Effect of Cysteine Derivatives Administration in Healthy Men Exposed to Intense Resistance Exercise by Evaluation of Pro-Antioxidant Ratio

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of this study was to ascertain the influence of cysteine derivatives on pro-antioxidant equilibrium and to compare the antioxidant effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, and taurine by using Loverro's coefficient (pro-antioxidant ratio) in healthy men exposed to intensity-resistance exercise. Fifty-five men were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (CON, placebo), N-acetylcysteine (NAC 1.8 g·day -1 , 3 days), α-lipoic acid (LIP 1.2 g·day -1 , 3 days), or taurine (TAU 3 g·day -1 , 3 days). The erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), and plasma protein thiol concentrations were evaluated. The P/A ratio was determined from the mean values of TBARS, SOD, GPx, and CAT. The applied exercise at maximal intensity induced the significant changes in pro-antioxidant equilibrium toward peroxidation, which was proved by a 25% increase in TBARS concentration in the CON group. The peroxidation was significantly diminished by NAC (-14%) and LIP (-16%), whereas TAU had no effect on the TBARS concentration. Cysteine derivatives administration prevented exercise-induced decline in SOD activity and increased in GPx activity during exercise. CAT activity changed only in the LIP group. The estimation of P/A ratio showed the lowest level of pro-antioxidant equilibrium after LIP administration. In the CON group, P/A ratio was directly correlated with the protein thiols level (r = 0.495, p < 0.001). These data confirm the antioxidant action of tested cysteine derivatives, particularly lipoic acid, and demonstrate the practical application of P/A ratio to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants in athletes.Key words: oxidative stress, N-acetylcysteine, α-lipoic acid, taurine, athletes.Exhaustive eccentric or isometric exercises cause reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant depletion, and consequently the shift in pro-antioxidant equilibrium toward the peroxidation that can lead to negative changes in cell metabolism. These changes include the inhibition of enzymes and membrane receptor activities, the release of proinflammatory cytokines, an increase in Ca 2+ concentration, and an activation of proteases and nucleases, as well as structural cell damage [1].The intervention consisting in the weakening of ROS generation by antioxidant supplementation may prevent the adverse effects of exercise. Nevertheless, as shown in several studies the use of antioxidant vitamins hindered muscle repair after exercise, whereas the additional intake of sulfur-containing compounds could increase the defense against ROS [2,3].N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is probably the most effective thiol compound. The studies showed that oral, intravenous or intraperitonal supplementation of NAC prevented a decline in muscle, lung, and blood thiols level and weakened exercise-induced glutathione oxidation. Besides the stimulation of glutathione synthesis, NAC also reduced extracellular cystine to cysteine, directly affec...

Pro-antioxidant ratio in healthy men exposed to muscle-damaging resistance exercise

“…protein carbonylation products (22). The Loverro's coefficient or POTAOX have also permitted to compare an affectivity of antioxidant supplementation (10,23). Recently, the use of P/A ratio enabled us to confirm the antioxidant action of α-lipoic acid compared with other sulphur containing compounds (23).…”

Effects of taurine supplementation following eccentric exercise in young adults

“…It has been reported that taurine can protect against oxidative stress under various conditions (Zhang et al 2004;Redmond et al 1998;Qi et al 1995;Silva et al 2011) and act as an antiinflammatory agent (Huxtable 1992;Zembron-Lacny et al 2007;Miyamoto et al 2009;Silva et al 2011). Furthermore, several studies reported the beneficial effects of taurine administration not only in rats, but also in humans (Baum and Weiss 2001;Dawson et al 2002;Zhang et al 2004;Silva et al 2011).…”

“…Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is an amino acid derived from cysteine metabolism and is involved in cell volume regulation, detoxification, and osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, intracellular calcium flux regulation, and antioxidant production due to its molecular structure (Huxtable 1992;Zembron-Lacny et al 2007;Miyamoto et al 2009;Silva et al 2011). It has been reported that taurine can protect against oxidative stress under various conditions (Zhang et al 2004;Redmond et al 1998;Qi et al 1995;Silva et al 2011) and act as an antiinflammatory agent (Huxtable 1992;Zembron-Lacny et al 2007;Miyamoto et al 2009;Silva et al 2011).…”

Antioxidant effect of diphenyl diselenide on oxidative stress caused by acute physical exercise in skeletal muscle and lungs of mice

“…7 Several studies have reported that the supplementation with antioxidants is a good alternative for reducing the damage caused by exercise in athletes or non-athletes. 8,9 However, with respect to antioxidant supplementation and exercise-induced oxidative stress and tissue injury, a clear consensus in no way exists. Disparities in the literature regarding antioxidant supplementation and attenuation of oxidative damage are likely due to several factors including training status of the subject population, 10 dietary intake, 11 as well as the magnitude and duration of supplementation period.…”