Abstract
We evaluated bone turn over markers, cortisol and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
in male athletes after 245 km of marathon running. Sixteen athletes were studied five
days before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 5 days after the run. We used t-test and Pearson correlation for statistical analysis. Osteocalcin levels were significantly
decreased from 4.6 µg/lit to 3.8 µg/lit (p < 0.05). Activity of b-ALP was significantly
decreased from 66 U/lit to 61.5 U/lit (p < 0.05). PICP levels were also significantly
decreased from 168 µg/lit to 153 µg/lit (p < 0.05). Hydroxyproline levels decreased
after the run from 70 mmol/min to 65 mmol/min (p < 0.05). ICTP levels increased after
the run but without being statistically significant, from 6.62 µg/lit to 7.0 µg/lit.
Urine calcium decreased significantly by 68 %, immediately after the run. Cortisol
increased from 212 ng/ml to 455 ng/ml, and PTH levels increased from 12 pg/lit to
16 pg/lit immediately after the race (p < 0.05). Cortisol levels were significantly
negatively correlated with osteocalcin (r = - 0.61, p < 0.05) and b-ALP (r = - 0.98,
p < 0.05). PTH levels were significantly negatively correlated only with serum osteocalcin
(r = - 0.8, p < 0.05). These findings suggest a transient suppression in osteoblast
function during the marathon run probably due to cortisol and PTH levels elevation.
Key words
bone - metabolism - marathon
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Dr. George Mouzopoulos
Evangelismos
Orthopaedics
S.Venizelou 23 Peristeri Attikis
12131 Athens
Greece
eMail: gmouzop@yahoo.gr