# Proteomic Insights into the Mechanism by Which Ferulic Acid Promotes Skeletal Muscle Fiber Type Conversion in Mongolian Horses

## TL;DR

Ferulic acid boosts fast-twitch muscle fibers in Mongolian horses, improving speed and strength through metabolic and signaling changes.

## Contribution

This study reveals the proteomic mechanisms by which ferulic acid promotes muscle fiber type conversion in horses.

## Key findings

- Ferulic acid increases fast-twitch muscle fibers in Mongolian horses.
- It modulates energy metabolism, calcium signaling, and muscle structure proteins.
- Supplementation does not cause harmful cell damage despite inducing moderate oxidative stress.

## Abstract

Ferulic acid (FA), a natural compound from traditional Chinese medicine, supports muscle health. Oral administration of ferulic acid in Mongolian horses can increase the proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers, thereby enhancing speed and strength. Proteomic analysis showed FA promotes these fibers by regulating energy metabolism, muscle structure, and calcium signaling without inducing harmful cell damage.

Ferulic acid is a bioactive phenolic compound with potential benefits for skeletal muscle health. In this study, Mongolian horses were used as experimental subjects and were orally administered ferulic acid at doses of 5, 10, or 15 g per horse per day for 40 consecutive days. Muscle biopsy samples were analyzed using proteomics to assess fiber type composition and regulatory protein expression. Ferulic acid supplementation increased the proportion of fast-twitch fibers and upregulated key differentiation factors such as MUSTN1, while modulating glycolysis, ECM remodeling, and calcium signaling pathways. Although ferulic acid induced moderate oxidative stress, it did not trigger classical ferroptosis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ferulic acid promotes fast-twitch fiber transformation in horses through coordinated metabolic and signaling mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a nutritional strategy to enhance skeletal muscle adaptability and athletic performance in horses.