Oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral leukocytes induced by massive aerobic exercise

Effect of elite physical exercise by triathletes on seven catabolites of DNA oxidation

The oxidized nucleoside 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine has been widely studied as a marker of DNA oxidation; however, data on the occurrence of other metabolites in plasma that are related to DNA damage are scarce. We have applied an improved, sensitive, robust, and reliable method, involving solid phase extraction and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), to the precise quantitation of seven metabolites in the plasma of 15 elite triathletes after a 2-week training program. All compounds were eluted in the first 1.6 min, with limits of detection and quantification ranging between 0.001 and 0.3 ng.mL(-1) and 0.009 and 0.6 ng.mL(-1), respectively. Four compounds were detected in plasma: guanosine-3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate, 8-hydroxyguanine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and 8-nitroguanosine. After two weeks of training, 8-hydroxyguanine exhibited the highest increase (from 0.031 ± 0.008 nM to 0.036 ± 0.012 nM) (p < 0.05), which could be related to the enhanced activity of DNA-repairing enzymes that excise this oxidized base. Increased levels of guanosine-3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were also observed. In contrast, levels of 8-nitroguanosine (p < 0.05) were significantly reduced, which might be a protective measure as this compound strongly stimulates the generation of superoxide radicals, and its excess is related to pathologies such as microbial (viral) infections and other inflammatory and degenerative disorders. The results obtained indicate an induced adaptive response to the increased oxidative stress related to elite training, and point to the benefits associated with regular exercise.

Effects of repeated bouts of long-duration endurance exercise on muscle and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in moderately trained cyclists

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of repeated bouts of long-duration endurance exercise on both muscle and urinary levels of oxidative DNA damage in moderately trained individuals. Seven moderately trained male cyclists participated in this study. All participants repeated two sessions consisting of a 5-h cycling period (equivalent to approximately 52%[Formula: see text]O2peak) followed by a 15-h rest, then a 40-km time trial. During the sessions, participants were instructed to take water ad libitum and to consume a standard sports drink consisting of 0.12 g·kg(-1) body weight·hr(-1) of carbohydrates. For each session, 24 h urine output was collected on the day before the 5-h exercise, and also between the 5-h exercise and 40-km time trial, in addition to between days 1-5 post-exercise. Subsequently, muscle and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. No significant alterations were observed between two sessions at the muscle or urinary levels of 8-OHdG. These results suggest that repeated bouts of exercise with a 7-day washout period may not lead to an accumulation of DNA damage products after a second 5-h stationary cycling bout.

Application of a new oxidation-reduction potential assessment method in strenuous exercise-induced oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to test a novel method for assessing oxidative stress, the RedoxSYS™ diagnostic system, a holistic, fast, minimally invasive, and requiring small sample volume method, that measures two parameters, the static (sORP) and the capacity (cORP) oxidation-reduction potential.

METHODS

The redox status of 14 athletes participating in a mountain marathon race was assessed. Redox status in blood obtained 1 day before the race and immediately after the race was assessed using the RedoxSYS diagnostic system as well as conventional oxidative stress markers such as glutathione levels (GSH), catalase activity (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (CARB), and total antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

The results showed that after the race, the sORP was increased significantly by 7% indicating oxidative stress induction, while cORP was decreased by 14.6% but not significantly. Moreover, the conventional oxidative stress markers GSH and CAT were decreased significantly by 13.1 and 23.4%, respectively, while TBARS and CARB were increased significantly by 26.1 and 15.6%, respectively, after the race indicating oxidative stress induction.

DISCUSSION

The present study demonstrated for the first time that the RedoxSYS diagnostic system can be used for evaluating the exercise-induced oxidative stress in athletes.

Exercise in a hot environment influences plasma anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status in well-trained athletes

