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Adipose tissue lipid accumulation pathways in marathon runners
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Elite marathon runners exhibit reduced body fatness and enhanced fat cell metabolism. Endurance training appears to alter fat cell function, promoting triglyceride synthesis and lipoprotein lipase activity despite lower body fat.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Marathon running is associated with lower body fat.
- The impact of endurance training on adipose tissue metabolism is not fully understood.
- Fat cell characteristics and function may be altered by chronic exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate body fatness indicators and adipose tissue metabolism in male marathon runners compared to sedentary individuals.
- To examine the relationship between body fatness, fat cell glucose metabolism, and lipoprotein lipase activity in trained athletes.
Main Methods:
- Body fatness was assessed using body fat percentage, skinfold thicknesses, and mean fat cell diameter.
- Glucose conversion into triglycerides was measured in isolated fat cells under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions.
- Heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLa) was determined in adipose tissue.
Main Results:
- Marathon runners showed significantly lower body fatness indicators compared to the sedentary group.
- Fat cell glucose conversion into triglycerides and LPLa were significantly higher in marathon runners.
- Negative correlations were observed between body fatness and fat cell metabolism in runners, contrasting with positive correlations in the sedentary group.
Conclusions:
- Marathon running leads to reduced body fat and altered adipose tissue metabolism.
- Endurance training enhances fat cell lipogenesis and lipoprotein lipase activity.
- These adaptations in fat cell function may contribute to the maintenance of lower body fat in elite runners.