Abstract
The impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine (Hcy) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) levels, two well-recognized cardiovascular risk factors, has not been deeply investigated. Similarly, no information exists on paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins, which may detoxify oxLDL and Hcy-thiolactone, hence preventing their proatherogenic action. Taking this into account, a competitive 24-h ultramarathon race was organized in Reggio-Emilia (Italy) recruiting professional runners (n = 14) from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association. Blood samples were collected from each participant before, during (14 h), and immediately after (24 h) the competition, thus to monitor the serum changes in Hcy, oxLDL, and PON1 levels, as well as other oxidative stress-related parameters, namely reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and total antioxidant capacity (PAT). As a result, a significant PON1 increase was recorded after 14 h of racing that persisted until the end of the performance. The same trend was observed for PAT values, which positively correlated to PON1 levels (R = 0.643, P<0.001). Hcy, oxLDL, and ROM remained almost unchanged throughout the competition. In conclusion, the present study suggested a protective role of PON1 in sustaining the antioxidant defense system and contrasting lipoprotein oxidative modifications over the 24-h race, and did not specifically evidence either Hcy or oxLDL accumulation in such challenging sporting events.
Highlights
The 24-h ultramarathon race is one of the most demanding competitive sports in terms of muscular and physiological exertion, and is characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory factors and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to oxidative stress [1,2,3,4]
Out of 14 athletes, only 9 runners (M = 5, F = 4) completed the 24-h race and could be included in the study. Their baseline characteristics and running performance data are summarized in Characteristics Age Height Weight BMI HR SBP DBP VO2max Ultramarathon records 14-h distance 14-h mean speed 24-h distance 24-h mean speed
This study evidenced that the 24-h ultramarathon race was associated with numerous alterations of normal physiological processes, including induction of muscle damage, changes in immune function and increased inflammation
Summary
The 24-h ultramarathon race is one of the most demanding competitive sports in terms of muscular and physiological exertion, and is characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory factors and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to oxidative stress [1,2,3,4]. The main source of ROS is the leakage of electrons from the mitochondrial electron transport chain during ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation [5]; other important. Impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine, oxLDL, and PON1 levels
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