Biomarkers in Endurance Exercise: Individualized Regulation and Predictive Value.

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology and sports science
• Biomarker analysis and interpretation
• Personalized medicine in sports

Background:

• High interindividual variability in exercise response hinders effective use of blood-based biomarkers in sports.
• Developing algorithms to characterize individual biomarker regulation and predictive value is crucial for optimizing training and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel algorithm for characterizing individual regulation and predictive value of candidate blood biomarkers.
• To assess the stability and predictive power of various biomarkers in response to endurance exercise.
• To provide insights for personalized management of stress and recovery in athletes.

Main Methods:

• Forty-nine participants underwent two identical exercise trials with blood sampling at multiple time points.
• Plasma concentrations of 10 biomarkers including interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1RA), creatine kinase (CK), cortisol, CRP, LDH, and TBARS were measured.
• Individualized regulation analyzed using k-means clustering and GAQ score; predictive qualities assessed via regression trees with bootstrapping.

Main Results:

• Significant interindividual differences observed in biomarker responses to endurance training.
• Stable individual regulation patterns noted for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CK.
• Cortisol and IL-8 baseline values showed strongest predictive power for dependent variables; CK predicted strength recovery and exhaustion.

Conclusions:

• Individualized biomarker analysis is key to managing exercise stress and recovery.
• Combined use of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and CK offers potential for personalized training management.
• Algorithm development aids in understanding and utilizing biomarker variability for athlete optimization.