We measured plasma and synovial fluid (from the intercarpal joint) markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage before and after exercise, and before and after providing a supplement for 23 days.
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The supplement contained plant, mushroom and yeast products that have been shown to combat tissue oxidative stress and inflammation, and enhance immune function in animals.
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High-intensity exercise resulted in muscle injury and release of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from articular cartilage in the intercarpal joint.
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The supplement reduced the appearance of muscle enzymes in plasma and abolished the increase in synovial fluid GAGs after high-intensity exercise.
Abstract
This study determined the ability of an oral nutraceutical supplement to attenuate the oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs in muscles and joints with repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise in horses. The supplement, fed daily, was comprised of whole dried mushrooms, golden flaxseed, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based enzymes, a melon-concentrate powder, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii. Ten horses participated in a partial cross-over design, with 7 horses completing the Control trial and 7 horses completing the supplement trial. Blood and synovial fluid samples (from the intercarpal joint) were taken before, and at 1 and 24 hours after a standardized, repeated high-intensity exercise test that was performed before supplementation and on the 22nd day of supplementation. At the end of the supplement trial exercise resulted in reduced concentrations of plasma markers of oxidative stress (decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, with increased total antioxidant status and increased superoxide dismutase activity); there was no effect on plasma markers of muscle injury (creatine, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase) or inflammation (PGE2, nitric oxide). Within synovial fluid, there was a tendency for increased superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased concentration of glycosaminoglycans. It is concluded that the supplement, when fed to horses as part of the normal diet for 23 days, was associated with reduced concentrations of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in muscle and synovial fluid.
