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Hematological, electrolyte, and biochemical alterations after a 100-km run
1Dept. of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Summary
Ultralong-distance running significantly alters blood markers, increasing white blood cells and electrolytes. This suggests potential acute kidney injury and muscle damage in endurance athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endurance running, particularly ultralong distances like 100-km races, places extreme physiological stress on athletes.
- Understanding the hematologic and biochemical responses to such events is crucial for athlete health and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematologic and biochemical changes in well-trained male long-distance runners before and after a 100-km road race.
- To identify potential physiological markers indicative of stress, muscle damage, and organ function during extreme endurance events.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from seven male long-distance runners pre- and post-race.
- Analyzed parameters included hematologic indices, plasma electrolytes (sodium, potassium), glucose, lactate, urea, creatinine, and enzyme activities (creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyltransferase).
Main Results:
- A significant increase in hematocrit, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils was observed post-race.
- Plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, lactate, urea, and creatinine showed significant increases.
- Elevated plasma creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities indicated muscle damage and potential liver stress.
Conclusions:
- Ultralong-distance running induces significant hematologic and biochemical alterations in athletes.
- The observed changes suggest that acute renal dysfunction and muscle damage may contribute to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypernatremia and hyperkalemia, following extreme endurance events.