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Int J Sports Med 1988; 09(2): 99-101
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024986
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Serum Erythropoietin in Cross-Country Skiers

E. De Paoli Vitali1 , C. Guglielmini2 , I. Casoni2 , M. Vedovato3 , P. Gilli1 , A. Farinelli1 , G. Salvatorelli3 , F. Conconi2
  • 1Divisione di Nefrologia, Arcispedale S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
  • 2Istituto di Chimica Biologica, Università degli Studi, Ferrara, Italy
  • 3Istituto di Anatomia Comparata, Università degli Studi, Ferrara, Italy
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Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Serum erythropoietin (Epo) activity, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) were determined in 21 cross-country skiers during the training season. The Epo levels were not significantly reduced in the skiers relative to the normal population (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively).

In 11 athletes Epo, Ht, urinary γ-glutamyltransferase, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and microalbuminuria were determined before and after a 50-km ski race at 1600 m above sea level. A significant increase of these variables (except for Ht) was found after the competition (P<0.001).

It is concluded that while the reductions in Hb and Ht, which are typical of several endurance exercises, are not accompanied by a renal hypoxia sufficient to stimulate Epo overproduction, the renal hypoxia reached during the strenuous exercise of the race at altitude may be effective in determining blood increases in Epo.

Key words

cross-country skiing - erythropoietin - hemoglobin - kidney hypoxia - urinary enzymes