Ros Generation and Lipid Peroxidation in Professional Sportsmen (Extreme Sports Condition)

Abstract

Introduction: Too intensive physical exercise may lower NO bioactivity as a result of excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion radical (O 2 •– ). This can lead to the intense peroxidation of cell membrane lipids in erythrocytes. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dosed maximal exercise on the plasma nitric oxide content and the level of malonyl dialdehyde in red blood cells in professional sportsmen and in individuals of normal physical activity. Materials and Methods: 41 rugby players and 21 men of normal physical activity (control group) were the subject of the study. NO and MDA concentrations were determined in three time points: before an effort, 1 minute after dosed maximal exercise and after 30-minute restitution period. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was evaluated with Griess’s indirect method and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration was measured with Placer’s method. Results: Mean NO concentration increased in the exercise phase and decreased after 30-minute restitution in all three studied groups. The highest MDA level was observed in the first minute of exercise in all studied groups. Conclusions: Results of determination of plasma NO concentration does not confirm reduction of its bioactivity. Plasma NO level rose 1 minute after maximal exercise in all three groups of studied subjects. In trained professional sportsmen, adapted to the physical effort, this kind of load enables protection of cell structures against peroxidation process by the antioxidant barrier, which is reflected by the lower concentration of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) in the red blood cells in comparison to the control group.