RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Athletes with higher VO2max present reduced oxLDL after a marathon race JF BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine JO BMJ OPEN SP EX MED FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP bmjsem-2015-000014 DO 10.1136/bmjsem-2015-000014 VO 1 IS 1 A1 André L L Bachi A1 Ana Paula R Sierra A1 Francisco J O Rios A1 Danieli A Gonçalves A1 Nabil Ghorayeb A1 Ronaldo L Abud A1 Angélica B Victorino A1 Juliana M B dos Santos A1 Maria Augusta D P Kiss A1 Tania C Pithon-Curi A1 Mauro Vaisberg YR 2015 UL http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/1/1/bmjsem-2015-000014.abstract AB Background During a session of prolonged and exhaustive exercise, such as a marathon race, large quantities of free radicals are produced and can oxidise (ox) several molecules, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). To prevent oxidative damage, athletes present higher antioxidant levels. However, the effect of marathon running on the natural IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies is not understood. Thus, we investigated the effect of a marathon race on oxidative stress and the mechanisms of control of this stress.Methods Blood samples of 20 marathon runners were collected 24 hours before, immediately and 72 hours after a marathon race to evaluate: plasma lipid profile; serum levels of oxLDL and anti-oxLDL autoantibodies (IgM and IgG isotype) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was also determined.Results Immediately after the race, oxLDL and TAC levels decreased in comparison to the basal levels; however, the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels remain unchanged. Whereas no differences were observed in the IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL levels 72h after the marathon, the oxLDL and TAC levels returned to the basal values. Significant positive correlations were observed between oxLDL and LDL-cholesterol before, and 72h after the marathon. Significant negative correlations were observed between oxLDL and VO2max immediately after the marathon and 72 h later, as well as between oxLDL and TAC 72 h after the race.Conclusions Athletes with a higher VO2max and total antioxidant activity presented reduced LDL oxidation. The levels of IgM or IgG anti-oxLDL autoantibodies were not affected by running the marathon.