Exercise in thermally stressful environmental conditions can enhance oxidative stress. We sought to measure the plasma antioxidant defenses and cytokine response together with oxidative damage post-exercise in a temperate versus a hot environment. The plasma concentrations of vasoactive endothelin-1 and vascular angiogenic growth factor were also evaluated. Male athletes (n=9) volunteered to participate. The athletes randomly performed two bouts of treadmill exercise of 45min at 75-80% of maximal oxygen uptake in a climatic-controlled chamber under two different conditions: temperate environment (10-12°C, 40-55% humidity) and hot, humid environment (30-32°C, 75-78% humidity). Venous blood samples were obtained immediately pre- and post-bout and on recovery after 2h. Serum glucose, malondialdehyde and lactate concentrations were significantly increased post-exercise in hot but maintained in the temperate environment; these post-exercise values were significantly higher after exercise in hot than in temperate. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentration, plasma phosphocreatine kinase and catalase activities, creatinine and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin-6 significantly increased post-exercise in hot but maintained in temperate environment. The post-exercise circulating values of antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 and endothelin were significantly higher in the hot than in temperate environment. Exercise in a hot and humid environment resulted in mild hyperthermia with elevated perceived exertion and thermal stress. Hyperthermic environment induced hyperglycemia, lactatecidemia and more cellular and oxidative damage than exercise in a temperate environment but also induced a post-exercise antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response in plasma. These results suggest that environmental temperature needs to be taken into account when evaluating exercise-related oxidative stress and inflammation.

Lasing the DNA fragments through β-diketimine framed Knoevenagel condensed Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes--an in vitro and in vivo approach

The syntheses, structures and spectroscopic properties of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes having Knoevenagel condensate β-diketimine Schiff base ligands have been investigated in this paper. Characterization of these complexes was carried out using FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, mass and EPR techniques. Absorption titration, electrochemical analyses and viscosity measurements have also been carried out to determine the mode of binding. The shift in ΔEp, E1/2 and Ipc values explores the interaction of CT DNA with the above metal complexes. Interaction of ligands and their complexes with DNA revealed an intercalative mode of binding between them. Antimicrobial studies showed an effective antimicrobial activity of the metal ions after coordination with the ligands. The antioxidant properties of the Schiff base ligands and their complexes were evaluated in a series of in vitro tests by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 free radical scavengers. In vivo and in vitro antitumor functions of the complexes against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor model have also been investigated. All the results support that β-diketone derived Knoevenagel condensate Schiff base complexes may act as novel antitumor drugs and suggest that their potent cell life inhibition may contribute to their anti-cancer efficacy.

Magneto-structural correlation, antioxidant, DNA interaction and growth inhibition activities of new chloro-bridged phenolate complexes

The consistent stability constants as well as antioxidant, DNA interaction and cytotoxicity efficacy of chloro-bridged complexes have been established.

DNA-binding studies and antioxidant activities of two-, three- and four-coordinate silver(i) complexes containing bis(2-benzimidazolyl)aniline derivatives

Three novel structure Ag(i) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The three ligands and Ag(i) complexes bind to DNA in an intercalation mode. The Ag(i) complexes have stronger ability of antioxidation for hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical.

A half-marathon and a marathon run induce oxidative DNA damage, reduce antioxidant capacity to protect DNA against damage and modify immune function in hobby runners

This study investigated whether a 21.1 km (half-marathon) or a 42.195 km (marathon) run modulates DNA damage, antioxidant capacity in lymphocytes and plasma, and the immune system in healthy hobby runners. Ten and 12 volunteers who completed the Baden-Marathon race in Karlsruhe with a running distance of 21.1 km and 41.195 km, respectively, were assessed 10 days before and immediately after the finish. There was no increase in the levels of endogenous DNA strand breaks immediately after half-marathon or marathon races. A statistically significant increase in the levels of oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes was found using endonuclease III but not formamidopyrimidine glycolase (Fpg). The resistance of DNA to oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in isolated lymphocytes was significantly decreased after both races. The levels of plasma antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were close to, or higher than, those considered optimal for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and there were no significant changes after the races in antioxidant capacity of LDL (lag-time test) or plasma in ORAC, TEAC or paraoxonase assays. The number and percentage of granulocytes and monocytes able to generate oxidative burst were significantly increased after both races, but the lytic activity of NK cells was significantly increased at the end of the half-marathon; no effect was observed in the marathon runners. Thus, oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes, decreased the antioxidant capacity to protect lymphocytes against DNA strand breaks and increased the formation of reactive species by phagocytes in well-nourished hobby runners indicating moderate oxidative damage during such high-intensity exercise.

