Rapid decrease of leptin in middle-aged sedentary individuals after 20 minutes of vigorous exercise with early recovery after the termination of the test

Abstract

This study investigated the leptin response to vigorous exercise. We examined 12 sedentary subjects (7 males and 5 females) aged 45-59 yr (53 +/- 6.3) with body mass index of 26.1 +/- 8 Kg/m2. The selection of the population was based on the absence of endocrine or any other pathological anomaly. Basal concentrations of leptin, cortisol, insulin and glucose were measured at 08:00 h after an overnight fast. After that the individuals were placed on a computer-controlled ergometer performing a 20-min run at 70% VO2 max under controlled environmental conditions. Blood samples were obtained immediately after the completion of the test. For the following hour, all subjects were placed in the supine position and blood samples were taken at the end of the time period. Statistical evaluation was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent variables. Plasma leptin levels exhibited a statistically significant decrease at the end of the 20 min running period (1.5 +/- 0.1 ng/ml vs 3.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml, p<0.005). Interestingly, after 1 h in the supine position, leptin levels reached the basal values (3.17 +/- 0.1 ng/ml). The concentration of insulin, glucose and cortisol were unaltered during the exercise test (9.8 +/- 1.3 vs 8.85 +/- 1.27 microIU/ml, 95.58 +/- 6.71 mg/dl vs 98.4 +/- 0.78 mg/dl and 10.35 +/- 0.74 microg/dl vs 9.5 +/- 0.7 microg/dl respectively). In conclusion, our data demonstrate a relationship between stressful physical activity and plasma leptin levels in middle-aged subjects.

The effects of physical activity on adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan: A narrative review

“…Here some studies found no changes 210,212,213 whereas others reported decreases 71,167,211 in leptin levels in response to exercise.…”

Review on leptin and adiponectin responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise

“…Thus, leptin was sensitive to short-term intensive exercise when all major muscles were involved. Similarly, significantly lowered leptin concentrations were shown in sedentary middle-aged male and females after 20 min of vigorous running 70. Nevertheless, after 1 h of supine recovery, leptin levels returned to basal values.…”

“…Nevertheless, after 1 h of supine recovery, leptin levels returned to basal values. These authors indicated the existence of a relationship between stressful physical exercise and plasma leptin levels in middle-aged subjects 70. Serum leptin concentrations have been analysed in healthy males after four conditions: control and three acute resistance exercise protocols 71.…”

Inflammation, Peripheral Signals and Redox Homeostasis in Athletes Who Practice Different Sports

“…In skeletal muscle, leptin stimulates fatty acid oxidation, increases glucose uptake and prevents accumulation of lipids in non-adipose tissue [3,4]. Legakis et al reported that in short-term exercise, the plasma leptin concentration is reduced after exercise [5] and in response to long-term exercise, moreover they reported that plasma leptin showed different variations in competitive endurance rates [6]. In summary, the effects of chronic short-and long-term exercise programs on circulating leptin vary among the different studies [7].…”