Dynamics of cfDNA fragments ad concentrartion during Exercise

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K11434
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: KAWAKAMI YASUSHI 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 教授 (70234028)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 前田 清司 早稲田大学, スポーツ科学学術院, 教授 (30282346) ; 竹越 一博 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 教授 (40261804)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: cfDNA / 運動のバイオマーカー / NGS

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is frequently analyzed using liquid biopsy to investigate cancer markers. We hypothesized that this concept may be applicable for exercise physiology. Here, we aimed to identify cfDNA levels in the plasma as well as urine of healthy humans and define cfDNA dynamics upon extreme exercises, such as running a full marathon. We then used the TaqMan-qPCR assay to investigate the dynamics of cfDNA levels upon running a full marathon. The cfDNA levels approximately 150 bp were significantly increased post-marathon in both plasma and urine. Furthermore, this cfDNA levels approximately 150 bp were strongly correlated with white blood cell and plasma myoglobin concentrations. These results suggest the cfDNA levels identified approximately 150 bp in this study were highly sensitive as markers of extreme physical stress. The findings of this study may provide new insights into exercise physiology in humans.

Free Research Field

運動生理

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

「運動効果の客観的評価」の困難さ、および今後の運動処方・計画のオーダーメイド化の必要性と有用性：従来から多数の運動マーカーは、それぞれ一長一短があり一般化していない。従って、運動処方・計画は依然としてアスリートの自己申告と経験とカン頼みの部分が多かった。不適切に過剰な運動は、効用を超えて有害な作用を引き起こし運動はいわば両刃の剣である。「運動の見える化」により、運動によって体内で起きる変化と効果を客観的なパラメーターとして捉えることが出来れば、目的に応じて運動の種目や時間・強度を変え、運動処方のオーダーメイド化が可能となる。結果的に安全・効率的に目的に応じた運動効果を確実に獲得できる。