Synthesis, characterization, cellular uptake, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, dna-binding, and antioxidant activity studies of ruthenium(II) complexes

Two new ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [Ru(dmb)(2)(HECIP)](ClO(4))(2) (1) (HECIP = N-ethyl-4-[(1,10)-phenanthroline(5,6-f)imidazol-2-yl]carbazole, dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(dmp)(2)(HECIP)](ClO(4))(2) (2) (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding behaviors of the two complexes were investigated by absorption spectra, viscosity measurements, and photoactivated cleavage. The DNA-binding constants for complexes 1 and 2 were determined to be 8.03 (± 0.12) × 10(4) M(-1) (s = 1.62) and 2.97 (± 0.15) × 10(4) M(-1) (s = 1.82), respectively. The results suggest that these complexes interact with DNA through intercalative mode. The photocleavage of pBR322 DNA by Ru(II) complexes was investigated. The cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 2 has been evaluated by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide)] method. Complex 1 shows higher anticancer potency than 2 against the four tumor cell lines. Apoptosis and cellular uptake were investigated. The antioxidant activities of the ligand and these complexes were also performed.

Habitual exercise increases resistance of lymphocytes to oxidant-induced DNA damage by upregulating expression of antioxidant and DNA repairing enzymes

The underlying mechanisms of adaptation from staying physically active are not completely revealed. This study examined the effects of 8 and 20 weeks of habitual voluntary exercise on the susceptibility of lymphocytes to oxidant-induced DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activities in cardiac and skeletal muscles, and circulatory antioxidant profile. Forty young adult rats were randomly assigned to sedentary control and exercise groups for an experimental period of 8 or 20 weeks. Animals assigned to exercise groups were subjected to 24 h daily free access to an in-cage running wheel with circumference of 1.19 m. A magnetic digital counter was attached to the running wheel to record daily exercise distance run by the animals. Control rats were housed in cages without a running wheel, located next to the exercised animals. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly. After the experimental periods of 8 and 20 weeks, blood, left ventricle, soleus and plantaris muscles were collected for analysis. No significant difference was found in plasma total antioxidant capacity between exercised and control animals in the 8 and 20 week groups according to our ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) analysis. However, modified FRAP for ascorbic acid (FRASC) analysis indicated that plasma ascorbic acid content was significantly increased by 46 and 34% in 8 and 20 week exercise groups, respectively, when compared with the corresponding control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly elevated by 39% in erythrocytes of animals exercised for 8 weeks relative to control animals. In the 20 week exercise group, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in ventricle and plantaris was significantly upregulated by 477 and 290%, respectively, relative to control values. As demonstrated by comet assay, the oxidant-induced DNA damage was significantly reduced by 21 and 45% in lymphocytes of animals exercised for 8 and 20 weeks, respectively, when compared with the corresponding control lymphocytes. Our qRT-PCR analysis showed that the transcript expression of SOD2 was significantly elevated by 939% in lymphocytes of animals exercised for 8 weeks relative to control animals. Increased expressions of SOD2 (by 19%), catalase (25%), APEX nuclease (multifunctional DNA repair enzyme) 1 (APEX1; 46%), Protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic polypeptide (Prkdc; 9%) and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (Mgmt; 26%) were found in lymphocytes of animals exercised for 20 weeks relative to control rats. These results demonstrate that habitual exercise confers increased resistance of lymphocytes to oxidant-induced DNA damage, and this protective effect is possibly attributed to the regular exercise-induced elevated expression of antioxidant and DNA repairing enzymes.

Carbohydrate supplementation delays DNA damage in elite runners during intensive microcycle training

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate supplementation on free plasma DNA and conventional markers of training and tissue damage in long-distance runners undergoing an overload training program. Twenty-four male runners were randomly assigned to two groups (CHO group and control group). The participants were submitted to an overload training program (days 1-8), followed by a high-intensity intermittent running protocol (10 × 800 m) on day 9. The runners received maltodextrin solution (CHO group) or zero energy placebo solution as the control equivalent before, during, and after this protocol. After 8 days of intensive training, baseline LDH levels remained constant in the CHO group (before: 449.1 ± 18.2, after: 474.3 ± 22.8 U/L) and increased in the control group (from 413.5 ± 23.0 to 501.8 ± 24.1 U/L, p < 0.05). On day 9, LDH concentrations were lower in the CHO group (509.2 ± 23.1 U/L) than in the control group (643.3 ± 32.9 U/L, p < 0.01) post-intermittent running. Carbohydrate ingestion attenuated the increase of free plasma DNA post-intermittent running (48,240.3 ± 5,431.8 alleles/mL) when compared to the control group (73,751.8 ± 11,546.6 alleles/mL, p < 0.01). Leukocyte counts were lower in the CHO group than in the control group post-intermittent running (9.1 ± 0.1 vs. 12.2 ± 0.7 cells/µL; p < 0.01) and at 80 min of recovery (10.6 ± 0.1 vs. 13.9 ± 1.1 cells/µL; p < 0.01). Cortisol levels were positively correlated with free plasma DNA, leukocytes, and LDH (all r > 0.4 and p < 0.001). The results showed that ingestion of a carbohydrate beverage resulted in less DNA damage and attenuated the acute post-exercise inflammation response, providing better recovery during intense training.

