Exercise induces acute biochemical signaling between muscle, bone, and adipose tissues that may influence whole-body metabolism and musculoskeletal adaptation. This investigation examined sex-differences in concentrations of circulating biomarkers associated with metabolic and musculoskeletal regulation before and after an acute resistance exercise test. During baseline assessments for a longitudinal exercise training study, 37 participants (22 males and 15 females) completed an acute resistance exercise test consisting of a 6 set×10-repetition back squat at 75% of their one-repetition max. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the acute resistance exercise test to quantify biomarker concentrations. Total body DXA determined body composition. Sex-differences in absolute changes from pre- to post-exercise in biomarker concentrations were examined. After adjusting for baseline lean mass, a significant interaction was observed for irisin (p=0.043); concentrations increased in males (∆1.1±0.3µg/mL, p<0.001) but not females (p=0.515). After adjusting for baseline bone mineral content, a significant main effect of time (∆12.7±1.5pmol/L; p<0.001) was observed for sclerostin. After adjusting for baseline fat mass, significant interactions were observed for leptin (p=0.040) and HMW adiponectin (p=0.003). Leptin concentrations decreased in females (∆-7.9±2.5ng/mL, p=0.004) but not males (p=0.689). HMW adiponectin increased in females (∆630.5±194.8ng/mL, p=0.007) but not males (p=0.213). A significant interaction was observed for insulin (p=0.004), which increased in females (∆9.7±2.1μIU/mL, p<0.001) but not males (p=0.426). A significant main effect of time was observed for glucose (∆1.8±0.3mg/dL; p<0.001). Sex-specific changes in biomarkers associated with metabolic and musculoskeletal regulation were evident following acute resistance exercise and may explain differences in health and adaptation.
Koltun et al. (Fri,) studied this question.