Cortisol and exercise: effects, secretion and metabolism
Abstract
Physical exercise brings several benefits to its practitioner. Exercise modulates several organic reactions; however the effects of the physical exercise on the level and metabolism of cortisol are not completely clear. Objective: To review the literature on the effects of cortisol secretion in exercise and metabolism. Literature review: It has been shown in scientific literature that cortisol acts as a physiological antagonist of insulin, and promotes carbohydrates, lipids and proteins cleavage thus mobilizing energetic storages. It increases glicemia and the liver glycogen production. Since cortisol stimulates proteolysis, the cortisol increasing could lead to muscular atrophy and strength decreases, with negative consequences to the sportive performance. The skeletal muscle action of cortisol is ambiguous: it contributes to carbohydrate and muscle loss, but simultaneously, without cortisol the skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction is reduced. This effect could be due to the induction of mediators or receptor synthesis, such as acetylcholine and -adrenergic receptor, constitutionally and permanently by the basal corticoid concentration. The catabolism and muscle loss only occur when corticosteroids levels are high. Physical exercise induces cortisol secretion increasing by the HPA axes modulation. Conclusion: Although the increased level of cortisol can produces side effects, physical training induces the development of diverse mechanisms to protect cells and tissues from the cortisol deleterious effects. So that the organism become less responsive to stress.
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