Effect of exercise modality and intensity on post-exercise interleukin-6 and hepcidin levels

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2013 Apr;23(2):178-86. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.23.2.178. Epub 2012 Oct 11.

Abstract

The effect of exercise modality and intensity on Interleukin-6 (IL-6), iron status, and hepcidin levels was investigated. Ten trained male triathletes performed 4 exercise trials including low-intensity continuous running (L-R), low-intensity continuous cycling (L-C), high-intensity interval running (H-R), and high-intensity interval cycling (H-C). Both L-R and L-C consisted of 40 min continuous exercise performed at 65% of peak running velocity (vVO2peak) and cycling power output (pVO2peak), while H-R and H-C consisted of 8 × 3-min intervals performed at 85% vVO2peak and pVO2peak. Venous blood samples were drawn pre-, post-, and 3 hr postexercise. Significant increases in postexercise IL-6 were seen within each trial (p < .05) and were significantly greater in H-R than L-R (p < .05). Hepcidin levels were significantly elevated at 3 hr postexercise within each trial (p < .05). Serum iron levels were significantly elevated (p < .05) immediately postexercise in all trials except L-C. These results suggest that, regardless of exercise mode or intensity, postexercise increases in IL-6 may be expected, likely influencing a subsequent elevation in hepcidin. Regardless, the lack of change in postexercise serum iron levels in L-C may indicate that reduced hemolysis occurs during weight-supported, low-intensity activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / blood*
  • Athletes
  • Diet
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Hemolysis
  • Hepcidins
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Iron / blood
  • Male
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Running
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • HAMP protein, human
  • Hepcidins
  • Interleukin-6
  • Iron