Changes in VEGF and bFGF serum concentration after long-term sports training in young athletes – The significance of adaptive angiogenesis in arterial blood pressure adjustment

The aim of this investigation was to assess the influence of an 8-month period of physical training on serum concentration of a number of angiogenic growth factors and resting blood pressure in adolescent athletes. The study group consisted of 28 adolescents aged 13 years (14 boys and 14 girls) from a sports secondary school. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) serum concentration decreased after long-term training and changes were statistically significant. Furthermore, VEGF levels (before and after training) were found to be significantly lower in the group of male athletes compared to the group of female athletes. During the study period, similar changes were observed in bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) levels, but changes were less evident. The mean bFGF levels were distinctly higher in boys at every phase of the study. After an 8-month period of sports training, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure decreased in the overall group. Statistically significant differences were observed in relation to DBP and MAP. Long-term sports training in young athletes is associated with a decrease in circulating serum VEGF and bFGF at rest. Moreover, reductions in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were also observed.