FGF21 and Increased total leukocyte count: The study observed leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and elevated levels of muscle damage markers, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, MIP-1), as well as myokines and growth factors such as decorin, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF), follistatin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) directly after the race.