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01-05-2015 | Original Article

Fitness level impacts salivary antimicrobial protein responses to a single bout of cycling exercise

Authors: Hawley Kunz, Nicolette C. Bishop, Guillaume Spielmann, Mira Pistillo, Justin Reed, Teja Ograjsek, Yoonjung Park, Satish K. Mehta, Duane L. Pierson, Richard J. Simpson

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 5/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Salivary antimicrobial proteins (sAMPs) protect the upper respiratory tract (URTI) from invading microorganisms and have been linked with URTI infection risk in athletes. While high training volume is associated with increased URTI risk, it is not known if fitness affects the sAMP response to acute exercise. This study compared the sAMP responses to various exercising workloads of highly fit experienced cyclists with those who were less fit.

Methods

Seventeen experienced cyclists (nine highly fit; eight less fit) completed three 30-min exercise trials at workloads corresponding to −5, +5 and +15 % of the individual blood lactate threshold. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to determine the concentration and secretion of α-amylase, human neutrophil proteins 1–3 (HNP1–3) lactoferrin, LL-37, lysozyme, and salivary SIgA.

Results

The concentration and/or secretion of all sAMPs increased post-exercise, but only α-amylase was sensitive to exercise workload. Highly fit cyclists had lower baseline concentrations of α-amylase, HNP1–3, and lactoferrin, although secretion rates did not differ between the groups. Highly fit cyclists did, however, exhibit greater post-exercise increases in the concentration and/or secretion of a majority of measured sAMPs (percentage difference between highly fit and less fit in parentheses), including α-amylase concentration (+107 %) and secretion (+148 %), HNP1–3 concentration (+97 %) and secretion (+158 %), salivary SIgA concentration (+181 %), lactoferrin secretion (+209 %) and LL-37 secretion (+138 %).

Conclusion

We show for the first time that fitness level is a major determinant of exercise-induced changes in sAMPs. This might be due to training-induced alterations in parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activation.

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Title: Fitness level impacts salivary antimicrobial protein responses to a single bout of cycling exercise
Authors: Hawley Kunz
Nicolette C. Bishop
Guillaume Spielmann
Mira Pistillo
Justin Reed
Teja Ograjsek
Yoonjung Park
Satish K. Mehta
Duane L. Pierson
Richard J. Simpson
Publication date: 01-05-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3082-8

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Springer Medicine

Fitness level impacts salivary antimicrobial protein responses to a single bout of cycling exercise

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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