[Performance of entero-insular axis in an athletic population: diet and exercise influence].
BACKGROUND
The relationship between physical exercise and appetite regulation can lead to improved competitive performance of athletes. Mediators of the entero-insular axis generate neurohumoral signals that influence on the appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.


OBJECTIVE
Determine the influence of diet and prolonged exercise on intestinal peptide, ghrelin, resistin, leptin, and incretins (GLP-1 and GIP) in an athlete population.


METHODS
It is a prospective intervention study, conducted from October 2012 to March 2013. 32 healthy semiprofessional rugby players, aged 13-39 years were included. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken at time 0 and after six months of study. Athletes were randomized to a protein diet (PD) or Mediterranean diet (MD) and plasma levels of intestinal peptide, ghrelin, resistin, leptin, and incretins were calculated.


RESULTS
In the PD group, GLP-1 and GIP plasmatic levels showed a significant decrease (p <0.03; p <0.01 respectively). GLP-1 and ghrelin plasmatic concentration demonstrated a significant decrease (p <0.03 respectively) in those who experienced gain of muscle mass (MM). Finally, the athletes related to the PD who showed increased total weight and muscle mass presented significantly decreased GLP-1 concentration (p <0.03 and p<0.002, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
GLP-1 plasmatic concentration was decreased, with the PD suggesting to be more beneficial for the athletes in order to avoid hypoglycemia. Furthermore, muscle mass and total weight gain, linked to the PD, could enhance athletic performance in certain sport modalities.
Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Carmen
C
Rodriguez
Hospital de la Cruz Roja, Madrid.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Maribel
M
Quezada-Feijoo
Hospital de la Cruz Roja, Madrid.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Carmen
C
Toro
Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Cádiz.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Gonzalo
G
Barón-Esquivias
Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Eduardo
E
Segura
Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz. Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Cádiz.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Alipio
A
Mangas
Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Cádiz.. rocio.toro@uca.es.
Rocio
R
Toro
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001066:Appetite; D054874:Athletic Performance; D001823:Body Composition; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015444:Exercise; D005538:Football; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1