Biochemical Parameters of Zinc and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Soccer Players

Abstract

The high intensity physical exercise induces to excessive formation of oxygen reactive species as well as changes in the metabolism of antioxidant nutrients. The zinc, particularly, which is a cofactor of enzymes of antioxidant defense system, seems to have alterations in its metabolic behavior in athletes. This study evaluated the effect of physical exercise on biochemical parameters of zinc and oxidative stress biomarkers of soccer players. A transectional, analytical and experimental study was performed with 20 players from the youth team (basis category sub20) in the first division of the brazilian championship with age between 17 and 19 years, male gender. The analysis of zinc intake, plasmatic and erythrocyte zinc, the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme, and the plasma malondialdehyde were carried out before and after the match. Players showed zinc intake superior to recommendation. The mean plasmatic zinc was 77.6 ± 9.9 μg/dl pre-match and 68.9 ± 8.2 μg/dl post-match (p<0.05). The mean of erythrocyte zinc did not show significant difference after exercise (p>0.05). The mean plasmatic malondialdehyde was 1.1 ± 0.3 nmol/ml, and 5.5 ± 1.4 nmol/ml pre and postexercise, respectively (p<0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme did not change after 48 hours of the soccer match (p>0.05). High performance athlets like soccer players, show a reduction in zinc concentration and an increase in the plasmatic malondialdehyde. Further investigations using other biomarkers of oxidative stress and/or of inflammation may better clarify the alterations in the metabolic behavior of antioxidant nutrients in soccer players.