The effect of three-month pre-season preparatory period and short-term exercise on plasma leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and ghrelin levels in young female handball and basketball players

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 3-month pre-season preparatory period and short-term moderate aerobic exercise and intensive fitness and speed exercise on adipokine and ghrelin levels in young female handball and basketball players. Materials and methods: Fifty healthy young female professional basketball and handball players were enrolled into the study before the opening of the season (after a 2-month holiday with no training or dietary restrictions). Serum estradiol and plasma leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and ghrelin levels were determined at the beginning and the end of a 3-month period of moderate aerobic training. Plasma adipokines and ghrelin levels were additionally assessed after 2 h of moderate aerobic exercise or after intensive fitness and speed exercise training. Results: Long-term moderate aerobic exercise was followed by a significant decrease in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels (921 ±300 vs 575±572 pg/ml. p