Blood Lipid Peroxides and Muscle Damage Increased following Intensive Resistance Training of Female Weightlifters

Comparative study of radioprotective effects of endurance training in irradiation-induced nephropathy of rat model

OBJECTIVES

Considering the antioxidant properties of endurance training, this study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training on serum levels of oxidative stress and structural changes in the kidney tissue of rats exposed to X-ray irradiation.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 24 rats weighing 220±20 g were randomly divided into four groups (healthy control, healthy with moderate-intensity continuous training, X-ray control, and X-ray with moderate-intensity continuous training). The two groups of rats were irradiated with 4 Gy X-rays. The two training groups also performed moderate-intensity continuous training for 10 weeks. Twenty-four hour after the last training session, the blood serum of rats was collected and kidney tissue was isolated for stereological studies.

RESULTS

In this study, X-ray irradiation of the whole body of rats caused a significant increase in kidney volume, cortex volume, interstitial tissue volume, glomerular volume, and serum level of MDA (p≤0.05), but the medulla volume, volume of proximal tubules (total volume, volume of epithelium, and lumen), volume of distal tubules (total volume, volume of epithelium, and lumen), and the length of the proximal and distal tubules had no effect. In addition, TAC and SOD levels were significantly decreased in the radiation control group. Furthermore, performing endurance training in X-ray-irradiated rats significantly reduced kidney volume, cortex volume, glomerular volume, and serum MDA level (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-intensity continuous training can improve the rate of destruction of kidney tissue in rats exposed to X-rays by reducing oxidative stress and subsequently increasing antioxidant capacity.

Seasonal Oxy-Inflammation and Hydration Status in Non-Elite Freeskiing Racer: A Pilot Study by Non-Invasive Analytic Method

Freeskiing is performed in an extreme environment, with significant physical effort that can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and dehydration. This study aimed to investigate the evolution of the oxy-inflammation and hydration status during a freeskiing training season with non-invasive methods. Eight trained freeskiers were investigated during a season training: T0 (beginning), T1-T3 (training sessions), and T4 (after the end). Urine and saliva were collected at T0, before (A) and after (B) T1-T3, and at T4. ROS, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO) derivatives, neopterin, and electrolyte balance changes were investigated. We found significant increases in ROS generation (T1A-B +71%; T2A-B +65%; T3A-B +49%; p < 0.05-0.01) and IL-6 (T2A-B +112%; T3A-B +133%; p < 0.01). We did not observe significant variation of TAC and NOx after training sessions. Furthermore, ROS and IL-6 showed statistically significant differences between T0 and T4 (ROS +48%, IL-6 +86%; p < 0.05). Freeskiing induced an increase in ROS production, which can be contained by antioxidant defense activation, and in IL-6, as a consequence of physical activity and skeletal muscular contraction. We did not find deep changes in electrolytes balance, likely because all freeskiers were well-trained and very experienced.

The Association between the ALDH2 rs671 Polymorphism and Athletic Performance in Japanese Power and Strength Athletes

The rs671 polymorphism is associated with the enzymatic activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is weakened by the A allele in East Asians. We recently reported the association of this polymorphism with the athletic status in athletic cohorts and the muscle strength of non-athletic cohorts. Therefore, we hypothesized the association of ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism with the performance in power/strength athletes. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and performance in power/strength athletes. Participants comprising 253 power/strength athletes (167 men and 86 women) and 721 healthy controls (303 men and 418 women) were investigated. The power/strength athletes were divided into classic powerlifting (n = 84) and weightlifting (n = 169). No differences in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and an association between performance and the ALDH2 rs671 genotype were observed in weightlifters. However, the relative values per body weight of the total record were lower in powerlifters with the GA + AA genotype than those with the GG genotype (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.0; p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.08). Our results collectively indicate a role of the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism in strength performance in powerlifters.

Intracellular Oxidative Stress Induced by Physical Exercise in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A physical exercise program is one of the commonly used methods for improving an individual’s antioxidative capacity. However, an inappropriate physical exercise program would induce extra oxidative stress (OS), and the relationship between the details of a physical exercise protocol and the severity of intracellular OS is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted by searching PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science with the eligibility criteria: (1) participants over 18 years old; (2) physical exercise interventions; (3) 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, F2-isoprostanes, and protein carbonyls (PCs) as outcome measures; (4) published in English and peer-reviewed. 12 studies were included, and the data of 8 in them were pooled together. The agreement between authors reached a kappa value of 0.73. The results of the meta-analysis showed that: (1) the level of OS did not depend on the absolute intensity of physical exercise but on both the intensity and the volume of exercise; (2) high-intensity aerobic exercise (HIAE) and a combined protocol of HIAE and resistance training had the highest potential to induce large OS in unhealthy people; (3) the OS induced by moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise was significantly larger than that induced by ordinary life activities in healthy adults; (4) high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise had the lowest and sub-lowest probabilities to induce high intracellular OS for unhealthy adults. activities induce OS in various tissues in the human body, and the severity of OS depends on many factors of physical exercises as well as the health condition of an individual. A high-intensity and high-volume physical exercise program has the largest possibility of inducing severe OS, while a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program and a high-intensity interval training program with a relatively low volume might be beneficial to the redox balance for unhealthy individuals. In conclusion, continuous aerobic exercise under moderate-intensity or high-intensity interval training could be recommended to enhance the body’s capacity for maintaining redox balance, especially for unhealthy individuals. The PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42022349687.

