The purpose of this study was to compare blood markers associated with eccentrically biased exercise and muscle damage, after two bouts of downhill running. Nine active, untrained males performed 2 x 45 min bouts of downhill running (-0.16 radians), at a speed that would elicit 70% of each subjects VO2max, on a level grade; runs were spaced 14d apart (RUN1, RUN2). Blood samples were obtained before, after, and every hour for 12 h after exercise, as well as every 24 h for 5 d, to assess numbers of circulating neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, serum cortisol, creatine kinase (CK); subjective sensations of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were monitored. To control for diurnal variation, two weeks prior to the RUN1, subjects had blood draws performed at the same time as would occur after exercise, but did no exercise (CONTROL). During the 5 d after exercise, DOMS and CK were significantly greater (p < 0.05) after RUN1 compared to RUN2 and CONTROL. During the 12 h after RUN1 and RUN2, neutrophils showed similar responses compared to CONTROL. However, neutrophils were significantly elevated at 96 h after RUN1 and 24 h after RUN2. Monocytes were significantly elevated during 5-11 h after RUN1 and RUN2, compared to CONTROL. Cortisol showed a similar significant diurnal decrease for all three conditions during the 12 h following exercise. The significantly lower levels of CK and DOMS seen after RUN2, compared with the initial run is consistent with the literature. The similar changes in neutrophils and monocytes during the 12 h following RUN1 and RUN2, followed by disparate responses over the subsequent 5 d, requires further investigation.

Objectives: To determine serum concentrations of proinflammatory (C reactive protein, complement C3 and C4) and anti-inflammatory (a 1 antitrypsin, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH)) acute phase proteins in elite cyclists before and during a three week cycle tour. Methods: Seventeen professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a Espańa volunteered for the study. Their mean (SD) physical characteristics were: age 28 (1) years; height 1.7 (0.06) m; weight 65 (7) kg; body fat 7.6 (0.8)%; VO 2 MAX 75.3 (2.3) ml/kg/min. Venepuncture was performed on each subject 24 hours before the tour began (T0), on day 11 (the first rest day; T1) and day 21 (the second to last stage of the tour; T2). Samples at T1 and T2 were taken about 17 hours after the previous stage. Analysis of variance was used to determine changes over time. Where significance was found, a Tukey post hoc test was performed. Results: C reactive protein concentrations were consistently within the normal range, although there was a 228%, non-significant increase at T1. C3 concentrations fell within the normal range at all times assessed. C4 concentrations before the race were within the normal range and were significantly increased 10 days (T1) into the race. C1-INH concentrations did not change significantly throughout the race. a 1 Antitrypsin concentration before the race was at the lower end of the normal range and was only significantly raised at T2. Conclusions: Although not as pronounced as those reported in marathon/ultramarathon runners, elite cyclists participating in a three week cycle tour experienced increases in selected proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins, indicating an acute phase/inflammatory response. It is tenable that the increase in a 1 antitrypsin and C1-INH (anti-inflammatory mediators) at T2 served to attenuate the acute phase/inflammatory response. The lower than normal resting concentrations of the acute phase proteins supports the notion that chronic aerobic exercise induces an anti-inflammatory state.

Atopic-related factors, humoral and mucosal immunoglobulins (Ig), and cortisol were measured in 17 professional cyclists competing in the 2003 Vuelta a España (a three-week multi-stage race). Venous blood and saliva samples were obtained the morning before the start of the race (T0), on the first rest day after 10 days of racing (T1), and before the start of the last stage after 21 days of racing (T2). Atopic-related factors, IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophils, were significantly altered during the race. Serum IgE (T1: + 10 %) and ECP (salivary, T1: 113 % and serum, T2: 155 %) were significantly increased, while eosinophils (T1: - 32 %, T2: - 55 %) were significantly lower, than pre-race levels. Salivary sIgA secretion rate was significantly decreased at T2 (- 36 %). Pearson product-moment correlations revealed a modest correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP (T1: r = 0.30; T2: r = 0.48; p < 0.01). Serum IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA levels, at T1 and T2, and cortisol at T2, were significantly lower than pre-race levels. In conclusion, the elevation in IgE and ECP suggests an up-regulation of atopic-related factors in professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a España. The correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP indicates a role for sIgA in mediating mucosal inflammation. The alterations in Ig levels may indicate Ig isotype switching. An increasing state of hormonal fatigue may have influenced the observed immune alterations.

Objective. To determine the effect of prolonged endurance exercise on the serum concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), immunoglobulin E (IgE) and upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS).

Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic disturbances. This complex series of reactions serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of which have not been thoroughly investigated. Main outcome measures.Alterations in CRP (C-reactive protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels. Significance was set at p < 0.05.Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before, immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h after the race. Serum was stored at -80°C until analysed. CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry. Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor B were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3hpost (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ± 3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise (12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise (6.7%). Conclusion.Significant increases in selected acutephase reactants occur several days after the exercise event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.