Exercise-induced protection of bone marrow cells following exposure to radiation

The hormetic effects of exercise training have previously been shown to enhance cellular protection against oxidative stress. Therefore, adaptations to exercise training may attenuate the harmful effects of radiation induced by oxidative stress. Flow cytometric analysis of genotoxicity (γH2AX foci and micronucleated reticulocytes (MN-RET)) and cytotoxicity (apoptosis and percentage of reticulocytes) were conducted on bone marrow cells isolated from acutely exercised (Acute EX), exercise-trained (EX), and sedentary (SED) mice following 1 and 2 Gy radiation challenges in vitro. Acute EX increased the percentage of cells with activated caspase-3 and -7 (32%, p < 0.001) and γH2AX foci formation in response to 2 Gy radiation challenge (10%, p < 0.05). Exercise training significantly attenuated γH2AX foci formation and MN-RET production in response to 1 Gy radiation challenge (18%, p < 0.05 and 22%, p < 0.05, respectively). Exercise training also significantly reduced basal percentages of cells with activated caspase-3 and -7 and in response to radiation in bone marrow cells (11%, p < 0.05). These results suggest that oxidative stress caused by acute exercise induces an adaptive response responsible for the radioprotective effects of exercise training.

Effect of vitamin E (Tri E®) on antioxidant enzymes and DNA damage in rats following eight weeks exercise

Background

Exercise is beneficial to health, but during exercise the body generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are known to result in oxidative stress. The present study analysed the effects of vitamin E (Tri E^®) on antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (Cat) activity and DNA damage in rats undergoing eight weeks exercise.

Methods

Twenty four Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 320-370 gm) were divided into four groups; a control group of sedentary rats which were given a normal diet, second group of sedentary rats with oral supplementation of 30 mg/kg/d of Tri E^®, third group comprised of exercised rats on a normal diet, and the fourth group of exercised rats with oral supplementation of 30 mg/kg/d of Tri E^®. The exercising rats were trained on a treadmill for 30 minutes per day for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of the study to determine SOD, GPx, Cat activities and DNA damage.

Results

SOD activity decreased significantly in all the groups compared to baseline, however both exercised groups showed significant reduction in SOD activity as compared to the sedentary groups. Sedentary control groups showed significantly higher GPx and Cat activity compared to baseline and exercised groups. The supplemented groups, both exercised and non exercised groups, showed significant decrease in Cat activity as compared to their control groups with normal diet. DNA damage was significantly higher in exercising rats as compared to sedentary control. However in exercising groups, the DNA damage in supplemented group is significantly lower as compared to the non-supplemented group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, antioxidant enzymes activity were generally reduced in rats supplemented with Tri E^® probably due to its synergistic anti-oxidative defence, as evidenced by the decrease in DNA damage in Tri E^® supplemented exercise group.

Exercise-induced lipid peroxidation: Implications for deoxyribonucleic acid damage and systemic free radical generation

Exercise-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage is often associated with an increase in free radicals; however, there is a lack of evidence examining the two in parallel. This study tested the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise has the ability to produce free radicals that may be capable of causing DNA damage. Twelve apparently healthy male subjects (age: 23 ± 4 years; stature: 181 ± 8 cm; body mass: 80 ± 9 kg; and VO(2max) : 49 ± 5 ml/kg/min) performed three 5 min consecutive and incremental stages (40, 70, and 100% of VO(2max) ) of aerobic exercise with a 15-min period separating each stage. Blood was drawn after each bout of exercise for the determination of ex vivo free radicals, DNA damage, protein carbonyls, lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) concentration, and a range of lipid-soluble antioxidants. Lipid-derived oxygen-centered free radicals (hyperfine coupling constants a(Nitrogen) = 13.7 Gauss (G) and aβ(Hydrogen) = 1.8 G) increased as a result of acute moderate and high-intensity exercise (P < 0.05), while DNA damage was also increased (P < 0.05). Systemic changes were observed in LOOH and for lipid-soluble antioxidants throughout exercise (P < 0.05); however, there was no observed change in protein carbonyl concentration (P > 0.05). These findings identify lipid-derived free radical species as possible contributors to peripheral mononuclear cell DNA damage in the human exercising model. This damage occurs in the presence of lipid oxidation but in the absence of any change to protein carbonyl concentration. The significance of these findings may have relevance in terms of immune function, the aging process, and the pathology of carcinogenesis.

