Physiological rather than pathological cardiac remodeling in olympic-style elite weightlifters: an imaging and biomarker study
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00421-026-06412-5
- Dergi Adı: European Journal of Applied Physiology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Athlete's heart, Cardiac imaging technique, Fibrosis, Resistance training, Strength training
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
High-intensity resistance training causes intermittent extreme afterload, but its potential to induce maladaptive myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular and tissue-level cardiac consequences of long-term resistance training. A cross-sectional study of 13 elite male weightlifters (≥ 5 years experience) and 13 age-matched healthy controls. Participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography (longitudinal strain) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (native T1, extracellular volume [ECV], and late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]). Serum biomarkers (galectin-3, soluble ST2, TNF-α, endothelin-1, TGF-β, and cardiac troponin) were measured at rest and, for athletes, immediately post-training. Weightlifters showed higher native T1 values than controls (1003.39 vs. 974.06 ms, p<0.05), but ECV was identical (25%) and LGE prevalence was equal (15.40%), indicating no structural fibrosis. Global strain was slightly lower in athletes but remained within physiological limits. At rest, biomarkers did not differ between groups. Post-exercise, galectin-3 increased significantly (2.04 ± 0.80 to 3.01 ± 0.92 ng/mL, p=0.001), while TGF-β decreased (3.08 ± 0.41 to 2.84 ± 0.37 ng/mL, p=0.046). No significant changes occurred in other biomarkers or troponin. Despite repeated peak pressure loads, elite weightlifters exhibited physiological rather than maladaptive remodeling. The absence of structural fibrosis (normal ECV/LGE) suggests that long-term resistance training remains within an adaptive range. The post-exercise galectin-3 spike likely reflects transient extracellular matrix turnover rather than sustained profibrotic signaling.