Do aerobic and anaerobic exercises differently affect muscle and liver biomarkers in young adult males?

Introduction: Exercise, despite its well-established benefits, can lead to several adverse effects, including muscle injuries and significant elevations in liver enzymes. Objective: This study investigated the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on serum biomarkers of muscle injury (lactate, LDH, CK) and liver function (ALT, AST). Methodology: Eighteen healthy young male adults were randomized to a 4-week aerobic (n=9) or anaerobic (n=9) exercise program. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention to measure the aforementioned biomarkers. Results: Both aerobic (p=0.028) and anaerobic (p=0.027) exercise significantly increased LDH activity. Lactate levels did not significantly change in either group. CK activity significantly decreased after aerobic exercise (p=0.003) but not after anaerobic exercise (p=0.231). No significant changes in ALT or AST activity were observed in either group. Discussion: The observed LDH increase aligns with existing literature, while the contrasting CK response (decrease after aerobic, no change after anaerobic exercise) highlights differing impacts on muscle integrity. Consistent with prior research, no significant changes in liver enzymes (ALT/AST) were observed, suggesting no exercise-induced liver stress. Conclusions: These findings reveal distinct effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on muscle biomarkers, with only aerobic exercise significantly decreasing CK levels, while both affected LDH. Importantly, no evidence of exercise-induced liver stress was observed based on ALT/AST levels.