24-h Race Research Articles

Serum changes in sTWEAK and its scavenger receptor sCD163 in ultramarathon athletes running the 24-h race

In the present investigation, the serum changes of sTWEAK levels, a multifunctional cytokine involved in tissue response to acute injury and inflammation, and of its scavenger receptor sCD163, were monitored for the first time in ultramarathon athletes running the 24-h competition, an extremely demanding race in terms of muscular and physiological exertion.To this aim, venous blood samples were collected from each participant (n = 22, M = 12, F = 10) both before and immediately after the 24-h running. Other than sTWEAK and sCD163, the common serum biomarkers of inflammation (namely CRP and IL-6) and tissue injury (such as CPK, LDH, CPK-MB, troponin-I, and NT-proBNP) were evaluated.All parameters were within the reference ranges at baseline, indicating no alterations of the normal physiological processes before the competition; on the contrary, most biomarkers of tissue damage and inflammation strongly increased after the ultramarathon race. Interestingly, a significant decrement of sTWEAK levels associated with an increment of its scavenger receptor sCD163 was observed at post-race. Positive relationships were evidenced between IL-6 and sCD163 levels and the markers of cardiac damage troponin-I and NT-proBNP. On the contrary, sTWEAK showed an inverse correlation with IL-6 and NT-proBNP.This study opens the way to further investigations aimed at clarifying the role of TWEAK pathway during the prolonged ultraendurance activity, paying particular attention to the link of IL-6, CD163 and TWEAK with the cardiac function.

Maintained Hydration Status After a 24-h Winter Mountain Running Race Under Extremely Cold Conditions.

Background: To date, no study has examined the hydration status of runners competing in a 24-h winter race under extremely cold environmental conditions. Therefore, the aim was to examine the effect of a 24-h race under an average temperature of -14.3°C on hydration status.Methods: Blood and urine parameters and body mass (BM) were assessed in 20 finishers (women, n = 6; men, n = 14) pre- and post-race.Results: Five (25%) ultra-runners had lower pre-race plasma sodium [Na+] and 11 (52%) had higher pre-race plasma potassium [K+] values than the reference ranges. Post-race plasma [Na+], plasma osmolality, urine osmolality and urine specific gravity remained stable (p > 0.05). The estimated fluid intake did not differ (p > 0.05) between women (0.30 ± 0.06 L/h) and men (0.46 ± 0.21 L/h). Runners with a higher number of completed ultra-marathons (r = -0.50, p = 0.024) and higher number of training kilometers (r = -0.68, p = 0.001) drank less than those with lower running experience. Pre-race and post-race plasma [Na+] were related to plasma osmolality (r = 0.65, p = 0.002, r = 0.69, p < 0.001, respectively) post-race, but not to fluid intake (p > 0.05). BM significantly decreased post-race (p = 0.002) and was not related to plasma [Na+] or fluid intake (p > 0.05). Post-race hematocrit and plasma [K+] decreased (p < 0.001) and transtubular potassium gradient increased (p = 0.008). Higher pre-race plasma [K+] was related to higher plasma [K+] loss post-race (p = -0.85, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Hydration status remained stable despite the extremely cold winter weather conditions. Overall fluid intake was probably sufficient to replenish the hydration needs of 24-h runners. Current recommendations may be too high for athletes competing in extremely cold conditions.

Impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and paraoxonase 1 levels in professional runners.

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.

Sacrificing economy to improve running performance—a reality in the ultramarathon?

ultramarathons have become increasingly popular in recent years. Although complex tactical and psychological-motivational factors play important roles in performance ([Fig. 1][1]), running velocity sustained over a prolonged time is directly proportional to maximal sustainable Vo2 and inversely

