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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-04-2020 | Urokinase | Original Article

Increased level of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA due to a single bout of strenuous physical exercise

Authors: Lars Ohlsson, Anna Hall, Hanne Lindahl, Ravi Danielsson, Anna Gustafsson, Eva Lavant, Lennart Ljunggren

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Physical exercise is reported to affect the immune response in various ways. Thus, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the abundance of circulating leukocytes are changed. In this study, the occurence of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) was investigated in connection with a single bout of strenuous physical exercise.

Methods

Healthy volunteers performed a controlled ergo-spirometry cycle test and venous blood samples were taken at different time-points to analyze the concentration of blood components before, during and after the test. The number of circulating leukocytes was measured, as well as secretion of the soluble urokinase activator receptor (suPAR).

Results

Cf-mtDNA significantly increased during exercise, compared to baseline values and after 30 and 90 min of rest. Circulating leukocytes increased during exercise, but returned to baseline levels afterwards. Surface expression of the urokinase plasminogen activating receptor (uPAR) on neutrophils decreased significantly during exercise. The concentration of suPAR tended to increase during exercise but only significantly after 90 min of rest.

Conclusion

Increased concentration of cf-mtDNA indicates that cell damage takes place during high intensity training. Hypoxia and tissue damage are likely causes of cf-mtDNA from muscle cells. The levels of cf-mtDNA remain high during the initial rest, due to the decreasing numbers of leukocytes normally clearing the plasma from cf-mtDNA. The increased levels of suPAR further emphasize that strenuous physical exercise causes a reaction similar to inflammation. Further studies are needed to detect the source of increased cf-mtDNA and the corresponding increase of suPAR liberation.

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Title: Increased level of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA due to a single bout of strenuous physical exercise
Authors: Lars Ohlsson
Anna Hall
Hanne Lindahl
Ravi Danielsson
Anna Gustafsson
Eva Lavant
Lennart Ljunggren
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Urokinase
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04330-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Increased level of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA due to a single bout of strenuous physical exercise

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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