GDF15 associates with, but is not responsible for, exercise-induced increases in corticosterone and indices of lipid utilization in mice
2024

GDF15 and Exercise in Mice

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Meagan Arbeau, Bradley J. Baranowski, Stewart Jeromson, Annalaura Bellucci, Michael Akcan, Serena Trang, Katelyn Eisner, Kyle D. Medak, David C. Wright

Primary Institution: University of British Columbia

Hypothesis

Withholding food following exercise would prolong increases in GDF15 and it would be required for exercise-induced increases in corticosterone and indices of fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

GDF15 is associated with increases in corticosterone and lipid utilization during exercise, but this relationship is not causal.

Supporting Evidence

  • GDF15 levels increased significantly post-exercise in both male and female mice.
  • Exercise-induced increases in corticosterone were observed regardless of GDF15 genotype.
  • Food withholding prolonged GDF15 elevation in female mice but not in males.
  • Associations between GDF15 and metabolic markers were found, but causality was not established.

Takeaway

When mice exercise, a substance called GDF15 goes up, but it doesn't actually cause other changes in the body related to energy use.

Methodology

Male and female C57BL/6J mice ran on a treadmill for 2 hours, with some having food withheld post-exercise, and various serum analyses were conducted.

Limitations

The study was conducted at room temperature rather than thermal neutrality, which may affect results.

Participant Demographics

Male and female C57BL/6J mice, approximately 16 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1152/japplphysiol.00519.2024

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication