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GH secretion in acute exercise may result in post-exercise lipolysis
Jamie Wee1, Catherine Charlton, Helen Simpson
1Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, St. Thomas' Hospital, GKT School of Medicine, Kings College, London, UK.
Summary
Intense exercise stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion, which may enhance fat breakdown (lipolysis) during recovery. This study found a correlation between GH response to exercise and increased lipolysis in both young and older men.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Exercise is a known stimulant of growth hormone (GH) secretion.
- The role of GH in post-exercise fat metabolism, specifically lipolysis, remains an area for investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if acute exercise-induced GH secretion enhances lipolysis during the recovery period.
- To compare the lipolytic response to exercise-induced GH secretion in young versus older men.
Main Methods:
- Seven young and seven older moderately trained men participated.
- Glycerol production rate (a measure of lipolysis) was measured using stable isotope infusion ([2H5]glycerol).
- Subjects underwent a 20-minute cycling exercise bout, followed by a recovery period, with a separate trial involving GH infusion in young subjects.
Main Results:
- Exercise increased catecholamines and glycerol production rate (lipolysis) in both age groups.
- Growth hormone (GH) levels rose post-exercise, with similar peak responses in young and older men.
- A significant post-exercise increase in lipolysis was observed, which was replicated by GH infusion and correlated with the peak GH response.
Conclusions:
- Acute exercise-induced GH secretion appears to stimulate lipolysis during the recovery phase.
- This effect was observed in both young and older men, suggesting a potential role for GH in exercise-induced fat mobilization across different age groups.