Lipid profile in trained subjects undergoing complete food deprivation combined with prolonged intermittent exercise

Sixteen male subjects [18-21 years, maximal oxygen consumption {Mathematical expression} = 59.2 ml · kg^-1 min^-1 ± SEM 5.6] participated in a study to evaluate the effect of prolonged, complete food deprivation combined with physical effort, on plasma lipoprotein concentrations. The subjects were deprived of food for 81 h but were supplied with water: they walked for 10 h a day at 40% of {Mathematical expression}, covering a total of 105 km. During this period the subjects' average mass decreased significantly (P < 0.05) reflecting a marked catabolic process. Plasma concentration of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol ([LDL-C]) and triglycerides were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ([HDL-C]), and free fatty acid levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at the end of the experimental period compared to the start. The ratio between plasma [HDL-C] to plasma [LDL-C] increased from 0.51 to 0.89 at the end of the exercise period, reflecting a marked anti-Aherogenic effect. All changes were transient and reversable within 12 days of recovery.