The use of metabolomics to monitor simultaneous changes in metabolic variables following supramaximal low volume high intensity exercise

• Published in: Metabolomics 2016, Vol.12 (1), p.1-13, Article 7
• Main Authors: Danaher, Jessica, Gerber, Tracey, Wellard, R. Mark, Stathis, Christos G., Cooke, Matthew B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cell Biology; Developmental Biology; Life Sciences; Molecular Medicine; Original Article
• ISSN: 1573-3882; 1573-3890
• DOI: 10.1007/s11306-015-0883-7

High intensity exercise (HIE) stimulates greater physiological remodeling when compared to workload matched low-moderate intensity exercise. This study utilized an untargeted metabolomics approach to examine the metabolic perturbations that occur following two workload matched supramaximal low volume HIE trials. In a randomized order, 7 untrained males completed two exercise protocols separated by 1 week; (1) HIE 150 % : 30 × 20 s cycling at 150 % VO 2peak , 40 s passive rest; (2) HIE 300 % : 30 × 10 s cycling at 300 % VO 2peak , 50 s passive rest. Total exercise duration was 30 min for both trials. Blood samples were taken at rest, during and immediately following exercise and at 60 min post exercise. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of plasma identified 43 known metabolites of which 3 demonstrated significant fold changes (HIE 300 % compared to the HIE 150 % value) during exercise, 14 post exercise and 23 at the end of the recovery period. Significant changes in plasma metabolites relating to lipid metabolism [fatty acids: dodecanoate (p = 0.042), hexadecanoate (p = 0.001), octadecanoate (p = 0.001)], total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and glycolysis [lactate (p = 0.018)] were observed following exercise and during the recovery period. The HIE 300 % protocol elicited greater metabolic changes relating to lipid metabolism and glycolysis when compared to HIE 150 % protocol. These changes were more pronounced throughout the recovery period rather than during the exercise bout itself. Data from the current study demonstrate the use of metabolomics to monitor intensity-dependent changes in multiple metabolic pathways following exercise. The small sample size indicates a need for further studies in a larger sample cohort to validate these findings.