Antioxidants For GGT Syndrome In Training Racehorses

Blood analyses of Thoroughbred racehorses can reveal elevations in the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). In what appear to be otherwise healthy horses, the significance of these high GGT values remains unclear. Using advanced metabolomic, viral and chemistry techniques, veterinarians suggest that “GGT syndrome” in fit racehorses could be related to oxidative stress.

“The horse's body produces excess GGT in the face of liver, pancreatic, and kidney disease, particularly injury to the bile duct. Concomitant increases in other liver enzymes, however, usually do not occur, suggesting that primary liver disease does not explain elevated GGT levels seen in racehorses,” explained Peter Huntington, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., director of nutrition, Kentucky Equine Research.

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Elevated GGT levels may be caused by:

  • Hypoxia (decreased oxygen reaching tissues);
  • Infection;
  • Toxicity (e.g., pyrrolizidine alkaloids from toxic plants);
  • Liver injury;
  • Hepatic glycogen depletion and repletion;
  • Overtraining; and
  • Oxidative stress associated with inadequate selenium or glutathione

Previous studies show that GGT levels tend to increase with racing frequency and cumulative training load and then decrease with recovery. This trend in GGT raises the possibility that oxidative stress and oxidative depletion play a role in the syndrome.

In a recent study, veterinarians collected blood samples from Thoroughbred racehorses.* GGT values were analyzed, as were other liver values, selenium levels, viral load, and metabolomics. Comparisons were made between horses that did and did not have elevated GGT.

“Many of the potential causes of GGT syndrome were ruled out based on this testing, including viral hepatitis. One particularly interesting finding was that while selenium concentrations in horses with high GGT levels were within normal limits, they were significantly lower than selenium levels in horses with normal GGT,” noted Huntington.

These low selenium levels were reported in earlier studies and may reflect reduced antioxidant capacity related to oxidative stress. That said, one investigation found that selenium supplementation did not prevent increased levels of GGT in racehorses in training. In contrast, supplementation with the powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q10, such as Nano-Q10, can increase serum coenzyme Q10 levels.

“Racehorses in training with higher coenzyme Q10 levels had significantly lower GGT levels in one study. In addition, supplementation with EO-3, a marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplement, was associated with a significant reduction in GGT levels in horses in training,” Huntington said.

Overall, GGT syndrome is likely multifactorial rather than a result of a single mechanism, including oxidative stress. But, according to Huntington, there are some nutritional strategies that may be used to manage it, such as supplementing the horse's diet with antioxidants.

Read more about Kentucky Equine Research's work on GGT: The Effect of Long-chain Omega-3 (EO-3) Supplementation on Blood Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT) Levels and Inflammation Post-exercise in Thoroughbred Racehorses.

*Mann, S., J.D. Ramsay, J.J. Wakshlag, T. Stokol, S. Reed, and T.J. Divers. 2021. Investigating the pathogenesis of high-serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in Thoroughbred racehorses: A series of case-control studies. Equine Veterinary Journal:13435.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Visit ker.com for the latest in equine nutrition and management, and subscribe to Equinews to receive these articles directly

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Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance To Host Broodmare Nutrition Webinar

The Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance (ITA), in conjunction with Kentucky Equine Research (KER), will be hosting a free webinar focusing on broodmare nutrition on Thursday, February 4, starting at 7 p.m. EST.

The webinar will focus on proper nutrition practices for breeders and farm managers for all stages of the broodmare's reproductive cycle—from pre-conception through gestation and late gestation to nursing. The information will be presented by Peter Huntington BVSc, MACVSc, an external lecturer and examiner at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Science program and Director of Equine Nutrition for Kentucky Equine Research Australasia.

“A lot of stars need to be aligned to both achieve pregnancy and maintain it. Horses are notoriously challenging to routinely breed successfully compared to many other mammals, with foaling rates of only about 60 to 70 percent,” explains Dr. Huntington. “In addition to feeding high-quality, forage-based diets to achieve and maintain an appropriate body condition score, micronutrient balance, especially the trace minerals copper, zinc and selenium, and nutritional supplements also need to be considered.”

The webinar is open to anyone looking to continue their education and provide the best care for their broodmares. Pre-registration is required for access to the Zoom webinar or the livestream on ITA's Facebook page.

“We are excited to partner with Kentucky Equine Research to provide more education for Indiana breeders and owners,” says Crystal Chapple, DVM, president of ITA. “This is what this group is dedicated to do—educate and encourage breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds in Indiana. We are thankful that Kentucky Equine Research is willing to work with us on this mission.”

You can RSVP for the webinar by emailing Indythoroughbred.social@gmail.com or by clicking on the event on the ITA Facebook page.

For more information on the ITA and the webinar, visit the ITA website or follow them on social media.

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