Exercise-Induced Cell-Free DNA Correlates with Energy Expenditure in Multiple Exercise Protocols 2024 Nogiec et al

Abstract

Purpose
Exercise-induced cell-free DNA (ei-cfDNA) has been studied in response to various types of exercise. Its correlation with exercise intensity and duration has been observed consistently. However, comprehensive measurements and exploration of the tissue of origin are lacking. The aim of this study is to establish precise connections between exercise variables and the distribution of tissue of origin, aiming to provide further evidence supporting its use as a biomarker for exercise.

Methods
Twelve self-identified active adults (six men and six women) performed a crossover study starting with either endurance testing or resistance testing under different intensities and protocols. We obtained blood before and after each exercise session and measured the levels of cfDNA and determined its tissue of origin utilizing cell type-specific DNA methylation patterns in plasma.

Results
We found that when duration and intensity are fixed, ei-cfDNA fold change correlates with energy expenditure (P = 0.001) in endurance testing and years trained (P = 0.001) in resistance testing. Most of the ei-cfDNA comes from increases in white blood cells (~95%) where neutrophils make up the majority (~74%) and the distribution is different between exercise modalities and protocols.

Conclusions
This study highlights the potential of exercise-induced cfDNA as a biomarker for exercise, showing correlations with energy expenditure and a consistent pattern of tissue origin. Additional research is needed to investigate potential sex differences in the response of cfDNA to exercise, further exploring its clinical implications.

Open access, https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/..._induced_cell_free_dna_correlates_with.7.aspx

 

If this can be replicated in larger studies, it should be quite useful. Anything that improves reliable measuring of body functions helps the reliability of other aspects of studies. The actual expenditure of energy during a CPET probably varies quite a bit depending on the individuals. Even if it's not useful as a single factor, it could be combined with blood oxygen, lactic acid, or whatever other factors to give some better level of reliability.

Maybe PEM correlates better with ei-cfDNA than with other measures of activity.