Abstract
The research of biomarkers continues to emerge as a developing academic field which is attracting substantial interest. The study of biomarkers proves to be useful in developing and implementing new screening methods for a wide variety of diseases including in the sports area, whether for leisure activities or professional sports. Novel research has brought into question the immune system and the limitations it may impose on sports practicing. As the well-being of athletes is a priority, the state of their immune function offers valuable information regarding their health status and their ability to continue training. The assessment of various biomarkers may contribute to a more accurate risk stratification and subsequent prevention of some invalidating or even fatal pathologies such as the sudden cardiac death. Therefore, we have reviewed several studies that included sports-related pathology or specific morphofunctional alterations for which some immune biomarkers may represent an expression of the underlying mechanism. These include the defensins, immunoglobulin A (IgA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), the tumoral necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the white blood cells (WBC) count. Similarly, also of significant interest are various endocrine biomarkers, such as cortisol and testosterone, as well as anabolic or catabolic markers, respectively. Literature data highlight that these values are greatly influenced not only by the duration, but also by the intensity of the physical exercise; moderate training sessions actually enhance the immune function of the body, while a significant increase in both duration and intensity of sports activity acts as a deleterious factor. Therefore, in this paper we aim to highlight the importance of biomarkers’ evaluation in connection with sports activities and a subsequent more adequate approach towards personalized training regimens.
Highlights
One of the main concerns in sports is related to the well-being of those who practice it
The beneficial effect of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) at the level of the oral cavity is based on its enhanced inhibition of adhesion, reduction of hydrophobicity, and increased clearance of bacterial toxins
This latter concept is based on the observation that following an acute bout of physical exercise there is an enhanced proliferation of leukocytes, due to physical stress, followed by a consecutive drop in their count during the recovery period, sometimes referred to as the “open window of immunodepression”
Summary
One of the main concerns in sports is related to the well-being of those who practice it. The immune system biomarkers’ variation in relation to the physical activity reflects how sports could stimulate the immune function of the body, preventing certain diseases, or, on the contrary, inhibit it and be a trigger factor in making the athletes more prone towards injuries and other invalidating conditions. Under these circumstances, we consider that a personalized approach based on a multimarker assessment (comprising either serum, salivary or skin biomarkers) combined with individual characteristics could potentially improve (or at least maintain) athletes’ health condition, avoiding inflammationrelated injuries or underperformance. We focused on the importance of various stress biomarkers such as cortisol, a catabolic marker, together with testosterone levels, an anabolic marker (Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
