Decorin levels and cardiometabolic function after endurance exercise.

INTRODUCTION

Decorin is secreted from myotubes in response to exercise and plays a vital role in repairing and regenerate skeletal and cardiac muscle. The role of decorin levels in cardiometabolic function after endurance exercise was investigated.

METHODS

Fifty-six male amateur runners, aged 30 to 55 years, participated in this study. Plasma decorin levels were determined and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed using a breath-by-breath system before and after the marathon.

RESULTS

Correlations between decorin levels and CPET parameters were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation test. Runners were categorized into percentiles based on decorin concentrations, and group differences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc multiple comparisons.We observed impairments in peak VO and in the Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) following the race. Plasma decorin levels increased approximately two-fold immediately after the race. Post-race decorin concentrations were positively correlated with maximum speed (km/h), VO (mL/kg/min), VE/VCO, VE/VCO slope, OUES, and the rate of change in VE/VCO and VE/VCO slope. Runners with plasma decorin levels below the 25th percentile exhibited significantly lower OUES, while those above the 75th percentile demonstrated higher maximum speed, VE/VCO, rate of change in VE/VCO slope, and VCO compared to individuals in the lowest quartile.

DISCUSSION

Overall, decorin levels were associated with several CPET parameters, suggesting that runners with varying decorin concentrations may exhibit distinct respiratory and/or metabolic profiles. The potential influence of an elevated VE/VCO slope on cardiometabolic responses in runners with higher decorin levels warrants further investigation.