Author(s): ASHIDA, Y., MAKINO, A., GOTO, K., Institution: RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1915

INTRODUCTION:
Iron deficiency is a common health problem among endurance athletes. Several factors affect the increased risk of iron deficiency, but running-induced hemolysis due to repetitive impact on the soles of the feet is suggested to augment iron-regulating hormone “hepcidin”. Since hepcidin suppresses iron absorption in the duodenum and iron recycling from macrophages, attenuation of running-induced hemolysis may contribute to maintaining iron metabolism among endurance athletes. Although thick-soled shoes have been increasing attention to improve running economy with lower ground reaction forces during running, whether the use of thick-soled shoes attenuates running-induced hemolysis and hepcidin elevation has not been clarified.
Purpose:
The purpose of the present study was to compare running-induced hemolysis and hepcidin responses between standard shoes and thick-soled shoes.
METHODS:
Twelve healthy men performed 60 min of running at 75% of VO2max on different days, wearing either standard shoes or thick-soled shoes. Blood samples were collected before exercise, immediately after exercise and 3 h after exercise. Changes in serum haptoglobin (a marker of hemolysis), iron-related parameters (i.e., serum iron, hepcidin) and myoglobin (a marker of muscle damage) were compared between conditions.
RESULTS:
Serum haptoglobin concentration did not change significantly after exercise in either condition.
Running-induced serum iron elevation was significantly greater in standard shoes compared with thick-soled shoes. Serum hepcidin concentration increased at 3 h after exercise in both conditions (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between standard shoes (211 ± 125%) and thick-soled shoes (184 ± 189%, P>0.05). Serum myoglobin concentration increased significantly after exercise, with no significant differences between conditions.
CONCLUSION:
The use of thick-soled shoes did not attenuate running-induced hepcidin elevation compared with standard shoes.
References
1. Lippi, G., & Sanchis-Gomar, F. (2019). Epidemiological, biological and clinical update on exercise-induced hemolysis. Annals of translational medicine, 7(12), 270.
2. Peeling, P., Dawson, B., Goodman, C., Landers, G., Wiegerinck, E. T., Swinkels, D. W., & Trinder, D. (2009). Training surface and intensity: inflammation, hemolysis, and hepcidin expression. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 41(5), 1138–1145.