Effect of Physical Exercise Under Different Intensity and Antioxidative Supplementation for Plasma Superoxide Dismutase in Healthy Adults: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background

The dynamic balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation in the body’s internal environment has a significant meaning for human health. Physical exercise and antioxidative supplementation could affect the balance of oxidation and anti-oxidation systems. The evidence on the effects of physical exercise and antioxidative supplementation is mixed.

Aims

To identify the effects of physical exercise, antioxidative supplementation, and their combination on the dynamic balance between oxidation and anti-oxidation in different subgroups of healthy adults.

Methods

All studies which reported randomized controlled trials with healthy participants were screened and included from the databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Ovid. All participants were reclassified according to their different daily life activities. All physical exercise interventions were reclassified according to the intensity. The effect size would be calculated in percent or factor units from the mean level change with its associated random-effect variance.

Result

There were 27 studies included in this review. The agreement between authors by using The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool reached a kappa-value of 0.72. Maintaining a regular physical exercise routine in an appropriate intensity would be beneficial to the body’s anti-oxidative potential. Anti-oxidative supplementation could have some positive but limited effects on the body’s anti-oxidative status and complex interaction with physical exercise.

Conclusion

Keeping a regular physical exercise routine and gradually increasing its intensity according to the individual’s daily life activity might be a better choice to maintain and enhancing the body’s antioxidation potential, only using anti-oxidative supplementation is not recommended. More research is needed to explore the best combination protocol.

Registration Number

CRD42021241995.

Investigating the relationship between job stress, workload and oxidative stress in nurses

Objectives. Occupational stress and workload are common risk factors among nurses that increase absenteeism, reduce the quality and quantity of patient care, increase care costs and increase the patient safety risk. The relation between these risk factors and oxidative stress levels has not been clearly defined. Methods. This study was conducted with 258 participants (126 nurses as the case group and 132 healthy adults as the control group). Information was collected using a demographic questionnaire, the nurses' occupational stress scale and the NASA task load index workload questionnaire. Blood samples were taken from the participants and then the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples. Independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results. SOD and TAC were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower among the case group compared to the control group. TAC levels significantly decreased with increased stress. MDA levels showed negative associations with stress and workload. Nurses experience high levels of occupational stress and workload. Conclusion. Biomarkers such as SOD, TAC and MDA are the most important predictors of work stress and overwork in this study.

The effect of high intensity functional training on the oxidative status, muscle damage and performance of basketball players

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 10 weeks of two different in-season training programs on the oxidative status and muscle damage and performance of professional basketball players. We hypothesized that high intensity functional training (HIFT) induces more redox sensitive adaptations than common strength and conditioning training (CSCT).

METHODS

Twenty professional basketball players of Iran national women's basketball league (age 21.95±2.45, years of experience 7.15±1.7), were divided into two equal training groups; HIFT and CSCT (in average of 80-150 and 180-240 minutes per week respectively). Blood samples and performance tests including VO<inf>2max</inf>, basketball simulated performance (BEST), anaerobic power, agility and vertical jump were taken before and after training. Oxidative status and tissue damage were assessed through xanthine oxidase, total antioxidant capacity, pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and creatine kinase. Data were analyzed through repeated measure mixed ANOVA.

RESULTS

BEST, average power and Fatigue Index significantly improved in HIFT group (α<0.05). VO<inf>2max</inf> and agility t-test improved significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups. Lateral agility and vertical jump did not change significantly in neither of the groups. No significant group × time interaction was observed in the biochemical factors. XO increased, TAC and CK decreased significantly in both groups (α<0.05), with no significant change in PAB in neither of the groups after training.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study showed no oxidative stress and tissue damage in none of the training groups, recommending the implication of more time-efficient HIFT method into the in-season training of team sports.

