Circulating Transcriptional Profile Modulation in Response to Metabolic Unbalance Due to Long-Term Exercise in Equine Athletes: A Pilot Study

Physical exercise has been associated with the modulation of micro RNAs (miRNAs), actively released in body fluids and recognized as accurate biomarkers. The aim of this study was to measure serum miRNA profiles in 18 horses taking part in endurance competitions, which represents a good model to test metabolic responses to moderate intensity prolonged efforts. Serum levels of miRNAs of eight horses that were eliminated due to metabolic unbalance (Non Performer-NP) were compared to those of 10 horses that finished an endurance competition in excellent metabolic condition (Performer-P). Circulating miRNA (ci-miRNA) profiles in serum were analyzed through sequencing, and differential gene expression analysis was assessed comparing NP versus P groups. Target and pathway analysis revealed the up regulation of a set of miRNAs (of mir-211 mir-451, mir-106b, mir-15b, mir-101-1, mir-18a, mir-20a) involved in the modulation of myogenesis, cardiac and skeletal muscle remodeling, angiogenesis, ventricular contractility, and in the regulation of gene expression. Our preliminary data open new scenarios in the definition of metabolic adaptations to the establishment of efficient training programs and the validation of athletes’ elimination from competitions.