Plasma concentration of leptin and ghrelin in Standardbred foals as related to the age, sex, exercise and training.

The research article examines how acute exercise affects plasma levels of leptin and ghrelin in young Standardbred trotter horses, and how these changes are influenced by the horse’s age, sex, and training.

Study Design

• The study involved 42 clinically healthy young Standardbred trotters, aged between 1.5 and 3 years.
• The horses were grouped by age, and three blood samples were taken from each at rest, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise.
• The horses were subjected to acute bouts of exercise for the purpose of the study.

Leptin Concentration

• Acute exercise resulted in increased plasma leptin concentration among the horses.
• The increase in leptin was more pronounced 30 minutes after exercise compared to the measurement taken immediately post-exercise.
• Younger horses (1.5 years old) experienced a greater increase in leptin concentration 30 minutes post-exercise compared to older horses (2.5 years old).
• Female horses (fillies) had higher mean leptin concentrations compared to male horses (colts).
• A positive correlation was found between leptin concentrations and triacylglycerides, a type of fat found in blood, measured immediately post-exercise.

Ghrelin Concentration

• Acute exercise also significantly increased plasma ghrelin concentration among the horses, as measured immediately after the bout of exercise.
• Older horses (2.5 years) exhibited lower ghrelin concentration changes post-exercise compared to younger horses (1.5 years).

Conclusion

• In conclusion, acute bouts of exercise led to changes in plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations among young Standardbred foals.
• These changes seemed to decrease with increased age and/or training.