Search

Background: Regular, especially sustained exercise training plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases. Some of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the adaptive response to physical activity are still unclear, but recent findings suggest a possible role of epigenetic mechanisms, especially miRNAs, in the progression and management of exercise related changes. Due to the combination of the analysis of epigenetic biomarkers (miRNAs), the intake of food and supplements, and genetic dispositions, a “fitness sore” was evaluated to assess the individual response to nutrition, metabolism and exercise.Methods: In response to a 12-week sport intervention we analyzed genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in capillary blood, including Line-1 methylation, three SNPs and ten miRNAs using HRM and qPCR analysis. These biomarkers were also analyzed in a control group without intervention. Food frequency intake, including dietary supplement intake, and general health questionnaires were surveyed under the supervision of trained staff.Results: Exercise training decreased the expression of miR-20a, -22 and -505 (p < 0.02) and improved the “fitness score”, which estimates eight different lifestyle factors to assess, nutrition, inflammation, cardiovascular fitness, injury risk, regeneration, muscle- and hydration status as well as stress level. In addition, we were able to determine correlations between individual miRNAs, miR-20a, -22 and -101 (p < 0.04), and the genetic predisposition for endurance and / or strength and for obesity risk (ACE, ACTN3 and FTO), as well as between miRNAs and the body composition (p < 0.05). And we identified two miRNAs, miR-19b and -378a (p < 0.05), which could potentially provide information about the micronutrient / vitamin requirements of an athlete.Conclusions: Due to the detailed knowledge of individual regulatory mechanisms in the metabolism of sport intervention and / or nutritional behavior, this knowledge and our results can be used for personalized interventions and in the context of the new field of precision nutrition and precision training.

The main argument for the optimization of nutritional strategies in athletes, besides improved performance, is the preservation of health and the prevention of unwanted training effects. This highlights the importance of personalized nutrition strategies, as well as functional foods and phytonutrients based on individual requirements which can be precisely defined by detailed analyses, including genetics, epigenetics, gut microbiota, gender, and environmental factors. Recently, a miRNA-based “Fitness Score to Assess the Individual Response to Diet, Metabolism and Exercise” was developed by our group. Formulations of sports drinks and sports foods should be carefully considered, as they frequently contain a mixture of multiple ingredients. Macronutrient supplements, such as carbohydrates, proteins, protein components, fatty acids and probiotics are known to provide benefits for athletes with energy deficits, electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and cardiovascular problems. However, micronutrient supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and ergogenic aids (e.g., caffeine) must be administered in specific doses based on individual need. Considering the novel data on inter-organ communication (e.g., gut-muscle-brain-axis), data from systems biology highlight the importance of holistic aspects, where nutrients and probiotic supplements are gaining importance for improved performance, reduced risks of illness/ injury and enhanced recovery.Keywords: Nutrition, additives, functional foods, exercise, microbiome, epigenetics, personalization