Lipid and Lipoprotein Profiles Modification in Athletic Horses After Repeated Jumping Events

• Exercise effect on serum lipids and lipoproteins was evaluated in Jumper horses.
• Higher nonesterified fatty acids, triglycerides, very low–density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoprotein levels were found after exercise.
• Lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein values were found after exercise.
• Changes in considered parameters could represent a metabolic response to exercise.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), triglycerides, total cholesterol (total chol), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and very low–density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction levels in Jumper horses. Horses took part to a show jumping competition represented by repeated events. Blood sampling was performed before the first day of competition (T0), within 10 minutes from the end of each competition (T1POST, T2POST, T3POST), and in the day after competition (R1). Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of exercise (P < .001) on all studied parameters. Nonesterified fatty acids showed higher values at T1POST, T2POST, and T3POST than T0. Higher serum triglycerides, VLDLs, and HDLs levels were found at T1POST, T2POST, T3POST, and R1 than T0. Total cholesterol and LDLs values showed a significant decrease at T1POST, T2POST, T3POST, and R1 than T0. The observed changes in lipid and lipoprotein parameters could represent the metabolic response to physical exercise during the 3 days of competition that led to an increase of NEFAs and triglycerides levels after the physical exercise which act as energy support, whereas during the recovery period, the energy production was assured by oxidation of serum triglycerides. The increase in serum HDLs, decrease in total chol, and LDLs point out the positive effects of physical exercise on the lipoproteins profile in trained horses suggesting the reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues to the liver for new biochemical processes in trained Jumper horses.