Objective. A primary objective was to examine circulating neutrophil count after repeated bouts of downhill running. An additional aim was to determine creatine kinase (CK) levels during the initial 12 hours, after repeated DHRs.Design. Eleven healthy, untrained Caucasian males performed 2 x 60 min bouts of DHR (-13.5%), spaced 14 days apart, at a speed equal to 75% VO 2max on a level grade. Blood was collected before, after, and every hour for 12 hours, and every 24 hours for 6 days. Absolute neutrophil count, CK, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed. Results were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (p<0.05) with appropriate post hoc tests.

Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic disturbances. This complex series of reactions serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of which have not been thoroughly investigated. Main outcome measures.Alterations in CRP (C-reactive protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels. Significance was set at p < 0.05.Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before, immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h after the race. Serum was stored at -80°C until analysed. CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry. Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor B were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3hpost (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ± 3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise (12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise (6.7%). Conclusion.Significant increases in selected acutephase reactants occur several days after the exercise event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.

Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic disturbances. This complex series of reactions serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of which have not been thoroughly investigated. Main outcome measures.Alterations in CRP (C-reactive protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels. Significance was set at p < 0.05.Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before, immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h after the race. Serum was stored at -80°C until analysed. CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry. Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor B were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3hpost (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ± 3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise (12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise (6.7%). Conclusion.Significant increases in selected acutephase reactants occur several days after the exercise event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.

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Objective. To evaluate whether supplementation with an L-methionine combination would reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) and improve performance in ultramarathon runners. Design.A double-blind placebo-controlled study.Setting. Twenty-one ultramarathon runners (17 males, 4 females) preparing for participation in an 87.3 km ultramarathon.Interventions. L-methionine combination supplement (Lmethionine, vitamin B 6 , vitamin B 12 , folic acid and magnesium) or placebo containing potato starch. Main outcome measures.Incidence of URTS was recorded during the runner's preparation for an ultramarathon race (75 days) and recovery from the same (75 days). CD4+, CD8+ cell counts and ratios were measured pre race, immediately post race and 75 days post race. VO 2max and endurance fitness (percentage VO 2max at 4 mmol -1 lactate concentration) were measured during the preparation period for the race.Results. During the preparation period the incidence of URTS was 36% in the supplement group and 80% in the placebo group (p = 0.08). The incidence of URTS during the 3 weeks post race was 27% in the supplement group and 40% in the placebo group (p = 0.65). The CD4+/CD8+ cell ratios were not significantly different between groups. Endurance fitness prior to the race and race times were not significantly different. Conclusions.Although the findings of the current study show that an L-methionine combination supplement did not reduce the incidence of URTS or improve performance in ultramarathon runners, benefits may be found with a more detailed investigation using larger sample sizes and immunosuppressed athletes.