Blood lipid parameters in participants of the Soviet-American "Bering Bridge" expedition

Metabolic indices were studied in an expedition team consisting of Soviet and U.S. Caucasian and indigenous members. Lipid metabolism was substantially changed during this extended ski expedition, with similar trends among all participants. The most pronounced changes occurred at the beginning of the expedition with a simultaneous change in the lipid protein concentration in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, demonstrating an activation of lipid metabolism. The HDL cholesterol level had the highest level at the third stage of the expedition. Indigenous members showed a relatively greater increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to the Caucasians, suggesting innate differences in adaptability to cold and exertion.