Ultra-long-distance running and the liver

Abstract

During an ultra-long-distance race (1000 km in 20 days) the influence of running was examined on the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) with regard to their release from the liver cells or their induction. Furthermore the liver synthetic capacity was assayed by measuring the enzyme activity of cholinesterase and the concentration of serum albumin during the race. Of the 110 participants, 55 finished the race and only the results of these runners were used in our study. AP increased continuously from day 0 (mean = 102 U/L) to day 19 (mean = 120 U/L). A fivefold increase of AST and a twentyfold increase of CK up to day 3 was followed by a significant decrease towards the end of the race. ALT rose as well up to day 6 from a mean value of 8 U/L to 24 U/L but remained at this level. Surprising was the individual increase of the enzymes GLDH (up to twentyfold) and GGT (up to sixfold) in more than half of the finishers on various days indicating liver cell injuries. The activity of CHE and the concentration of serum albumin decreased during the race, both were significantly correlated.