Effect of a six-hour marathon ultra-race on the levels of IL-6, LIF, and SCF.

The effects of 6-h marathon ultra-race (long aerobic work below the lactate threshold level) on the levels of IL-6, leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF), and stem cell growth factor (SCF) were studied. The athletes participating in the study had different endurance levels evaluated by the distance covered over 6 h. The level of IL-6 sharply increased after exercise.