Exploratory NMR-based metabolomics reveals transient lipoprotein changes during prolonged computer gaming

Extended computer gaming is characterized by prolonged sedentary activity, disrupted sleep, emotional stress, and unrestricted intake of energy-dense foods and beverages.

This study explored short-term metabolic responses and recovery following prolonged gaming in healthy young men.

Nine healthy male participants (mean age 25.8 ± 2.6 years) took part in a controlled local area network (LAN) gaming event consisting of two 18-hour gaming sessions separated by a 6-hour sleep period. Serum samples were collected at multiple time points during the intervention and at a 5-day follow-up. Metabolomic profiling was performed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR)-based metabolomics.

Temporal variation in serum metabolomic profiles was observed during prolonged gaming, particularly in lipid-related measures, including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) subclasses. Exploratory multivariate analyses showed separation between early and later time points during the intervention. At five days following the gaming sessions, metabolomic profiles showed substantial overlap with baseline. Metabolites that varied during the gaming period generally returned toward baseline concentrations, although inter-individual variability was observed.

Prolonged computer gaming was associated with transient alterations in serum metabolomic profiles in healthy young men, most notably in lipid-related measures. Metabolomic profiles at five days showed convergence toward baseline following a single gaming episode. These findings provide time-resolved insight into metabolomic variation under a real-world behavioral exposure. Further studies are required to determine whether repeated exposure to similar conditions is associated with cumulative metabolic changes over time.