Changes in haematological parameters and iron metabolism associated with a 1600 kilometre ultramarathon.

Abstract

Objective-To investigate haematological variations and iron related changes in the serum of participants in a 1600 kilometre ultramarathon run. Participants-Seven male and two female participants in a 1600 km foot race. Methods-Blood samples were obtained from the participants before, after four and 11 days of running, and at the end of the event. Samples were analysed by standard methods for haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total red cell count, mean red cell volume, mean red cell haemoglobin, total white cell count and diVerential, platelets, reticulocytes, iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, percentage transferrin saturation, haptoglobin, and bilirubin and corrected for changes in plasma volume. Results-The following variables decreased during the event (p<0.05): haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean red cell volume, percentage lymphocytes, percentage monocytes, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and percentage transferrin saturation. Increases (p<0.05) were found in plasma volume, total red cell count (day 4 only), total white cell count, percentage and absolute numbers of neutrophils and reticulocytes, absolute numbers of lymphocytes and monocytes (day 4 only), absolute numbers of eosinophils (day 11 and race end), absolute numbers of basophils (race end only), platelets, ferritin, haptoglobin, and bilirubin (day 4 only). Conclusion-Ultramarathon running is associated with a wide range of changes in haematological parameters, many of which are related to the normal acute phase response to injury. These should not be confused with indicators of disease. (Br J Sports Med 1999;33:27-32)

Early changes of the anemia phenomenon in male 100-km ultramarathoners

“…Although further direct evidence is needed, our results are compatible with the hypothesis that oxidative stress response plays a role in sports anemia. 6,10,12 Exercise-induced hemolysis is a widely observed phenomenon during long-distance running. An athlete's typical blood profile includes a decrease of haptoglobin and an increase of plasma Hb levels.…”

“…1,2,5 In the literature, there are remarkable findings reporting significant changes of Hb, hematocrit, and RBC count in runners who strenuously push themselves during a marathon race, with mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell Hb (MCH) negligibly affected. 6,7 "Foot strike hemolysis", a condition that develops from RBC destruction in the feet due to frequent striking on hard surfaces, has been proposed to explain the low level of haptoglobin in endurance runners. 5,8 Athletes can also lose considerable quantities of iron due to bleeding from the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.…”

Acute Phase Protein Increase in High Altitude Mountaineers

“…Ferritin increment was found only on Day four. Serum ferritin concentration is often used as a single variable for the diagnosis of deficient iron stores in athletes 20 . An increment in ferritin is consistent with an acute phase response.…”

Acute Variation of Hematological Parameters during 622 km Ultra-Marathon

“…(Pyne, 1994;Natale et al, 2003;Smith et al, 2004). 이는 운동에 의 한 생체부하 및 스트레스로 유발된 정상적인 급성기 반응 으로 감염이나 질환의 지표와 혼돈해서는 안될 것으로 생 각된다 (Fallon et al, 1999). 운동에 의한 호중구 증가는 국 소적으로 손상된 조직에서 분비되는 카테콜아민, 코티졸 과 같은 호르몬이나 체온 변화 및 혈류 증가에 따른 염증 반응에 의해 유발되는 것으로 제시된다 (Pyne, 1994;Natale et al, 2003;Nieman, 2007;Lippi et al, 2010 (Martin et al, 2015), 이러한 현상을 스포츠 빈혈이라 한다 (Eichner, 1986).…”