NMR-based metabolomics profile during a soccer season of a sub-elite soccer team

Abstract Purpose The study aimed to characterize the metabolomic profiling, performance during 20 matches and GPS variables at beginning, half and end periods of season of a sub-elite soccer team. Methods Three performance variables (distance covered, Sprint distance and number of sprints) were recorded by GPS and evaluated during representative games at the beginning, middle, and end of the season. Urine was collected immediately before 20 soccer matches of a sub-elite Brazilian soccer team. The spectra were pre-processed using TopSpin®3.2 software. Chenomx® software was used to identify metabolites in the urine through the available database. Results In the first soccer matches (which presented 60% of win), some metabolites associated with muscle energy and protection pathways of physiological damage (i.e., formate, creatine, creatinine, pyruvate, phosphocreatine, hippurate, and dimethylglycine) were detected. However, in the last ten matches, more metabolites (i.e., anserine, lactate, alanine, taurine, ascorbate, and citrate) associated with muscle damage, antioxidants, Krebs' cycle intermediaries and anti-inflammatory processes were pronounced. Conclusions In conclusion, metabolomics analysis showed a profile associated to high-intensity tasks in the beginning of the season; this period of season was accompanied by higher distance covered in sprints in comparison to last period. In contrast, later on the season, a higher disturbance in the internal milieu, oxidative metabolites and lower distance covered in sprints were registered. It is important to notice the higher success in the beginning of the season than in its end.