AUTHOR=Momesso Santos Cesar Miguel , Amaral Jônatas Bussador , Rossi Marcelo , Vieria Rodolfo Paula , Abad Cesar Cavinato Cal , Bachi André Luis Lacerda 

TITLE=Metabolic and immune/inflammatory alterations induced by a triathlon under extreme conditions

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 4 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.915343

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2022.915343

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=Purpose: Investigate the effects of triathlon racing in extreme conditions on metabolic and immune/inflammatory responses. Methods: 13 amateur athletes participated in an extreme triathlon competition (Swim – 3.8km; Cycling - 180km; Running - 42km; with a 3700m accumulated altitude). Blood samples collection on three different occasions: pre-competition (Baseline), immediately post-competition (IM), and 12h post-competition (12h) to evaluate glycemic and lipid profile, leukocytes count, and cytokines levels in plasma and in whole blood cell culture supernatant stimulated or not with LPS by ELISA kits. Results: Decreased glucose and triglycerides levels, increased LDL, and a significant leukocytosis were observed IM and 12h compared to Baseline. In addition, higher serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were found IM than in Baseline and Post-12h. Whereas increased IL-12p40 levels were observed for 12h compared to Baseline. At Baseline, in LPS stimulated-cell culture, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 were higher, while IL-12p40 levels were lower than not stimulated-cell culture. At IM, IL-12p40 levels were unchanged, while higher levels of other cytokines were found in LPS stimulated-cell culture compared to not stimulated-cell culture. The 12h results showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in LPS stimulated-cell culture than in not stimulated-cell culture. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between glycemia and IL-6 was found. Conclusion: The triathlon competition's performance in extreme conditions has remarkable impacts on the lipid profile and systemic immune/inflammatory responses. For the first time, significant alterations in the cytokine responses of whole blood cell culture to LPS stimulation in Baseline, IM, and 12h were demonstrated.