Proteomic analysis emphasizes the adaptation of energy metabolism in horses

This is a rather deep dive into exercise physiology, but this is our direction. The whole article is available and fascinating to try and figure out what this all means. Is it a way to evaluate training, diagnose disease, select horses for competition,… It is likely all this once we know more.
DrO

Proteomic analysis emphasizes the adaptation of energy metabolism in horses during endurance races
BMC Vet Res. 2025 Feb 15;21(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12917-025-04518-0.
Authors
Jelena Gotić 1 , Luka Špelić 2 , Josipa Kuleš 3 , Anita Horvatić 4 , Andrea Gelemanović 5 , Blanka Beer Ljubić 6 , Vladimir Mrljak 6 , Nika Brkljača Bottegaro 7
Affiliations

1 Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia. jselanec@vef.hr.
2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
3 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
4 Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
5 Mediterranean Institute for Life Science (MedILS), University of Split, Split, Croatia.
6 Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
7 Clinic for Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.

PMID: 39955578
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-025-04518-0

Abstract

Background: Long-term aerobic exercise during endurance racing places high demands on equine homeostasis. This study aimed to use proteomic analysis to elucidate complex biological responses during endurance exercise. It was hypothesized that different serum proteome changes would be noted, reflecting physiological processes as a response to race. The serum has been taken before and after an 80 km race from 13 endurance horses. Proteomic analysis of samples has been performed by TMT-based quantitative method. Apolipoprotein and haptoglobin values have been validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical assay respectively. The difference in protein abundance between pre and post-race values has been determined.

Results: In serum samples, 10 master proteins with significant p value differences between pre- and post-race abundances were detected. Increased protein abundance after the race was noted for the apolipoprotein groups: ApoA IV and E, Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4), transferrin, and antithrombin-III. Decreases in apolipoprotein C-II, C-III and R, alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor protein (AMBP) and haptoglobin abundance were reported after the race compared to before the race. Gene Ontology analysis revealed changes in triglyceride and acylglycerol homeostasis, lipid localization regulation, triglyceride catabolic processes, cholesterol binding, antioxidant activity and several cellular components.

Conclusions: The endurance race caused several homeostatic imbalances characterized by various alterations in serum protein levels. The most pronounced changes emphasize the adaptation of energy metabolism to a more pronounced consumption of lipids.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Endurance; Horses; Proteomics.

© 2025. The Author(s).

• This topic was modified 3 days ago by Robert Oglesby DVM.