Serum protein concentrations and protein fractions in clinically healthy Italian Heavy Draft Horses using agarose gel electrophoresis

Abstract

BackgroundSerum protein electrophoresis (SPE) reference intervals (RIs) have been evaluated in different horses, but no specific values are shown for equine breeds as previously described in other species (dogs, cats), and no studies have been performed on SPE in draft horses.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine RIs for SPE in heavy draft horses (Italian Heavy Draft Horse‐IHDH) living in central Italy. A comparison between different physiologic states (pregnancy and no pregnancy) and ages (foals and adults) was executed.Materials and MethodsBlood samples were collected from 215 apparently healthy horses (mares, stallions, and foals). SPE (total proteins, albumin, α1‐, α2‐, β1‐, β2‐, and γ‐fractions, A/G) was evaluated in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Perugia. RIs were determined using well‐described, modern analytical and statistical methods. The normality of distributions was assessed using the Anderson‐Darling test. Differences between subgroups were evaluated using the Mann‐Whitney U test. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.ResultsOur results showed that IHDHs had increases in TPs and the α2‐, β1‐, β2‐, and γ‐fractions, and decreases in albumin, α1‐globulins, and A/G ratios compared with the data reported in other horses. We also found that foals had significantly higher α1‐globulins and significantly lower albumin concentrations, and A/G ratios compared with those of the adult horses.ConclusionsIn the present study, SPE RIs using agarose gels have been determined for the first time in a large number of draft horses (represented by IHDH). The obtained results provide a basis for the further investigation of equine breeds with natural breeding, and the impact of age and physiologic states on SPE.

Metabolic and Biomolecular Changes Induced by Incremental Long-Term Training in Young Thoroughbred Racehorses during First Workout Season

“…According to the literature, exercise has a powerful action on metabolism, which is influenced by the intensity and duration of the effort both in humans and racehorses [1][2][3][4][20][21][22][23]. Our results showed a significant and progressive decrease in glycaemia that remained within the RIs.…”

“…Indeed, over the course of long-term training, both insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake are enhanced, producing a reduction in blood glucose levels even if remaining in physiological values [22]. Long-term training provokes a large shift in substrate utilization [20]. Exercise in racehorses has been demonstrated to induce a reduced level of carbohydrates and an increased level of lipids as an energy substrate.…”

Immune Response in Young Thoroughbred Racehorses under Training

“…In order to optimize their interactions with their environment, humans and animals are prompted to adapt and mount a corrective response to noxious stimuli. Signal molecules activation for a prompt reaction can be induced by different types of stressors, both infectious and non-infectious, on the basis of the host’s responsiveness [ 1 , 2 , 3 ].…”

“…In this conceptual framework, stimuli like weaning [ 9 , 10 ], transport [ 11 , 12 ], pregnancy and lactation [ 2 , 13 , 14 ], environmental pollution [ 14 ], exercise [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], cancer, and psychic stress [ 1 , 2 , 18 ] can trigger an innate immune response and inflammation, via an attempt to restore a homeostatic state [ 19 ]. Accordingly, coping with such stressors can be evaluated by measuring immunological parameters [ 19 ].…”

Hematological and Biochemical Reference Intervals for 5 Adult Hunting Dog Breeds Using a Blood Donor Database

“…Hematological and biochemical profiles are essential in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in veterinary medicine, requiring optimal Reference Intervals (RIs) for accurate interpretation [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”