Effect of Aronia Supplementation on the LPS-CD14-TLR2/4 Axis in Football Players

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will investigate the effects of 8-week Aronia melanocarpa supplementation on exercise-induced activation of the LPS-LBP-CD14-TLR2/TLR4 axis in trained male football players. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Aronia melanocarpa supplementation or placebo. Exercise testing will be performed before and after the 8-week intervention, with blood samples collected before, immediately after, and 1 hour after exercise. The study will assess circulating markers of endotoxemia and innate immune activation (LPS, LBP, sCD14, sTLR2, and sTLR4), TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocyte subsets using flow cytometry, and TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The study aims to determine whether Aronia melanocarpa supplementation modulates the immune response to high-intensity intermittent exercise in football players.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants aged 16-35 years. * Regularly training football players. * Healthy and medically eligible to participate in the exercise testing. * Willingness to comply with the study procedures and pre-test instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of antibiotics, metformin, probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics within the 3 months preceding enrollment. * Vegan diet. * Regular gut-training practices. * Gastrointestinal infection. * Other significant diseases that, in the opinion of the study physician, may affect eligibility for participation.