Abstract
Our aim was to verify whether running a marathon is associated with changes in irisin concentration in healthy, endurance-trained men. In an observational study, we assessed baseline biochemical and fitness parameters of 28 middle-aged runners (mean ± SD age, BMI, VO2max: 58 ± 8 years; 24.5 ± 3 kg/m2; 51.1 ± 1.7 ml/kg/min). We evaluated irisin before, immediately after, and 7 days after the marathon. Irisin concentration decreased from a baseline value of 639 ± 427 to 461 ± 255 ng/ml immediately after the marathon (p < 0.05). After 7 days, it was still significantly lower than before the race, at 432 ± 146 ng/ml (p < 0.05). We found no correlations between irisin concentration and the training history of the studied subjects. We conclude that a long-distance run may have a negative impact on irisin release in men. This effect was not correlated with the training history of runners.
Highlights
Irisin is a relatively newly discovered peptide that affects metabolic processes
We found that the mean (± SD) serum concentration of irisin in the study participants before the race was 639 ± 426 ng/ml
Evaluations performed 7 days after the event showed that the irisin concentration was still low, at 432 ± 146 ng/ml
Summary
Irisin is a relatively newly discovered peptide that affects metabolic processes. First described in 2012 [1], it has been shown to induce conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into brown adipose tissue (BAT) and affect energy metabolism [2].Irisin provides a part of the transmembrane protein FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5) [3]. Irisin is a relatively newly discovered peptide that affects metabolic processes. First described in 2012 [1], it has been shown to induce conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into brown adipose tissue (BAT) and affect energy metabolism [2]. Irisin provides a part of the transmembrane protein FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5) [3]. Original observations suggesting that irisin is stimulated by physical exercise sparked much interest in the scientific community. Irisin has been named an ‘exercise hormone’, meaning it conveys effects of exercise to the whole body. Irisin is supposed to have beneficial effects on energy homeostasis as well as anti-atherosclerotic, neuroprotective, and bone protective properties [5, 6]
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