Metabolic responses to a 48-h ultra-marathon run in middle-aged male amateur runners

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate ongoing metabolic changes during a 48-h competitive run and a 48-h recovery period, with focus on potential health risks exemplified by heart and skeletal muscle damage biomarkers and oxidative stress-related indices.MethodsBlood samples were taken before the race, after 12, 24, and 48 h of running, and after 24 and 48 h of recovery from male amateur runners (N = 7, age 35–59 years, VO2max mean ± SD 57.0 ± 4.0 ml kg−1 min−1, total distance covered 183–320 km). The samples were analyzed for morphology, acid–base and electrolyte balance, iron status, lipid profile, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, non-enzymatic antioxidants, activities of selected enzymes including antioxidant enzymes, and total antioxidant status.ResultsThe sustained ultra-endurance run caused hypocapnic alkalosis with slight hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia, but no hyponatremia. Blood biochemistry showed severe muscle but not liver damage, and an acute inflammatory response. These effects were evidenced by leukocytosis, several fold rises in interleukin-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, extreme elevations in serum levels of muscle enzymes, and marked increases in cardiac biomarker levels. Most of the changes dissolved during the 48 h post-race recovery. Neither the iron pool, nor erythropoiesis, nor pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance were substantially affected.ConclusionsThe changes consequent on the ultra-endurance run do not pose a serious health risk in men who begin their endeavor with ultra-endurance running in mid-life. There is some circumstantial evidence that hyperventilatory hypocapnia may modulate inflammatory response by stimulating the release of interleukin-6 from working skeletal muscles.

Changes in blood morphology and chosen biochemical parameters in ultra-marathon runners during a 100-km run in relation to the age and speed of runners

“…Running speed decreased along with each 25 km stretch in all the subjects ( Table 1). The mean running speed value during the whole 100-km distance was 8.33 km/h, which is in line with the results revealed by Kłapcińska et al [29]. Parameters of the blood counted both during the run and recovery did not exceed the reference data.…”

“…No statistically significant changes in HB, HCT, RBC, MCH, MCV, MCVC and blood platelets were found during either the run or the recovery. Kłapcińska et al [29] and Waśkiewicz et al [28] have reported similar findings. However, Wu et al [27] have observed a decrease in RBC related to haemolysis [32] and damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) [33] that occurred between the second and ninth day of recovery after termination of a half-marathon.…”

“…Deaths occurred mainly among young participants (< 45 years old). Therefore, scientists are increasingly interested in the issue of the body's response to the extreme effort performed by amateurs, especially economy of the use of energy sources [5][6][7][8], relationship between running speed and maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) [9][10][11][12], changes of biochemical indicators in the blood [4,[13][14][15] that indicate damage to skeletal muscles and organs [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] and recently, advantages and threats of such an activity in terms of health [25][26][27][28][29]. Thus, it seems that monitoring of the reaction of the body by observing changes in blood indicators during a marathon run, should be a standard procedure.…”

Transient leukocytosis in Emergency Room: an overlooked issue

“…Leukocytes and neutrophils increased by more than two times in a small group of subjects at the end of an ultra-marathon and returned to baseline values 24 h after. 16 Also milder physical efforts may significantly increase WBC count, as shown in healthy volunteers after 5 min of self-paced peak cycle ergometry. In this case, leukocyte counts returned to baseline values in 3 h. 17 These findings, obtained in well-controlled experimental conditions, suggest that both physical and emotional stress increase WBC count and thus could support our hypothesis.…”

Ultramarathon Running: Medical Issues

“…For example, a 48-h ultra-marathon caused hypocapnic alkalosis with slight hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia, but no hyponatremia. Blood biochemistry showed severe muscle but not liver damage, and an acute inflammatory response [83]. Most of the changes were dissolved after 48 hours of recovery [83].…”