Endurance training accelerates exhaustive exercise-induced mitochondrial DNA deletion and apoptosis of left ventricle myocardium in rats

Even though exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress increases the risk of tissue damage, regular endurance training is widely assumed to improve cardiac function and protects against heart disease. We tested the hypothesis that an endurance training program prevents exhaustive exercise-induced increases in cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis in left ventricle (LV). Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sedentary control (C), trained (T), exhaustively exercised (E), and trained plus exhaustively exercised (TE). Rats in T and TE groups ran on a motorized treadmill for 12 weeks. Rats in groups E and TE performed an exhaustive running test on a treadmill. The main effects of training were indicated by increased running time to exhaustion (80 +/- 5 and 151 +/- 13 min for groups E and TE, respectively, P = 0.0001), myocardial hypertrophy (0.38% and 0.47% for untrained and trained rats, respectively, P = 0.0002), decreased LV ejection fraction (88% and 71% for untrained and trained rats, respectively, P < 0.0001), accelerated mitochondrial DNA 4834-bp large deletion (mtDNA4834 deletion), and up-regulated protein levels of heat shock protein-70, cytochrome C, cleaved capsase-3, and cleaved PARP in LV following a bout of exhaustive exercise. Contrary to our hypothesis, these results suggest that endurance training induced significant impairment of regional systolic and diastolic LV myocardial function and ejection fraction in rats. Our findings show that endurance training accelerates exhaustive exercise-induced mtDNA4834 deletion and apoptosis in the LV.

Human mitochondrial haplogroup H: the highest VO2max consumer--is it a paradox?

Mitochondrial background has been demonstrated to influence maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max), in mLkg(-1)min(-1)), but this genetic influence can be compensated for by regular exercise. A positive correlation among electron transport chain (ETC) coupling, ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has been established, and mitochondrial variants have been reported to show differences in their ETC performance. In this study, we examined in detail the VO(2max) differences found among mitochondrial haplogroups. We recruited 81 healthy male Spanish Caucasian individuals and determined their mitochondrial haplogroup. Their VO(2max) was determined using incremental cycling exercise (ICE). VO(2max) was lower in J than in non-J haplogroup individuals (P=0.04). The H haplogroup was responsible for this difference (VO(2max); J vs. H; P=0.008) and this group also had significantly higher mitochondrial oxidative damage (mtOD) than the J haplogroup (P=0.04). In agreement with these results, VO(2max) and mtOD were positively correlated (P=0.01). Given that ROS production is the major contributor to mtOD and consumes four times more oxygen per electron than the ETC, our results strongly suggest that ROS production is responsible for the higher VO(2max) found in the H variant. These findings not only contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underneath VO(2max), but also help to explain some reported associations between mitochondrial haplogroups and mtOD with longevity, sperm motility, premature aging and susceptibility to different pathologies.

Well-trained, healthy triathletes experience no adverse health risks regarding oxidative stress and DNA damage by participating in an ultra-endurance event

Also physical exercise in general is accepted to be protective, acute and strenuous exercise has been shown to induce oxidative stress. Enhanced formation of free radicals leads to oxidation of macromolecules and to DNA damage. On the other hand ultra-endurance events which require strenuous exercise are very popular and the number of participants is continuously increasing worldwide. Since only few data exists on Ironman triathletes, who are prototypes of ultra-endurance athletes, this study was aimed at assessing the risk of oxidative stress and DNA damage after finishing a triathlon and to predict a possible health risk. Blood samples of 42 male athletes were taken 2 days before, within 20 min after the race, 1, 5 and 19 days post-race. Oxidative stress marker increased only moderately after the race and returned to baseline after 5 days. Marker of DNA damage measured by the SCGE assay with and without restriction enzymes as well as by the sister chromatid exchange assay did either show no change or deceased within the first day after the race. Due to intake during the race and the release by the cells plasma concentrations of vitamin C and α-tocopherol increased after the event and returned to baseline 1 day after. This study indicates that despite a temporary increase in some oxidative stress markers, there is no persistent oxidative stress and no DNA damage in response to an Ironman triathlon in trained athletes, mainly due to an appropriate antioxidant intake and general protective alterations in the antioxidant defence system.