Effects of the 5-m Shuttle Run Test on Markers of Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Fatigue in Healthy Male Athletes

Physical exercise is often associated with increases in muscle damage markers and inflammation. However, biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation responses to the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) have not yet been evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of the 5mSRT on muscle damage markers, inflammation, and perception of fatigue and recovery in healthy male athletes. Fifteen male amateur team sports players (age: 20 ± 3 yrs, height: 173 ± 7 cm, body-mass: 67 ± 7 kg) participated in this study. Blood biomarkers were collected at rest, 5 min after, and 72 h after the 5mSRT to measure muscle damage (i.e., creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)) and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP)). Best distance (BD), total distance (TD), fatigue index (FI), and percentage decrement (PD) during the 5mSRT were assessed. Perceived recovery (PRS) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were recorded before, 5 min after, and 72 h after the 5mSRT; perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded before, during, and 72 h after the 5mSRT. Muscle damage biomarkers post 5mSRT showed a significant increase compared to pre 5mSRT (p < 0.001) levels ((i.e., CK (190.6 ± 109.1 IU/L vs. 234.6 ± 113.7 IU/L), LDH (163.6 ± 35.1 IU/L vs. 209.9 ± 50.8 IU/L), ASAT (18.0 ± 4.4 IU/L vs. 21.7 ± 6.2 IU/L), and ALAT (10.2 ± 3.4 IU/L vs. 12.7 ± 3.8 IU/L)) and 72 h post 5mSRT (p < 0.001) levels ((CK (125.3 ± 80.5 IU/L vs. 234.6 ± 113.7 IU/L), LDH (143.9 ± 36.6 IU/L vs. 209.9 ± 50.8 IU/L), ASAT (15.0 ± 4.7 IU/L vs. 21.7 ± 6.2 IU/L), and ALAT (8.6 ± 2.4 IU/L vs. 12.7 ± 3.8 IU/L)). CRP was also significantly higher post 5mSRT compared to pre 5mSRT (2.1 ± 2.5 mg/L vs. 2.8 ± 3.3 mg/L, p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (1.4 ± 2.3 mg/L vs. 2.8 ± 3.3 mg/L, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were reported between (i) physical performance parameters (i.e., PD, FI, TD, and BD), and (ii) markers of muscle damage (i.e., CK, LDH, ASAT, and ALAT) and inflammation (i.e., CRP). Similarly, DOMS and RPE scores were significantly higher post 5mSRT compared to pre 5mSRT (2.4 ± 1.0UA vs. 6.7 ± 1.1UA and 2.1 ± 0.6 UA vs. 8.1 ± 0.6 UA, respectively p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (1.9 ± 0.7 UA vs. 6.7 ± 1.1 UA and 1.5 ± 0.6 UA vs. 8.1 ± 0.6 UA, respectively p < 0.001). PRS scores were significantly lower post 5mSRT as compared to pre 5mSRT (6 ± 1 UA vs. 3 ± 1 UA, p < 0.001) and 72 h post 5mSRT (7 ± 1 UA vs. 3 ± 1 UA, p < 0.001). Significant correlations existed between (i) performance parameters (PD, FI, TD, and BD) and (ii) RPE, PRS, and DOMS. The 5mSRT increased biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation, as well as the DOMS and RPE and reduced the PRS. Seventy-two hours was sufficient for fatigue recovery induced by the 5mSRT. PD is better than FI for the calculation of performance decrements during the 5mSRT to represent fatigue.

Inhibition of Osteocyte Membrane Repair Activity via Dietary Vitamin E Deprivation Impairs Osteocyte Survival

Osteocytes experience plasma membrane disruptions (PMD) that initiate mechanotransduction both in vitro and in vivo in response to mechanical loading, suggesting that osteocytes use PMD to sense and adapt to mechanical stimuli. PMD repair is crucial for cell survival; antioxidants (e.g., alpha-tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E) promote repair while reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can accumulate during exercise, inhibit repair. The goal of this study was to determine whether depleting Vitamin E in the diet would impact osteocyte survival and bone adaptation with loading. Male CD-1 mice (3 weeks old) were fed either a regular diet (RD) or Vitamin E-deficient diet (VEDD) for up to 11 weeks. Mice from each dietary group either served as sedentary controls with normal cage activity, or were subjected to treadmill exercise (one bout of exercise or daily exercise for 5 weeks). VEDD-fed mice showed more PMD-affected osteocytes (+ 50%) after a single exercise bout suggesting impaired PMD repair following Vitamin E deprivation. After 5 weeks of daily exercise, VEDD mice failed to show an exercise-induced increase in osteocyte PMD formation, and showed signs of increased osteocytic oxidative stress and impaired osteocyte survival. Surprisingly, exercise-induced increases in cortical bone formation rate were only significant for VEDD-fed mice. This result may be consistent with previous studies in skeletal muscle, where myocyte PMD repair failure (e.g., with muscular dystrophy) initially triggers hypertrophy but later leads to widespread degeneration. In vitro, mechanically wounded MLO-Y4 cells displayed increased post-wounding necrosis (+ 40-fold) in the presence of H2O2, which could be prevented by Vitamin E pre-treatment. Taken together, our data support the idea that antioxidant-influenced osteocyte membrane repair is a vital aspect of bone mechanosensation in the osteocytic control of PMD-driven bone adaptation.

