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Complement and immunoglobulin levels in athletes and sedentary controls.
1Department of Health Science, Loma Linda University, California 92350.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Marathon runners show lower levels of complement proteins C3 and C4 during rest, exercise, and recovery compared to sedentary individuals. Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) remained unchanged between groups.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Endurance exercise impacts immune function.
- Complement proteins and immunoglobulins are key immune components.
- Training status may alter immune responses to exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of marathon running training and acute exercise on complement and immunoglobulin levels.
- To compare immune markers between trained marathon runners and sedentary controls.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected at rest, during graded maximal exercise (Balke protocol), and during recovery.
- Analysis of complement C3, C4, and immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM.
- Statistical comparison using repeated measures ANOVA on a percent VO2max basis.
Main Results:
- Marathon runners exhibited significantly lower resting levels of complement C3 and C4 compared to controls.
- Lower concentrations of C3 and C4 were observed in athletes during exercise and recovery phases.
- No significant differences in IgG, IgA, or IgM levels were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Marathon runners demonstrate reduced blood concentrations of complement proteins C3 and C4.
- These reductions are evident at rest, during maximal exercise, and in the recovery period.
- Immunoglobulin levels are not affected by marathon training or acute exercise in this study.