The aim of this study was to investigate plasma IL-6, TNF-alpha, leptin and ghrelin concentrations during high-volume training. Eight trained male rowers participated. Fasting blood was sampled before (T1) and after (T2) increased training volume and after recovery period (T3). Two-hour rowing was performed at T1, T2 and at T3 with blood samples before, POST and POST 30'. Decrease in fasting leptin was observed at T2 (from 1.31 (0.53) to 0.93 (0.27) ng ml(-1); P < 0.05). Leptin was also significantly decreased at POST and POST 30 exercise compared to PRE test at T2. At T2 POST 30' leptin was significantly lower compared to corresponding value at T1. There were no significant post-exercise changes in ghrelin at T2 compared to T1 and T3. TNF-alpha was significantly increased POST exercise only at T2. In conclusion, high-volume training causes alterations of post exercise leptin and TNF-alpha, while increases in ghrelin are down regulated.