Acute changes in lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein particle size after an endurance triathlon

Abstract

The effect of an endurance triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, 26.2-mile run, in succession) on plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and B levels, and LDL particle size was determined in 34 male and six female participants 6 to 12 hours before and immediately after the completion of the triathlon. Plasma TG decreased significantly (70% decrease) in both men and women. In men the change in plasma TG was inversely associated with baseline TG values ( P < .0001). Plasma TC and LDL cholesterol did not change significantly in male athletes but decreased significantly in women. A significant increase in HDL cholesterol was observed in both men (18% increase, P < .0001) and women (5% increase, P < .01). In men the increase in HDL cholesterol was inversely correlated with the decrease in triglycerides ( P < .0002). Plasma apo A-I levels increased significantly only in the male group ( P < .005), whereas plasma apo B levels decreased significantly in both men and women ( P < .0005). LDL particle size increased in seven males, whereas in the remaining males and all females no change in LDL size was observed. The increase in LDL particle size in these seven subjects was associated with a greater decline in plasma TG compared with the remaining men ( P < .005) and women ( P < .03). These results indicate that prolonged strenuous physical exercise can induce acute modifications of plasma lipoproteins, which may in part be related to enhanced lipolysis.