Nitric Oxide Production in Professional Skiers During Physical Activity at Maximum Load

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the production of nitric oxide in professional cross-country skiers with normotensive and hypertensive responses to physical activity at maximum load. The observation group included professional cross-country skiers (22.2 ± 7.1 years, = 107) who were current members of the national team of the Komi Republic. All the examined athletes performed the exercise test on a cycle ergometer “until exhaustion.” The following parameters were determined for each participant while they were sitting at rest, while at their anaerobic threshold level, during peak load, and during the recovery period (5th min): systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the level of stable nitric oxide metabolites (nitrites, nitrates) in capillary blood samples. According to the blood pressure results, the cross-country skiers were divided into two groups. Group I included athletes with a normotensive response to stress. Group II was composed of individuals with a hypertensive response to stress. During the performance of the test “until exhaustion,” a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the amount of stable metabolites of nitric oxide was observed in the group of athletes with a normotensive response to the load compared with the group with a hypertensive response to the load. In athletes with a normotensive reaction to the load during exercise at maximum load and in the early recovery period, nitrate was prioritized in the regulation of vascular tone. The exercise test on a cycle ergometer “until exhaustion,” combined with the assessment of the levels of stable nitric oxide metabolites in plasma, can be considered a test for the early diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction in professional athletes.

Features of Metabolic Support of Physical Performance in Highly Trained Cross-Country Skiers of Different Qualifications during Physical Activity at Maximum Load

“…The NO levels in the plasma were measured using the Griess reaction, by evaluating the stable metabolites of NO, including nitrites (NO( 2 )(−)) and nitrates (NO( 3 )(−)), which were pre-sorted as an index [NO x ]. As described earlier in our article [ 5 ], nitrite and nitrate are the terminal products of NO in human plasma. It is known that a strong correlation between endogenous NO production and NO x levels exist in plasma [ 10 ].…”

“…The role of the molecular gas nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system is well established, where NO regulates a multitude of cellular processes. Endothelial cells synthesize and release NO, which mediates diverse effects, including vessel tone, haemostasis, blood pressure and vasculature remodelling [ 5 ]. The significance of NO for cardiomyocyte function is well known because it plays a role in the regulation of ion channels, Ca2 homeostasis, contractility, energetics, cell growth, and it has antioxidant effects and prevents endothelial cells from oxidative stress [ 6 ].…”

Lactate thresholds and role of nitric oxide in male rats performing a test with forced swimming to exhaustion

“…Levels of NO in the plasma were measured using the Griess reaction by evaluating stable metabolites of NO, including nitrites (NO 2 ) and nitrates (NO 3 ), which were merged together as an index (NO x ). These methods were previously described (Parshukova et al, 2020(Parshukova et al, , 2022.…”

Effects of Theobromine and Caffeine on Muscle Fatigue Levels after Maximum Physical Activity (Experiment on Male Wistar Rats)

“…Conceptually, physical activity can be done with low to maximum intensity [1]. Physical activity provided programmatically can have a positive impact on the body, such as increasing physical and psychological fitness [2][3] [4] system provides energy for short, maximal-intensity physical activity. However, if physical activity continues, the energy system used is anaerobic glycolysis which is obtained from muscle glycogen and blood glucose.…”