The aim of this investigation was to measure plasma visfatin, ghrelin and leptin responses to a single endurance rowing training session in male competitive single scull rowers. Nine national level male rowers (20.1±1.5 yrs; 183.9±4.3 cm; 81.0±5.0 kg; body fat% 10.8±3.3%) completed two trials (exercise or control) on separate days. The exercise consisted of a prolonged rowing training session lasting about 2 h (distance: 20.7±1.4 km, heart rate: 133±4 bpm, intensity: 80.2±1.6% of the heart rate turn point) followed by 30 min rest. Venous blood samples were collected pre and post on-water rowing. The control trial consisted of rest and blood collection similarly to exercise trial. No differences were found at baseline values for plasma visfatin, ghrelin and leptin for both trials. The estimated energy expenditure of the exercise trial was 1200-1500 Kcal. Plasma visfatin (-10.0%; P<0.05) and leptin (-20.0%; P<0.05) were reduced and ghrelin increased (+12.2%; P<0.05) at the 30-min post-exercise. No differences in plasma visfatin, ghrelin or leptin over time were observed during control trial. There was no relationship between basal visfatin and body composition, energy balance, aerobic power, or blood biochemical data. Plasma visfatin (r=-0.76) and ghrelin (r=0.75) measured immediately after the training session were related (P<0.05) to the distance covered and no relation was observed for post-exercise leptin (r=-0.16; P>0.05). In conclusion, acute negative energy balance induced by a single endurance rowing training session elicited an inverse metabolic response in visfatin and ghrelin in competitive male rowers. Our results suggest that peripheral markers of negative energy balance, such as visfatin and ghrelin, may be regarded as signals for metabolic reaction to the energy cost of acute exercise. In addition, an energetic defi cit threshold must seemingly be met for such a response to occur.
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