High-Intensity Exercise Induced Oxidative Stress and Skeletal Muscle Damage in Postpubertal Boys and Girls: A Comparative Study

Pal, S, Chaki, B, Chattopadhyay, S, and Bandyopadhyay, A. High-intensity exercise induced oxidative stress and skeletal muscle damage in post-pubertal boys and girls: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1045-1052, 2018-The purpose of this study was to examine the sex variation in high-intensity exercise induced oxidative stress and muscle damage among 44 sedentary postpubertal boys and girls through estimation of postexercise release pattern of muscle damage markers like creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and oxidative stress markers like extent of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and catalase activity. Muscle damage markers like creatine kinase, LDH, ALT, and AST were measured before, immediately after, and 24 and 48 hours after high-intensity incremental treadmill running. Oxidative stress markers like thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and catalase activity were estimated before and immediately after the exercise. Lipid peroxidation and serum catalase activity increased significantly in both groups after exercise (p < 0.001) with postexercise values and percentage increase significantly higher in postpubertal boys as compared to girls (p < 0.001). Creatine kinase and LDH activity also increased significantly above pre-exercise level at 24 and 48 hours after exercise in both the sexes, (p < 0.001) with values significantly higher for boys than the girls (p < 0.001). Although ALT and AST increased significantly in both the groups after exercise, the pattern of postexercise release of these markers were found to be similar in both the groups. Accordingly, it has been concluded from the present investigation that high-intensity exercise induces significant oxidative stress and increases indices of skeletal muscle damage in both postpubertal girls and boys. However, postpubertal girls are relatively better protected from oxidative stress and muscle damage as compared to the boys of similar age and physical activity level. It is further evident that sex difference may not be apparent for all the biomarkers of muscle damage in this age group.

Effects of long-term high-load exercise on the anatomy of the hip joints: a preliminary report

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different sports on hip joint anatomic parameters in athletes. This was a cross-sectional study of eight male trampolinists, eight male weightlifters, and eight male volunteers enrolled in July 2014. Hip joint anatomic parameters were measured from plain radiographs taken at the level of the lesser trochanter center. Data were compared between groups using the χ-test or one-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post-hoc test. There were no significant differences among groups in age, height, or weight. Compared with the controls, trampolinists showed higher pelvic width, femoral neck length, metaphyseal width (T0), width 20 mm above T0 (T+20), width 20 mm below T0 (T-20) and center edge (CE) angle, and lower head-trochanter ratio, joint space, neck-shaft angle, and articular cartilage angle (P<0.05). Compared with the controls, weightlifters showed lower pelvic femoral index, joint space, length of femoral neck, eccentricity, neck-shaft, and AC angle, and higher pelvic width, femoral head radius, and CE angle (P<0.05). Compared with trampolinists, weightlifters showed higher head-trochanter ratio and femoral head radius, and lower pelvic femoral index, femoral neck length, eccentricity, T0, T+20, T-20, neck-shaft angle, CE angle, and articular cartilage angle (P<0.05). Long-term high-intensity training causes adaptive changes in the hip joint structure that differ between trampolinists and weightlifters.

The Potential Health Benefits of Noni Juice: A Review of Human Intervention Studies

Noni juice is a globally popular health beverage originating in the tropics. Traditional Tahitian healers believe the noni plant to be useful for a wide range of maladies, and noni juice consumers throughout the world have similar perceptions. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are necessary for a precise understanding of what the health benefits of noni juice are. A review of published human intervention studies suggests that noni juice may provide protection against tobacco smoke-induced DNA damage, blood lipid and homocysteine elevation as well as systemic inflammation. Human intervention studies also indicate that noni juice may improve joint health, increase physical endurance, increase immune activity, inhibit glycation of proteins, aid weight management, help maintain bone health in women, help maintain normal blood pressure, and improve gum health. Further, these studies point to notable antioxidant activity in noni juice, more so than other fruit juices which served as trial placebos. It is this antioxidant effect and its interaction with the immune system and inflammation pathways that may account for many of the observed health benefits of noni juice. However, the existing evidence does have some limitations as far as its general application to noni juice products; all the peer-reviewed human interventions studies to date have involved only one source of French Polynesian noni juice. Geographical factors and variations in processing methods are known to produce commercial noni juice products with divergent phytochemical and nutrient compositions. Therefore, other sources of noni products may have different toxicological and pharmacological profiles.

