Impact of off-road competitive motocross race on plasma oxidative stress and damage markers

Antonio A Ascensao ^1*, Rita Ferreira ¹, Franklim Marques ², Eduardo Oliveira ³, Victor Azevedo ⁴, José Soares ³ and José Magalhães ¹

¹ Research Centre in Physical Activity Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Portugal
² Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Portugal
³ Dept Sports Biology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Portugal
⁴ Faculty of Sports Sciences, Portugal

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: aascensao{at}fcdef.up.pt.

Accepted 8 November 2006

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impact of an off-road motocross heat on plasma levels of oxidative stress and damage, blood leukocyte counts and urine catecholamine concentration.

Methods: Plasma contents of total (TGSH), reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, %GSSG, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and -SH groups, total antioxidant status (TAS) and uric acid (UA) as well as blood neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were evaluated in ten male top-level riders before, immediately and one hour after a simulated competitive motocross race. 24-hours urine adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations were also measured.

Results: Motocross heat resulted in an increase in plasma oxidative stress and damage (p<0.05). This was observed by significant increase in %GSSG, TAS, MDA and carbonyls as well as by decrease in -SH after the race. There was a significant increase in both plasma UA and urine catecholamine concentration after the race (p<0.05). Blood neutrophil counts increased at zero and one hour after exercise (p<0.05). Lymphocyte counts increased from baseline to zero hours, although decreased from baseline and zero to one hour post exercise (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The data reinforce the notable metabolic and hormonal demands imposed by motocross, resulting in a condition of enhanced plasma oxidative stress and damage.

Key Words: antioxidants, free radicals, lipid peroxidation, motorcycling, protein oxidation

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