| A soluble form of low density lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP) has recently been discovered which has retained LRP ligand binding abilities. LRP has been implicated in several physiological processes such as lipid metabolism and blood coagulation. It has also been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Through enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), concentrations of soluble LRP (sLRP) were quantified in the plasma of elite collegiate Nordic skiers and average to relatively well-conditioned collegiate students both at rest and after a short bout of submaximal running. Levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha2M), a ligand for LRP, as well as total cholesterol, were also quantified. It was found that levels of soluble LRP decrease with exercise, which could be correlated with an increase of alpha2M. The changes in soluble LRP concentration with exercise were due to both gender and athletic status. No correlation was found between sLRP or alpha2M concentrations and cholesterol levels. |
