Comparison between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient and normal individuals after eccentric exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may theoretically impair physical capacity due to oxidative stress.
• Understanding the impact of exercise on G6PD-deficient individuals is crucial for athletic participation and health.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the effects of strenuous exercise on muscle function and redox status in G6PD deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a single bout of resistance exercise-induced muscle damage on muscle function, damage markers, and blood redox status in G6PD-deficient individuals.
• To compare the physiological responses to eccentric exercise between males with and without G6PD deficiency.
• To assess potential differences in hemolysis and oxidative stress following strenuous physical activity in G6PD-deficient versus non-deficient males.

Main Methods:

• Nine males with G6PD deficiency and nine controls performed eccentric exercise.
• Muscle function (isometric torque, range of motion), muscle damage (creatine kinase, soreness), and hemolysis (plasma hemoglobin, bilirubin) were assessed.
• Redox status markers including glutathione, protein carbonyls, and antioxidant capacity were measured in plasma and erythrocytes pre- and post-exercise over five days.

Main Results:

• Eccentric exercise induced significant muscle damage, oxidative stress, and hemolysis in both groups, peaking 2-3 days post-exercise.
• G6PD-deficient individuals exhibited lower resting reduced glutathione levels compared to controls.
• Despite lower baseline glutathione, the magnitude and time course of exercise-induced changes in muscle function, redox status, and hemolysis were comparable between G6PD-deficient and control groups.

Conclusions:

• G6PD-deficient individuals can safely participate in high-intensity, muscle-damaging exercise.
• Exercise does not appear to negatively impact muscle function, blood redox status, or hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals.
• The findings suggest that G6PD deficiency does not preclude engagement in strenuous physical activities.