Vitamin C and E supplementation does not affect heat shock proteins or endogenous antioxidants in trained skeletal muscles during 12 weeks of strength training

Background

Supplementation with large doses of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, has been shown to blunt some adaptations to endurance training. The effects of antioxidant supplementation on adaptations to strength training is sparsely studied. Herein we investigated the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on acute stress responses to exercise and adaptation to traditional heavy load strength training.

Methods

In a double blind placebo-controlled design, twenty-eight, young, trained males and females were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C and E (C: 1000 mg, E: 235 mg, per day) or placebo supplements, and underwent strength training for 10 weeks. After five weeks, a subgroup conducted a strength training session to investigate acute stress responses. Muscle samples were obtained to investigate changes in stress responses and in proteins and mRNA related to the heat shock proteins (HSPs) or antioxidant enzymes.

Results

The acute responses to the exercise session revealed activation of the NFκB pathway indicated by degradation of IκBα in both groups. Vitamin C and E supplementation had, however, no effects on the acute stress responses. Furthermore, ten weeks of strength training did not change muscle αB-crystallin, HSP27, HSP70, GPx1 or mnSOD levels, with no influence of supplementation.

Conclusions

Our results showed that although vitamin C and E supplementation has been shown to interfere with training adaptations, it did not affect acute stress responses or long-term training adaptations in the HSPs or antioxidant enzymes in this study.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40795-017-0185-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Pomegranate Juice Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Following Weightlifting Exercise

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that pomegranate juice supplementation would blunt acute and delayed oxidative stress responses after a weightlifting training session. Nine elite weightlifters (21.0 ± 1 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting sessions after ingesting either the placebo or pomegranate juice supplements. Venous blood samples were collected at rest and 3 min and 48 h after each session. Compared to the placebo condition, pomegranate juice supplementation attenuated the increase in malondialdehyde (−12.5%; p < 0.01) and enhanced the enzymatic (+8.6% for catalase and +6.8% for glutathione peroxidase; p < 0.05) and non-enzymatic (+12.6% for uric acid and +5.7% for total bilirubin; p < 0.01) antioxidant responses shortly (3 min) after completion of the training session. Additionally, during the 48 h recovery period, pomegranate juice supplementation accelerated (p < 0.05) the recovery kinetics of the malondialdehyde (5.6%) and the enzymatic antioxidant defenses compared to the placebo condition (9 to 10%). In conclusion, supplementation with pomegranate juice has the potential to attenuate oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant responses assessed acutely and up to 48 h following an intensive weightlifting training session. Therefore, elite weightlifters might benefit from blunted oxidative stress responses following intensive weightlifting sessions, which could have implications for recovery between training sessions.

Pomegranate Supplementation Accelerates Recovery of Muscle Damage and Soreness and Inflammatory Markers after a Weightlifting Training Session

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural Pomegranate juice supplementation on performance and acute and delayed responses of muscle soreness and biomarkers of muscle damage after a weightlifting training session.

Methods

Nine elite weightlifters (21±0.5 years) performed two Olympic-Weightlifting-sessions after either placebo (PLA) or natural pomegranate juice (POMj) supplementations. Heart rate, blood pressure and blood samples (hematological parameters, muscle damage and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were collected at rest, 3min and 48h after each session. Weightlifting performance, RPE, and DOMS were also assessed after each training session.

Results

T-test showed higher performance (+8.30%) and lower RPE values (-4.37%) using POMj supplementation (p<0.05) in comparison with PLA. For the DOMS values, a significant improvement (13.4%) was shown only for the knee extensors (p<0.01) using the POMj. Compared to PLA condition, POMj attenuated the acute (i.e., 3min) increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP), HR, CK and LDH (p<0.05; -4.46%, -1.81%, -8.75%, -1.64%, respectively) and blunted the significant increase of ASAT, PAL and CRP (p>0.05). Additionally, during the 48h following the training session, POMj improved the recovery kinetic of SBP (p<0.01, 7.97%), CK (p<0.001, 11.34%), LDH (p<0.05, 7.30%) and ASAT (p<0.05, 6.77%). Indeed, the present study showed that 48h of recovery associated to natural POMj supplementation was sufficient to reach the resting values of the selected muscle damage markers after intensive training session.

Conclusion

Natural POMj seems to ameliorate the capacity to adhere to an intensive training program. Therefore, elite weightlifters are advised to use natural POMj during intensive training program and competition to accelerate muscle recovery.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02697903

The effect of a 12-week moderate intensity interval training program on the antioxidant defense capability and lipid profile in men smoking cigarettes or hookah: a cohort study

Aim. To examine the impact of interval training program on the antioxidant defense capability and lipid profile in men smoking cigarettes or hookah unable or unwilling to quit smoking. Methods. Thirty-five participants performed an interval training (2 : 1 work : rest ratio) 3 times a week for 12 weeks at an intensity of 70% of VO₂max. All subjects were subjected to a biochemical test session before and after the training program. Results. The increase of total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and α-tocopherol, is significant only for cigarette smokers (CS) and hookah smokers (HS) groups. The decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the increase of glutathione reductase (GR) are more pronounced in smokers groups compared to those of nonsmokers (NS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) increases in NS, CS, and HS groups by 10.1%, 19.5%, and 13.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Likewise, a significant improvement of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and TC/HDL-C ratio was observed in CS and HS groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Although the interval training program does not have a significant effect on blood lipid levels, it seems to be very beneficial in the defense and prevention programs of oxidative stress.

