Endurance training improves plasma superoxide dismutase activity in healthy elderly
Roberta Ceci1, Guglielmo Duranti1, Ester Sara Di Filippo2
1Università degli Studi di Roma "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Unit of Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry, Rome, Italy.
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|November 26, 2019
Summary
Endurance training significantly improved plasma superoxide dismutase activity in healthy older adults. This study explored physiological mechanisms of exercise on aging, focusing on redox homeostasis and physical performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aging is associated with altered redox homeostasis and decreased physical function.
- Understanding the physiological impact of different exercise modalities in the elderly is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
- Specific training protocols may differentially affect the body's antioxidant defense system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of endurance, resistance, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on plasma redox homeostasis in healthy older adults.
- To characterize the physiological mechanisms underlying specific training adaptations in the elderly population.
- To correlate changes in oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities with physical performance improvements.
Main Methods:
- 51 healthy elderly volunteers participated in a 12-week training program (3 sessions/week) involving lower limb endurance, resistance, or neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
- Assessed were quadriceps' maximal voluntary contraction, handgrip strength, five-times-sit to stand, and timed up-and-go tests.
- Plasma markers of oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl groups), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase), glutathione homeostasis, free thiols, and total antioxidant status were measured.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in post-training outcomes was observed across the different training protocols.
- Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase in plasma superoxide dismutase activity specifically in the endurance training group.
- While other markers showed trends, only superoxide dismutase activity demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement with endurance exercise.
Conclusions:
- Endurance training appears to be particularly effective in enhancing antioxidant capacity, specifically superoxide dismutase activity, in healthy older adults.
- These findings suggest that exercise modality plays a role in modulating redox homeostasis during aging.
- Targeted exercise interventions, like endurance training, may offer benefits for improving physiological resilience and physical function in the elderly.
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