Proteomic and Physiological Markers of Exercise-induced Physiological Stress and Fatigue in Grand Tour Cycling

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This project aims to identify the effect of a 3-week grand tour (e.g. Tour de France) on physiological markers and the blood proteome in world-class cyclists.

Detailed Description
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Blood samples will be collected in world-tour cyclists in the fasted state (i) before, (ii) on the first resting day, (ii) on the second resting day, and (iv) on the final day of the Tour de France. Samples collected before and on the final day will be analyzed by proteomics, while sample from all timepoints will be assessed for specific cytokines to identify physiological markers of fatigue. In addition, questionnaires will be used to evaluate subjective feelings of fatigue and appetite.

Official Title
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Proteomic and Physiological Markers of Exercise-induced Physiological Stress and Fatigue in Grand Tour Cycling

Conditions
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Exercise Fatigue

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Tour de France


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Cyclist participating in the Tour de France Exclusion Criteria: Younger than 18years old

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Cyclists<br>Elite cyclists participating in the Tour de France | Other: Tour de France<br>* Participating in the Tour de France as cyclist<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Serum proteome abundance of cyclists during Tour de France | Change in serum proteome between start and end of Tour de France | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Serum GDF15 (Growth and differentiation factor 15) concentration | Serum GDF15 throughout the grand tour | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Blood haemoglobin concentration | Haematological profile of cyclists | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Serum Leptin concentration | Serum leptin | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Red blood cell concentration | Red blood cells | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| White blood cell concentration | White blood cells | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Serum ghrelin concentration | Blood ghrelin | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Serum FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) concentration | Blood FGF21 | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 
| Serum free BDNF (brain-derived neutrophic factor) concentration | Blood BDNF | Start of the Tour de France (day 0) - restday 1 (day 11) - restday 2 (day 17) - last day of the Tour de France (day 23) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Cycling, Proteomics, Grand tour