CHANGES OF TSH, IMMUNE, INFLAMMATORY AND TUMOR MARKERS AFTER ANAEROBIC EXERCISE IN ELITE KARATE ATHLETES.

Abstract

Exercise causes considerable changes in the number and function of immune cells and hormones in circulation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training regime on immune and inflammatory markers and parameters of complete blood count, thyroid function and tumor markers, immediately after intense, mostly anaerobic training in elite karate athletes. There are no similar studies that would determine changes in the concentration of tumor markers immediately after intense exercise. Study population included seven elite trained athletes, members of the Croatian National Karate Kata female team and Kata male team. Our data provided evidence that the white blood cell and segmented neutrophil granulocyte counts were significantly decreased and lymphocytes significantly increased with no major changes in interleukin-6 immediately after anaerobic exercise. We also noticed a strong increase of thyrotropin and no significant change in the levels of tumor markers. It was concluded that immune response and thyroid hormone status were in correlation with exercise duration and intensity. According to our results, a larger study is needed to define the impact of training and interrelation between sports and laboratory medicine as a perfect combination in terms of discovering new mechanisms and biochemical strategies in training of elite athletes.