Interactions between adipose, bone, and muscle tissue markers during acute negative energy balance in male rowers

The purpose of this investigation was to study the influence of prolonged low-intensity single scull rowing exercise on plasma adipocytokine and osteokine concentrations in trained male rowers. Nine single scull rowers (age: 20.1±1.6 yrs; height: 184.1±4.6 cm; body mass: 81.2±5.3 kg; %body fat: 11.1±3.9) participated in this study.

Venous blood samples were obtained before and after a ~2 h constant load on-water sculling training session (distance: 20.6±1.5 km; HR: 133±4 bpm; intensity: 80.3±1.7% of the HR turn-point).

The training session created an energy deficit of 1 200-1 500 kcal. Plasma adiponectin increased (+12.2%; P<0.05) while leptin decreased (-23.1%; P<0.05) at 30 min postexercise. Plasma osteocalcin (+23.7%; P<0.05) and type I carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP) (+28.6%; P<0.05) were increased on completion of the training session. Plasma IL-6 concentration was increased (P<0.05) about four-fold while insulin concentration was decreased (P<0.05) more than three-fold upon completion of exercise. There were no differences in TNF-α, glucose, testosterone and cortisol concentrations over time. Plasma adiponectin (r=0.59) and osteocalcin (r=0.57) concentrations measured immediately after the training session were related (P<0.05) to the distance covered.

Acute negative energy balance induced by a single endurance rowing training session elicited an inverse metabolic response in adiponectin and osteocalcin concentrations in male rowers. Our results suggest that peripheral markers of negative energy balance, such as adiponectin and osteocalcin, may serve as signals for metabolic reaction to the energy cost of acute exercise in athletes.