[Changes in serum proteins,-iron and -copper in swimmers before and after altitude training (author's transl)]

Fifteen male swimmers (mean age 19.3 +/- 2.1 years) were subjected to a standard 120 min swimming exercise test: a) before, and b) after 5 weeks of intensive training at middle altitude (2000 m). At rest, serum levels of alpha2-macroglobulin, transferrin and copper were elevated in swimmers as compared to untrained subjects. After the altitude training program, significant increases of the parameters of iron and copper metabolism, as well as of alpha2HS-glycoprotein and beta1A-globulin were observed. After the first exercise test (a), a significant rise in serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein, alpha1-antitrypsin, hemopexin, alpha2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, iron, copper and alpha2-HS-glycoprotein was noted. The same 120 min-exercise test after the altitude training (b) led to only small changes, especially as concerns the parameters of iron metabolism. The characteristic immediate and long-lasting changes in serum proteins and heavy metals in swimmers and the effects of training in middle altitude on the answer of the organism to swimming exercise with respect to the mentioned biochemical parameters are discussed.