Abstract
This study compared metabolite shifts induced by training for, participation in, and recovery from a marathon race competition among athletes divided into three groups based on fitness (relative maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max)) and performance levels (net running time). Plasma samples from 76 male runners participating in the Munich Marathon were analyzed for metabolite shifts using a targeted metabolomics panel. For the entire cohort of runners, pronounced increases were measured immediately after the race for plasma concentrations of acylcarnitines (AC), the ratio (palmitoylcarnitine + stearoylcarnitine)/free carnitine that is used as a proxy for the activity of the mitochondrial enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase, and arginine-related metabolites, with decreases in most amino acids (AA) and phospholipids. Plasma levels of AA and phospholipids were strongly increased 24 and 72 h post-race. Post-race plasma concentrations of AC and arginine-related metabolites were higher in the low compared to top performers, indicating an accumulation of fatty acids and a reliance on protein catabolism to provide energy after the marathon event. This study showed that marathon race competition is associated with an extensive and prolonged perturbation in plasma metabolite concentrations with a strong AC signature that is greater in the slower, less aerobically fit runners. Furthermore, changes in the arginine-related metabolites were observed.
Highlights
Interest in extreme sports events likemarathons, ultratrails, and triathlons has risen, and includes participants who vary widely in performance capabilities and training volumes and regimens [1,2,3]
The intervention had no significant effect on metabolite shifts induced by running the Munich Marathon, and this analysis proceeded as described in this paper
These groups included top (n = 20, top performers, TP), average (n = 87, average performers, AP), and low (n = 20, low performers, LP) performers based on endurance capacity and net marathon finishing time (Figure 1)
Summary
Interest in extreme sports events like (ultra-)marathons, ultratrails, and triathlons has risen, and includes participants who vary widely in performance capabilities and training volumes and regimens [1,2,3]. Advances in mass spectrometry (MS) during the past decade have allowed investigators to use targeted- and non-targeted metabolomics to better understand the metabolic response to intense and prolonged exercise [4,5,6,7,8,9] These studies have shown that intense exercise of two hours duration and longer causes an extensive shift in hundreds of metabolites, especially those from the lipid biochemical pathway. Post-race concentrations of plasma glycerol were highest among runners with a higher relative maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) compared to those with lower aerobic capacities These data supported higher levels of lipolysis in higher trained athletes following strenuous exercise. The targeted metabolomics panel was focused on quantification of 188 metabolites including acylcarnitines, amino acids, biogenic amines, hexoses, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
