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Exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation: a review
1Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra.
Australian Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Unaccustomed exercise can damage skeletal muscle, leading to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). While metabolic and mechanical stress are proposed causes, the exact mechanisms and the role of cytokines in muscle repair remain under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Muscle biology
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Unaccustomed exercise can cause skeletal muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
- Both metabolic and mechanical stress are implicated in exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses play a role in muscle oxidative damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DOMS.
- To investigate the role of cytokines in the inflammatory and repair processes following muscle damage.
Main Methods:
- Histological and ultrastructural examination of muscle damage.
- Measurement of cytosolic enzyme efflux into circulation.
- Indirect estimation of free radical generation (e.g., malondialdehyde, TBARS).
Main Results:
- Exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage is well-documented, especially after eccentric exercise.
- Various methods exist to assess muscle damage and oxidative stress.
- The precise mechanisms driving DOMS require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are key regulators of inflammatory and immunological responses in tissue repair.
- Understanding DOMS mechanisms is crucial for athlete recovery and performance.
- Further research is needed to fully understand DOMS pathophysiology and the role of cytokines.