SOD2 gene polymorphism and muscle damage markers in elite athletes

Exercise-induced oxidative stress is a state that primarily occurs in athletes involved in high-intensity sports when pro-oxidants overwhelm the antioxidant defense system to oxidize proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. During exercise, oxidative stress is linked to muscle metabolism and muscle damage, because exercise increases free radical production. The T allele of the Ala16Val (rs4880 C/T) polymorphism in the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) gene has been reported to reduce SOD2 efficiency against oxidative stress. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that the SOD2 TT genotype would be underrepresented in elite athletes involved in high-intensity sports and associated with increased values of muscle and liver damage biomarkers. The study involved 2664 Caucasian (2262 Russian and 402 Polish) athletes. SOD2 genotype and allele frequencies were compared to 917 controls. Muscle and liver damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were examined in serum from 1444 Russian athletes. The frequency of the SOD2 TT genotype (18.6%) was significantly lower in power/strength athletes (n = 524) compared to controls (25.0%, p = 0.0076) or athletes involved in low-intensity sports (n = 180; 33.9%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the SOD2 T allele was significantly associated with increased activity of CK (females: p = 0.0144) and creatinine level (females: p = 0.0276; males: p = 0.0135) in athletes. Our data show that the SOD2 TT genotype might be unfavorable for high-intensity athletic events.

Expression of interleukin-15 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of STZ-induced diabetic rats: effect of resistance exercise training

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with type-1 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can mediate muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, while resistance exercise can modulate both muscle mass and muscle cytokine expression. This study determined the effects of a 5-week resistance exercise training regimen on the expression of muscle cytokines in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with special emphasis on interleukin-15 (IL-15), a muscle-derived cytokine proposed to be involved in muscle hypertrophy or responses to stress. Induction of diabetes reduced muscle weight in both the fast flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow soleus muscles, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats. IL-15 protein content was increased by training in both FHL and soleus muscles, as well as serum, in normal and diabetic rats. With regard to proinflammatory cytokines, muscle IL-6 levels were increased in diabetic rats, while training decreased muscle IL-6 levels in diabetic rats; training had no effect on FHL muscle IL-6 levels in healthy rats. Also, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels were increased by diabetes, but not changed by training. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training increased muscle and serum IL-15 levels, decreased muscle IL-6 levels, and preserved FHL muscle mass.

Potential role of oxidative protein modification in energy metabolism in exercise

Exercise leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via several sources in the skeletal muscle. In particular, the mitochondrial electron transport chain in the muscle cells produces ROS along with an elevation in the oxygen consumption during exercise. Such ROS generated during exercise can cause oxidative modification of proteins and affect their functionality. Many evidences have been suggested that some muscle proteins, i.e., myofiber proteins, metabolic signaling proteins, and sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins can be a targets modified by ROS generated due to exercise. We detected the modification of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) by Nε-(hexanoyl)lysine (HEL), one of the lipid peroxides, in exercised muscles, while the antioxidant astaxanthin reduced this oxidative stress-induced modification. Exercise-induced ROS may diminish CPT I activity caused by HEL modification, leading to a partly limited lipid utilization in the mitochondria. This oxidative protein modification may be useful as a potential biomarker to examine the oxidative stress levels, antioxidant compounds, and their possible benefits in exercise.

A 21 day Daniel Fast improves selected biomarkers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress in men and women

BACKGROUND

Dietary modification via both caloric and nutrient restriction is associated with multiple health benefits, some of which are related to an improvement in antioxidant status and a decrease in the production of reactive oxygen species. The Daniel Fast is based on the Biblical book of Daniel, is commonly partaken for 21 days, and involves food intake in accordance with a stringent vegan diet. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on biomarkers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress.

METHODS

43 subjects (13 men; 30 women; 35 ± 1 yrs; range: 20-62 yrs) completed a 21 day Daniel Fast following the guidelines provided by investigators. Subjects reported to the lab in a 12 hour post-absorptive state both pre fast (day 1) and post fast (day 22). At each visit, blood was collected for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). Subjects recorded dietary intake during the 7 day period immediately prior to the fast and during the final 7 days of the fast.

