Oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity in handball players

Exercise training increases oxygen consumption, which was associated with the high generation of reactive oxygen species and markers of lipid peroxidation in the blood. The aim of this study was to assess the responses of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), biomarker of oxidative stress and erythrocyte, leukocyte and hematocrit (Hct) levels in plasma in athlete girls (handball players) and non-athlete girls.

We evaluated two groups, which known as athlete and non-athlete women and they were similar in anthropometric characteristics. The athletic women engaged in the regular handball training 3 times a week for at least 6 months. However, non-athletic women didn't have any regular activity over the last 6 months. Each subject referred to the lab and after 12 h fasting, the blood samples were taken for measuring all variables. Independent sample t-tests were used to identify the differences.

Significant differences were observed in malondehyde (P = 0.00), red blood (P = 0.00) cell and hemoglobin (P = 0.00). However, other evaluated factors such as of TAC, white blood cell, Hct and the mean corpuscular volume were higher in athletes than in non-athletes, but statistical significant differences weren't seen in these variables between two groups.

Regular exercise training for handball players may increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and blood cells and reduces oxidant production.