INTRODUCTION: Studies of biochemical markers, including essential nutrients, are of a great interest in the world of sport because of key roles these compounds and metabolites have in enhancing physical performance. The aim of this work was to estimate the biochemical markers of physical and aerobic performance (AP) of highly trained cross-country skiers. METHODS: We examined cross-country skiers - members of regional and national teams (n=38, men, age 18-27 years) in an annual training cycle. We have developed an original procedure for complex testing of athletes. The procedure included a test of maximum physical performance (PP) (on a cycle ergometer, "until exhaustion") using the ergospirometric system ("Oxycon Pro", Germany), and a panel of biochemical tests, that gave the most information for evaluation of physical and aerobic performance in the dynamics of the test [1]. RESULTS: We propose that the exercise test "until exhaustion" combined with the assessment of the levels of stable nitric oxide metabolites in plasma can be considered a test for the early diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction in professional athletes [5]. Athletes of higher qualifications revealed additional adaptive mechanisms of metabolic regulation, which manifested themselves in the independence of serum lactate from V`O2 max under submaximal and maximum load. They also displayed an NO-dependent mechanism for regulation of lactate levels during aerobic exercise [4]. The participation of essential n-3 PUFAs in the nitrite-nitrate pathway of NO synthesis in highly trained skiers was demonstrated [3]. Literature data and our own results indicate a link between the AP and increased utilization of fatty acids as an energy supply in athletes. The plasma fatty acid profile in skiers was characterized by a decreased percentage of saturated fatty acids and n3-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acids. For the first time, we showed a significant role of medium-chain fatty acids during loads of submaximal and maximal intensity (both during tests and in competitive conditions) [2]. In the training period we observed an increased maximal fat oxidation (MFO) in athletes with higher qualification compared to the athletes with lower qualification. Adequate recommended dietary intakes of alpha-linolenic acid and its plasma level are associated with both MFO and high AP [1]. CONCLUSION: We found a novel mechanism of increased aerobic performance in highly trained athletes, and a number of biochemical and lipid markers that contribute to the increased aerobic performance.
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