Exercise-induced splanchnic hypoperfusion results in gut dysfunction in healthy men

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Gastroenterology
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Splanchnic hypoperfusion is a common condition linked to gut dysfunction.
• Physical exercise is a physiological cause of splanchnic hypoperfusion, but its effects on the gut are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of exercise-induced splanchnic hypoperfusion on the gut in healthy men.
• To examine the relationship between hypoperfusion, intestinal injury, and permeability during physical exercise.

Main Methods:

• Healthy men underwent 60 minutes of cycling at 70% maximum workload.
• Splanchnic hypoperfusion was assessed using gastric tonometry.
• Enterocyte damage markers (I-FABP, I-BABP), intestinal permeability (sugar probes), and liver/renal parameters were measured.

Main Results:

• Exercise led to rapid splanchnic hypoperfusion, evidenced by increased gastric gap CO2.
• Plasma levels of I-FABP and I-BABP significantly increased, indicating small intestinal injury.
• Increased intestinal permeability correlated with intestinal injury, suggesting gut barrier dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Exercise-induced splanchnic hypoperfusion causes quantifiable small intestinal injury in healthy individuals.
• The degree of intestinal injury correlates with transiently increased intestinal permeability.
• These findings enhance understanding of splanchnic hypoperfusion effects and may inform prevention strategies in clinical settings.