Effect of intense physical exercise on hepcidin levels and selected parameters of iron metabolism in two different trial of training

Abstract

Summary Research question The aim of the study was to analyse changes in selected pro-inflammatory cytokines and parameters of iron metabolism, observed after an intense ergometric test conducted during two different phases of a yearly training cycle. Research methods The study included a group of elite rowers (n = 15). During each of the analysed training phases, the athletes were subjected to a 2000-m ergometric exercise test. Results and findings Irrespective of the training phase, similar levels of IL-6, hepcidin and sTfR were found in blood samples collected immediately after the ergometric tests. In contrast, post-exercise levels of Fe, TNF-α and CK were significantly higher in material collected after the test conducted during the competitive phase of a yearly training cycle. This study of elite rowers showed that physical exercise may stimulate changes in the pro-inflammatory profile of blood serum, via the influence on TNF-α levels. This effect is modulated by a number of training-related factors that acted prior to the ergometric test, such as exercise frequency and intensity. Implications Therefore, post-training adaptation to physical exercise is not always sufficient, which may result in the impairment of the immune response and thus negatively affect iron metabolism.