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Physical Training Increases Erythroferrone Levels in Men.
Inga Dziembowska1, Małgorzata Wójcik2, Jakub Bukowski1
1Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Athletes beginning their training season show higher levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and erythroferrone (ERFE). This suggests intense exercise stimulates EPO, increasing ERFE to support red blood cell production for oxygen transport.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Hematology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Intense physical activity increases the body's demand for oxygen transport.
- Red blood cells are crucial for oxygen delivery to muscles.
- Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a novel marker of erythroid activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess erythroferrone (ERFE) concentrations in athletes at the start of their training season.
- To evaluate erythropoietic activity in athletes compared to a control group.
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity intensity and erythropoietic markers.
Main Methods:
- Study included 39 athletes and 34 healthy male controls.
- Measured concentrations of erythropoietin (EPO) and erythroferrone (ERFE).
- Assessed physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Main Results:
- Athletes exhibited significantly higher EPO and ERFE levels than controls (p < 0.0034).
- Higher physical activity intensity correlated with increased EPO and ERFE concentrations.
- EPO and ERFE levels were elevated at the beginning of the training season.
Conclusions:
- Intense physical activity stimulates erythropoietin (EPO) production.
- Increased EPO leads to higher erythroferrone (ERFE) release.
- This adaptive mechanism supports enhanced erythropoiesis and iron availability for athletes.
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