Effect of acute exercise on cfDNA levels considering menstrual cycle phases

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effects of exercise on cfDNA levels and concentration changes during the menstrual cycle in normal menstrual cycle participants with no exercise habits. Eleven females with normal menstrual cycles and ovulation performed bicycle exercises at 60% VO2max for 30 min during the menstrual, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post 0), 30 min after (Post 30), and 60 min after (Post 60) exercise, and blood concentrations of cfDNA, PGF2α, IL-6, and aromatase were evaluated. Serum estradiol levels were significantly higher in the luteal than those in the menstrual phase, whereas serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the luteal than those in the menstrual and ovulatory phases. Estradiol levels increased significantly from Pre to Post 0 in the ovulatory and luteal phases, whereas progesterone levels increased in the luteal phase. cfDNA and aromatase concentrations significantly increased from Pre to Post 0 in all phases, but no significant phase differences were observed Pre or Post 0. Progesterone to estradiol level ratio (P4/E2) changes from Pre to Post 0 during the luteal phase were significantly negatively correlated (r = -0.82) to changes in cfDNA from Pre to Post 0.