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Acylation-stimulating protein: effect of acute exercise and endurance training

International Journal of Obesity volume 29, pages 632–638 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is an adipocyte-derived protein that contributes to fatty acid clearance. Regular exercise training improves fatty acid handling.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the effect of acute exercise and short-term endurance training on ASP levels.

SUBJECTS:

Eight untrained men (age: 23.5±3.4 y; maximal power output (Wmax): 3.7±0.6 W/kg body weight).

DESIGN:

Subjects were trained for 2 weeks. Before and after training, blood was sampled during a 3-h exercise test, and insulin sensitivity was assessed by an insulin tolerance test.

RESULTS:

Before training, ASP levels decreased during exercise (from 17.9±2.9 to 15.5±3.7 nmol/l at t=0 vs 180, P<0.05). Endurance training decreased fasting ASP levels significantly (17.9±2.9 vs 13.4±2.3 nmol/l pre- and post-training, P<0.001). Interestingly, after 2 weeks of endurance training, ASP levels tended to increase during exercise (from 13.4±2.3 to 17.2±4.5 nmol/l at t=0 vs 180, P=0.09). Baseline ASP levels correlated negatively with insulin sensitivity both before (r=−0.86, P<0.01) and after training (r=−0.82, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Short-term endurance training reduces baseline ASP levels. These data fit with the hypothesis that reduced ASP levels indicate improved ASP sensitivity.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Steven Constants and Niels Boon for their help in performing this study. The research of P Schrauwen has been made possible by a fellowship of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. This project was made possible by support from CIHR (MOP-13716) to KC. KC is supported by a fellowship from FRSQ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands

    P Schrauwen

  2. Department of Movement Sciences, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, The Netherlands

    M K C Hesselink

  3. McGill Unit for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada

    M Jain & K Cianflone

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  1. P Schrauwen
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  3. K Cianflone
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Correspondence to P Schrauwen.

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Schrauwen, P., Hesselink, M., Jain, M. et al. Acylation-stimulating protein: effect of acute exercise and endurance training. Int J Obes 29, 632–638 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802949

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