Association between sirtuin 1 and markers of oxidative stress in master athletes
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Published on: June 28, 2024
Larissa Alves Maciel1, Patrício Lopes de Araújo Leite2, Samuel da Silva Aguiar2
1Graduate Program in Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasilia, EPTC QS 7 LT 1, Bloco G, Sala G116, Taguatinga, DF, 72.022-900, Brazil. larimaciel@live.com.
Background:
Lifelong training in master athletes confers protective effects, promoting higher sirtuin levels and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Although Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is well studied, no previous study has examined the relationship between circulating SIRT1 levels and antioxidant defense variables in master athletes.
Purpose:
To compare and analyze the relationships between circulating levels of SIRT1 and variables related to antioxidant defense in master athletes (MA) and untrained middle-aged individuals (UMA).
Methods:
Male MA (n = 42; 51.62 ± 7.33 years; ≥10 years of training and competition in running) and UMA (n = 15; 47.73 ± 8.52 years) were evaluated. Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses of SIRT1, antioxidant enzymes, TBARS and F2-isoprostanes, 8-OHdG, and redox balance indexes.
Results:
MA showed higher levels of SIRT1 (18.22 ± 4.53 vs. 6.08 ± 2.11 ng/mL; p < 0.0001), as well as of SOD, CAT, and GSH (p < 0.001), indicating a more favorable antioxidant profile. After adjustment for body fat percentage, differences in SOD, CAT, GSH and TBARS, remained significant. SIRT1 was positively correlated with SOD (r = 0.279; p = 0.031), CAT (r = 0.485; p < 0.001), GSH (r = 0.476; p < 0.001) and CAT/8-OHdG (r = 0.430; p = 0.032), and negatively correlated with TBARS (r = - 0.518; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Master athletes exhibited higher circulating SIRT1 concentrations and a more favorable systemic redox profile than untrained individuals, with SIRT1 being associated with markers of antioxidant defense, lipid peroxidation, and redox balance.
