BACKGROUND: Endurance running events are known to cause inflammation and result in increased cytokine production. However, the effects of ultramarathons on cytokine profiles are not well characterized.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the effects of a trail (40 km) race and an ultra-trail (171 km) race on leukocyte concentrations and cytokine profiles.
METHODS: The study was conducted during the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® ultra-marathon running event, and included 11 runners who completed the 40 km trail run and 12 runners who completed the 171 km ultra-trail. Blood samples were taken before and after the races.
RESULTS: Leukocyte concentrations significantly increased after both races. Circulating levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, and IFN-γ were significantly higher after the longer race compared to the shorter race. Furthermore, while both races resulted in significant increases in IL-6 and IL-8, only the longer race resulted in significant increases in MIP-1β, IL-7, IL-17a, and IL-4.
CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate that a 171 km ultra-trail race results in greater modulations in cytokine profiles than a traditional trail race.