IMPACT OF ENDURANCE EXERCISE ON LIVER BILIRUBIN AMONG NOVICE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ATHLETES

Abstract

Background Endurance exercise is recognized for its beneficial effects on physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and metabolic regulation. However, its impact on liver biomarkers, particularly bilirubin levels, has garnered research interest due to bilirubin's dual role as a waste product of heme metabolism and an antioxidant with potential protective effects against oxidative stress and metabolic syndrome (Hinds et al., 2016). Methods & Materials: This study evaluates the effect of a 12-week endurance exercise program on liver bilirubin levels in novice university student-athletes, aiming to explore the adaptive response of this biomarker to sustained physical activity.
A total of 40 male university students (aged 18–25), untrained in structured exercise, participated in a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group (EG) engaged in a supervised endurance exercise program involving moderate-intensity aerobic activities (60–70% of maximum heart rate) for 45–60 minutes, four times a week, while the control group (CG) maintained their usual routines. Serum bilirubin levels (total and direct) and body mass index (BMI) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Conclusion: Results demonstrated a significant increase in serum bilirubin levels in the EG (mean pre-test: 0.95 ± 0.12 mg/dL; mean post-test: 1.10 ± 0.15 mg/dL, p = 0.002), while the CG exhibited no significant changes (mean pre-test: 0.96 ± 0.10 mg/dL; mean post-test: 0.94 ± 0.11 mg/dL, p = 0.512). BMI decreased significantly in the EG (mean difference: -0.80 ± 0.14 kg/m², p < 0.01), reflecting improved physical fitness. These findings underscore the role of endurance exercise in modulating bilirubin levels and enhancing liver function, likely through adaptive responses to oxidative stress and increased heme oxygenase-1 activity. Future research should explore the long-term implications and broader physiological impact of exercise-induced bilirubin modulation.