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

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.