Introduction: There is a wealth of studies indicating that elevated concentration of plasma homocysteine (hyperhomocystemia) is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it is documented that plasma homocysteine levels are affected by gender, fat free mass, dietary habits and physical activity. However, data concerning of the physical activity effect on plasma homocysteine concentration are equivocal since both decrease or increase in plasma homocysteine has been noted in response to physical stress. It is worthy to note that in the above mentioned studies different types of physical activity have been implemented and the effect of energy expenditure during physical activity on plasma homocysteine has not been analyzed.
Aim of the study: The present study aimed at the evaluation of the relationship between activity energy expenditure and plasma homocysteine level in young, healthy men.
Material and methods: A total of 83 men--university and physical education students volunteered to participate in the study. In all subjects body mass and height were measured. Their physical activity was briefly assessed using Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR) questionnaire. From the mean level of physical activity for all subjects (expressed in kcal/day) two groups were selected--with high (mean + SD) and low (mean - SD) physical activity. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were determined using fluorescent polarization immunologic analysis (FPIA) and Abbott commercial kits.
Results: It was found that in young man with high physical activity plasma homocysteine was significantly lower in comparison with their counterparts characterized by low physical activity (8,7+/-1,8 vs. 11,0+/-3,5 micromol/L, p < 0,02). Moreover, in collected data plasma homocysteine was significantly and inversely correlated with physical activity (r = -0,38, p < 0,05).
Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that in young, healthy men characterized by high activity energy expenditure circulating homocysteine is lower than in their less active counterparts.