HNP-1 and HBD-1 as Biomarkers for the Immune Systems of Elite Basketball Athletes

Abstract

Acute or strenuous exercise is sometimes related to upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Practicing intense and regular exercise can lead to incorrect activation of the immune system, causing athletes to be excluded from training programs and competitions. Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system and dynamically involved in several biological activities. In this study, we highlight the role of human defensins in competitive basketball athletes. In particular, we consider the behavior of alpha- and beta-defensins together with white blood cells in a cohort of players. Moreover, we focus our attention on cortisol, a physiological indicator of stress, and testosterone, both of which are human hormones involved in muscle metabolism. The free-testosterone/cortisol ratio is considered to be an indicator of overtraining among athletes. This paper provides an up-to-date information of the role of human defensins as self-defense molecules during a continuous stressor such as long-term exercise, and it recognizes them as potential markers of infection.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Activity, Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity Habits of University Population of Naples, Federico II-Italy

“…The beneficial effects of exercise are well known [35]. It has been widely demonstrated that physical exercise can prevent infections [36][37][38], inflammation and delay the onset of cardiovascular and muscular pathologies [39,40]. In this scenario, the practice of physical activity conducted according to the ANTI-COVID-19 rules, and a correct diet, such as Mediterranean Diet can represent a valid tool to combat weight gain and depressive moods that can characterize periods such as those of quarantine.…”

Exercise, Immune System, Nutrition, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases during COVID-19: A Complex Combination

“…Most studies on the effects of exercise on the immune system have been carried out [27][28][29][30] by evaluating some parameters before and after physical performance. Single bouts of moderate-intensity exercise are "immunoenhancing", and in fact, are responsible for a reduction in inflammation, maintenance of thymic mass and enhanced immunosurveillance [31].…”

Dietary Thiols: A Potential Supporting Strategy against Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure and Muscular Damage during Sports Activity

“…However, the main source of ROS in the human body is the immune system [ 51 ], as the immune system together with its components is involved in the defense of the organism from external stimuli that can trigger the inflammatory process [ 52 , 53 , 54 ] or from internal stimuli of cell regeneration [ 55 ].…”