The assessment of frequency of iron deficiency in athletes from the transferrin receptor-ferritin index.

The transferrin receptor-ferritin index (sTfR/logFerr) was determined in 131 male and 121 female athletes in order to assess the frequency of iron deficiency (threshold value of that index taken as 1.8). Blood was drawn for determining morphological indices as well as sTfR, ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and haptoglobin.

Plasma cortisol and testosterone following 19-km and 42-km kayak races.

Plasma cortisol and testosterone levels were examined in five, elite, male kayakers before and after 19-km and 42-km kayak races. Both races resulted in significant elevation in plasma cortisol and observed increase is likely to depend on race duration, being much more pronounced after 42-km race compared to 19-km. It should be stressed that observed elevation in cortisol level after 42-km race was higher than reported previously after a marathon run.

Plasma biochemical variables in response to 42-km kayak and canoe races.

Some plasma biochemical parameters were examined one day prior, immediately after and 18 h after 42-km canoe and kayak races. The increases in plasma glycerol, lactate, ammonia and uric acid as well as the elevation in plasma CK, LDH and transaminase activities confirm the changes induced by different prolonged efforts. However some differences between canoeists and kayakers were indicated for ammonia and urea plasma concentration after the race, lactate elimination and increase in CK and transaminase activities.

Effect of unilateral nephrectomy on the RNA synthesis in hypertrophic rat kidney.

1. The hypertrophic rat kidney after unilateral nephrectomy showed a time-dependent increase in the RNA/DNA ratio. This was associated with the increased rate of alpha-amanitin-insensitive RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei.