Relationship between physical activity and markers of oxidative stress in independent community-living elderly individuals

The Effect of a Six-Week Nordic Walking Training Cycle on Oxidative Damage of Macromolecules and Iron Metabolism in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Remission-Randomized Clinical Trial

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy originating from clonal plasma cell proliferation within the bone marrow, predominantly affecting older individuals. While anemia serves as a diagnostic criterion for MM, it often ameliorates upon achieving disease remission. Iron metabolism parameters have emerged as potential prognostic indicators in MM. Notably, physical exercise has been established to influence iron metabolism. This study aimed to assess alterations in serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin concentrations, as well as leukocyte gene expression, in MM patients undergoing a six-week cycle of Nordic walking training. Thirty patients divided into an exercise group (NW, n = 15, mean age 63.1 ± 8.4 years) and a control group (CG, n = 15, mean age: 63.5 ± 3.6 years) completed the study protocol. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after three and six weeks of training, and after nine weeks. Serum ferritin, transferrin, and iron concentrations were measured, along with the leukocyte expression of genes. Additionally, serum oxidative damage marker levels were determined. Following the Nordic walking training cycle, a declining trend in serum ferritin concentrations was observed. Intracellular mRNA levels of genes associated with iron metabolism were positively influenced by the training regimen, indicating the potential impact of this physical activity on gene expression and ferritin concentrations. Although positive trends were noted, extended training periods might be requisite for significant changes. To conclude, moderate-intensity exercise induces favorable shifts in the analyzed parameters among MM patients, potentially influencing disease progression. Consequently, Nordic walking training is a safe recommendation for MM patients, though sustained training beyond six weeks could be necessary for notable effects on iron metabolism factors.

Contribution of Physical Activity to the Oxidative and Antioxidant Potential in 60-65-Year-Old Seniors

Both acute exercise and regular physical activity (PA) are directly related to the redox system. However, at present, there are data suggesting both positive and negative relationships between the PA and oxidation. In addition, there is a limited number of publications differentiating the relationships between PA and numerous markers of plasma and platelets targets for the oxidative stress. In this study, in a population of 300 participants from central Poland (covering the age range between 60 and 65 years), PA was assessed as regards energy expenditure (PA-EE) and health-related behaviors (PA-HRB). Total antioxidant potential (TAS), total oxidative stress (TOS) and several other markers of an oxidative stress, monitored in platelet and plasma lipids and proteins, were then determined. The association of PA with oxidative stress was determined taking into the account basic confounders, such as age, sex and the set of the relevant cardiometabolic factors. In simple correlations, platelet lipid peroxides, free thiol and amino groups of platelet proteins, as well as the generation of superoxide anion radical, were inversely related with PA-EE. In multivariate analyses, apart from other cardiometabolic factors, a significant positive impact of PA-HRB was revealed for TOS (inverse relationship), while in the case of PA-EE, the effect was found to be positive (inverse association) for lipid peroxides and superoxide anion but negative (lower concentration) for free thiol and free amino groups in platelets proteins. Therefore, the impact of PA may be different on oxidative stress markers in platelets as compared to plasma proteins and also dissimilar on platelet lipids and proteins. These associations are more visible for platelets than plasma markers. For lipid oxidation, PA seems to have protective effect. In the case of platelets proteins, PA tends to act as pro-oxidative factor.

Skeletal muscle and erythrocyte redox status is associated with dietary cysteine intake and physical fitness in healthy young physically active men

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between redox status in erythrocytes and skeletal muscle with dietary nutrient intake and markers of physical fitness and habitual physical activity (PA).

METHODS

Forty-five young physically active men were assessed for body composition, dietary nutrient intake, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity and habitual PA. Blood and muscle samples were collected to estimate selected redox biomarkers. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each factor with redox biomarkers.

