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Open Access 01-06-2020 | Original Article

Acute hypertrophic but not maximal strength loading transiently enhances the kynurenine pathway towards kynurenic acid

Authors: Niklas Joisten, Moritz Schumann, Alexander Schenk, David Walzik, Nils Freitag, Andre Knoop, Mario Thevis, Wilhelm Bloch, Philipp Zimmer

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 6/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Due to distinct immuno- and neuro-modulatory properties, growing research interest focuses on exercise-induced alterations of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway in healthy and clinical populations. To date, knowledge about the impact of different acute strength exercise modalities on the KYN pathway is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of hypertrophic (HYP) compared to maximal (MAX) strength loadings on the KYN pathway regulation.

Methods

Blood samples of twelve healthy males (mean age and weight: 23.5 ± 3.2 years; 77.5 ± 7.5 kg) were collected before (T₀), immediately after (T₁), and 1 h after completion (T₂) of HYP (5 sets with 10 repetitions at 80% of 1RM) and MAX (15 sets with 1RM) loadings performed in a randomized cross-over design. Serum concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), KYN, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The KA/KYN ratio increased from T₀ to T₁ (p = 0.01) and decreased from T₁ to T₂ (p = 0.011) in HYP, while it was maintained within MAX. Compared to MAX, serum concentrations of KA were greater in HYP at T₁ (p = 0.014). Moreover, the QA/KA ratio was significantly lower in HYP than in MAX at T₁ (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Acute HYP loading led to increases in the metabolic flux yielding KA, thereby possibly promoting immunosuppression and neuroprotection. Our findings emphasize the potential of acute HYP exercise as short-term modulator of KYN pathway downstream to KA in healthy males and need to be proven in other samples.

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Title: Acute hypertrophic but not maximal strength loading transiently enhances the kynurenine pathway towards kynurenic acid
Authors: Niklas Joisten
Moritz Schumann
Alexander Schenk
David Walzik
Nils Freitag
Andre Knoop
Mario Thevis
Wilhelm Bloch
Philipp Zimmer
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 6/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04375-9

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Acute hypertrophic but not maximal strength loading transiently enhances the kynurenine pathway towards kynurenic acid

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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