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Measuring Granulocyte and Monocyte Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst Activity in Human Blood
Published on: September 12, 2016
Increase in plasma calprotectin during long-distance running
M K Fagerhol1, H G Nielsen, A Vetlesen
1Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. m.k.fagerhol@ioks.uio.no
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|August 13, 2005
Summary
Long-distance running significantly elevates plasma calprotectin levels, a marker of inflammation and tissue injury. This suggests neutrophils may play a role in preventing thrombosis during strenuous exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Strenuous physical activity, such as long-distance running, induces physiological stress.
- Running is known to cause biochemical and hematological changes indicative of an inflammatory response to tissue injury.
- Leukocyte calprotectin is a protein released by leukocytes, reflecting inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in plasma calprotectin concentration following various forms of intense, prolonged exercise.
- To explore the potential role of calprotectin in the context of exercise-induced tissue changes and neutrophil activation.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from participants before and after endurance events (marathon, half-marathon, 30-km run), a military ranger-training course, and maximal exercise testing (VO2max).
- Plasma calprotectin concentration and leukocyte counts were measured using a novel assay.
- Calprotectin content per neutrophilic granulocyte was also determined.
Main Results:
- Plasma calprotectin levels increased substantially across all exercise types, with the largest increase (96.3-fold) observed after the marathon.
- Calprotectin levels rose 13.3-fold after a half-marathon, 20.1-fold after a 30-km run, 7.5-fold after ranger training, and 3.4-fold after VO2max testing.
- The concentration of calprotectin per neutrophil remained constant, suggesting increased neutrophil numbers or activation rather than altered intracellular content.
Conclusions:
- Intense and prolonged exercise leads to a significant elevation in plasma calprotectin, likely reflecting exercise-induced tissue damage or vascular endothelium activation.
- The observed increase in calprotectin may be linked to neutrophil activation and their role in clearing microthrombi, potentially contributing to thrombosis prevention.
- A reference interval for calprotectin per neutrophil was established, providing a baseline for future research.
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