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Thyroid hormones, cytokines, physical training and metabolic control
J M Steinacker1, M Brkic, C Simsch
1Sektion Sport- und Rehabilitationsmedizin, Medizinische Klinik, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany. juergen.steinacker@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|September 22, 2005
Summary
Prolonged athletic overtraining disrupts metabolic control, leading to hormonal imbalances and fatigue. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may indicate an athlete's metabolic status during training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Peripheral cellular mechanisms prioritize energy supply during acute exercise.
- Prolonged training leads to glycogen depletion, altered cytokine expression, and reduced insulin and lipolysis.
- Adipose tissue energy loss is marked by decreased leptin, impacting hypothalamic neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and hormonal adaptations during prolonged athletic overtraining.
- To identify potential indicators of metabolic control in athletes.
- To understand the role of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in the overtraining syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of metabolic error signals including leptin, insulin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- Assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal responses and sympathoadrenergic stimulation.
- Correlation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with metabolic hormones and training status.
Main Results:
- Overtraining causes downregulation of hypothalamic hormonal and sympathoadrenergic responses.
- Metabolic disturbances contribute to catabolism, fatigue, and myopathy.
- Thyroid hormones are integral to metabolic control and the training response.
Conclusions:
- The hypothalamus integrates metabolic, hormonal, and sensory signals to regulate the athlete's functional status.
- Overtraining leads to a catabolic state characterized by reduced performance and specific muscle fiber changes.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can serve as a marker for metabolic control in athletes undergoing intense training.