Luigi Marano^{1 2}, Ester Tommasini^{1 2}, Sara Missaglia^{1 2}, Paola Vago^{1 2}, Ermanno Rampinini ^{3 4}, Andrea Bosio³, Andrea Morelli³, Claudio Pecci³, Alvaro Mordente⁵, Daniela Tavian^{1 2}

1. Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CRIBENS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
2. Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
3. Human Performace Laboratory, MAPEI Sport Research Centre, Olgiate Olona, Italy;
4. School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Human Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, New South Wales, Australia
5. Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
6. Sassuolo Calcio, Sassuolo, Modena, Italy

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the time course of β-endorphin (β-EDP) levels in healthy males following an acute exercise, while considering their age and physical fitness (PF) level.

Methods

Participants (N = 29, 20–65 years) were categorized in good PF young adult (YA1), excellent PF young adult (YA2), and excellent PF middle-aged adult (MA) group, depending on peak oxygen uptake and age. They underwent a maximal incremental cycling test, with blood samples collected at baseline (T0), 15 min (T1), and 24 h post-exercise (T2). Serum β-EDP levels were measured using an ELISA kit.

Results

Significant increases in β-EDP levels were observed from T0 to T1 in all enrolled subjects. In YA1, levels rose from 170.1 to 202.5 pg/ml (p < 0.001), in YA2 from 188.4 to 230.3 pg/ml (p < 0.05), and in MA level increased from 153 to 189.3 pg/ml (p < 0.01). YA2 showed higher levels of β-EDP than MA in any time point (p < 0.05). All groups displayed a significant decrease of β-EDP from T1 to T2. Comparison between groups revealed that age significantly influenced baseline β-EDP levels, with notable differences between young and middle-aged individuals. Noteworthy, MA with excellent PF presented similar β-EDP levels to young with good PF.

Conclusion

Acute exercise triggers a notable but transient elevation of serum β-EDP levels in both young and middle-aged adults, with the latter exhibiting lower baseline levels. Additionally, our findings suggest that age may have a greater influence on β-EDP secretion, both at rest and after physical exercise compared to PF level.

DOI 10.1007/s11332-025-01367-0

Sport Sciences for Health, published: 2025 Mar 9