MedPath

Marathon Runners Compared to Sedentary Matched Control Subjects

Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes
Registration Number
NCT02001805
Lead Sponsor
Inge Holm
Brief Summary

The investigators wish to compare very active runners in healthy untrained control subjects on a number of parameters.

The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms by which physical inactivity causes diseases. This the investigators will study the full spectrum of physical activity, from the most inert of the most active people. The investigators have already collected muscle biopsies and established stem cells from people with Type 2 diabetes, obese healthy and normal weight healthy. In this study, the investigators will establish a cohort of highly physically active marathon runners. In a case-control design, the investigators compare muscle stem cell function across the entire spectrum of physical activity / inactivity.

Detailed Description

There has never been as much focus on running as in these days. With the knowledge the investigators have today, there is reason to believe that it is healthy to run both in a physical sense, but perhaps also in terms of brain function. However, there has not previously carried out extensive comparative studies of very active runners and healthy untrained control subjects. In this project the investigators will characterize the degree of training in subjects as the investigators will carry out various forms of physiological studies on the subjects' fitness level. The investigators will examine whether there is a linkage between training level and brain function.

The investigators will also examine muscle function at the molecular level. The investigators will isolate stem cells (satellite cells) from muscles biopsy and establish primary muscle cell cultures. By electrical stimulation of these cells in vitro, the investigators can emulate a muscle contraction as during physical activity. The investigators will test the overall hypothesis that physical activity affects stem cell function.

The investigators will further study whether epigenetic phenomena (methylation) of selected DNA sequences are sensitive to training level.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
200
Inclusion Criteria
  • 10 marathons, 2 within the last year or 50 km/week the last 5 years
Exclusion Criteria
  • smokers, any medication, chronic diseases, digestion of performance enhancing drugs, pregnancy, alcohol abuse

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Body Compositionone day

DXA scanning: Fat%, muscle mass, lean body mass, BMD MR scanning: Amount of visceral fat, volume of thighs

Fitnessone day

Lactate threshold VO2max Running economy Lactate Peak

Muscle biopsyone day

Gene transcription Methylation

Cognitive Functionone day

Memory, concentration, personality, intelligence

Bloodone day

3 hour Oral Glucose Tolerance test (glucose, insulin, c-peptide) Fasting blood measurements ( lever, kidney, immune system, colesterol parameters) DNA

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Activity level and diet7 days

Subjects are carrying a step pedometer for 7 days They are registrering their diet for 4 days They are answering questionaires about daily activity level and health now and in the past

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center of Inflammation and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

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