Abstract

MURIEL, M et al. Dynamics of DNA damage in leukocytes of thoroughbred equines subjected to a standardized excercise test. BAG, J. basic appl. genet. [online]. 2016, vol.27, n.1, pp.29-35. ISSN 1852-6233.

It is well established that during exercising, an increase in the production of free radicals occurs, which can break the oxide-reducing balance of the cell causing DNA damage. The aim of this study was to establish the existence of DNA damage in circulating leukocytes of horses undergoing sub-maximal exercise by using the comet assay. Five horses subjected to a standardized exercise test were used. Samples were extracted before starting the exercise and, then, at 8.5 m/s, at 15 m/s, and 1 and 30 min post-exercise. Simultaneously, oxygen consumption during the exercise test was measured. The frequency of cells with DNA damage was 0.448, 0.537, 0.617, 0.556 and 0.592 respectively, being significant the differences from the baseline values over time (p<0.05). Then, the cells were classified by levels of damage, with significant increases (p<0.05), especially at 15 m/s and 30 min after exercise. A significant association between the frequency of cells with DNA damage and oxygen consumption during standardized exercise test is observed. These results suggest that genotoxic damage inducing factors occur mainly during physical exertion.

Keywords : Equine thoroughbred; Exercise; DNA damage.

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