Ultramarathon Plasma Metabolomics: Phosphatidylcholine Levels Associated with Running Performance

The purpose of this study was to identify plasma metabolites associated with superior endurance running performance. In 2016, participants at the Western States Endurance Run (WSER), a 100-mile (161-km) foot race, underwent non-targeted metabolomic testing of their post-race plasma. Metabolites associated with faster finish times were identified. Based on these results, runners at the 2017 WSER underwent targeted metabolomics testing, including lipidomics and choline levels. The 2017 participants’ plasma metabolites were correlated with finish times and compared with non-athletic controls. In 2016, 427 known molecules were detected using non-targeted metabolomics. Four compounds, all phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were associated with finish time (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05). All were higher in faster finishers. In 2017, using targeted PC analysis, multiple PCs, measured pre- and post-race, were higher in faster finishers (FDR < 0.05). The majority of PCs was noted to be higher in runners (both pre- and post-race) than in controls (FDR < 0.05). Runners had higher choline levels pre-race compared to controls (p < 0.0001), but choline level did not differ significantly from controls post-race (p = 0.129). Choline levels decreased between the start and the finish of the race (p < 0.0001). Faster finishers had lower choline levels than slower finishers at the race finish (p = 0.028).

KCNA4 Gene Variant is Auxiliary in Endurance Running Performance Level

The present is an observational study following a genetic epidemiology model using a case-control design. We tested the hypothesis of an association between the prevalence of the genotypic and allelic frequencies distribution of the potassium voltage-gated channel of the shaker related subfamily member 4 gene (KCNA4) rs1323860 (C/T transition) and endurance performance level in Hispanic male marathon runners (MR). The subjects (n=1876) were adult Hispanic male MR. Fast-MR (cases; n=938) were finishers in the top 3rd percentile. Slow MR (controls; n=938) were finishers in the lowest 3rd percentile of their respective age. Genomic DNA was purified from a whole blood sample. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify a KCNA4 SNP which consists of a C/T (rs1323860) transition. The observed genotype frequencies, in both Cases and Controls, met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (X2, P≥0.05). Genotype and allele frequencies were statistically different (P<0.01) between cases and controls. Odds ratio revealed that the C allele was 1.33 times more likely prevalent in the cases than in the controls (95% CI; 1.17, 1.51; P<0.001). The magnitude of the statistical power for the present study was 0.86. In conclusion, the findings strongly suggest that KCNA4 gene rs1323860 (C/T transition) is auxiliary in the complex phenotype of endurance running performance level in Hispanic male marathon runners.