RESULTS

A decrease was noted in MDA (0.66 ± 0.0.03 vs. 0.56 ± 0.02 μmol L-1; p = 0.004), while H2O2 demonstrated a trend for lowering (4.42 ± 0.32 vs. 3.78 ± 0.21 μmol L-1; p = 0.074). Both NOx (18.79 ± 1.92 vs. 26.97 ± 2.40 μmol L-1; p = 0.003) and TEAC (0.47 ± 0.01 vs. 0.51 ± 0.01 mmol L-1; p = 0.001) increased from pre to post fast, while ORAC was unchanged (5243 ± 103 vs. 5249 ± 183 μmol L-1 TE; p = 0.974). As expected, multiple differences in dietary intake were noted (p < 0.05), including a reduction in total calorie intake (2185 ± 94 vs. 1722 ± 85).

CONCLUSION

Modification of dietary intake in accordance with the Daniel Fast is associated with an improvement in selected biomarkers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress, including metabolites of nitric oxide (i.e., NOx).

Free Radical Formation after Intensive Exercise in Thoroughbred Skeletal Muscles

Although high oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle may result in severe oxidative stress, there are no direct studies that have documented free radical production in horse muscles after intensive exercise. To find a new parameter indicating the muscle adaptation state for the training of Thoroughbred horses, we examined free radical formation in the muscle by using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Ten male Thoroughbred horses received conventional training for 18 weeks. Before and after the training period, all horses performed an exhaustive incremental load exercise on a 6% incline treadmill. Muscle samples of the middle gluteal muscle were taken pre-exercise and 1 min, 1 hr, and 1 day after exercise. Muscle fiber type composition was also determined in the pre-exercise samples by immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibody to myosin heavy chain. We measured the free radical in the muscle homogenate using EPR at room temperature, and the amount was expressed as relative EPR signal intensity. There was a significant increase in Type IIA muscle fiber composition and a decrease in Type IIX fiber composition after the training period. Before the training period, the mean value of the relative EPR signal intensity showed a significant increase over the pre-exercise value at 1 min after the exercise and an incomplete recovery at 24 hr after the exercise. While no significant changes were found in the relative EPR signal intensity after the training period. There was a significant relationship between percentages of Type IIA fiber and change rates in EPR signal intensity at 1 min after exercise. The measurement of free radicals may be useful for determining the muscle adaptation state in the training of Thoroughbred horses.

Whey protein precludes lipid and protein oxidation and improves body weight gain in resistance-exercised rats

BACKGROUND

Resistance exercise such as weight-lifting (WL) increases oxidation products in plasma, but less is known regarding the effect of WL on oxidative damage to tissues. Dietary compounds are known to improve antioxidant defences. Whey protein (WP) is a source of protein in a variety of sport supplements and can enhance physical performance.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of WL on biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation, on liver antioxidants and on muscle growth in the absence or presence of WP in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Fisher rats were randomly assigned to sedentary or exercise-trained groups and were fed with control or WP diets. The WL programme consisted of inducing the animals to perform sets of jumps with weights attached to the chest. After 8 weeks, arteriovenous blood samples, abdominal fat, liver and gastrocnemius muscle were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

WP precludes WL-mediated increases in muscle protein carbonyl content and maintains low levels of TBARS in exercised and sedentary animals. WL reduced liver CAT activity, whereas WP increased hepatic glutathione content. In addition, WL plus WP generated higher body and muscle weight than exercise without WP.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that WP improves antioxidant defences, which contribute to the reduction of lipid and protein oxidation as well as body and muscle weight gain in resistance-exercised rats.

Biochemical markers of muscular damage

Muscle tissue may be damaged following intense prolonged training as a consequence of both metabolic and mechanical factors. Serum levels of skeletal muscle enzymes or proteins are markers of the functional status of muscle tissue, and vary widely in both pathological and physiological conditions. Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldolase, myoglobin, troponin, aspartate aminotransferase, and carbonic anhydrase CAIII are the most useful serum markers of muscle injury, but apoptosis in muscle tissues subsequent to strenuous exercise may be also triggered by increased oxidative stress. Therefore, total antioxidant status can be used to evaluate the level of stress in muscle by other markers, such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, malondialdehyde, sulfhydril groups, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and others. As the various markers provide a composite picture of muscle status, we recommend using more than one to provide a better estimation of muscle stress.

Caffeine Does Not Augment Markers of Muscle Damage or Leukocytosis Following Resistance Exercise

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine ingestion before a resistance exercise session on markers of muscle damage (CK, LDH, ALT, AST) and leukocyte levels.

Methods:

Fifteen soccer athletes completed two resistance exercise sessions that differed only in the ingestion of caffeine or a placebo preworkout.

