Study of the Effects of Muscular Activity on Iron Metabolism

Study of the Effects of Muscular Activity on Iron Metabolism: A Pilot Study on Healthy Volunteers

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of muscular exercise on iron metabolism in healthy volunteers. Fourteen healthy male subjects will have to pedal on an ergocycle for 45 minutes, and urine and blood samples will be collected regularly to measure hemojuvelin, hepcidin, iron and transferrin levels.

Hemojuvelin has been described as interfering with hepcidin, a key regulator of iron homeostasis. Hemojuvelin is mainly produced by muscle, and the relationship between exercise and iron metabolism can be questioned about.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of muscular exercise on iron metabolism in healthy volunteers. Fourteen healthy male subjects will be investigated at two periods according to a cross-over design after:

1. 45 minutes of exercise on the ergocycle; and
2. no physical exercise.

Urine and blood samples will be collected at both periods regularly to measure hemojuvelin, hepcidin, iron and transferrin levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male individuals aged between 18 and 40 years old
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 25
• Normal at clinical examination
• Normal biological variables
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mutation C282Y of the HFE gene
• Iron metabolism abnormality
• Inflammatory syndrome
• Chronic pathology or ongoing treatment
• Tobacco smoking, alcohol consuming more than 30g/day
• History of transfusion or blood-giving within 3 months
• Positive serology for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV.