The results were conclusive: runners with a higher genetic score had lower
levels of
creatine kinase and myoglobin in their blood, that is, less damage to muscle fibres,
compared to marathon runners with a less favourable score.
Closely monitoring several markers of cell damage (including
creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, prostaglandin - E and tumor necrosis factor - alpha) in their sample of 18 male athletes (who used 20 grams of
creatine monohydrate per day for five days, mixed with 60 grams of maltodextrine), the researchers found
levels of these markers were reduced after the race,
compared to 16 control subjects who took only the maltodextrine.