Novel Correlations Between Lung Function and Gut Microbial-Produced VOCs in the Exhaled Breath of Ultramarathon Runners: Insights from the 2019 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc

Abstract

Purpose

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath change significantly after ultramarathons and could help monitor athletes’ physiological status to optimize training. In this study, we investigated how breath VOCs are linked to clinical variables that reflect the cardiovascular and respiratory system.

Methods

Correlation analysis was performed between blood and respiratory data collected in pre- and post-race samples from 24 elite runners who participated in the 2019 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB®) ultramarathon. Correlation analysis was then performed between these clinical data and previously published breath VOC data collected from the same individuals.

Results

Post-race clinical data showed decreased lung function compared to pre-race. Notably, respiratory parameters, vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1), showed positive moderate correlation with VOC 2,3-butanediol (r = 0.53, r = 0.63), a compound produced by bacterial metabolism. We hypothesize that the increase in 2,3-butanediol in post-race breath results from exercise-induced changes in gut microbiome activity, potentially protecting against lung injury. Additionally, correlations between lung function and respiratory muscle function strengthened post-race (VC/FEV1, r = 0.67 to r = 0.84; forced vital capacity (FVC)/maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), r = 0.57 to r = 0.75; FEV1 and MEP, r < 0.5 to r = 0.73). This suggests that exercise-induced changes in gut microbiome activity may indirectly influence these functions.

Conclusion

Our findings support the notion of an intricate relationship between exhaustive exercise, altered gut microbiome activity, and lung function, and together they can influence the physiological status and performance of athletes.

Keywords

Breath / Volatile Organic Compounds / Exhaustive Exercise / Gut Microbiome / Respiratory

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Funding

Mayo Clinic

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Beijing Sport University

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