Combined antioxidant treatment effects on blood oxidative stress after eccentric exercise

PURPOSE: This study was designed to ascertain the effects of a combination antioxidant therapy on plasma protein carbonyls (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and whole blood total (TGSH), oxidized (GSSG), and reduced (GSH) glutathione in non-resistance trained females after eccentric resistance exercise. METHODS: Eighteen women (aged 19-31 yr) were randomized in a double-blind manner to either an antioxidant supplement (N = 9; 400 IU vitamin E, 1 g vitamin C, and 90 mug selenium per day) or a lactose placebo (N = 9) for 14 d before and for 2 d after eccentric elbow flexor exercise. Blood samples taken before and immediately, 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise were analyzed for PC, MDA, TGSH, and GSSG. RESULTS: No treatment by time interaction was noted for any variable, with all blood markers experiencing a change after the exercise in both conditions. Time main effects were observed for PC, MDA, and GSSG, with values elevated above preexercise after the eccentric exercise, whereas GSH concentration decreased after the eccentric exercise. Antioxidant supplementation resulted in a condition main effect for PC and MDA, with lower values compared with placebo. The antioxidant treatment attenuated the rise in both PC (75%) and MDA (100%). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that eccentric resistance exercise can increase blood biomarkers of oxidative stress in non-resistance trained females, and this vitamin E, C, and selenium supplementation can attenuate the rise in PC and MDA.