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Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(02): 95-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1314815
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Responses of Angiogenic Growth Factors to Exercise, to Hypoxia and to Exercise under Hypoxic Conditions

P. Wahl
1   Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
4   The German Research Centre of Elite Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
,
A. Schmidt
2   Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, German Armed Forces, Munich, Germany
,
M. deMarees
1   Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
,
S. Achtzehn
1   Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
,
W. Bloch
3   Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
,
J. Mester
1   Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
4   The German Research Centre of Elite Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 25 April 2012

Publication Date:
23 August 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to compare the acute hormonal response of angiogenic regulators to a short-term hypoxic exposure at different altitudes with and without exercise. 7 subjects participated in 5 experimental trials. 2 times subjects stayed in a sedentary position for 90 min at 2 000 m or 4 000 m, respectively. The same was carried out again in combination with exercise at the same relative intensity (2 mmol∙L − 1 of lactate). The fifth trial consisted of 90 min exercise at sea level. Venous blood samples were taken under resting conditions, 0 and 180 min after each condition to determine VEGF, EPO, IL-6, IL-8 and IGF-1 serum concentrations. EPO, VEGF, and IL-8 showed increases only, when hypoxia was combined with exercise. IL-6 was increased after exercise, independent of altitude. IGF-1 showed no changes in any intervention. The present study suggests that short term hypoxic exposure combined with low intensity exercise is able to up-regulate angiogenic regulators, which might be beneficial to induce angiogenesis and to improve endurance performance. However, in some cases high altitudes are needed, or it can be speculated that exercise intensity needs to be increased.

Key words

angiogenesis - VEGF - EPO - IL-6 - IL-8 - IGF-1
 

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