Effects of regular exercise on inflammatory biomarkers and lipid parameters in soccer players.

Since chronic dyslipidemia and inflammation play a major role in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque, we investigated the effects of a 7-week exercise on the serum lipid profile, plasma atherogenic index (PAI), and inflammatory biomarkers interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in male soccer players. Methods: The participants in this study were 22 healthy male soccer players aged 19-25 years. IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, MCP-1, and lipid profile were recorded before and after the program. PAI was calculated as log (TG/HDL-C), where TG is triglyceride and HDL-C is high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Results: There were significant decreases in post-exercise IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (for all, p< .05). Compared to the pretest values, there were significant decreases in posttest total cholesterol (TC), TGs, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and PAI (for all, p< .05). In contrast, HDL-C values increased after exercise (p< .001). After exercise training TC, TGs, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and PAI decreased and HDL-C increased, indicating improvement in parameters of dyslipidemia. The decreases in IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 suggest a decrease in systemic inflammation.

Associations of apelin, leptin, irisin, ghrelin, insulin, glucose levels, and lipid parameters with physical activity during eight weeks of regular exercise training.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of basketball training on apelin, leptin, irisin, ghrelin, insulin, glucose, and blood lipids among basketball players. METHODS: The exercise groups were given 2 h of basketball training for 5 d a week and for 8 weeks. The control group was randomly selected among the adolescents who did not regularly exercise. RESULTS: The apelin and ghrelin levels significantly increased; however, leptin, irisin, and insulin levels statistically decreased in the post-exercise group compared to the other groups (p < .05). The results suggest low levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) parameters (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that after 8 weeks of chronic exercise training, apelin and ghrelin levels increased; in contrast, leptin, irisin, and insulin levels decreased. The decrease in leptin and irisin levels is compatible with the pattern of decrease in the lipid levels as a result of chronic exercise.

Investigation of the effect of training on serotonin, melatonin and hematologic parameters in adolescent basketball players.

OBJECTIVES: Exercise can improve both health and mood. Some beneficial effects of exercise are attributed to endocrine status. This study aims to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of basketball training on melatonin, serotonin, and hematologic parameters in basketball players. METHODS: The experimental group was selected form 34 healthy young boys, aged between 13 and 16 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n=17) and the exercise group (n=17). The exercise program consisted of 2 h/day aerobic activity of basketball training in 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Venous blood was taken on the day before experiment (pre-exercise) and on the day following the last exercise (post-exercise) and hormone levels were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Serotonin and melatonin levels significantly increased in the post-exercise group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Exercise caused increase in WBC, RBC, HCT and Hb levels (p<0.05) while did not alter PLT, MCH, and PCT levels (p>0.05). This study indicates that an eight weeks-long regular aerobic exercise increased melatonin and serotonin levels, and also altered some hematological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it is believed that improvement in levels of serotonin, melatonin, and hematological parameters after eight weeks of regular basketball training in basketball players could be attributed to beneficial effects of exercise. Investigation in other branches of sports and in different gender and age groups would make contribution into exercise physiology and training science.

Effects of eight weeks exercise training on serum levels of adropin in male volleyball players.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an eight week exercise program on the lipid profile in serum, serum levels of adropin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in male volleyball players. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male volleyball players participated in this study. Subjects performed eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training, and body mass index (BMI), body fat ratio, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), adropin, SBP, and DBP values were measured at the start (untrained) and end (trained) of training. Non-HDL-C was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. RESULTS: Body fat percentage and BMI values decreased significantly after eight weeks of exercise training. There was a statistically significant decrease in the post-test values of LDL-C, TG, non-HDL-C, and DBP compared to pre-test measurements. There was a significant increase in the trained levels of adropin and HDL-C compared to untrained levels. Pearson's correlation analyses revealed a negative and significant relationship between changes in DBP and adropin levels before and after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of exercise training decreased LDL-C, TG, non-HDL-C, and DBP and an increased serum levels of adropin in male volleyball players.

Effects of different loading exercises on apelin levels and physical and hematologic parameters of swimmers.

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different exercise loads (short, medium and long swimming distances) on apelin levels and some physical and hematologic parameters of male professional swimmers. Materials and methods Apelin levels, hematologic parameters, whole blood values and physical measurements, including body mass index (BMI), aerobic power values and anaerobic power values, were also obtained. Results It was determined that the thrombocyte, erythrocyte and leukocyte values from the hematologic parameters increased after exercise (p < 0.05). According to the results, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the pretest apelin level (2090.75 pg/mg) and the apelin levels taken after swimming M 200 m (4260.43 pg/mg) and after swimming L 400 m (3694.4 pg/mg). Conclusions The different exercise loads had significant effects on the hematologic parameters and apelin values in the swimmers. The study also determined the relationships between swimming exercises and aerobic and anaerobic capacity and BMI.

Effects of different exercise loads on the thyroid hormone levels and serum lipid profile in swimmers.

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different exercise loads (short, medium and long swimming distances) on the thyroid hormone (THs) levels and serum lipid profiles of male professional swimmers. Materials and methods The participants in this study were 20 healthy male professional swimmers aged 18-22 years, who all competed at an elite level. The THs levels [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)] and serum lipid profile were also obtained. Results It was determined that the TSH and T4 values increased after exercise (p < 0.05). When compared to the pretest values, the increase in the TSH and T4 values following the L400 tests was statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). It was also determined that the changes in the cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total glucose (TG) values were significant after exercise (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values (p = 0.07). According to the results, the cholesterol counts for the M200 and L400 groups were lower than the pretest counts (p < 0.001). When compared to the pretest values, the decrease in the HDL counts for the M200 and L400 groups was higher than the pretest HDL counts (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Further, the triglycerides counts for the M200 and L400 groups were higher than the pretest counts (p < 0.001). Conclusions Different exercise loads can have a positive impact on the physical health of swimmers via their lipid profiles and THs. Additionally, swimming exercise could be considered an efficient protective strategy against metabolic disorders, as it serves to balance the serum lipid levels.