Metabolomics in equine sport and exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Animal Science

Background:

• Metabolomics provides a comprehensive view of cellular responses to physiological changes.
• Its application in human sports science is well-established, yielding insights into exercise and training.
• However, metabolomics in equine exercise physiology remains underdeveloped despite the horse's athletic significance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of metabolomics in equine athletes.
• To describe the implementation, analytical methods, and applications of metabolomics in horses.
• To identify knowledge gaps, particularly concerning the equine skeletal muscle metabolome.

Main Methods:

• This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on metabolomics in equine exercise physiology.
• It discusses various analytical techniques employed in metabolomic studies.
• Methodological considerations and challenges specific to equine research are addressed.

Main Results:

• The review highlights the limited but growing application of metabolomics in equine athletes.
• It identifies key areas where metabolomics can elucidate exercise-induced physiological changes.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding the skeletal muscle metabolome of athletic horses.

Conclusions:

• Metabolomics holds great potential for advancing equine exercise physiology and sports science.
• Further research is needed to overcome barriers and fully leverage metabolomics for equine health.
• Understanding metabolomic profiles can enhance management and well-being of athletic horses throughout their lives.