Aleurone supplementation enhances the metabolic benefits of training in Standardbred mares: impacts on glucose-insulin dynamics and gut microbiome composition

• DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1565005
• Publication Date: 2025-04-10T05:11:36Z
• Authors: Berit Boshuizen; Lorie De Maré; Maarten Oosterlinck; Filip Van Immerseel; Venessa Eeckhaut; Constance De Meeus; Lindsey Devisscher; Carmen Vidal More...; Maarten Willems; Jean Eduardo De O...; Guilherme Hosotani; Yannick Gansemans; Tim Meese; Filip Van Nieuwer...; Dieter Deforce; Katrien Vanderperren; Elisabeth-Lidwien...; Cathérine Delesalle
• Keywords: Gut microbiome

Aleurone, derived from the bran layer of grains like wheat and barley, has demonstrated positive effects on energy metabolism in pigs, mice, untrained horses, influencing glucose-insulin dynamics gut microbiome composition. Training itself enhances insulin sensitivity similar to improvements performance capacity observed human athletes. This study aimed investigate whether aleurone supplementation provides additional benefits training by modulating microbiota Standardbred mares. Sixteen mares (aged 3-5 years) participated a cross-over with two 8-week periods separated 8 weeks detraining. Each horse received either 200 g/day or control diet. Insulin was evaluated using oral (OGTT) intravenous (FSIGTT) glucose tolerance tests, measuring parameters such as Maximumglucose, AUCglucose, Maximuminsulin, AUCinsulin, Time peakinsulin (OGTT), Acute Response Glucose (AIRg), effectiveness (Sg), disposition index (DI) (FSIGTT). Fecal samples underwent metagenomic analysis assess alpha beta diversity microbial alone: significantly improved OGTT decreasing Maximuminsulin (P = 0.005) AUCinsulin 0.001), while increasing 0.03), indicating enhanced sensitivity. FSIGTT results also showed decrease logAIRg 0.044). Aleurone: Aleurone further reduced AIRg 0.030), 0.021) (Sg; P 0.031). These findings suggest improves sensitivity, disposal, fasting regulation beyond training. Microbiome revealed decreased Pseudomonas, associated dysbiosis, inflammation-associated Desulfovibrio. Beta metrics no significant changes. training-induced fecal composition, which could offer potential for equine athletes optimizing metabolic flexibility. It supports dynamics, particularly enhancing glucose-mediated disposal. Future studies should mechanisms at muscle level explore its applications disorders Equine Metabolic Syndrome.