Diresibachew W Haile1,2,3, Jérôme Durussel2, Wondyefraw Mekonen1, Neford Ongaro3, Edwin Anjila3, Martin Mooses4, Evangelia Daskalaki5, Kerli Mooses4, John D McClure2, Shaun Sutehall6, Yannis P Pitsiladis7,8. 1. Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA. 2. Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UNITED KINGDOM. 3. Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, KENYA. 4. Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, ESTONIA. 5. Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UNITED KINGDOM. 6. Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA. 7. Collaborating Centre of Sports Medicine, University of Brighton, Brighton, UNITED KINGDOM. 8. Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, ITALY.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) administration enhances oxygen carrying capacity and performance at sea level. It remains unknown whether similar effects would be observed in chronic altitude-adapted endurance runners. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of rHuEpo on hematological and performance parameters in chronic altitude-adapted endurance runners as compared to sea level athletes. METHODS: Twenty well-trained Kenyan endurance runners (KEN) living and training at approximately 2150 m received rHuEpo injections of 50 IU·kg body mass every 2 d for 4 wk and responses compared with another cohort (SCO) that underwent an identical protocol at sea level. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, during rHuEpo administration and 4 wk after the final injection. A maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) test and 3000-m time trial was performed before, immediately after and 4 wk after the final rHuEpo injection. RESULTS: Hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) were higher in KEN compared to SCO before rHuEpo but similar at the end of administration. Before rHuEpo administration, KEN had higher V˙O2max and faster time trial performance compared to SCO. After rHuEpo administration, there was a similar increase in V˙O2max and time trial performance in both cohorts; most effects of rHuEpo were maintained 4 wk after the final rHuEpo injection in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of rHuEpo increased the HGB and HCT of Kenyan endurance runners to a lesser extent than in SCO (~17% vs ~10%, respectively) and these alterations were associated with similar improvements in running performance immediately after the rHuEpo administration (~5%) and 4 wk after rHuEpo (~3%).
INTRODUCTION: Recombinant humanerythropoietin (rHuEpo) administration enhances oxygen carrying capacity and performance at sea level. It remains unknown whether similar effects would be observed in chronic altitude-adapted endurance runners. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of rHuEpo on hematological and performance parameters in chronic altitude-adapted endurance runners as compared to sea level athletes. METHODS: Twenty well-trained Kenyan endurance runners (KEN) living and training at approximately 2150 m received rHuEpo injections of 50 IU·kg body mass every 2 d for 4 wk and responses compared with another cohort (SCO) that underwent an identical protocol at sea level. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, during rHuEpo administration and 4 wk after the final injection. A maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) test and 3000-m time trial was performed before, immediately after and 4 wk after the final rHuEpo injection. RESULTS: Hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) were higher in KEN compared to SCO before rHuEpo but similar at the end of administration. Before rHuEpo administration, KEN had higher V˙O2max and faster time trial performance compared to SCO. After rHuEpo administration, there was a similar increase in V˙O2max and time trial performance in both cohorts; most effects of rHuEpo were maintained 4 wk after the final rHuEpo injection in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of rHuEpo increased the HGB and HCT of Kenyan endurance runners to a lesser extent than in SCO (~17% vs ~10%, respectively) and these alterations were associated with similar improvements in running performance immediately after the rHuEpo administration (~5%) and 4 wk after rHuEpo (~3%).
Authors: Víctor Rodrigo-Carranza; Fernando González-Mohíno; Jesús Santos Del Cerro; Jordan Santos-Concejero; José María González-Ravé Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-11-17 Impact factor: 4.379