Oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in apparently healthy individuals involved in physical exercise

Abstract

Background: Normal metabolic functions generate highly reactive compounds called free radicals in the body. Exercise is accompanied by increased oxygen consumption and enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)/free radical production in humans. These molecules react with cellular molecules such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, and denature them. As a result of this, vital cellular structures and functions are lost and ultimately resulting in various pathological conditions. Aims and Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of physical exercise on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in apparently healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 samples were collected from apparently healthy adults aged between 18 and 25 years before and after morning exercise session. The samples were analyzed for Total Antioxidant Activity (TAS), pro-oxidant biomarker- malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes – catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by spectrophotometic method. Results: The result shows that TAS after exercise was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the level before exercise. The MDA level of the subjects after exercise was equally statistically significantly (p<0.001) higher than the level before exercise. This study therefore shows that aerobic exercise increases pro-oxidant markers and possibly induces oxidative stress, the effect of which is countered by an increase in TAS, CAT and GPx. Conclusion: Oxidative stress following exercise therefore does exist, but may not deter the benefits of physical exercise.

Keywords

• mda
• tas
• cat
• gpx
• oxidative stress