Abstract

Apolipoproteins play a variety of important roles in plasma lipid metabolism. Although, the biological functions of apolipoproteins are still under investigation, they are known to contribute to the stability of the lipoprotein particles, provide recognition site for cell membrane receptor, and act as cofactors for the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), and lecithin; cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), all of which are involved in specific lipoprotein synthesis or catabolism and may be influenced by exercise. Therefore, the present study was carried out for the purpose of elucidating characteristics of plasma apolipoprotein levels, LCAT activity, lipids content, and plasma hormone levels in world champion-class marathon runners at rest, in comparison with middle- and long-distance runners or female marathon runners. In addition we have also investigated the possible relationship between apolipoproteins and plasma lipids. Results obtained suggest that the higher level of lipoprotein in well-trained marathon runners at rest are possibly mediated in part by the changes in LPL and LCAT activities, which are the key enzymes of lipoprotein metabolism and may be modulated by prolonged physical training and other factors. Verf.-Referat