RESULTS

Dietary cysteine intake was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with both erythrocyte (r = 0.697) and muscle GSH (0.654, p < 0.001), erythrocyte reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) (r = 0.530, p = 0.001) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity (r = 0.352, p = 0.030) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte protein carbonyls (PC) levels (r = - 0.325; p = 0.046). Knee extensors eccentric peak torque was positively correlated with GR activity (r = 0.355; p = 0.031) while, one-repetition maximum in back squat exercise was positively correlated with erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratio (r = 0.401; p = 0.014) and inversely correlated with erythrocyte GSSG and PC (r = - 0.441, p = 0.006; r = - 0.413, p = 0.011 respectively). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was positively correlated with step count (r = 0.520; p < 0.001), light (r = 0.406; p = 0.008), moderate (r = 0.417; p = 0.006), moderate-to-vigorous (r = 0.475; p = 0.001), vigorous (r = 0.352; p = 0.022) and very vigorous (r = 0.326; p = 0.035) PA. Muscle GSSG inversely correlated with light PA (r = - 0.353; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that dietary cysteine intake may be a critical element for the regulation of glutathione metabolism and redox status in two different tissues pinpointing the independent significance of cysteine for optimal redox regulation. Musculoskeletal fitness and PA levels may be predictors of skeletal muscle, but not erythrocyte, antioxidant capacity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03711838, date of registration: October 19, 2018.

Activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in healthy women depends on age, BMI, physical activity, and diet

Introduction

Antioxidant enzymes protect the human body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The activity of antioxidant enzymes changes with age and depends on dietary nutrients such as fats and vitamins, which can have a significant impact on minimizing or exacerbating oxidative stress.

Aim

To examine the effect of age, BMI, diet, physical activity, and smoking status on the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione concentrations in healthy women.

Material and methods

This study included 98 healthy women aged between 20 and 65 years. All women underwent anthropometric tests: body weight, height, hip, and waist circumference. Antioxidant activity in erythrocytes was measured by spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Catalase activity increased significantly with age (p < 0.001), while superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione decreased with age (p = 0.008, p = 0.023, respectively). Women with a lower BMI (emaciation) had higher superoxide dismutase activity than those in the first degree of obesity (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

(1) Increased catalase activity with age may signify a large amount of hydrogen peroxide resulting from malfunctioning antioxidant systems in old age. (2) A decline in superoxide dismutase activity with age may indicate inactivation of this enzyme, inappropriate SOD function in the presence of excessive amounts of hydrogen peroxide, and glycation of superoxide dismutase molecules. (3) A negative correlation between superoxide dismutase activity and the BMI index may indicate a decreased enzymatic activity in obese people.

Impact of a short-term low calorie diet alone or with interval exercise on quality of life and oxidized phospholipids in obese females

The objective of this study was to test if a low-calorie diet plus interval exercise (LCD+INT) reduced oxidized and non-oxidized phospholipids in relation to improved weight-related quality of life (QoL) to a greater extent than an energy-deficit matched LCD in obese females. Subjects (age: 47.2 ± 2.6 years, body mass index: 37.5 ± 1.3 kg/m²) were randomized to a 13-day LCD (n = 12; mixed meals of ∼1200 kcal/day) or LCD+INT (n = 13; 12 sessions of 60 min/day alternating 3 min at 50% and 90% peak heart rate plus an additional 350 kcal shake fed after exercise to match energy availability between groups). Weight-related QoL (Laval Questionnaire) as well as oxidized (POVPC, HOOA-PC, HPETE-PC, HETE-PC, PEIPC, KOOA-PC) and non-oxidized (PAPC and lysoPC) phospholipids were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Fitness (VO₂peak), body composition (BodPod), and clinical bloods were also tested. LCD+INT significantly increased VO₂peak (mL/kg/min, P = 0.03) compared to LCD despite similar fat loss, blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory responses. LCD+INT had significantly greater increases in QoL sexual life domain (P = 0.05) and tended to have a greater increase in the emotions domain (P = 0.09) and total score (P = 0.10) compared to LCD. There were no significant differences between treatments for changes in phospholipids despite LCD+INT increasing measured oxidized and non-oxidized phospholipids while LCD decreased POVPC, HOOA-PC, and PEIPC as well as non-oxidized PAPC and lysoPC. Interestingly, the rise in PEIPC correlated with elevated VO₂peak (mL/kg/min r = 0.42, P = 0.05). Decreased caloric intake was, however, linked to a decrease in PAPC (r = 0.53, P = 0.01), lysoPC (r = 0.52, P = 0.02), POVPC (r = 0.43, P = 0.05), and HPETE-PC (r = 0.43, P = 0.05). The decrease in HETE-PC also correlated with increases in the QoL domains symptoms (r = -0.46, P = 0.04), hygiene/clothing (r = -0.53, P = 0.01), emotions (r = -0.53, P = 0.01), social interactions (r = -0.49, P = 0.02), and total score (r = -0.52, P = 0.02). In conclusion, although LCD and LCD+INT improved weight related QoL over 13 days in females with obesity, LCD+INT tended to improve sexual life, emotions as well as total QoL score more than LCD. These data suggest caloric restriction and fitness may act through different mechanisms to support QoL.

