Cellular and biochemical parameters of exercise-induced oxidative stress: relationship with training levels

Free Radic Res. 2006 Jun;40(6):607-14. doi: 10.1080/10715760600623015.

Abstract

To better clarify the relationship between physical activity and oxidative stress, we determined the effects of a maximal test in 18 young subjects with different training levels (six professional Athletes and 12 non-agonists (NA)). Redox homeostasis (total antioxidant activity (TAS), vitamin C and glutathione (GSH)), oxidative damage (diene conjugation and hemolysis), lymphocyte cell death and repair systems (apoptosis, micronuclei and Hsp70 expression) were evaluated. We found that agonistic training led to a chronic oxidative insult (high baseline values of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), micronuclei and hemolysis). On the contrary, NA with the lowest level of training frequency showed a well balanced profile at rest, but they were more susceptible to exercise-induced variations (GSSG/GSH and diene increased values), respect to the NA with an higher level of training. As almost all the parameters employed in this study showed inter-individual variations, the GSSG/GSH ratio remains the most sensitive and reliable marker of oxidative stress, accordingly with other data just reported in the literature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apoptosis
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA Repair
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glutathione