Effects of exercise intensity and duration on a myokine, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), an exercise-induced myokine, has been suggested as a potential endogenous factor that suppresses colon tumorigenesis. However, the effects of different exercise protocols on circulating SPARC levels are unclear. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both exercise intensity and duration on circulating SPARC levels. This study also examined the relationship between responsiveness of SPARC levels and physical characteristics, including body composition and skeletal muscle function. Nineteen healthy adult men participated in four experimental interventions: two 30-min exercises at workloads corresponding to 60% (W60) and 40% (W40) peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), a 45-min session of W40, and a 30-min session of complete rest. Blood SPARC and lactate concentrations were measured before and after each session. Only W60 significantly increased serum SPARC levels (p < 0.05), and a significant correlation was found between changes in SPARC levels and lactate concentrations (r = 0.411, p < 0.05). The relative changes in SPARC levels during W60 demonstrated significant positive correlations with skeletal muscle mass and knee extensor muscle strength (both p < 0.05). The increase in serum SPARC levels might be mediated by lactate accumulation and might not, hence, be induced during exercise at the intensity of the first ventilatory threshold levels even though the duration is prolonged. Our results provide fundamental insight into exercise prescription of both exercise intensity and duration for SPARC response, leading to a better understanding of the preventive effects of exercise on colon cancer. Highlight This study found that the increase in serum secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) levels might be mediated by lactate accumulation and might, hence, be influenced by exercise intensity rather than exercise duration. An association was found between SPARC response to exercise and skeletal muscle mass. Our results provide a better understanding of the preventive effects of exercise on colon cancer.