The Association Between Physical Activity and Insulin Level Under Different Levels of Lipid Indices and Serum Uric Acid

Objectives

Insulin resistance (IR) has been shown to play important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is an intricate interplay between IR, dyslipidemia, and serum uric acid (SUA) in people with and without diabetes. Physical activity has a positive impact on insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant populations. However, the effect of different intensities of physical activity on insulin levels under different lipid indices and SUA levels is unclear.

Methods

To explore the association between physical activity and insulin, we enrolled 12,982 participants aged above 18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2009 and 2018. Next, we conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses, generated fitted smoothing curves, and visualized the data using generalized additive models.

Results

Increased intensities of physical activity can significantly reduce insulin levels. The association between physical activity and insulin persisted even after adjusting for confounding factors, with β value (95% CI) = −17.10 (−21.64, −12.56) in moderate group, β value (95% CI) = −28.60 (−33.08, −24.11) in high group, respectively. High-intensity physical activity significantly lowered insulin levels in the lower and higher SUA tertiles, and three tertiles of LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG. Moreover, the link between physical activity and insulin was stronger in male individuals.

Conclusion

This study shows that physical activity can significantly lower insulin levels, and high-intensity physical activity still has additional potential benefits for insulin levels, even in the condition of dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia.

Circulating extracellular vesicles delivering beneficial cargo as key players in exercise effects

Exercise has been recognized as an effective preventive and therapeutic approach for numerous diseases. This review addresses the potential role of circulating extracellular vesicles (EV) cargo that is modulated by physical activity. EV transport and deliver beneficial molecules to adjacent and distant tissues as a whole-body phenomenon, resulting in a healthier global status. Several candidate EV molecules, especially miRNAs, are summarized here as mediators of the beneficial effects of exercise, using different modalities, frequencies, volumes, and intensities. The following are among the candidate miRNAs: miR-21, miR-146, miR-486, miR-148a-3p, miR-223-3p, miR-142-3p, and miR-191a-5p. We highlight the relationship between EV cargo modifications, their targets and pathway interactions, in clinical outcomes, for example, on cardiovascular or immune diseases. This review brings an innovative perspective providing evidence for an intricate biological basis of the relationship between EV cargo and exercise-induced benefits on several diseases. Moreover, specific changes on circulating EV content might potentially be used as biomarkers of exercise efficacy.

Physical activity counteracted associations of exposure to mixture of air pollutants with mitochondrial DNA copy number among rural Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

Exposure to single air pollutant and physical activity (PA) were associated with an altered mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). However, studies on the interactive effects of single or a mixture of air pollutants and PA on mtDNA-CN were limited.

