Abstract
Objective Chronically elevated circulating lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels are implicated in poor energy regulation, increased cardio-metabolic disease risk, and poor physical function. Exercise is known to improve these factors, but whether LCN2 is modifiable by exercise is not clear. We examined the effect of acute and chronic exercise on LCN2 levels and whether this relates to glucose regulation, body composition, and physical function. Design and methods Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults (45–84 years, median body mass index 26.21 kg/m2) completed an acute high-intensity interval exercise session (HIIE). Participants were randomized to 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or control. Lipocalin-2, insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were analysed in serum at baseline and immediately, 1 and 3 h post-HIIE, and post-4 weeks of HIIT. Urinary LCN2 was assessed pre and post 4 weeks of HIIT. Results A main effect for time for serum LCN2, insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR was detected after acute-HIIE (P <.001). Circulating serum LCN2 levels increased significantly immediately post-HIIE compared to baseline (P <.001) and returned to levels similar to baseline by 60 and 180 min post-HIIE. Four weeks of HIIT improved VO2peak, yet had no significant effect on LCN2 levels or physical function. Conclusions Acute-HIIE, but not 4 weeks of HIIT, transiently increased circulating LCN2 and improved insulin sensitivity in middle-aged and older adults. It remains unclear if LCN2 is modifiable by chronic exercise training longer than 4 weeks or in people with poor glycaemic control. Clinical trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12622000337774.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
12-1-2025
Volume
193
Issue
6
PubMed ID
41364683
Publication Title
European Journal of Endocrinology
Publisher
Oxford Academic
School
Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute
Funders
Defence Science Institute
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
First Page
724
Last Page
732
Comments
Bauer, C., Sim, M., Smith, C., Healy, R., Garnham, A., Zare-Kookandeh, N., Byrnes, E., Woessner, M. N., Lewis, J. R., & Levinger, I. (2025). The effects of acute and chronic exercise on lipocalin-2 in middle-aged and older adults: a randomized control trial. European Journal of Endocrinology, 193(6), 724–732. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvaf251