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Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on...
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Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on Metabolic Health

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 November 2025 | Viewed by 3151

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hannah Cabre

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Reproductive Endocrinology and Women’s Health Research Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Interests: female endocrinology; metabolism; lifestyle interventions; body composition
Dr. Adam M. Gonzalez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Allied Health and Kinesiology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
Interests: exercise and nutrition; body composition; adaptations to exercise

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The influence of sex has long been of interest regarding human performance and health. The notion of studying sex as a biological variable has recently been emphasized in the biosciences as a vital step in enhancing human health. Sex differences in research have vital implications for the longevity of metabolic health, particularly related to differences in physiology and endocrinology. The long-term effects of sex differences in response to diet and exercise hold important implications for optimal public health recommendations and healthcare. Yet, more often than not, biomedical research has focused on men, possibly obscuring the understanding of key sex influences on health processes and outcomes. Therefore, an expansion of preclinical and clinical research is essential for our understanding of basic mechanisms contributing to disease risk and resilience in males and females.

This Special Issue is devoted to “Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on Metabolic Health”. The topics that will be covered include (not exclusively) studies focusing on the implications of sex in exercise and nutrition, particularly related to metabolites, metabolic perturbation (e.g., effects of drugs, nutrients, environment, etc.), and/or metabolic pathways. Articles exploring methodologies for the development of detecting metabolites or changes in metabolic pathways are also welcome.

Dr. Hannah Cabre
Dr. Adam M. Gonzalez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sex differences
  • metabolomics
  • metabolites
  • menstrual cycle
  • aging
  • exercise performance
  • nutrition intervention
  • cardiometabolic

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 328 KB  
Article
The Impact of Physical Activity on Metabolic Health and Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Kinga Mruczyk, Rafał W. Wójciak, Marta Molska, Ewa Śliwicka, Tomasz Podgórski, Aleksandra Skoczek-Rubińska, Anna Borowiecka and Angelika Cisek-Woźniak
Metabolites 2025, 15(7), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15070420 - 20 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1044
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity levels on selected biochemical markers (glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, interleukin-6 [IL-6]), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cognitive functions, and additional macronutrient intake in postmenopausal women. Method: A total of 72 generally [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity levels on selected biochemical markers (glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, interleukin-6 [IL-6]), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cognitive functions, and additional macronutrient intake in postmenopausal women. Method: A total of 72 generally healthy women aged 55–73 from western Poland participated in the study. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), resulting in two distinct groups: 56 women in the lower activity level group and 16 in the higher activity level group. We calculated body mass index (BMI), measured body composition and blood pressure, and conducted cognitive assessments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), motor and psychomotor skills tests, the Clock Drawing Test, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Nutritional intake was evaluated using a detailed 3-day food record to analyze macronutrient consumption and total caloric intake. Results: A statistically significant difference in total blood cholesterol levels (p = 0.0277) was observed between the two groups, with the higher physical activity group showing elevated cholesterol levels. Although no other biochemical markers showed statistically significant differences, variations in BDNF, glucose, triglycerides, IL-6, and insulin levels were noted between groups. Moreover, correlations between these markers and cognitive performance, like motor and psychomotor speeds, varied depending on physical activity level. The analyzed dietary pattern of the studied group shows slight deviations from current nutritional recommendations. Conclusions: The findings suggest that physical activity level may influence certain biochemical markers and cognitive functions in postmenopausal women. While these results highlight the potential benefits of physical activity, further research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and to validate physical activity as an effective strategy for improving postmenopausal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on Metabolic Health)
14 pages, 543 KB  
Article
Analysis of the Acute Cytokine Dynamics Induced in Professional Padel According to the Playing Side of the Court and Sex-Related Differences
by María Pía Cádiz-Gallardo, Francisco Pradas, Pamela Patanè, Alejandro García-Giménez, Miguel Lecina and Luis Carrasco
Metabolites 2025, 15(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060368 - 3 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Moderate-intensity physical exercise induces an anti-inflammatory state that may help prevent or manage various diseases. In contrast, high-intensity exercise is closely associated with systemic inflammation, which can lead to immunosuppression, especially when recovery periods are too short, reduced sports performance and potential [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Moderate-intensity physical exercise induces an anti-inflammatory state that may help prevent or manage various diseases. In contrast, high-intensity exercise is closely associated with systemic inflammation, which can lead to immunosuppression, especially when recovery periods are too short, reduced sports performance and potential health risks for the athlete. This study aimed to analyze the acute cytokine dynamics in professional padel players, focusing on differences related to the side of play on the court (forehand or backhand) and sex. Methods: A total of 21 elite padel players (11 females and 10 males; age: 27.7 ± 6.3 y) voluntarily participated in the study. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) were analyzed before and after a padel match. Results: The results showed significant changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory, including a decrease in IL-7 (p = 0.02), an increase in IL-8 (p ≤ 0.001) and an increase in IL-10 (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed based on the side of play on the court, suggesting that this variable does not influence the immune response. Conclusions: Competitive padel at an elite level elicits an anti-inflammatory response, characterized by an increase in IL-10 and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. This response highlights the potential health benefits of padel as a moderate-intensity sport, particularly in managing systemic inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on Metabolic Health)
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Review

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52 pages, 1635 KB  
Review
Impact of Stress on Adrenal and Neuroendocrine Responses, Body Composition, and Physical Performance Amongst Women in Demanding Tactical Occupations: A Scoping Review
by Tunde K. Szivak, Erica A. Schafer, Hayley V. MacDonald and Catherine Saenz
Metabolites 2025, 15(8), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080506 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 881
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This scoping review critically evaluated existing literature and summarized the impact of occupational, physiological, and psychological stressors on adrenal and neuroendocrine responses, body composition, and physical performance amongst women in tactical occupations. Methods: Boolean searches identified potentially qualifying reports involving: (1) adult [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This scoping review critically evaluated existing literature and summarized the impact of occupational, physiological, and psychological stressors on adrenal and neuroendocrine responses, body composition, and physical performance amongst women in tactical occupations. Methods: Boolean searches identified potentially qualifying reports involving: (1) adult women (≥19 y) currently employed or completing their training for a tactical profession; (2) ≥1 marker of “stress”; and (3) ≥1 adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, or fitness/performance outcome. Quantitative data (e.g., sample characteristics, outcomes of interest) were extracted and summarized. The completeness of reporting for each study was documented using existing checklists and quantified as: low (<50%), moderate (50–79%), or high (≥80%). Results: 40 studies (k) of moderate reporting quality (~64%) were included in the final sample (3693 women); 11 studies (28%) focused on women exclusively, and 16 studies identified sex differences in ≥1 outcome. Most studies involved military trainee populations (80%, k = 32). Occupation-related stress tended to negatively impact adrenal, neuroendocrine, body composition, and performance outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights progress in assessing occupational performance in female tactical personnel exposed to diverse stressors; however, our understanding remains incomplete due to methodological and conceptual limitations in the literature. Holistic research strategies are needed to capture the complexity of performance readiness in women, integrating how stress affects key tactical performance aspects such as muscle physiology, reproductive health, and energy and nutrient balance in realistic operational contexts. Integrating such data is vital for informing policy, improving readiness, and enhancing the health and career longevity of female tactical personnel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sex Differences in Physical Exercise and Dietary Habits Effects on Metabolic Health)
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