Research question: The aim of the study was to analyse changes in selected pro-inflammatory cytokines and parameters of iron metabolism, observed after an intense ergometric test conducted during two different phases of a yearly training cycle. Research methods: The study included a group of elite rowers (n=15). During each of the analysed training phases, the athletes were subjected to a 2000-m ergometric exercise test. Results and findings: Irrespective of the training phase, similar levels of IL-6, hepcidin and sTfR were found in blood samples collected immediately after the ergometric tests. In contrast, post-exercise levels of Fe, TNF-a and CK were significantly higher in material collected after the test conducted during the competitive phase of a yearly training cycle. This study of elite rowers showed that physical exercise may stimulate changes in the pro-inflammatory profile of blood serum, via the influence on TNF-a levels. This effect is modulated by a number of training-related factors that acted prior to the ergometric test, such as exercise frequency and intensity. Implications: Therefore, post-training adaptation to physical exercise is not always sufficient, which may result in the impairment of the immune response and thus negatively affect iron metabolism.
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