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Published on: June 11, 2017
Rigorous running increases growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I without altering ghrelin
R R Kraemer1, R J Durand, E O Acevedo
1Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana 70402, USA. rkraemer@selu.edu
Intense running significantly increased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and growth hormone (GH) but did not alter ghrelin levels. However, ghrelin showed relationships with IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) during exercise and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Ghrelin's role in exercise-induced growth hormone (GH) release is debated.
- Previous studies suggest potential links between ghrelin and GH responses to exercise.
- The impact of intense exercise on ghrelin, GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a progressively intense running protocol on ghrelin, GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3.
- To compare hormonal responses during exercise and recovery versus a control condition.
- To explore correlations between ghrelin and other measured hormones.
Main Methods:
- Six well-trained males underwent an intermittent running protocol at intensities from 60% to 100% of VO2max.
- Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, post-intensity, and post-recovery (15 and 30 min).
- A control trial without exercise was performed for comparison.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in GH and IGF-I (area under the curve) were observed in the exercise trial compared to the control.
- Ghrelin and IGFBP-3 levels did not differ significantly between exercise and control trials.
- Significant correlations were found between ghrelin and IGF-I, and ghrelin and IGFBP-3, but not between ghrelin and GH.
Conclusions:
- Intense running elevates total IGF-I and GH, differing from findings with less intense protocols.
- Peripheral ghrelin levels are not affected by intense running exercise despite significant GH increases.
- The observed relationships between ghrelin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 during intense exercise warrant further investigation.
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