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Exercise intensity and antioxidant ability
Junichi Nagasawa1, Kazutoshi Kikkawa, Toshihide Takai
1Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan. nagasawa@pc.uec.ac.jp
Rejuvenation Research
|December 19, 2009
Summary
Antioxidant ability increases with exercise intensity, with lactate potentially scavenging free radicals. This study clarifies the link between physical exertion and the body's defense against oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Antioxidant Research
Background:
- Exercise intensity influences physiological responses.
- Antioxidant status is crucial for cellular protection.
- The role of exercise in modulating oxidative stress requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between exercise intensity and plasma antioxidant capacity.
- To examine the generation of hydroxyl radicals during maximal exercise.
- To explore the correlation between lactate levels and free radical generation.
Main Methods:
- Maximal exercise tests were conducted using a bicycle ergometer on 6 male participants.
- Plasma ferric-reducing ability was measured.
- Hydroxyl radical generation and plasma lactate levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Plasma ferric-reducing ability demonstrated a linear increase with rising exercise intensity.
- Hydroxyl radical generation decreased as exercise intensity increased.
- Hydroxyl radical generation showed a symmetrical correlation with plasma lactate levels.
Conclusions:
- Antioxidant capacity is enhanced in response to increased exercise intensity.
- Lactate, which accumulates during physical exercise, may function as a free radical scavenger.
- These findings suggest a protective role for lactate against exercise-induced oxidative stress.
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