Differential expression of equine muscle biopsy proteins during normal training and intensified training in young standardbred horses using proteomics technology

The major aim of the present study was to investigate the proteome of standardbred horses at different stages of training and intensified training. We searched for biomarkers using small skeletal muscle biopsies of live animals. 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were successfully applied to investigate training-induced differential expression of equine muscle biopsy proteins. Despite the poor resolution of the equine genome and proteome, we were able to identify the proteins of 20 differential spots representing 16 different proteins. Evaluation of those proteins complies with adaptation of the skeletal muscle after normal training involving structural changes towards a higher oxidative capacity, an increased capacity to take up long-chain fatty acids, and to store energy in the form of glycogen. Intensified training leads to additional changed spots. Alpha-1-antitrypsin was found increased after intensified training but not after normal training. This protein may thus be considered as a marker for overtraining in horses and also linked to overtraining in human athletes.