METHODS

A total of 2707 Chinese adults were obtained from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Spatiotemporal models were used to estimate particulate matter (PMs) (PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1.0 μm (PM₁), ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) or ≤ 10 μm (PM₁₀)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations. Relative mtDNA-CN was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Linear regression and quantile g-computation models were applied to examine associations of single or mixture of air pollutants with relative mtDNA-CN. The interactive effects of single or mixture of air pollutants and PA on relative mtDNA-CN were visualized by using Interaction plots.

RESULTS

Each 1 μg/m³ increment in PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ or NO₂ was associated with a 5.11% (95% confidence interval: 3.71%, 6.53%), 6.77% (4.81%, 8.76%), 3.05% (2.22%, 3.87%) or 4.99% (3.45%, 6.55%) increase in relative mtDNA-CN. Each one-quartile increment in mixture of the four air pollutants was related to a 0.053 (0.032, 0.075) increase in relative mtDNA-CN. Negative interaction effects of single or mixture of air pollutants and PA on relative mtDNA-CN were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive associations of single or mixture of air pollutants with relative mtDNA-CN were counteracted by PA at certain levels, implying that PA may be a costless and effective approach to decrease negative effects of air pollution on mtDNA-CN.

Biohumoral Indicators Influenced by Physical Activity in the Elderly

In the scientific landscape, there is a growing interest in defining the role of several biomolecules and humoral indicators of the aging process and in the modifications of these biomarkers induced by physical activity and exercise. The main aim of the present narrative review is to collect the available evidence on the biohumoral indicators that could be modified by physical activity (PA) in the elderly. Online databases including Pubmed, Web of science (Medline), and Scopus were searched for relevant articles published in the last five years in English. Keywords and combination of these used for the search were the following: “biological”, “indicators”, “markers”, “physical”, “activity”, and “elderly”. Thirty-four papers were analyzed for inclusion. Twenty-nine studies were included and divided into four categories: cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers, metabolic biomarkers, inflammatory markers-oxidative stress molecules, and other markers. There are many distinct biomarkers influenced by PA in the elderly, with promising results concerning the metabolic and CV indexes, as a growing number of studies demonstrate the role of PA on improving parameters related to heart function and CV risk like atherogenic lipid profile. Furthermore, it is also a verified hypothesis that PA is able to modify the inflammatory status of the subject by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). PA seems also to be able to have a direct effect on the immune system. There is a strong evidence of a positive effect of PA on the health of elderly people that could be evidenced and “quantified” by the modifications of the levels of several biohumoral indicators.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, Key Targets of Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression and Vulnerability: Potential Impact of Physical Activity

Atherosclerosis, a complex cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are both involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque as they increase the biological processes associated with this pathology, such as endothelial dysfunction and macrophage recruitment and adhesion. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to major ischemic events is the result of vulnerable plaque progression, which is a result of the detrimental effect of oxidative stress and inflammation on risk factors for atherosclerotic plaque rupture, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, neovascularization, and fibrous cap thickness. Thus, both are key targets for primary and secondary interventions. It is well recognized that chronic physical activity attenuates oxidative stress in healthy subjects via the improvement of antioxidant enzyme capacities and inflammation via the enhancement of anti-inflammatory molecules. Moreover, it was recently shown that chronic physical activity could decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerotic patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in atherosclerosis and the results of therapeutic interventions targeting them in both preclinical and clinical studies. The effects of chronic physical activity on these two key processes are then reviewed in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in both coronary and carotid arteries.

Obesity parameters, physical activity, and physical fitness are correlated with serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in a healthy population

Objective

To determine whether obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity parameters are associated with the enzymatic activity of serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV (sDPPIV) in a sample of healthy women and men.

Design and methods

We have correlated parameters of obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity with sDPPIV activity in 374 healthy subjects (age: 60.7 ± 6.9 years, body mass index: 26.1 ± 4.1 kg/m²). Enzymatic activity was analyzed using spectrofluorimetry, body composition was assessed by impedanciometry, physical fitness data were obtained using the Senior Fitness Test, and physical activity data were collected by accelerometer. Pearson's partial correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between DPPIV activity and the rest of parameters and significantly correlated variables were introduced into linear regression models to predict DPPIV.

