In equestrian sports, there are various medicines and injections used to treat the equine. Many of them are prohibited for use in racing horses prior to a race for a specific duration. Samples are taken from horses to detect the presence of any prohibited substance in their body. Among the prohibited substances is hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone present in the body and secreted by the adrenal cortex. Its work is to reduce swelling or limit the reaction to stress. The steroid can be applied externally to the horses and trainers or owners apply it to conceal any injury in the horse before the race.

Scientists have been conducting research to find better ways to detect the hydrocortisone application in horses and, as per the latest findings in Japan, it seems they have found a game-changing one.

Equestrian researchers’ breakthrough findings

In humans, several research studies have been conducted to detect anti-doping substances. In this successful research, microRNAs have been applied, but such application was limited in the case of equine. According to Horse Talk, scientists in Japan have found out that the application of three microRNAs as biomarkers could be used to detect hydrocortisone use in horses. As we know, hydrocortisone is produced in the body and can be administered externally as well.

The presently available system of detection in anti-doping tests cannot ascertain whether the substance is from an external source or produced internally. Therefore, a new approach was needed to address the issue.

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According to equestrian researchers, for the effective result of the application of microRNAs, it is pertinent to know the level of circulating microRNAs in the body. For this, two samples were taken – one before the administration of hydrocortisone and one after its administration. The microRNAs were taken from the plasma of the horse seventeen days before the application of the drug and then again taken after the application. In the result, it came out that the level of hydrocortisone increased when administered externally and remained the same or unchanged when secreted naturally in the body.

Use of hydrocortisone in horseracing

The recent horse deaths on the famous tracks across the country drew sharp reactions from the equestrian community and society. The animal rights groups accuse the owners and trainers of negligence and purposely administrating drugs to conceal prior injuries and make the horse run faster in the race. According to various reports published earlier, hydrocortisone is one of the drugs applied to help the horse overcome pain and reduce inflammation. However, these drugs get detected in the samples of urine and blood of the horses. To make the detection even better and exact the application of microRNAs will be effective.

Read More: Groundbreaking Research Leaves Equestrian Enthusiasts and Veterinarians Astonished

The game-changing study done by the Japanese researchers can help in detecting the banned substance in the body more accurately and keep the equine safe, healthy, and secure.

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