Sex differences in oxidative stress after eccentric and concentric exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Redox balance is crucial for cellular function and is affected by physical exertion.
• Eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CONC) exercises induce different physiological responses.
• Understanding sex-based differences in exercise-induced oxidative stress is important for training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare changes in blood redox balance markers between women and men following submaximal ECC and CONC exercise.
• To investigate the impact of different exercise types on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity.

Main Methods:

• 10 women and 10 men completed 45-minute submaximal treadmill runs (ECC, CONC, level).
• Blood samples were analyzed pre-exercise, post-exercise, and 24 hours post-recovery.
• Measured markers included lactate, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), 3-nitrotyrosine, uric acid (UA), and white blood cell (WBC) differentials.

Main Results:

• Women showed significant increases in ox-LDL post-ECC, indicating oxidative damage.
• Women also exhibited increased WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts after ECC.
• Men displayed elevated WBC and neutrophil counts 24 hours after both CONC and ECC.
• Uric acid levels were consistently higher in men than in women.

Conclusions:

• Eccentric exercise appears to impair redox balance specifically in women.
• Concentric exercise may enhance antioxidant capacity without significant macromolecular damage in both sexes.
• Performing concentric running at the highest possible subliminal intensity is recommended for both men and women.