Changes in the Blood Antioxidant Defense Capacity During a 24 Hour Run

Changes in the Blood Antioxidant Defense Capacity During a 24 Hour Run The objective of this study was to determine whether running a 24-h race would cause oxidative damage and changes in the blood antioxidant defense capacity in endurance-trained athletes. Fourteen male amateur runners (mean age 43.0±10.8 y, body weight 64.3±7.2 kg height 171±5 cm, weekly covered distance 81±43 km, training history 8±9 y) who participated in a 24-hr ultra-marathon and volunteered to give blood samples during the race were enrolled for this study. Blood samples were taken before the run, after completing the marathon distance (42.217 km), after 12 h and at the conclusion of the race. The capacity of erythrocyte antioxidant defense system was evaluated by measuring the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid and glutathione-GSH), and selected biomarkers of oxidative stress (i.e., plasma level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma antioxidant capacity by FRAP ("ferric-reducing ability of plasma")). Moreover, in order to elucidate between-group differences in the total capacity of the blood antioxidant defense system, an index of antioxidant potential (POTAOX) was calculated as a sum of standardized values of activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX, GR) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, GSH). A progressive decline was observed in activities of SOD and CAT with the distance covered during the race, while the opposite trend was found in activities of GPX and GR that tended to increase. A significant decrease was recorded in GSH content after completing the marathon distance, which tended toward slightly higher values, without reaching the baseline level, at the finish of the race. Plasma concentration of uric acid (UA) was not significantly affected, except for the value recorded after 12 h of running that was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower, while both markers of oxidative stress (FRAP and MDA) increased significantly after completing the marathon distance. Comparison of the calculated values of the POTAOX index recorded pre-race and throughout the competition implies that the most drastic decline in the total antioxidant capacity occurred at mid-race (i.e. after 12 h of running).

Effect of a 24-h continuous walking race on cardiac autonomic control

This study investigated the relationships between walking speed and heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) in eleven subjects during a 24-h race. It was hypothesized that the nycthemeral rhythm on HR is preserved during the race. RR intervals and walking speed were measured. Fast Fourier transform was applied to samples of 1,024 successive RR intervals collected every hour from a HR monitor. Walking speed was averaged every hour and decreased (first lap: 8.8 +/- 0.3 vs. last lap: 7.3 +/- 0.8 km h(-1), P < 0.001) with HR also decreasing (max at 19:00 h: 143 +/- 9 vs. min at 7:00 h: 117 +/- 14 beats min(-1), P < 0.001) following a third order polynomial shape. HRV power spectral components followed distribution patterns similar to the mean RR during the race with a minimum in the early evening (19:00-20:00 h) and a maximum in the morning (5:00-8:00 h). Thus, as for mean RR, spectral components over time are also fitted to a third order polynomial regression. LF/HF ratio increased linearly (min = 0.5 +/- 0.3, max = 2.8 +/- 5.3, P = 0.02). Although mean HF peak did not decrease significantly over time, it was positively correlated with walking speed. In conclusion, this study showed that despite a constant decrease in walking speed, HR circadian rhythm is preserved during a continuous 24-h walking race. The short-term HRV components remain linked to HR whereas the LF/HF ratio increases linearly until the end of the race whatever HR is.

Hormonal, Fluid, and Electrolyte Changes During a 72-h Recovery from a 24-h Endurance Run

To examine body fluid regulation over 72 h of recovery from a 24-h endurance race, changes in plasma volume (delta PV) and plasma aldosterone (A), cortisol (CO), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were studied in nine male runners before (C) and after (1-2 h = D0; 24 h = D1; 48 h = D2; 72 h = D3) the race, 24-h urine collections were made 1 week before (C), during the 24-h race/U0), and during the 3 days following the end of the race (U1, U2, and U3). On D0 delta PV decreased (2%). A, CO and ADH increased (380%, 200%, and 133%, respectively, from C values) and ANP decreased (68%). No significant changes were found in sodium, potassium, osmolality in plasma, in 24-h urine volume (UV), and natriuresis (Na+). Urinary potassium excretion (K+) increased (256% from C value). During the 3 days of recovery delta PV rose markedly with a peak on D2 (24%) and remained elevated on D3 (15%). CO, ADH, and ANP returned to baseline on D1 and A on D3. Significant inverse effects were observed on ADH (P less than 0.001) and ANP (P less than 0.01): from C values, ADH decreased (21% and 29%) and ANP increased (41% and 58%) on D2 and D3, respectively. UV and Na+ were depressed on D1 and D2. This study shows that the hormonal responses observed immediately after the 24-h run favored a relative fluid conservation. The hypervolemia that occurred during the 3-day recovery was related to renal responses on D1 and D2 and appeared to be the primary factor in the hormonal responses on D2 and D3.