Increase in homocysteine levels after a 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.