurance rides.
• Blood samples were collected from each horse during their resting period and after their respective physical activities. These plasma samples were then tested for concentrations of apelin and several parameters such as lactic acid, cortisol, uric acid, triacylglycerols, total plasma protein, and glucose.

Observations and Findings

• The study found that racing training sessions led to significant reductions in plasma apelin concentrations.
• For endurance horses, significant correlations were found between exercise-induced changes in apelin and cortisol, and apelin and uric acid concentrations.
• The research concluded that the concentration of apelin in horse plasma decreases in response to short-term exercise, as opposed to endurance exercises.
• It was also observed that the apelin concentration at rest was lower in horses that had been trained regularly for a longer time, compared to horses at the early stages of their training process.

Conclusion

• The research provides crucial insights into the behavior of plasma apelin concentration in response to differing levels of physical exercise in horses.
• These findings may have impacts on devising physical training sessions for horses since apelin plays a key role in the body’s energy metabolism process.