title: Decreased Circulating mtDNA Levels in Professional Male Volleyball Players.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Exercise exerts various effects on the immune system, and evidence is emerging on its anti-inflammatory effects; the mechanisms on the basis of these modifications are poorly understood. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released from damaged cells acts as a molecule containing the so-called damage-associated molecular patterns and can trigger sterile inflammation. Indeed, high plasma levels of mtDNA are associated to several inflammatory conditions and physiological aging and longevity. The authors evaluated plasma mtDNA in professional male volleyball players during seasonal training and the possible correlation between mtDNA levels and clinical parameters, body composition, and physical performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasma mtDNA was quantified by real-time PCR every 2 mo in 12 professional volleyball players (PVPs) during 2 consecutive seasons. As comparison, 20 healthy nonathlete male volunteers (NAs) were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors found lower levels of mtDNA in plasma of PVPs than in NAs. However, PVPs showed a decrease of circulating mtDNA only in the first season, while no appreciable variations were observed during the second season. No correlation was observed among mtDNA, hematochemical, and anthropometric parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regular physical activity appeared associated with lower levels of circulating mtDNA, further confirming the protective, anti-inflammatory effect of exercise.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nasi
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cristani
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pinti
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lamberti
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gibellini
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Biasi
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guazzaloca
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Trenti
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cossarizza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001823:Body Composition; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology*; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D054798:Volleyball / Q000502:physiology*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D013739:Testosterone; D007501:Iron; D006854:Hydrocortisone