Human Body Hormones, Effects on gene expression

 

Research indicates that metabolites—the end products of converting carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids into energy—differ significantly following exercise, depending on an individual's fitness. It has been suggested that metabolites detectable after exercise may stimulate the expression of genes that affect the biochemistry of exercise.

For example, a gene called nur77, which helps control the burning and storage of sugar and fat, is activated by exercise.

 Researchers have found that resistance exercise decreases age-related genetic abnormalities in the mitochondria of muscle cells. These abnormalities contribute to age-related muscle loss. Resistance exercise may stimulate the production of new muscle cells with normal mitochondria.

Exercise is well-known to help protect against stress-induced depression and brain injury. A 2014 study reported that exercise training causes the production of enzymes in skeletal muscle that can clear the blood of a harmful metabolite that accumulates during stress. This may be a biochemical mechanism by which exercise protects against and counteracts depression.