Oxidative stress and nitrite dynamics under maximal load in elite athletes: relation to sport type

Abstract

Maximal workload in elite athletes induces increased generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) and oxidative stress, but the dynamics of RONS production are not fully explored. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of long-term engagement in sports with different energy requirements (aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic/anaerobic) on oxidative stress parameters during progressive exercise test. Concentrations of lactates, nitric oxide (NO) measured through stabile end product-nitrites (NO(2) (-)), superoxide anion radical (O(2) (•-)), and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) as index of lipid peroxidation were determined in rest, after maximal workload, and at 4 and 10th min of recovery in blood plasma of top level competitors in rowing, cycling, and taekwondo. Results showed that sportmen had similar concentrations of lactates and O(2) (•-) in rest. Nitrite concentrations in rest were the lowest in taekwondo fighters, while rowers had the highest levels among examined groups. The order of magnitude for TBARS level in the rest was bicycling > taekwondo > rowing. During exercise at maximal intensity, the concentration of lactate significantly elevated to similar levels in all tested sportsmen and they were persistently elevated during recovery period of 4 and 10 min. There were no significant changes in O(2) (•-), nitrite, and TBARS levels neither at the maximum intensity of exercise nor during the recovery period comparing to the rest period in examined individuals. Our results showed that long term different training strategies establish different basal nitrites and lipid peroxidation levels in sportmen. However, progressive exercise does not influence basal nitrite and oxidative stress parameters level neither at maximal load nor during the first 10 min of recovery in sportmen studied.

The Effects Of Two Fitness Programs With Different Metabolic Demands On Oxidative Stress In The Blood Of Young Females

“…The absence of change in the Tae Bo group may be explained by the effect of increased shear stress on endothelium, characteristic for high-intensity aerobic exercise. Numerous previous studies have shown that regular endurance activity increases the bioavailibity of NO (23)(24)(25) and that physically active people have greater basal NO production compared with a sedentary population (26,27). Finally, the observed differences between the groups in the levels of SOD at the beginning of the study may be explained by the more active lifestyle of subjects who chose to be engaged in training, and they likely do not represent the control group.…”

Comparison of blood pro/antioxidant levels before and after acute exercise in athletes and non-athletes

“…Some studies reported NO increase with exercise, some reported no change in NO production and some reported a decrease in NO production with exercise (Jungersten et al 1997;Poveda et al 1997;St. Croix et al 1999;Allen et al 2006;Allen et al 2009;Rassaf et al 2007;Djordjevic et al 2010a,b;Cubrilo et al 2011;Jakovljevic et al 2011). Those differences are probably due to different protocols, i.e.…”

The Effects of Chronic Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise on Blood Nitric Oxide Levels

“…For example, nitrite concentrations in rest were the lowest in taekwondo fighters, while rowers had the highest levels among examined groups. 9 It is thought that ROS are not produced excessively under physiological conditions in healthy subjects. It has been reported that the massive increase in oxygen uptake that occurs in skeletal muscle during exercise is associated with an increase in the generation of ROS (as superoxide).…”

“…For example, nitrite concentrations in rest were the lowest in taekwondo fighters, while rowers had the highest levels among the examined groups. 9 The extent of oxidative stress induced by acute bout of exercise depends on many factors, as well as, exercise mode, intensity and duration, because different modes of exercise differ in energy demands, oxygen consumption and mechanical stress to tissues. 10 Therefore, exercise intensity is clinically also quite important to select the appropriate kind of exercise, because an intense exercise can be hazardous to human vessels.…”