Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise.MethodsThis double-blind study included 16 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 9), receiving 1200 mg of cranberry extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 7). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory camp. Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein prior to each exercise test, one minute after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery period. The levels of hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), ferritin, iron, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and myoglobin were determined, along with total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unbound iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).ResultsBoth prior and after the supplementation, a significant post-exercise increase in the concentration of IL-6 was observed in both groups. At the end of the study period, cranberry-supplemented athletes presented with significantly higher resting, post-exercise and post-recovery levels of TAC than the controls. However, a significant exercise-induced increase in the concentrations of TNF-alpha, myoglobin and hepcidin was observed solely in the control group.ConclusionSupplementation with cranberry extract contributed to a significant strengthening of antioxidant potential in individuals exposed to strenuous physical exercise. However, supplementation did not exert direct effects on other analyzed parameters: inflammatory markers and indices of iron metabolism (TNF-alpha, hepcidin and myoglobin).
Highlights
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of supplementation with large cranberry extract on antioxidant capacity, selected inflammatory markers and parameters of iron metabolism in individuals exposed to strenuous physical exercise; the latter is considered as a disruptor of systemic iron turnover
The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of large cranberry intake on antioxidant capacity, selected parameters of iron metabolism and inflammatory markers in athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise
Summary
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin and selected markers of iron metabolism in rowers subjected to exhaustive exercise. Recent studies showed that concentration of iron may be affected by many factors, inter alia by strenuous and/or long-term physical exercise. The exercise with such characteristics induces systemic inflammation, which is reflected by enhanced release of hepcidin and resultant disorders of iron metabolism. Reardon [4] demonstrated that iron injections may increase skeletal muscle iron content in mice According to these authors, the elevated level of iron induced oxidative stress and reduced exercise performance. Similar changes were observed following oral administration of iron [6, 7] This evidence suggests that supply of exogenous iron may improve its metabolic parameters, this is not reflected by expected changes in physical capacity
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