Combined feed restriction and exercise uniquely modulate exercise-induced inflammatory responses in overweight horses

Area of Science:

• Equine physiology
• Exercise science
• Inflammation research

Background:

• Equine obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation.
• Feed restriction can negatively impact gastrointestinal function.
• The interaction between adiposity and exercise in horses requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of feed restriction, exercise, and their combination on inflammatory markers and cartilage metabolism in overweight horses.
• To evaluate exercise-induced changes in blood and synovial fluid following different dietary and exercise interventions.

Main Methods:

• Overweight horses were divided into four groups: feed restriction (FR), exercise (E), combined feed restriction and exercise (FRE), and control (C).
• Interventions lasted 10 weeks, with specific dietary energy (DE) levels and exercise protocols.
• Blood and synovial fluid samples were analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), resolvin D1 (RvD1), and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) at various time points.

Main Results:

• After 10 weeks, synovial fluid PGE2 decreased, while NO and plasma GAG increased.
• The combined group (FRE) showed significantly higher synovial fluid NO and GAG levels post-exercise compared to other groups.
• Plasma NO also increased, suggesting a systemic inflammatory response modulation.

Conclusions:

• Combined feed restriction and exercise effectively modulate inflammatory signaling pathways in horses.
• This combined approach influences cartilage turnover markers following exercise.
• The findings suggest a potential strategy for managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions in equine obesity.