Acute exercise: response of HDL-C, LDL-C lipoproteins and HDL-C subfractions levels in selected sport disciplines.

BACKGROUND

High HDL levels has been shown to be associated with high endurance capacity. The acute effects of maximal endurance exercise (of short duration) (15 min) on low density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoproteins - cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 were examined, in order to determine whether the magnitude of response can be affected by maximal intensity of exercise (incremental stress test).

METHODS

Male athletes (n=78) of national level, from four sport disciplines, volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study; basketball (n=10), swimming (n=9), long distance (LD) running (n=23) and wrestling (n=35); also a group of non athletes as controls (n=19). Participants trained at least 2 hrs/day for more than 3 years; they were healthy, non-smokers and fasted 12 hrs before blood sampling. The ergometric test was a test for the estimation of maximal oxygen uptake on a treadmill ergometer based on a stepwise stress protocol.

RESULTS

Immediately after a maximal effort all groups (controls included) showed significant HDL-C increases (p<0.001) from rest values, while LD running showed the highest values. HDL2 levels increased in LD running (p<0.001), basketball and wrestling, while HDL3 ones in all groups and controls (p<0.001). The HDL2 of all athletes showed the highest correlation (R=0.37**, p<0.01) with VO2max, even higher than HDL itself.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute maximal endurance exercise (100 percent VO2max) may induce acute modifications and intermolecular redistribution of HDL-C and subfractions. It is possible that the increased flux of lipids to HDL-C molecule may result from the regulatory action of lipoprotein lipase (LPL).