Abstract
Recently, several studies have highlighted the tight connection between mitochondria and physical activity. Mitochondrial functions are important in high-demanding metabolic activities, such as endurance sports. Moreover, regular training positively affects metabolic health by increasing mitochondrial oxidative capacity and regulating glucose metabolism. Exercise could have multiple effects, also on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and vice versa; some studies have investigated how mtDNA polymorphisms can affect the performance of general athletes and mtDNA haplogroups seem to be related to the performance of elite endurance athletes. Along with several stimuli, including pathogens, stress, trauma, and reactive oxygen species, acute and intense exercise also seem to be responsible for mtDNA release into the cytoplasm and extracellular space, leading to the activation of the innate immune response. In addition, several sports are characterized by a higher frequency of injuries, including cranial trauma, associated with neurological consequences. However, with regular exercise, circulating cell-free mtDNA levels are kept low, perhaps promoting cf-mtDNA removal, acting as a protective factor against inflammation.
Highlights
Mitochondria are cellular organelles involved in various biological processes, such as energy production, metabolism, cell death, and inflammation
Despite not being strictly associated with a specific exercise, we consider it useful to cite our previous study on the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cf-mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in non-professional runners and cyclists, in which we found that three one-day WBC treatments did not affect cf-mtDNA levels in athletes during the period of training [77]
Studies concerning the effects of physical activity on cf-mtDNA are still largely preliminary, they pave the way for further studies to better understand how exercise modulates cf-mtDNA and how mtDNA contributes to inflammation in people who perform different types of physical activity, with particular regards to contact sports
Summary
Mitochondria are cellular organelles involved in various biological processes, such as energy production, metabolism, cell death, and inflammation. Several studies have highlighted the role of mitochondria and their genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), in the response to exercise and physical activity, with a growing interest in the implications in elite/professional sports. Mitochondria and their metabolism are crucial for the systemic adaptive response, including to exercise, which represents a powerful tool for the prevention of several pathologies [1]. Several sports are characterized by a higher frequency of injury/trauma, including cerebral injury These sports may contribute to an increase in circulating cell-free (cf) mtDNA in the systemic circulation or the central nervous system, contributing at least in part to the systemic and/or neuro-inflammation, associated with neurological damage. We discuss the main findings related to the effects of cf-mtDNA in sport, with particular attention to the mechanisms underpinning these effects
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