Physical fitness and plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant status at rest and after a wingate test

Can J Appl Physiol. 2003 Feb;28(1):79-92. doi: 10.1139/h03-007.

Abstract

We tested seven physical education students whether 30-s sprint anaerobic exercise (Wingate test) would result in oxidative stress (evaluated by lipid radical levels) sufficient to alter plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant status (plasma uric acid, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene). This study demonstrates that 1) Wingate test increases plasma uric and ascorbic acid concentrations (p <.05), and decreases plasma alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene levels (p <.05); 2) lipid radical levels at rest and sprint performance are negatively correlated with resting plasma uric acid and alpha-tocopherol concentrations (p <.05). In conclusion, this study 1) demonstrates that a 30-s sprint anaerobic exercise is associated with acute changes in plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant status, 2) indicates that the subjects with largest leg peak power are those who exhibit the lowest plasma antioxidant status at rest (uric acid and alpha-tocopherol), 3) and suggests that antioxidant intake by maintaining plasma antioxidant concentration at rest in the normal range might protect athletes against oxidative stress induced by exercise.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Bicycling / physiology
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Lactates / blood
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Uric Acid / blood
  • alpha-Tocopherol / blood
  • beta Carotene / blood

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Lactates
  • beta Carotene
  • Uric Acid
  • alpha-Tocopherol
  • Ascorbic Acid