Abstract

Previously it had been shown that there is a sharp incraese in C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentration during the first few days after severe exercise. To evaluate the effect of physical training on the CRP levels, a sensitive enzyme immunoassay was developed and used to assess the basal CRP concentrations in 356 male and 103 female athletes, who trained at least 4 times per week in various disciplines. In male athletes the lowest CRP values were found in swimmers, which were significantly lower than those of male controls. The CRP concentrations in rowers were also significantly lower than in the control group. CRP levels in middle- and long-distance runners, racing cyclists, and soccer players did not differ significantly from those of the controls. In female athletes the lowest CRP concentrations were also found in swimmers. Female middle- and long-distance runners and female rowers had median CRP values. This results suggest that training induces a suppressive effect upon CRP, responsible for the low serum levels in athletes (particularly swimmers) when compared to controls. CRP has a broad bacteriostatic action, hence low CRP levels in intensively training athletes could be implicated in an increased susceptibility for infections. Verf.-Referat