It has been widely demonstrated that there is a significant association between the frequency with which endurance or physical activity is performed and many laboratory parameters. In particular, performing physical activity several times a week, regardless of the type of activity, is associated with a reduction in glucose and HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, LDL/ HDL ratio, triglycerides, eGFR, plasma proteins, C-reactive protein, as well as an increase in HDL, creatinine, sideremia, and TIBC (total iron-binding capacity).
The scientific community now accepts the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on circulating lipids and, more generally, on the cardiometabolic biochemical profile. Indeed, for several decades, physical activity has represented the primary tool for the prevention and control of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, these effects on bio chemical parameters depend mass body composition changes due to physical activity than on the type of activity (aerobic, power, and combined). In particular, regular physical activity induces the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and the increase of HDL and apolipoprotein A1 (Table 1).
Table1. Variations of the main blood chemistry parameters induced by regular physical activity
Reductions in glycemia and HbA1c indicate improved glycemic homeostasis due to an improvement in beta- cellular secretory function and glucose uptake by skeletal muscle that is associated with increased muscle work. These effects have been documented mainly in overweight, obese, or diabetic subjects, in whom combined physical activity (aerobic and endurance) produces the most significant reduction in HbA1c levels.
The reduction in eGFR and increase in creatinine could be due to increased muscle creatine catabolism, especially in subjects with greater muscle mass, depending on sex and age.
In a large study, an association was documented between weekly frequency of physical exercise and iron metabolism, at least in men. This effect could express an adaptive mechanism in which iron requirements for erythropoiesis and myoglobin synthesis increase with to support increased muscle work. In addition, athletes lose iron much faster than non- athletes due to a moderate degree of hemolysis during the mechanical stress induced by muscle contraction. Literature evidence shows that sideropenic anemia is frequently found in female athletes, in which, a hormonal network involving hepcidin also takes part.
