Abstract
Athletic performance is modulated by a complex interaction of physiological, environmental, and genetic factors, with regular exercise triggering molecular changes that influence gene expression and tissue adaptation. Despite growing knowledge, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain only partially understood, highlighting the need for precise biomarkers to monitor training-induced physiological adaptations. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate cellular processes, including adaptation to physical exercise. Twelve healthy elite female volleyball players (mean age 27 ± 5.4 years) participated in the study. This study evaluated the expression of selected lncRNAs (SNHG4, SNHG5, PACERR, NEAT1, HIX003209, and HOTTIP) during a 10-week training program and evaluated their potential as biomarkers of training adaptation. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. LncRNA expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HOTTIP exhibited an increase in expression after training (over sixfold change, p = 0.009, adjusted p = 0.024) and demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.917), which improved to 0.97 when combined with creatine kinase. Other lncRNAs showed no significant changes, although a correlation between HOTTIP and SNHG4 was noted. HOTTIP is markedly upregulated following chronic exercise and, especially when combined with creatine kinase, shows promise as a molecular biomarker for monitoring training adaptation in elite female volleyball players.