Relation between oxidative stress markers and antioxidant endogenous defences during exhaustive exercise

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could induce oxidative damage at long distance from its generation site and it is also an important signalling molecule that induces some genes related to oxidative stress. Our objective was to study the plasma and blood cells capability to detoxify H2O2 after intense exercise and its correlation with oxidative damage. Blood samples were taken from nine professional cycling, participating in a mountain stage, under basal conditions and 3 h after the competition. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased (40 and 50% respectively) in neutrophils after the cycling stage, while glutathione peroxidase increased (87%) in lymphocytes. Catalase protein levels and catalase specific activity maintained basal values after the stage in plasma. Catalase protein levels decreased (48%) in neutrophils and its specific activity increased up to plasma values after exercise. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased (39%) in neutrophils after the cycling stage. Exercise-induced hemolysis and lymphopenia inversely correlated with cellular markers of oxidative stress. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) directly correlated with neutrophil MPO activity and erythrocytes MDA. Intense exercise induces oxidative damage in blood cells as erythrocytes and lymphocytes, but not in neutrophils.

Habitual exercise induced resistance to oxidative stress

We investigated whether habitual exercise (HE) modulates levels of oxidative DNA damage and responsiveness to oxidative stress induced by renal carcinogen Fe-nitrilotriacetic acid (Fe-NTA). During a ten week protocol, two groups of rats either remained sedentary or underwent swimming for 15--60 min per day, 5 days per week, with or without a weight equivalent to 5% of their body weight. Then we injected Fe-NTA and sacrificed the rats 1 h after the injection. We determined the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in diaphragm and kidney, evaluated levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and assayed OGG1 protein levels in kidney. SOD activity in the diaphragm and kidney was increased in HE rats. By itself, HE had no effect on the level of 8OHdG, but it did significantly suppress induction of 8OHdG by Fe-NTA, and the amount of suppression correlated with intensity of exercise. These results suggest that HE induces resistance to oxidative stress and, at least at the initiation stage, inhibits carcinogenesis.

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

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.

Effects of L-citrulline oral supplementation on polymorphonuclear neutrophils oxidative burst and nitric oxide production after exercise

Seventeen volunteer male professional cyclists were randomly assigned to control or supplemented (6 g L-citrulline-malate) groups and participated in a cycling stage. Blood samples were taken in basal conditions, after the race and 3 h post-race. Citrulline supplementation significantly increased plasma concentration of both arginine and citrulline after the stage only in the supplemented group. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) from controls responded to exercise with a progressive decrease in ROS production. Supplemented PMNs significantly increased ROS production after exercise compared to basal values and diminished to values lower than basal at recovery. PMN nitrite concentration was significantly higher after exercise and recovery only in the supplemented group. Markers of oxidative damage-CK, LDH, malondialdehyde-and DNA damage remained unchanged in both groups. In conclusion, oral L-citrulline administration previous to a cycling stage increases plasma arginine availability for NO synthesis and PMNs priming for oxidative burst without oxidative damage.

Endurance exercise and DNA stability: is there a link to duration and intensity?

It is commonly accepted that regular moderate intensity physical activity reduces the risk of developing many diseases. Counter intuitively, however, evidence also exists for oxidative stress resulting from acute and strenuous exercise. Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species may lead to oxidatively modified lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and possibly disease. Currently, only a few studies have investigated the influence of exercise on DNA stability and damage with conflicting results, small study groups and the use of different sample matrices or methods and result units. This is the first review to address the effect of exercise of various intensities and durations on DNA stability, focusing on human population studies. Furthermore, this article describes the principles and limitations of commonly used methods for the assessment of oxidatively modified DNA and DNA stability. This review is structured according to the type of exercise conducted (field or laboratory based) and the intensity performed (i.e. competitive ultra/endurance exercise or maximal tests until exhaustion). The findings presented here suggest that competitive ultra-endurance exercise (>4h) does not induce persistent DNA damage. However, when considering the effects of endurance exercise (<4h), no clear conclusions could be drawn. Laboratory studies have shown equivocal results (increased or no oxidative stress) after endurance or exhaustive exercise. To clarify which components of exercise participation (i.e. duration, intensity and training status of subjects) have an impact on DNA stability and damage, additional carefully designed studies combining the measurement of DNA damage, gene expression and DNA repair mechanisms before, during and after exercise of differing intensities and durations are required.

DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals as measured by the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay

DNA damage induced by physical activity and/or exercise has been reported under different conditions but not for individuals maintaining physical fitness by regular strenuous exercise. Therefore, we compared levels of DNA damage in blood leukocytes of 40 healthy individuals (35 males, 5 females) who regularly exercised in gymnasiums/health clubs and 15 healthy sedentary controls who had never exercised. The former group was selected (after informed consent) on the basis of how long they had been exercising on a regular basis as well as their exercise schedule and regimen. The length of time since starting a regular exercise regimen ranged from 2 months to 9 years, whereas the daily exercise duration ranged from 40 min to 3 hrs and warm-up sessions ranged from none to 90 min. The length of DNA migration (44.66 +/- 2.68 microm in males, 29.62 +/- 1.69 microm in females) and the percentage of cells with tails (79.86 +/-1.27% in males, 67.20 +/- 0.96% in females) in peripheral blood leukocytes of physically active individuals were increased significantly (P < 0.001) with respect to corresponding values in control males and females (18.85 +/- 1.79 microm, 23.37 +/- 3.94 microm; 24.50 +/- 1.98%, 33.00 +/- 4.44%, respectively). Highly significant differences for DNA damage were also observed between physically active males and females. These observations, in the absence of any other exposures, indicate a correlation between strenuous exercise to keep fit and increased levels of DNA damage. This finding may have relevance in terms of the ageing process, with diseases associated with aging, and with carcinogenesis.

Longitudinal follow-up of oxidative stress and DNA damage parameters in detergent workers

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was the follow-up of work place enzyme and detergent dust exposure effects and smoking habit on DNA damage parameters of workers and the evaluation of their antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation with regard to bag-filter installation in the work place.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All investigated parameters were studied in a group of 153 workers of enzyme-free detergent production plant (E-free) and a group of 138 workers of enzyme-plus detergent plant (E-plus) and compared with 45 controls 7.2 years before and 3.1 years after filter system installation. The following methods were used: antioxidant enzymes by an ultraviolet-visibles spectrophotometer, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8OH-2'dG) by high-performance liquid chromatography, trace elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and comet assay by single cell gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, significant increases were observed in both detergent-exposed groups with respect to the levels of MDA, antioxidant enzyme activities, and DNA damage parameters, including 8OH-2'dG, endonuclease III-sensitive sites, and DNA strand breaks, with enhancement effect of smoking before filter system installation. After filter installation, besides significant decrease in the detergent and enzyme dust of airborne and oxidative stress indicators, there was improvement in all DNA damage investigated parameters at the end of this study. The levels of cumulative exposure index of detergent dusts decreased significantly after airborne improvement and showed positive correlation with internal biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that high levels of enzyme and detergent contents of work place dusts had a cumulative effect and smoking had a synergistic effect on the imbalance of antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation, suggesting that oxidation stress is important in the occurrence and progression of DNA damage over this study. Detergent and enzyme contents in respirable and total dust had the main role and sufficient potential in their genotoxicity.

Oxidative and antioxidant status in plasma of runners: effect of oral supplementation with natural antioxidants

Aerobic exercise increases free radical production as a consequence of enhanced oxygen consumption. If free radical formation exceeds antioxidant capacity, lipids, proteins, and DNA may be oxidized. Oxidative stress is widely recognized as a factor in many degenerative human diseases. The role of dietary antioxidants in protection against disease is a topic of continuing interest. In fact, there is epidemiological evidence correlating a higher intake of nutrients possessing antioxidant abilities with a lower incidence of various human diseases. This study was directed at investigating whether changes in plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress markers occur in voluntary wheel runners, before and after oral supplementation with lycopene and isoflavones. For this purpose, plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress markers were assessed in long distance runners at the end of a 60-minute run. Comparisons were made between runners before and after 60 days of supplementation with lycopene and isoflavones. DNA damage in blood cells of the same samples was also evaluated by comet assay. This investigation shows that oral supplementation with lycopene and soy-derived isoflavones significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced plasma nonproteic antioxidant defense.