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. 2023 May 24;11(1):72-91.
doi: 10.1080/23328940.2023.2213625. eCollection 2024.

The increase in core body temperature in response to exertional-heat stress can predict exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome

Kayla Henningsen  1 , Alice Mika  1 , Rebekah Alcock  2 , Stephanie K Gaskell  1 , Alexandra Parr  1 , Christopher Rauch  1 , Isabela Russo  1 , Rhiannon M J Snipe  3 , Ricardo J S Costa  1
Affiliations

The increase in core body temperature in response to exertional-heat stress can predict exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome

Kayla Henningsen et al. Temperature (Austin). .

Abstract

Utilizing metadata from existing exertional and exertional-heat stress studies, the study aimed to determine if the exercise-associated increase in core body temperature can predict the change in exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (EIGS) biomarkers and exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS). Endurance-trained individuals completed 2 h of running exercise in temperate (21.2-30.0°C) to hot (35.0-37.2°C) ambient conditions (n = 132 trials). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to determine the change in gastrointestinal integrity biomarkers and systemic inflammatory cytokines. Physiological and thermoregulatory strain variables were assessed every 10-15 min during exercise. The strength of the linear relationship between maximal (M-Tre) and change (Δ Tre) in rectal temperature and EIGS variables was determined via Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. While the strength of prediction was determined via simple and multiple linear regression analyses dependent on screened EIGS and Ex-GIS confounding factors. Significant positive correlations between Tre maximum (M-Tre) and change (Δ Tre) with I-FABP (rs = 0.434, p < 0.001; and rs = 0.305, p < 0.001; respectively), sCD14 (rs = 0.358, p < 0.001; and rs = 0.362, p < 0.001), systemic inflammatory response profile (SIR-Profile) (p < 0.001), and total Ex-GIS (p < 0.05) were observed. M-Tre and Δ Tre significantly predicted (adjusted R2) magnitude of change in I-FABP (R2(2,123)=0.164, p < 0.001; and R2(2,119)=0.058, p = 0.011; respectively), sCD14 (R2(2,81)=0.249, p < 0.001; and R2(2,77)=0.214, p < 0.001), SIR-Profile (p < 0.001), and total Ex-GIS (p < 0.05). Strong to weak correlations were observed between M-Tre and Δ Tre with plasma concentrations of I-FABP, sCD14, SIR-Profile, and Ex-GIS in response to exercise. M-Tre and Δ Tre can predict the magnitude of these EIGS variables and Ex-GIS in response to exercise.

Keywords: Exertional; I-FABP; endotoxin; endurance; gastrointestinal symptoms; heat; inflammatory cytokines; thermoregulation.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of I-FABP in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of sCD14 in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of IL-6 in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of IL-8 in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of IL-10 in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of IL-1ra in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with plasma concentrations of SIR-Profile in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Association between M-Tre (a) and Δ Tre (b) with total exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in response to 2 h of strenuous running exercise in temperate (20–30°C) and hot (~35°C) ambient conditions.
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