High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in marathon runners during a 20-day road race

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Abstract
Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and lipid levels were measured in 12 male marathon runners (mean age, 40 yr) who ran an average of 28 km/day for 10 days, rested 70 h, then continued to run for 8 more days, covering a total distance for both running periods of 500 km. Blood samples were obtained on 8 mornings. After 1 wk of running, HDL-cholesterol levels increased 18% and triglyceride levels decreased 22%. The 3-day rest period reversed these changes. As running resumed, HDL-cholesterol levels again increased and triglyceride levels decreased. There were no significant changes in total cholesterol, body weight, or skinfold thickness despite an average caloric intake of 4800 kcal/day. Heavy beer drinking had no discernible effect on HDL-cholesterol levels, but may have caused mild hepatic injury, as suggested by significantly increased serum alanine transferase and .gamma.-glutamyl transferase values. HDL-cholesterol levels increase with higher running mileage and decrease within days of stopping exercise when caloric and alcohol intake remain elevated.