Results:

CK concentration increased significantly following the caffeine session (415.8 ± 62.8 to 542.0 ± 73.5) and the placebo session (411.5 ± 43.3 to 545.8 ± 59.9), with no significant differences between sessions. Similarly, LDH concentration increased significantly following the caffeine session (377.5 ± 18.0 to 580.5 ± 36.1) and the placebo session (384.8 ± 13.9 to 570.4 ± 36.1), with no significant differences between sessions. Both sessions resulted in significant increases in the total leukocyte count (caffeine = 6.24 ± 2.08 to 8.84 ± 3.41; placebo = 6.36 ± 2.34 to 8.77 ± 3.20), neutrophils (caffeine = 3.37 ± 0.13 to 5.15 ± 0.28; placebo = 3.46 ± 0.17 to 5.12 ± 0.24), lymphocytes (caffeine = 2.19 ± 0.091 to 2.78 ± 0.10; placebo = 2.17 ± 0.100 to 2.75 ± 0.11), and monocytes (caffeine = 0.53 ± 0.02 to 0.72 ± 0.06; placebo = 0.56 ± 0.03 to 0.69 ± 0.04), with no significant differences between sessions.

Conclusion:

Ingestion of caffeine at 4.5 mg⋅kg-1 did not augment markers of muscle damage or leukocyte levels above that which occurs through resistance exercise alone.

Acute exercise and oxidative stress: a 30 year history

The topic of exercise-induced oxidative stress has received considerable attention in recent years, with close to 300 original investigations published since the early work of Dillard and colleagues in 1978. Single bouts of aerobic and anaerobic exercise can induce an acute state of oxidative stress. This is indicated by an increased presence of oxidized molecules in a variety of tissues. Exercise mode, intensity, and duration, as well as the subject population tested, all can impact the extent of oxidation. Moreover, the use of antioxidant supplements can impact the findings. Although a single bout of exercise often leads to an acute oxidative stress, in accordance with the principle of hormesis, such an increase appears necessary to allow for an up-regulation in endogenous antioxidant defenses. This review presents a comprehensive summary of original investigations focused on exercise-induced oxidative stress. This should provide the reader with a well-documented account of the research done within this area of science over the past 30 years.

Exercise training with dietary counselling increases mitochondrial chaperone expression in middle-aged subjects with impaired glucose tolerance

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with increased oxidative stress and impairment of cellular defence systems. Our purpose was to investigate the interaction between glucose metabolism, antioxidative capacity and heat shock protein (HSP) defence in different skeletal muscle phenotypes among middle-aged obese subjects during a long-term exercise and dietary intervention. As a sub-study of the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS), 22 persons with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) taking part in the intervention volunteered to give samples from the vastus lateralis muscle. Subjects were divided into two sub-groups (IGTslow and IGTfast) on the basis of their baseline myosin heavy chain profile. Glucose metabolism, oxidative stress and HSP expressions were measured before and after the 2-year intervention.

RESULTS

Exercise training, combined with dietary counselling, increased the expression of mitochondrial chaperones HSP60 and glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75) in the vastus lateralis muscle in the IGTslow group and that of HSP60 in the IGTfast group. In cytoplasmic chaperones HSP72 or HSP90 no changes took place. In the IGTslow group, a significant positive correlation between the increased muscle content of HSP60 and the oxygen radical absorbing capacity values and, in the IGTfast group, between the improved VO2max value and the increased protein expression of GRP75 were found. Serum uric acid concentrations decreased in both sub-groups and serum protein carbonyl concentrations decreased in the IGTfast group.

CONCLUSION

The 2-year intervention up-regulated mitochondrial HSP expressions in middle-aged subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. These improvements, however, were not correlated directly with enhanced glucose tolerance.

Cell-free plasma DNA as a novel marker of aseptic inflammation severity related to exercise overtraining

BACKGROUND

Circulating free plasma DNA is implicated in conditions associated with tissue injury, including exercise-induced inflammation, and thus is a potential marker for athletic overtraining.

METHODS

We measured free plasma DNA along with C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), and uric acid (UA) in 17 recreationally trained men participating in a 12-week resistance training regimen (8 resistance multi-joint exercises selected to stress the entire musculature: bench press, squat, leg press, snatch, hang clean, dead lifts, barbell arm curls, and rowing), consisting of 4 training periods (t1, t2, t3, and t4).

RESULTS

Plasma DNA concentrations increased markedly after t1, t2, and t3 and returned to baseline after t4. There were substantial differences between t2 and t1 and between t3 and t2 plasma DNA concentrations. CRP increased by 300% after t2 and by 400% after t3 (there was no difference between t2 and t3 CRP values) compared with baseline (t0). CK increased only after t3. UA increased after t2 and t3, with a greater increase after t3.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that, after chronic excessive resistance exercise, plasma DNA concentrations increase in proportion to training load, suggesting that plasma DNA may be a sensitive marker for overtraining-induced inflammation.