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Salivary antimicrobial protein response to prolonged running
T L Gillum1, M Kuennen2, C Gourley3
1Dept of Kinesiology, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA.
Biology of Sport
|April 19, 2014
Summary
Prolonged exercise like a 50km race significantly reduced salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) but did not affect lysozyme or lactoferrin levels. This finding impacts understanding of the mucosal immune system after endurance events.
Area of Science:
- Exercise immunology
- Mucosal immunity
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prolonged exercise can suppress immune function by reducing salivary antimicrobial proteins (AMPs).
- While salivary IgA (Immunoglobulin A) is well-studied, the impact of acute, prolonged exercise on other AMPs like lysozyme (Lys) and lactoferrin (Lac) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 50-km trail race on salivary cortisol (Cort), IgA, Lys, and Lac concentrations.
- To assess changes in the mucosal immune response following extreme endurance exercise.
Main Methods:
- 14 participants (6 female, 8 male) completed a 50-km ultramarathon.
- Saliva samples were collected before, immediately after, and 1.5 hours post-race.
- Analysis included concentrations of Cortisol, IgA, Lysozyme, Lactoferrin, and Osmolality.
Main Results:
- Salivary lactoferrin concentration increased 1.5 hours post-race compared to immediately after (p < 0.05).
- Salivary IgA concentration and secretion rate decreased 1.5 hours post-race compared to pre-race levels (p < 0.05).
- Salivary cortisol levels were higher immediately post-race than 1.5 hours after, but not different from pre-race.
Conclusions:
- Salivary IgA appears more sensitive than lysozyme and lactoferrin to changes induced by prolonged running.
- These findings enhance the understanding of the mucosal immune system's response to endurance events.
- Results may inform strategies for predicting post-exercise illness risk.
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