Total cholesterolIn a sports context, measuring total cholesterol can be useful to assess the cardiovascular risk of the athlete. On the other hand, its measurement over time is also useful because during times of high energy demand and low glucose availability (typical of high-intensity sport), the body may resort to glycolysis to obtain energy from triglycerides, which may temporarily increase blood cholesterol levels. Recurrent measurement of this marker, together with assessment of nutritional habits and sport intensity can help to make a better interpretation of whether the approach to sport is appropriate.
TriglyceridesTriglyceride measurement can provide valuable information in a sports context, as triglyceride levels can be affected by physical activity and diet. In particular, triglycerides are an important source of energy for muscles during exercise, and blood triglyceride levels may decrease in response to intense physical activity. Measurement of triglycerides, along with other biomarkers, can help to assess the intensity and impact of physical activity on the body. In addition, elevated blood triglyceride levels can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and may indicate an unhealthy diet or a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, regular measurement of triglycerides, along with other biomarkers, can help identify underlying health problems and guide lifestyle interventions.
ALTMeasurement of the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), also known as GPT, in a sports context may be useful to assess training and sports-related liver damage.
During intense physical exercise, skeletal muscle releases a number of metabolic products into the blood, including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and ALT. Temporary elevation of these enzymes in the blood is common after exercise and is due to the breakdown of muscle cells and their subsequent release into the blood. This temporary elevation of muscle enzymes does not usually have serious health consequences.
However, persistent elevation of the enzyme ALT in the sporting context may be a sign of liver damage. Some sports practices, such as the intake of certain dietary supplements and the administration of anabolic steroids, can cause liver damage and elevate ALT levels in the blood. Measuring ALT levels can be useful in detecting liver damage and taking measures to prevent further liver injury.
ASTIn the sporting context, the measurement of GOT can be useful for assessing training and competition-related muscle and heart damage. During intense physical exercise, muscles and the heart can become damaged and release the enzyme GOT into the blood. Measuring GOT levels can be useful in assessing muscle and heart damage and taking preventative measures to prevent further injury.
It is important to note that temporary elevation of the GOT enzyme after exercise is not necessarily a sign of significant muscle or heart damage and does not require treatment. However, persistent elevation of GOT enzyme in a sporting context should be evaluated by a physician to determine the underlying cause and appropriate action taken.
CreatinineDuring sport, the body needs to regulate body temperature and maintain homeostasis, and this can increase stress on the renal system. Dehydration and overhydration can also affect kidney function and electrolyte levels in the body. Regular measurement of the renal profile can help detect kidney health problems, such as dehydration or overtraining, and guide proper hydration and physical activity planning.
Glomerular FiltrationDuring sport, the body needs to regulate body temperature and maintain homeostasis, and this can increase stress on the renal system. Dehydration and overhydration can also affect kidney function and electrolyte levels in the body. Regular measurement of the renal profile can help detect kidney health problems, such as dehydration or overtraining, and guide proper hydration and physical activity planning.
Total TestosteroneIn men, testosterone plays an important role in the development of male sex organs and sperm production, as well as in the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as deep voice, beard and body hair. It also plays a role in muscle mass and bone density. In women, testosterone is important for muscle development, bone density and maintenance of sexual desire. In general, testosterone is an important hormone for the development and maintenance of sexual and reproductive health in men and women (in women it primarily affects ovarian function and egg quality).
CortisolMeasurement of cortisol can provide information on the body's response to the physiological and psychological stress of exercise, and can be useful in assessing the adaptive capacity of the athlete. In addition, elevated cortisol levels may be indicative of health problems, such as overtraining syndrome, and may help identify the need to adjust the training regime and recovery.
Creatine kinaseIn a sports context, it is useful to assess whether there is excessive muscle damage that necessitates adequate recovery periods.