CARBONYLATED PROTEIN AND GLUTATHIONE LEVELS IN ELITE MALE ALPINE SKI RACERS DURING SUMMER TRAINING

Abstract

1693 Much of the focus in oxidative stress research has been on lipid peroxidation. The goal of the present investigation was to assess oxidative stress associated protein damage in highly trained ski racers during a 10-day summer training camp. Glutathione levels were also measured as an indicator of oxidative stress. Fifteen members of the US Men's Alpine Ski Team (age = 22.6 ± 2.6 yrs, height = 181.1 ± 4.2 cm, weight = 89.0 ± 6.6 kg) participated in this field study. Blood samples were collected on three occasions during the study; baseline (PRE), following two dry-land training days (DRY), and after four on-snow skiing days (SKI). Whole blood samples were analyzed for carbonylated total proteins (CBP) and glutathione (GSH), using colorametric assays with peak absorbance at 280 nm and 420 nm respectively. GSH values were corrected for hemoglobin levels. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant differences across time for CBP (p > 0.25). However, significant differences were determined for GSH (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses indicated that GSH was significantly decreased at DRY (x = 2.13 ± .31 μmol/g Hb) when compared to either PRE (x = 2.24 ± .39 μmol/g Hb) or SKI (x = 2.23 ± .42 μmol/g Hb). Decreased GSH levels may suggest increased oxidation associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species during exercise. However, protein damage related to this type of ski training appears to be minimal.