Fig 1: Plasma soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) levels in sedentary subjects and athletes with high (HT) and low (LT) training loads. HT-group: =100 km by week, n = 22; LT group: <100 km by week, n = 22; and a healthy and inactive physically group (control, CT; n = 21). (A) Basal venous blood samples were obtained 1 week prior to the marathon. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Holm-Sidak’s multiple comparisons test. (B) Post-exercise venous blood samples were obtained at the finish line within 5 min of the end of the marathon. Different letters indicate significant differences from different groups at the same time. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Sidak test; a vs. b p < 0.05. (C) Change in plasma sIL-6R levels. Data were analyzed by Student t-test. *p < 0.05 vs. LT group. Plasma sIL-6R levels were determined using an ELISA kit. (D) IL-6/sIL-6R ratios were calculated. Different letters indicate significant differences from different groups at the same time. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Sidak test; c vs. d p < 0.0001. (E) spg130 was determined in the same plasma samples obtained prior to and immediately after the marathon using an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Sidak test. (F) Change in plasma sgp130 levels. Data were analyzed by Student t-test. Data are mean ± SD.