Alterations in acute-phase reactants (CRP, rheumatoid factor, complement, Factor B, and immune complexes) following an ultramarathon

Abstract

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.

Antioxidant and anti-nociceptive effects of Phyllanthus amarus on improving exercise recovery in sedentary men: a randomized crossover (double-blind) design

“…The oxidant damages the plasma membrane, which leads to leakage of creatine kinase (CK) into the blood [ 7 ]. This damage generates the inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP), which facilitates the influx of inflammatory cells to repair the damage [ 8 ]. Neutrophils and monocytes then repair the muscle via the oxidative or proteolytic modification to remove tissue debris in the injured muscle [ 9 ].…”

“…Neutrophils and monocytes then repair the muscle via the oxidative or proteolytic modification to remove tissue debris in the injured muscle [ 9 ]. This process, known as the acute inflammatory response, causes muscle soreness after exercise [ 8 ]. Alternatively, the muscle soreness may be induced by increased hydrogen ion concentration or decreased pH of the muscle [ 10 ].…”

Micronutrient Supplementation does not Change Complement System Response to Heavy Training

“…C3 and C4 serum concentrations rapidly return to pre-exercise levels after short-term maximal exercise 10 27 , but stay slightly lower after an ultramarathon 37 , evidencing an exercise mode-related behaviour. These variables are also exercise time-dependent, as long-lasting physical activities induce lower basal C3 levels compared to intermittent exercise, and intermittent sports lead to higher C4 values than running 3 .…”

“…Complement pathway activation seems to be independent of exercise type, since aerobic and anaerobic exercises induce similar changes (C3 and C4 serum levels decrease after both a 30 s anaerobic test and 30 min treadmill running 14 18 ). However, some data are contradictory, because C3 and C4 rose after maximal cycling 10 but no alterations were detected immediately after long-lasting exercise 37 . In addition, C3 and C4 values rose during and immediately after 2.5 h of running (with C4 continuing to rise some hours after the end of the exercise) 9 43 , but serum complement decreased after 1–2 h of recovery in some individuals 26 .…”

Antioxidant effect of <i>Phyllanthus amarus</i> after moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary males: a randomized crossover (double-blind) study

“…This phenomenon can cause muscle damage, leakage of creatine kinase (CK) 2 , 4 ) into the circulation, and inflammation 5 , 6 ) . Then, C-reactive protein (CRP) is generated to stimulate the influx of inflammatory cells to repair muscular damage 7 ) . Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes are inflammatory cells with important roles in the damage/repair of muscle tissue due to exercise-induced injury.…”