[Effect of aerobic training in top athletes on serum leptin: comparison with healthy non-athletes]

Leptin is a protein hormone produced by adipocytes. Its serum concentration in the most of cases precisely reflect the total body fat content. The aim of our study was to follow up the influence of regular aerobic training on serum leptin levels. Therefore the serum leptin levels, basic anthropometric parameters and serum lipids were compared in 11 intensively trained race walkers and 10 age-matched non sporting control subjects. We have found, that serum levels, body weight, body mass index, body fat content, total and LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in walkers group in comparison with control subjects. Serum leptin levels positively correlated with body fat content and body mass index only in control group, in the walkers group the correlation was non-significant. The results of our study demonstrate, that regular aerobic training accompanied with the decrease of body fat content leads to the significant drop of serum leptin levels.