Decreased Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations 72 Hours Following Marathon Running

Roeh A, Holdenrieder S, Schoenfeld J, Haeckert J, Halle M, Falkai P, Scherr J, Hasan A (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Frontiers in Physiology Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 12

Article Number: 668454

DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.668454

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise has been linked to beneficial effects on brain plasticity. One potential key mechanism for this relationship is an exercise-induced increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, the kinetics of BDNF in athletes during training phase, extreme exercise competition, and recovery period have not been investigated so far. Methods: We assessed serum BDNF concentrations in 51 marathon runners (23% female, mean age 43 years) in a longitudinal study design over a period of 6 months. Assessments were conducted during the training period before the marathon and after the marathon race during short-term (24 to 72 h) and long-term (3 months) follow-ups. Potential confounders (fitness level, sex, and platelet count) were included in subsequent linear-model analyses. Results: Linear mixed-model analyses revealed a main effect of time for BDNF concentrations over the study period (F(4,89.389) = 4.296, p = 0.003). Values decreased significantly with the lowest values at 72 h after the marathon compared to baseline (p = 0.025), a finding that was more pronounced in the larger male cohort. Conclusion: Prolonged exercise induces a significant decrease in serum BDNF concentration 72 h post-exercise. We assume that this observation is mainly driven by regenerative mechanisms and a higher muscular utilization.

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE) Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Roeh, A., Holdenrieder, S., Schoenfeld, J., Haeckert, J., Halle, M., Falkai, P.,... Hasan, A. (2021). Decreased Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations 72 Hours Following Marathon Running. Frontiers in Physiology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.668454

MLA:

Roeh, Astrid, et al. "Decreased Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations 72 Hours Following Marathon Running." Frontiers in Physiology 12 (2021).

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