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Fat feeding increases equine heparin-released lipoprotein lipase activity
S N Geelen1, W L Jansen, M M Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan
1Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. suzannegeelen@hotmail.com
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|October 13, 2001
Summary
Increased dietary fat in horses boosts plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, which is crucial for fat metabolism. This study quanties the dose-response relationship, providing valuable insights for equine nutrition and exercise physiology.
Area of Science:
- Equine nutrition
- Animal physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in lipid metabolism, hydrolyzing triglycerides in lipoproteins.
- Understanding the factors influencing LPL activity is essential for managing equine health and performance, particularly in relation to diet.
- Previous research has suggested a link between dietary fat and LPL activity, but a precise dose-response relationship in horses was not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the dose-response relationship between varying levels of dietary fat intake and heparin-released plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in horses.
- To investigate the impact of different dietary fat concentrations on plasma lipid profiles in equine subjects.
Main Methods:
- Eight mature horses were subjected to a 4x4 Latin square design, receiving four rations with distinct fat levels (3.0% to 10.8% of dry matter).
- Soybean oil was incorporated into isoenergetic rations, replacing glucose, with hay and concentrates provided in a 3:1 energy ratio.
- Blood samples were collected after each 3-week dietary period to measure plasma LPL activity and lipid concentrations.
Main Results:
- Heparin-released plasma LPL activity increased in a dose-dependent manner with higher dietary fat intake.
- A combined analysis of current and previous data indicated that a 1 g/kg dry matter increase in fat intake correlated with a 0.98 micromol/mL/h increase in LPL activity.
- Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and phospholipids were elevated by fat feeding, while triacylglycerol concentrations remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fat intake significantly influences heparin-released plasma LPL activity in horses in a dose-dependent manner.
- The findings suggest that fat feeding may enhance the oxidative capacity of equine skeletal muscle, warranting further investigation.
- This study provides quantitative data crucial for formulating equine diets to optimize lipid metabolism and potentially athletic performance.