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[Muscle cell proteins are selectively released into the blood stream by marathon running]
Sophie Ziegler1, A Niessner, J Slany
1Klinischen Abteilungen für Angiologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Vienna.
Acta Medica Austriaca
|May 20, 2003
Summary
Marathon running significantly elevates muscle proteins like creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin. While some runners showed markers of heart muscle damage, cardiac function remained intact, suggesting skeletal muscle strain is the likely cause.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Biochemistry
- Sports medicine
Context:
- Marathon running places extreme physiological stress on the body.
- Understanding biomarkers of muscle damage is crucial in endurance athletes.
Purpose:
- To investigate plasma concentrations of muscle-derived proteins post-marathon.
- To assess potential cardiac involvement and skeletal muscle damage.
Summary:
- Total creatine kinase (CK) activity and myoglobin significantly increased in all 19 marathon runners.
- CKMB mass elevations in 12 runners mimicked myocardial necrosis but cardiac function was preserved.
- Histological studies indicated skeletal muscle damage, likely due to prolonged strain and altered cellular permeability.
Impact:
- Highlights the impact of extreme endurance exercise on skeletal muscle.
- Suggests elevated CKMB post-marathon may not always indicate cardiac injury.
- Provides insights into cellular permeability changes during prolonged physical exertion.