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Abstract
BackgroundLong-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may alter oxidative status and immune function after exercise. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the probable association between n-3 supplementation and physical exercise, observing the variations in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.MethodsThirty-nine subjects of both sexes aged 17–30 years were divided into two groups: 1) (n = 21) trained Athletes; 2) (n = 18) Sedentary subjects. All subjects were given about 4 g/day of n-3 supplementation, rich in EPA and DHA, for 8 weeks. Blood, saliva and urine samples were collected pre- (T0) and post- (T1) supplementation. Hematological parameters (tryglicerides, total cholesterol, HDL, CPK, LDH, HGH, IGF-1), oxidative markers (MDA, 8-OHdG, PCc), antioxidant parameters (GPx, SOD, CAT, DPPH scavenger), exercise-induced stress markers (testosterone and cortisol) and an inflammatory marker (TNF-α) were measured. All tests were two-sided and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe results showed that MDA and TNF-αmean values significantly decreased after supplementation in both Athletes and Sedentary subjects: variation was greater in Athletes than in Sedentary control subjects. Generally, our results suggested that supplementation with n-3 PUFAs created a synergic variation in the parameters from a baseline state (T0) to a treated state after supplementation (T1), in terms of size and modality, which was significantly different in Athletes compared to Sedentary subjects.ConclusionIn conclusion, supplementation with about 4 g/day of n-3 PUFAs, rich in EPA and DHA, for 8 weeks, seemed to be effective in counteracting some parameters involved in oxidative stress and inflammation, induced by acute strenuous physical exercise.
Highlights
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may alter oxidative status and immune function after exercise
Oxidative stress and inflammation induced by acute strenuous physical exercise should be limited in order for athletes to maintain a state of well-being and health, as they are constantly exposed to stress conditions and to the risk of overreaching, which is considered as an accumulation of training load, leading to performance decrements that require days to weeks for recovery
The results of our study suggested that supplementation with n-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs) created a synergic variation in the parameters from a baseline state (T0) to a treated state after supplementation (T1), in terms of size and process, which was significantly different in Athletes compared to Sedentary subjects
Summary
Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may alter oxidative status and immune function after exercise. It is well recognized that exhaustive exercise can lead to muscle fatigue, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and a decrement in performance; the acute strenuous prolonged exercise that is performed during middle- and longdistance running is combined with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (including free radicals), changes in blood antioxidant status, and an increase in inflammatory responses All these events may result in oxidative stress or generally cause DNA damage, lipid peroxidation with increased levels of toxic aldehydes, fatigue, reduction of heme-iron blood levels and release of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukins) [2,3,4,5]. Systemic inflammation and subsequent effects on the central nervous system may cause a worsening of this syndrome, known as overtraining syndrome (OTS), including depressed mood, central fatigue, and resultant neuro-hormonal changes [6]
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