Altered GDF15 and FGF21 Levels in Response to Strenuous Exercise: A Study in Marathon Runners

Background: Recreational marathon runners face strong physiological challenges. Assessment of potential biomarkers for the biological responses of runners will help to discriminate individual race responsiveness and their physiological consequences. This study sought to analyze the changes in the pl...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Campderrós Traver, Laura, Sánchez Infantes, David, Villarroya Terrade, Joan, Nescolarde, Lexa, Bayés Genís, Antoni, Cereijo Téllez, Rubén, Roca, Emma, Villarroya i Gombau, Francesc
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/176645
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/176645
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Marató
Condició física
Marcadors bioquímics
Marathon running
Physical fitness
Biochemical markers
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Recreational marathon runners face strong physiological challenges. Assessment of potential biomarkers for the biological responses of runners will help to discriminate individual race responsiveness and their physiological consequences. This study sought to analyze the changes in the plasma levels of GDF15 and FGF21, novel endocrine factors related to metabolic stress, in runners following the strenuous exercise of a marathon race. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from eighteen male runners (mean ±SD, age: 41.7 ±5.0 years, BMI: 23.6 ± 1.8) 48 h before, immediately after, and 48 h after a marathon race, and from age-matched sedentary individuals. The level of GDF15, FGF21, and 38 additional biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. Results: The basal levels of GDF15 and FGF21 did not differ between runners before the race and sedentary individuals. Significant increases in the mean levels of GDF15 (4.2-fold) and FGF21 (20-fold) were found in runners immediately after the race. The magnitudes of these increases differed markedly among individuals and did not correlate with each other. The GDF15 and FGF21 levels had returned to the basal level 48 h post-race. The post-race value of GDF15 (but not FGF21) correlated positively with increased total white cell count (r = 0.50, P = 0.01) and neutrophilia (r = 0.10, P = 0.01). Conclusion: GDF15 and FGF21 are transiently increased in runners following a marathon race. The induction of GDF15 levels is associated with alterations in circulating immune cells levels.