EFFECT OF A SINGLE SESSION OF EXERCISE ON LIPOPROTEIN(A)

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is bound to apolipoprotein B-100 by disulfide l inkage and is associated in the upper density range of low density lip oprotein cholesterol. Persons with elevated concentrations of Lp(a) ar e regarded as having an increased risk for premature coronary artery d isease. Although many studies exist evaluating the effects of a single session of exercise on lipids and lipoproteins, little information is available concerning the effects of exercise on Lp(a). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a single exerci se session on plasma Lp(a). Twelve physically active men completed two 30-min submaximal treadmill exercise sessions: low intensity (LI, 50% VO2max) and high intensity (HI, 80% VO2max). Blood samples were obtai ned immediately before and after exercise. Total cholesterol (LI: befo re 4.22 +/- 0.26, after 4.24 +/- 0.28; HI: before 4.24 +/- 0.31, after 4.11 +/- 0.28 mmol . l(-1), mean +/- SE) and triglyceride (LI: before 1.14 +/- 0.16, after 1.06 +/- 0.16; HI: before 1.12 +/- 0.19, after 1 .21 +/- 0.19 mmol . l(-1)) concentrations did not differ immediately a fter either exercise session, nor did Lp(a) concentrations differ imme diately after either exercise session (LI: before 4.1 +/- 2.2, after 4 .0 +/- 2.1; HI: before 3.9 +/- 2.2, after 3.7 +/- 2.0 mg . dl(-1)). Th ese results suggest that neither a low nor a high intensity exercise s ession lasting 30 min in duration has an immediate effect on plasma Lp (a).