We measured changes in maximal oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max), ventilation, heart rate, plasma lactate and speed at the end of an incremental exercise test as a consequence of a relay foot race from Paris to Dakar in 6 subjects. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were taken and muscle biopsies from M. vastus lateralis were obtained before and after the race. The latter were analyzed with morphometric methods for fiber size, capillarity and muscle ultrastructural composition. Weight specific VO2max was significantly reduced from 62.4 to 60.5 ml/min.kg after the race while absolute VO2max and the other endurance related functional variables remained unchanged. Body fat, thigh cross-sectional area and thigh volume showed tendential reduction immediately after the race but regained pre-race values within a few days. Fiber size and capillarity were not affected by the race. Volume density of total mitochondria was significantly reduced from 6.98 to 4.89% of fiber volume. Both subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria were significantly reduced by 59 and 21%, respectively. The volume density of satellite cell was increased about three-fold whereas the content of lipofuscin remained constant. It is concluded that extreme endurance events such as a multi-stage relay race may induce a considerable loss of oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle tissue.

Background: Etanercept is a fully human tumor necrosis factor α receptor fusion protein that binds tumor necrosis factor α with greater affinity than natural receptors. Biologics are widely used in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis and may represent a new therapeutic option for some patients with psoriatic nail disease. Case Report: We report a case of lichen planus limited to the toe nails successfully treated with etanercept monotherapy. Conclusion: The significant improvement of our case suggests that etanercept is an effective treatment modality for lichen planus limited particularly to the nails. Further controlled studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and therapeutic regimes.

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