Erythrocyte deformability and nitric oxide metabolites in athletes before and after a cardiopulmonary test.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate erythrocyte deformability, nitric oxide metabolites, and their modifications induced by exercise in athletes who practised different sports. DESIGN: This evaluation was effected before and after cardiopulmonary test, using a cycloergometer. SETTING: The study was performed in the Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases of the University of Palermo. PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 62 male athletes who practised endurance (n = 23), mixed (n = 20), and power (n = 19) sports and 20 sedentary male subjects as controls. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: No subject had diabetes or hypertension or dyslipidemia. Five control subjects and 14 athletes were smokers…