{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Biological Variation Data in Triathletes for Metabolism and Growth-Related Biomarkers Included in the Athlete Biological Passport.
{Author}: Moreno-Parro I;Diaz-Garzon J;Aarsand AK;Sandberg S;Aikin R;Equey T;Ríos-Blanco JJ;Buño Soto A;Fernandez-Calle P;
{Journal}: Clin Chem
{Volume}: 70
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: 2024 Jul 5
{Factor}: 12.167
{DOI}: 10.1093/clinchem/hvae072
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>When using biological variation (BV) data, BV estimates need to be robust and representative. High-endurance athletes represent a population under special physiological conditions, which could influence BV estimates. Our study aimed to estimate BV in athletes for metabolism and growth-related biomarkers involved in the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), by 2 different statistical models.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Thirty triathletes were sampled monthly for 11 months. The samples were analyzed for human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), insulin, and N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P-III-NP) by immunoassay. Bayesian and ANOVA methods were applied to estimate within-subject (CVI) and between-subject BV.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>CVI estimates ranged from 7.8% for IGFBP-3 to 27.0% for insulin, when derived by the Bayesian method. The 2 models gave similar results, except for P-III-NP. Data were heterogeneously distributed for P-III-NP for the overall population and in females for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. BV components were not estimated for hGH due to lack of steady state. The index of individuality was below 0.6 for all measurands, except for insulin.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>In an athlete population, to apply a common CVI for insulin would be appropriate, but for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 gender-specific estimates should be applied. P-III-NP data were heterogeneously distributed and using a mean CVI may not be representative for the population. The high degree of individuality for IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and P-III-NP makes them good candidates to be interpreted through reference change values and the ABP.