Sex Differences in Copper Concentrations during a Sports Season in Soccer Players

Abstract

Physical training produces changes in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. Sex differences in copper (Cu) concentrations in athletes are scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze changes in intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) and extracellular (plasma and urine) Cu concentrations during a sports season in soccer players and (ii) to analyze sex differences. A total of 46 soccer players (22 men and 24 women) participated in the study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season. Anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical condition, female hormones (menstrual cycle) and hematology were evaluated, as well as Cu determination (plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets). Regarding longitudinal differences, there were discrepancies in plasma, urine, absolute erythrocyte, and absolute platelet Cu concentrations (p < 0.05). There were differences between sexes in Cu concentrations in urine, erythrocytes relative to cell number and in platelets relative to cell number (p < 0.05). During a sports season, there are changes in Cu concentrations in soccer players. Likewise, there could be sex differences in urinary, erythrocyte and platelet Cu concentrations.

Aluminum Concentrations in Male and Female Football Players during the Season

“…This section is similar to that reported by Toro-Román et al [19,21]. To ascertain Al intake, participants completed a nutritional questionnaire.…”

“…The present study was accepted and approved by the bioethics committee of the University of Extremadura (135/2020). The protocol was similar to that reported by Toro-Román et al [21,22]. A longitudinal study of approximately 11 months duration was carried out.…”

Changes in Hematological Parameters of Iron Status and Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices during a Sports Season in Women’s Soccer Players

“…The study design was similar to that reported by Toro-Román et al [26]. The duration of the study was eleven months, and three assessments were performed: assessment 1 (first week of training (August)), assessment 2 (mid-season, end of the first regular round (January)) and assessment 3 (last week of training (May-June)).…”

“…Days before the start of the study, the participants completed a questionnaire to report on the characteristics of their menstrual cycle [26]. The questionnaire included general menstrual cycle questions (cycle length, duration of bleeding, age of onset, regularity, and pain).…”

Extracellular and Intracellular Concentrations of Manganese and Molybdenum in Men’s and Women’s Football Players During a Season

“…The methods used to extract Mn and Mo from various blood components followed established protocols similar to those employed in other research studies (21,30,31). The method was developed entirely by the research support service of the University of Extremadura using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (7900; Agilent Tech., Santa Clara, CA, USA).…”