Increase of homocysteine level after half-marathon running : a detrimental metabolic effect of sport?

Objective The homocysteine level is considered
an important cardiocerebral risk factor. Our
aim was to investigate the impact of endurance training
on the homocysteine cycle in élite and non-élite athletes.
Methods The level of physical activity was measured
using a SenseWear armband in five healthy
marathon runners. Two blood samples, the first under
basal conditions and the second after running a half
marathon, were obtained in all subjects by venepuncture.
Biochemical parameters, including total homocysteine
levels, were assessed. Results Armband data
indicated that each athlete ran the half marathon keeping
a race pace close to their anaerobic threshold speed.
Although the run times were very different between
élite and non-élite athletes, a statistically significant increase
in plasma homocysteine levels (p=0.026) was
observed in all runners. Conclusion Endurance training
for 75–100 min held at a race pace close to the anaerobic
threshold speed induces an increase in serum plasma
homocysteine level.