Angiogenic Regulators during Alpine Skiing Training

Abstract

Purpose: The present study evaluates angiogenesis response through the determination of acute changes in hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin and endostatin levels measured after both slalom and giant slalom trainings. Material and Methods: A total of 20 volunteer male athletes over the age of 18 years with no health problems, and with international alpine skiing competition experience were included in the study. At the outset, the height, body weight and VO2max values of the volunteers was measured, and a giant slalom training lasting 2.5 hours was performed after a week on a giant slalom course. The volunteers were then asked not to exercise for a week, and slalom training was performed lasting 2.5 hours on a slalom course. The endostatin, erythropoietin, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels of the volunteers were examined from 5 ml venous blood samples drawn into biochemistry tubes 20 minutes before and as soon as trainings over both the giant slalom and slalom trainings. Results: A significant increase was determined in the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin and endostatin levels after both the giant slalom and slalom trainings (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These increases observed in the angiogenesis markers suggests that a single unit giant slalom and slalom trainings induces angiogenesis responses.