Association Between Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia and Intestinal Permeability: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Strenuous exercise can compromise the intestinal barrier, leading to endotoxin translocation and systemic inflammation.
• This inflammatory response may negatively affect physical performance and contribute to heat stroke.
• The relationship between exercise-induced hyperthermia and intestinal permeability requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the association between exercise-induced increases in core body temperature (T_Core) and intestinal permeability.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted.
• Sixteen studies involving healthy participants measuring both T_Core and intestinal permeability changes during exercise were included.
• Intestinal permeability was assessed using urinary sugar levels or blood markers like intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lipopolysaccharide.

Main Results:

• Most studies reported increases in both T_Core and intestinal permeability with exercise.
• A strong positive correlation (r = 0.793; p < 0.001) was found between T_Core and intestinal permeability.
• Core body temperatures above 39°C were consistently associated with increased intestinal permeability.

Conclusions:

• The degree of exercise-induced hyperthermia directly correlates with the extent of intestinal permeability increase.
• Elevated core body temperature during strenuous exercise is a significant factor in compromising gut barrier function.