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.