High-intensity circuit training as a potential modulator of serum PFAS levels in women

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with potential physiological effects. Their accumulation in the body is well documented; however, the impact of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on serum PFAS levels remains poorly understood. Thirty-one women (39 ± 12 years old) completed a single session of HICT, comprising three sets of nine exercises with their own body weight as resistance. Blood samples were collected before exercise, 1 h and 24 h after exercise to assess PFAS and exerkines concentrations, including follistatin, irisin, myostatin, decorin, and fibroblast growth factor-21. Several PFAS showed significant changes at one or more time points. Notably, PFOS and PFUnDA concentrations increased 1 h after exercise ( p = 0.048 and p < 0.01, respectively), while PFHpA decreased significantly ( p < 0.01). Simultaneously, myostatin concentration increased ( p < 0.01), while decorin concentration decreased ( p = 0.04). 24 h after the HICT session, decorin concentration was elevated, and this change correlated with ΔPFDA and ΔPFUnDA. Although other exerkines did not show any significant changes, significant associations between exerkines and PFAS levels were found. HICT was associated with temporary changes in PFAS levels and muscle-related biomarkers, suggesting redistribution processes and possible interactions with exercise-responsive signaling pathways.