Results

Serum DPPIV activity was negatively associated with obesity parameters such as body mass (r = -0.112), body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.147), waist circumference (r = -0.164), waist-to-hip ratio (-0.104), and percentage of fat mass (r = -0.185). Serum DPPIV activity was positively associated with cardiovascular fitness (r = 0.138), total amount of physical activity (r = 0.153), and time spent doing light exercise (r = 0.184). Regression models revealed sex differences in enzyme activity with overall activity higher in women than in men (β = 0.437, p < 0.001). Further, percent fat mass was an independent negative predictor of DPPIV activity (β = -0.184, p = 0.001). Serum DPPIV activity was positively predicted based on the amount of time spent doing light physical activity (β = 0.167, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that sDPPIV activity is positively associated with healthier parameters regarding fatness, fitness and physical activity.

Circulating extracellular vesicles in the aging process: impact of aerobic exercise

Our aim was to investigate transitory and delayed exercise effects on serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in aging process. Male Wistar rats of 3-, 21-, and 26-month old were allocated into exercised and sedentary groups. The exercise protocol consisted in a daily moderate treadmill exercise (20 min daily during 2 weeks). Trunk blood was collected 1 and 18 h after the last exercise session, and circulating EVs were obtained. CD63 levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were used as markers of exosome, a subtype of EVs. In addition, the quantification of amyloid-β (Aβ) levels and the oxidative status parameters, specifically reactive species content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and SOD1 content were evaluated. Aged rats showed reduced CD63 levels and increased AChE activity in circulating exosomes compared to young ones. Moreover, higher reactive species levels were found in circulating EVs of aged rats. Delayed exercise effects were observed on peripheral EVs, since CD63, reactive species content, and AChE activity were altered 18 h after the last exercise session. Our results suggest that the healthy aging process can modify circulating EVs profile, and exercise-induced beneficial effects may be related to its modulation on EVs.

Effects of antioxidant system on coronary artery lesions in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) system on the range and severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.

METHODS

This study included 766 patients with abnormal glucose metabolism. Levels of fasting blood lipids, blood glucose, CAT, SOD, GSH, glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in all the patients. Coronarography was performed, and the degree of the lesions in each coronary artery was quantitatively analyzed using the Gensini scoring system.

RESULTS

In patients with impaired glucose regulation and diabetes, the number of coronary artery branches with stenosis and the Gensini scores were inversely correlated with the plasma levels of CAT, SOD, GSH, GH, and GSH-Px (P < 0.001). Patients were grouped according to the Gensini scores. As the scores increased, the levels of CAT, SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, and GR gradually decreased. Logistic gradual regression analysis showed that GSH-Px and CAT were independent risk factors associated with the coronary artery lesions in three or more branches.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased plasma levels of CAT, SOD, GSH, GR, and GSH-Px were inversely correlated, at least to some extent, with the extent of coronary artery lesions. Particularly, GSH-Px and CAT were independent risk factors associated with coronary artery lesions involving three or more branches. This suggests that long-term hyperglycemia leads to enhancement of oxidative stress.

Effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise program in the attenuation of frailty in long-term nursing home residents: study protocol for a randomized clinical controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence suggesting that cognition and physical frailty interact within a cycle of decline associated with aging which has been called cognitive frailty. Exercise programs have demonstrated to be an effective tool to prevent functional and cognitive decline during aging, but little is known about their potential to restore or maintain functionality in individuals that require long-term nursing care. Besides, WHO has recently highlighted the importance of introducing systematic musculoskeletal health programs for older people living in residential care, as they represent a particularly vulnerable group for the development of noncommunicable diseases.

