TY - JOUR
T1 - Alterations in acute-phase reactants (CRP, rheumatoid factor, complement, Factor B, and immune complexes) following an ultramarathon
AU - Semple, SJ
AU - Smith, LL
AU - Mckune, AJ
AU - Neveling, N
AU - Wadee, Ahmed
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase
response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic
disturbances. This complex series of reactions
serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing
tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de
novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of
which have not been thoroughly investigated.
Main outcome measures. Alterations in CRP (C-reactive
protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and
Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon.
Data were analysed using a one-way analysis
of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels.
Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating
in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before,
immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h
after the race. Serum was stored at –80°C until analysed.
CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex
CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes
(CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry.
Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF
were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor
B were determined by radial immunodiffusion.
Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3h post (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race
CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ±
3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h
post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was
significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise
(12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise
(6.7%).
Conclusion. Significant increases in selected acutephase
reactants occur several days after the exercise
event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels
of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of
inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative
training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.
AB - Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase
response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic
disturbances. This complex series of reactions
serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing
tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de
novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of
which have not been thoroughly investigated.
Main outcome measures. Alterations in CRP (C-reactive
protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and
Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon.
Data were analysed using a one-way analysis
of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels.
Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating
in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before,
immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h
after the race. Serum was stored at –80°C until analysed.
CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex
CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes
(CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry.
Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF
were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor
B were determined by radial immunodiffusion.
Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3h post (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race
CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ±
3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h
post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was
significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise
(12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise
(6.7%).
Conclusion. Significant increases in selected acutephase
reactants occur several days after the exercise
event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels
of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of
inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative
training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.
U2 - 10.17159/2078-516X/2004/v16i2a183
DO - 10.17159/2078-516X/2004/v16i2a183
M3 - Article
SN - 1015-5163
VL - 16
SP - 17, 21
JO - South African Journal of Sports Medicine
JF - South African Journal of Sports Medicine
IS - 2
ER -