Changes in Cell Free DNA During a College Soccer Season

<p> <strong> Objectives </strong> : This study investigated chronic changes in cell free DNA (cf-DNA) throughout a collegiate soccer season. The relationship between cf-DNA, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (C), testosterone-cortisol ratio (T:C), body mass and body composition were also examined. <strong> Design </strong> : Longitudinal study design with repeated measures and group comparisons. <strong> Methods </strong> : Twenty three NCAA Division I male soccer players were divided into two groups. Starters were placed in Group 1 (G1) and non-starters were placed in Group 2 (G2). cf-DNA, CRP, CK, T, C, T:C, body mass and body composition were taken three times, corresponding to pre-season, approximately mid-season and immediately after the concluding the season. <strong> Results </strong> : In G1, cf-DNA, CRP, CK, cf-DNA&emsp14;%∆, CRP&emsp14;%∆ and, CK&emsp14;%∆ were all statistically higher at T2 and T3 than T1. In G2, CRP&emsp14;%∆ was statistically higher at T2 than T1. In G2, cf-DNA&emsp14;%∆, CRP&emsp14;%∆ and CK&emsp14;%∆ were higher at T2 and T3 than T1. <strong> Conclusions </strong> : This suggests that cf-DNA may be a useful marker that can reflect accumulated soccer training and competitive stressors.</p>