METHODS

This is a multicentre randomized controlled trial. 114 participants will be randomly allocated to a usual care group or to an intervention group. Inclusion criteria are as follows: ≥ 70 years, ≥ 50 on the Barthel Index, ≥ 20 on MEC-35 who are capable to stand up and walk independently for 10 m. Subjects in the intervention group will add to the activities scheduled for the control group the participation in a 6 months long multicomponent exercise program designed to improve strength, balance and walking retraining. Study assessments will be conducted at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome is change in function assessed by Short Physical Performance Battery and secondary outcomes include other measurements to assess all together the condition of frailty, which includes functionality, sedentary behaviors, cognitive and emotional status and biological markers. The present study has been approved by the Committee on Ethics in Research of the University of the Basque Country (Humans Committee Code M10/2016/105; Biological Samples Committee Code M30/2016/106).

DISCUSSION

Results from this research will show if ageing related functional and cognitive deterioration can be effectively prevented by physical exercise in institutionalized elders. It is expected that the results of this research will guide clinical practice in nursing home settings, so that clinicians and policymakers can provide more evidence-based practice for the management of institutionalized elder people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol has been registered under the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with the identifier: ACTRN12616001044415 .

Effects of exercise on markers of oxidative stress: an Ancillary analysis of the Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress may contribute to cancer aetiology through several mechanisms involving damage to DNA, proteins and lipids leading to genetic mutations and genomic instability. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant enzymes in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The Alberta Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (ALPHA) was a two-centre, two-armed randomised trial of 320 inactive, healthy, postmenopausal women aged 50-74 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a year-long exercise intervention (225 min/week) or a control group while being asked to maintain a normal diet. Fasting blood samples were obtained and plasma concentrations of two oxidative damage markers (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-Iso-PGF2α)) and two antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses were performed using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline biomarker concentrations. A further exercise adherence analysis, based on mean minutes of exercise per week, was also performed.

RESULTS

In the ITT and per-protocol analyses, the exercise intervention did not have any statistically significant effect on either oxidative damage biomarkers or antioxidant enzyme activity.

CONCLUSIONS

A year-long aerobic exercise intervention did not have a significant impact on oxidative stress in healthy, postmenopausal women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00522262.

Gly482Ser PGC-1α Gene Polymorphism and Exercise-Related Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients

The role of exercise in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis is controversial and unclear. Exercise induces a pleiotropic adaptive response in skeletal muscle, largely through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a transcriptional coactivator that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms. It has been suggested that a Gly482Ser substitution in PGC-1α has functional relevance in human disorders and in athletic performance. To test this hypothesis, we examined the genotype distribution of PGC-1α Gly482Ser (1444 G > A) in ALS patients to evaluate whether or not the minor serine-encoding allele 482Ser is involved in oxidative stress responses during physical exercise. We genotyped 197 sporadic ALS patients and 197 healthy controls in order to detect differences in allelic frequencies and genotype distribution between the two groups. A total of 74 ALS patients and 65 controls were then comparatively assessed for plasmatic levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers, advanced oxidation protein products, ferric reducing ability and thiol groups. In addition a subgroup of 35 ALS patients were also assessed for total SOD and catalase plasmatic activity. Finally in 28 ALS patients we evaluated the plasmatic curve of the oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate during an incremental exercise test. No significant differences were observed in the genotype distribution and allelic frequency in ALS patients compared to the controls. We found significant increased advanced oxidation protein products (p < 0.001) and significant decreased ferric reducing ability (p < 0.001) and thiol groups (p < 0.001) in ALS patients compared to controls. When comparing different genotypes of PGC-1α, no relation between Gly482Ser polymorphism and oxidative stress biomarker levels was detected in resting conditions. On the other hand, when considering exercise performance, lactate levels were significantly higher (between p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and greater protein oxidative products were found in AA (Ser482Ser) compared to GG (Gly482Gly) and GA (Gly482Ser) ALS patients. Our findings highlight the importance and confirm the involvement of oxidative stress in ALS pathogenesis. Although not associated with 1444 G > A SNP, ALS patients with Gly482Ser allelic variant show increased exercise-related oxidative stress. This thus highlights the possible role of this antioxidant defense transcriptional coactivator in ALS.