Aerobic and anaerobic training sessions promote antioxidant changes in young male soccer players

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic vs. anaerobic intense training sessions on biomarkers of oxidative stress. METHODS: The included sample comprised 18 junior male soccer players (18-21 years) during the intermediate season. Blood samples were obtained before (baseline) and after aerobic or anaerobic training sessions and the following substances were assayed: (i) the biomarkers of cellular damage Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substances and Oxidized Glutathione; (ii) the non-enzymatic antioxidants Reduced Glutathione and Total-Glutathione, (iii) the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Reductase, Glutathione Peroxidase and Glutathione S-Transferase. RESULTS: (a) the contents of Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substances and Oxidized Glutathione showed no significant differences before vs. after aerobic or anaerobic training sessions. (b) After aerobic training sessions, the activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Reductase, and the contents of Reduced Glutathione and Total Glutathione were decreased; the activity of Glutathione S-transferase and Glutathione Peroxidase were increased while Catalase activity remained unaltered. (c) After anaerobic training sessions, Catalase activity decreased; Glutathione-Peroxidase increased; Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Reductase, and Reduced, Oxidized and Total Glutathione showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence of a more pronounced systemic oxidative stress after the aerobic as compared to the anaerobic training session in young soccer players.