The expression profile of genes involved in osteoclastogenesis detected in whole blood of Arabian horses during 3 years of competing at race track.

This research examined changes in gene expression related to bone resorption in Arabian racing horses during different stages of training, with results suggesting these markers could be potentially useful for understanding bone turnover in response to exercise.

Background

• Lameness in horses, primarily due to improper bone maintenance during training, is a major cause of economic loss in horse racing. This is usually a result of training overload, which disrupts the homeostasis between bone resorption and bone formation processes, leading to bone loss.
• No specific biomarker indicating the degree of joint or bone disease in a single joint is currently known, which makes detecting and treating these problems difficult.

The Study

• The researchers conducted a study on Arabian horses to investigate the expression levels of certain genes (NFATc1, CTSK, DAP12, CLEC5A, IL6ST, VAV3) that contribute to osteoclastogenesis, the process leading to bone resorption.
• The horses’ blood was tested during three years of racing at a track, with the researchers tracking how gene expression patterns changed depending on the intensity of exercise. All the stages of training were considered, with a significant increase in gene expression observed during racing competitions.

Results and Implications

• The study found that different stages of training had different impacts on gene expression. Initial training had a more substantial effect than increased, prolonged, established conditioning. Moreover, all training stages generated a similar response, regardless of the season.
• The most remarkable change in gene expression appeared during starts with racing competition. This suggests that the microevolutionary pressures of competitive racing may accelerate the bone resorption process.
• This research may help in identifying new biomarkers for joint or bone disease in horses, supporting diagnosis and treatment. The genes under observation in this study could potentially serve as a tool for understanding bone turnover in response to exercise, and could therefore offer insight into the biological mechanisms responsible for lameness in horses.