Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress Responses in the Pediatric Population

Abstract

Adults demonstrate an upregulation of their pro- and anti-oxidant mechanisms in response to acute exercise while systematic exercise training enhances their antioxidant capacity, thereby leading to a reduced generation of free radicals both at rest and in response to exercise stress. However, less information exists regarding oxidative stress responses and the underlying mechanisms in the pediatric population. Evidence suggests that exercise-induced redox perturbations may be valuable in order to monitor exercise-induced inflammatory responses and as such training overload in children and adolescents as well as monitor optimal growth and development. The purpose of this review was to provide an update on oxidative stress responses to acute and chronic exercise in youth. It has been documented that acute exercise induces age-specific transient alterations in both oxidant and antioxidant markers in children and adolescents. However, these responses seem to be affected by factors such as training phase, training load, fitness level, mode of exercise etc. In relation to chronic adaptation, the role of training on oxidative stress adaptation has not been adequately investigated. The two studies performed so far indicate that children and adolescents exhibit positive adaptations of their antioxidant system, as adults do. More studies are needed in order to shed light on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, following acute exercise and training adaptations in youth. Available evidence suggests that small amounts of oxidative stress may be necessary for growth whereas the transition to adolescence from childhood may promote maturation of pro- and anti-oxidant mechanisms. Available evidence also suggests that obesity may negatively affect basal and exercise-related antioxidant responses in the peripubertal period during pre- and early-puberty.

Effects of Regular Taekwondo Intervention on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Myokines in Overweight and Obese Adolescents

“…Treatment with NADPH oxidase inhibitors decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in adipose tissue and attenuated dysregulation of adipocytokines, improved diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis [5].A bout of high intensity exercise induces excessive ROS production that is linked with lipid and peroxidation, having deleterious impact on cells and tissues [9]. However, regular exercise with proper intensity is an effective way to prevent and improve obesity by increasing the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), resulting in alleviation of oxidative stress [10][11][12][13]. In a study by Baghaiee et al, eight weeks of aerobic exercise significantly decreased serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (an oxidative stress marker in obese subjects) and significantly increased SOD-2 gene expression [12].…”

Influence of Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption on Redox Status and Inflammatory Signaling in Young Celiac Patients

“…It should be taken in account that SOD levels usually increase with exercise among adult populations [52]. However, oxidative stress responses to exercise and the underlying mechanisms in the pediatric population are still unclear [53]. Therefore, not only diet matters, and it might be mandatory that CD children exercise for a better prognosis of the disease [23].…”

Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress and α-Amylase in Saliva of Children Associated with a Tennis Competition

“…Despite its physiological importance, scarce information is available regarding the effects of repeated exercise on oxidative stress in healthy children [ 12 , 13 ]. High levels of oxidative stress markers in children and adolescents have been reported, possibly due to a high flow of oxygen to the working muscles, and/or due to their immature antioxidant defense systems [ 14 ].…”

“…Indeed, antioxidant reserves may be lower in children, especially those engaged in chronic intensive training programs; suggesting that children, and probably adolescents, may be susceptible to exercise-induced oxidative damage [ 14 ]. So, the knowledge of exercise induced oxidative stress responses would be valuable for children and adolescents engaged in systematic strenuous exercise [ 12 ]. However, no studies of oxidative stress biomarkers have been found in children during an exercise made in competition, and in tennis in particular.…”