Bukvić F, Ivković A, Čičak H, Dukić L, Šimundić AM, Marijančević D, Pašalić D. The Association of Serum Calprotectin with Fitness Indicators and Biochemical Markers in High-Level Athletes: A Continuous Dynamic Monitoring during One Competitive Season.
Sports (Basel) 2023;
11:243. [PMID:
38133110 PMCID:
PMC10748013 DOI:
10.3390/sports11120243]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective was to determine the associations between several biochemical indicators and the dynamics of concentration change across four physical fitness phases over the period of a competitive season. Furthermore, associations between serum calprotectin and biomarkers of inflammation or muscle injury and physical indicators were examined.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Twenty professional male water polo players (median age: 28 (22-42)) were included in this study. Serum creatine kinase activity was determined by the automated photometric UV method. The concentrations of calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and myoglobin were measured using an automated immunoturbidimetric method, while an automated immunochemistry method was employed for interleukin-6, troponin I, and cortisol determination. Tests of repeated strength, maximal strength, and static strength were used to evaluate physical activity.
RESULTS
Serum calprotectin concentrations expressed in median and IQR were significantly different: T1: 2.92 g/mL (2.47; 3.86); T2: 2.35 g/mL (1.26; 2.87); T3: 2.27 g/mL (1.60; 3.27); and T4: 1.47 g/mL (1.04; 2.85) (p = 0.004). Cortisol concentration and CK activity showed significant changes among phases (p = 0.049 and p = 0.014, respectively). Each physical activity examined showed a significant seasonal decrease (all p values were 0.001). Calprotectin serum concentration and indicators of muscular injury, inflammation, and physical activity were found to be correlated during particular stages of the seasonal examination.
CONCLUSIONS
Calprotectin values determined throughout one competitive season decreased as training intensity among water polo players increased. Serum calprotectin concentrations and indicators were related to biochemical markers of inflammation and muscle damage.
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