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Effects of physical activity upon the liver
Roy J Shephard1, Nathan Johnson
1Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, royjshep@shaw.ca.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|November 5, 2014
Summary
Regular physical activity promotes liver health by improving glucose control and increasing antioxidant defenses. However, excessive exercise may pose risks, highlighting the need for balanced activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic regulation
Background:
- The liver plays a crucial role in metabolic homeostasis.
- Understanding the liver's response to physical activity is vital for public health.
- Physical activity influences numerous physiological processes, including those within the liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the liver's physiological responses to both acute and chronic physical activity.
- To summarize the existing scientific literature on the relationship between physical activity and liver health.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using HealthStar/Ovid and other relevant databases.
- The search covered publications from 1975 to June 2013, with subsequent refinement of the selected articles.
Main Results:
- Acute exercise impacts hepatic blood flow, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis while altering lipid metabolism and indicating oxidative stress.
- Regular aerobic exercise training enhances glucose control, up-regulates carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, increases oxidative stress resistance, and augments lipid metabolism.
- Studies indicate regular exercise reduces hepatic fat, though optimal parameters for health benefits require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Consistent, moderate physical activity is beneficial for maintaining and improving liver health.
- Inadequate physical activity can lead to adverse liver function, while extreme endurance exercise may be detrimental.
- Further research is needed to define the precise exercise modalities and dosages that maximize liver health benefits.
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