Atopy in Elite Endurance Athletes

Abstract

A possible implication from our results is that atopy screening in elite athletes should be performed using AQUA questionnaire and measuring specific IgE simultaneously.

Features of Neutrophils From Atopic and Non-Atopic Elite Endurance Runners

“…We also observed for the first time that neutrophils of half-ironman triathlon athletes undergo apoptosis immediately after a competition and found that this process is associated with an increase in plasma fatty acid levels (30). It is plausible that the higher frequency of atopy reported in elite endurance athletes may occur due to prolonged high-intensity exercise training, which may impair immune function (7). Although there are numerous reports of allergy and asthma in athletes, the effect of atopy on immune cells, such as neutrophils, has yet to be elucidated.…”

“…The inclusion criteria were previously defined (37) and included males competing at an elite level, based on the runners' performance in the previous year. As previously described (7,37), this study included runners who could run a 10 km race in <33 min; half-marathon in <1h and 10min and marathon in <2h and 30 min. Participants did not take supplements or medication since 15 days before the assessments.…”

“…Sensitization was considered when the plasma specific IgE levels was ≥0.35 kU/L (2,6). We used the same protocol in a previous study (7).…”

“…Although reported as a genetic condition, elite endurance sports athletes exhibit an increased prevalence of atopy (2)(3)(4)(5). This heightened susceptibility is mainly due to the nasopharyngeal mucosa being repeatedly exposed to environmental irritants such as internal and external air pollution, pollen allergens, cold air, and variable humidity during exercise training (6)(7)(8). Indeed, Spence et al reported upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in athletes, and only 5% of the episodes occurred due to bacterial infections (9).…”

The Respiratory Health of Young Swimmers

“…Atopy is a genetic predisposition to produce specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) after exposure to allergens (Teixeira et al 2018). An atopic status is diagnosed by the presence of either specific IgE antibodies in blood serum or the occurrence of at least one sensitization to skin prick tests using common airborne allergens (animal danders, house dust mites, mixed trees and grasses, pollens and moulds).…”