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Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology2001; 128(1); 99-104; doi: 10.1016/s1095-6433(00)00286-5

Role of exercise and ascorbate on plasma antioxidant capacity in thoroughbred race horses.

Abstract: During exercise, the oxygen consumption and the production of free radicals increase and can lead to oxidative stress with a deleterious effect on cellular structures involved in physical activity. To evaluate the oxidative stress produced by exercise and the role of ascorbate as an antioxidant, venous blood samples were obtained from 44 thoroughbred racehorses, before and after a 1000+/-200-m race at maximum velocity. Fourteen of these horses were treated intravenously with 5 g of ascorbate before running. Antioxidant capacity (PAOC), endogenous and exogenous ascorbate concentration, total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), urate concentration, creatine kinase activity, protein concentration and thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBAR) as oxidative stress indicators were measured in the plasma of some of these horses. PAOC, TAR and TBAR increased after the race, while plasma ascorbate and urate concentrations remained unchanged. Total plasma protein (TPP) concentrations increased in line with antioxidant capacity. As predicted, both the plasma ascorbate concentration and PAOC increased immediately after ascorbate administration, but was not modified after the race, such as TBAR. However, in both groups plasma creatine kinase activity increased after the race. These results would suggest that the administration of ascorbate could nullify the oxidative stress produced by exercise in thoroughbred racehorses, but could not prevent muscular damage.
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Publication Date: 2001-01-04 PubMed ID: 11137442DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(00)00286-5Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examines the impact of exercise-induced oxidative stress in racehorses and the potential of ascorbate (vitamin C) as an antioxidant to neutralize these effects. The findings suggest that while ascorbate administration can mitigate oxidative stress, it may not prevent muscle damage caused by rigorous exercise.

Objective of the Research

  • The main purpose of the study was to examine the cumulative effect of exercise on oxidative stress in racehorses, and to assess the efficacy of ascorbate as a protective antioxidant.

Methods Used in the Study

  • The researchers used 44 thoroughbred racehorses for their experiment. These horses were made to run a 1000 +/- 200-m race at their maximum speed.
  • Plasma samples were obtained from the horses both before and after the race, for further analysis.
  • Fourteen of the horses were administered intravenously with 5g of ascorbate before running, to measure the impact of ascorbate as an antioxidant on oxidative stress generation.
  • The research team further measured a range of oxidative stress indicators including antioxidant capacity (PAOC), endogenous and exogenous ascorbate concentration, total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), urate concentration, creatine kinase activity, protein concentration and thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBAR).

Key Findings

  • The levels of PAOC, TAR, and TBAR in the horses’ plasma samples increased post-race, indicating a heightened state of oxidative stress due to stringent physical activity.
  • The concentration of plasma ascorbate and urate remained unchanged. This might suggest that the horses’ bodies did not utilize these antioxidants any more than usual, even after rigorous exercise.
  • The administration of ascorbate demonstrated a temporary increase in ascorbate concentration and PAOC. Yet, these levels were not modified after the race, indicating that although ascorbate supplementation can increase antioxidant bioavailability, it may not effectively counter exercise-induced oxidative stress.
  • Creatine kinase activity, a marker of muscle damage, increased after the race in both groups, suggesting that ascorbate supplementation could not prevent muscle damage caused by the race.

Conclusion

  • The findings suggest that while ascorbate administration can offer some degree of protection against oxidative stress induced by demanding physical activity, it may not necessarily prevent muscle damage in racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
White A, Estrada M, Walker K, Wisnia P, Filgueira G, Valdés F, Araneda O, Behn C, Martínez R. (2001). Role of exercise and ascorbate on plasma antioxidant capacity in thoroughbred race horses. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol, 128(1), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1095-6433(00)00286-5

Publication

Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology
ISSN: 1095-6433
NlmUniqueID: 9806096
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 128
Issue: 1
Pages: 99-104

Researcher Affiliations

White, A
  • Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, P.O. Box 70005, 7, Santiago, Chile. awhite@machi.med.uchile.cl
Estrada, M
    Walker, K
      Wisnia, P
        Filgueira, G
          Valdés, F
            Araneda, O
              Behn, C
                Martínez, R

                  MeSH Terms

                  • Animals
                  • Antioxidants / metabolism
                  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
                  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
                  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
                  • Creatine Kinase / blood
                  • Female
                  • Free Radicals / metabolism
                  • Horses / blood
                  • Horses / physiology
                  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
                  • Male
                  • Oxidative Stress
                  • Oxygen Consumption
                  • Physical Exertion / physiology
                  • Running / physiology
                  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism
                  • Uric Acid / blood

                  Citations

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