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Serum keratan sulfate levels in marathon runners
1Bone and Joint Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Marathon running does not increase cartilage breakdown. Researchers measured serum keratan sulfate (KS) in runners before and after a marathon, finding no significant changes in this marker of cartilage aggrecan metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The impact of strenuous joint loading on articular cartilage metabolism is not well understood.
- Articular cartilage aggrecan breakdown can be assessed non-invasively.
- Keratan sulfate (KS) is a key component of cartilage aggrecan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of marathon running on articular cartilage metabolism.
- To quantify serum levels of keratan sulfate (KS) as a marker of cartilage aggrecan catabolism in male marathon runners.
Main Methods:
- Developed a non-invasive immunoassay to measure serum KS.
- Measured serum KS using ELISA in 15 male marathon runners before, immediately after, and 48 hours post-marathon.
- Analyzed correlations between KS levels, age, height, weight, and performance time.
Main Results:
- Mean resting serum KS levels were comparable to previously reported data.
- No statistically significant differences in serum KS levels were observed at the three time points.
- No correlations were found between demographic/performance factors and serum KS levels.
Conclusions:
- Marathon running by trained individuals does not induce a transient or sustained increase in articular cartilage proteoglycan catabolism.
- The study suggests that strenuous, prolonged joint loading in this context does not significantly impact cartilage aggrecan turnover.