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cfDNA Changes in Maximal Exercises as a Sport Adaptation Predictor
Kinga Humińska-Lisowska1, Jan Mieszkowski1,2, Andrzej Kochanowicz1
1Faculty of Physical Education, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland.
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels increase with maximal exercise intensity. Athletes show higher cfDNA post-exercise, suggesting it may indicate exercise load and potential overtraining.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circulating free plasma DNA (cfDNA) changes are linked to tissue injury and inflammation from exercise.
- cfDNA may serve as a potential biomarker for athletic overtraining.
- Exercise intensity influences cfDNA response, potentially indicating exercise load.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the response of cfDNA to different exercise types (aerobic vs. anaerobic).
- To correlate cfDNA levels with exercise intensity as a marker of exercise load.
- To differentiate cfDNA responses between athletes and physically active individuals.
Main Methods:
- Fifty male volunteers (25 athletes, 25 physically active) underwent maximal aerobic (Bruce test) and anaerobic (Wingate test) exercises.
- Blood samples were collected pre-exercise and at 2-5, 30, and 60 minutes post-exercise.
- Serum cfDNA concentrations were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Athletes exhibited significantly higher cfDNA concentrations (32.15%) compared to the control group.
- Post-exercise, cfDNA decreased by 40.10% in the control group between 30 and 60 minutes.
- In athletes, cfDNA levels remained relatively stable during the same post-exercise period.
Conclusions:
- cfDNA response varies with exercise intensity and duration.
- cfDNA formation is associated with the physiological response to maximal physical exertion.
- These findings suggest cfDNA could be a marker for maximal exercise load and overtraining.
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