Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(7): 576-579
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964841
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Changes of Bone Turnover Markers after Marathon Running over 245 km

G. Mouzopoulos1 , M. Stamatakos2 , M. Tzurbakis1 , A. Tsembeli3 , C. Manti4 , M. Safioleas2 , P. Skandalakis2
  • 1Department of Orthopaedics, Evangelismos, Athens, Greece
  • 2Department of General Surgery, University of Athens, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • 3Department of Pathology and Cardiology, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • 4Department of Microbiology and Haematology, Thriasion Hospital, Athens, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision May 18, 2006

Publication Date:
13 April 2007 (online)

Zoom Image

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.