1 research outputs found
Similar cellular composition of induced sputum in Marathon and Half-Marathon runners
In our previous studies, we reported increased neutrophil (PMN) differential counts in induced sputum of
marathon (M) runners (Bonsignore et al, 2001). Conversely, increased bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) differential
counts were found in half-marathon (HM) runners (Chimenti et al, 2010). To better understand the differences
previously found between M and HM runners, we studied 11 non-asthmatic amateur athletes (HM n=6, M n=5,
age: 44.5\ub16.7 yrs, race time: HM 101\ub118 min, M 218\ub135 min) participating to the 2012 Palermo Marathon. We
collected induced sputum samples 4 to 5 days before the race (PRE), 2 hours after the race (RACE), and the
following morning (POST). Induced sputum was processed according to the plug technique. In both HM and M runners, PMN differential counts increased from PRE to RACE and remained elevated in POST,
whereas BEC differential counts increased from PRE to RACE, but returned to baseline at POST. These preliminary
results indicate that BEC damage, possibly induced by hyperosmolar exposure during exercise hyperpnea, occurs
for the entire duration of endurance exercise but is transient. Conversely, PMNs were recruited in the airways for a
longer time, possibly secondary to chemiotactic stimuli released by BEC during exercise. Lack of differences
between HM and M runners suggests that duration of the endurance race does not affect the airway cell response
to exercise