The COMBINATION OF Α-Lipoic ACID INTAKE WITH ECCENTRIC EXERCISE MODULATES ERYTHROPOIETIN RELEASE

Abstract

The generation of reactive nitrogen/oxygen species (RN/OS) represents an important mechanism in erythropoietin (EPO) expression and skeletal muscle adaptation to physical and metabolic stress. RN/OS generation can be modulated by intense exercise and nutrition supplements such as α-lipoic acid, which demonstrates both anti- and pro-oxidative action. The study was designed to show the changes in the haematological response through the combination of α-lipoic acid intake with running eccentric exercise. Sixteen healthy young males participated in the randomised and placebo-controlled study. The exercise trial involved a 90-min run followed by a 15-min eccentric phase at 65% VO2max (-10% gradient). It significantly increased serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and pro-oxidative products such as 8-isoprostanes (8-iso), lipid peroxides (LPO) and protein carbonyls (PC). α-Lipoic acid intake (Thiogamma: 1200 mg daily for 10 days prior to exercise) resulted in a 2-fold elevation of serum H2O2 concentration before exercise, but it prevented the generation of NO, 8-iso, LPO and PC at 20 min, 24 h, and 48 h after exercise. α-Lipoic acid also elevated serum EPO level, which highly correlated with NO/H2O2 ratio (r = 0.718, P < 0.01). Serum total creatine kinase (CK) activity, as a marker of muscle damage, reached a peak at 24 h after exercise (placebo 732 ± 207 IU · L-1, α-lipoic acid 481 ± 103 IU · L-1), and correlated with EPO (r = 0.478, P < 0.01) in the α-lipoic acid group. In conclusion, the intake of high α-lipoic acid modulates RN/OS generation, enhances EPO release and reduces muscle damage after running eccentric exercise.

The effects of alpha lipoic acid on muscle strength recovery after a single and a short-term chronic supplementation - a study in healthy well-trained individuals after intensive resistance and endurance training

“…To counteract an inflammatory response and oxidative stress, the supplementation of substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities is usually practiced after physical exercise. One of these substance is alpha lipoic acid (ALA) [ 18 ].…”

“…ALA has different functions in the human metabolism. ALA is part of the multienzyme complex of pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate and branched alpha-keto acids [ 16 – 18 ]. Additionally, ALA has an antioxidant effect.…”

“…In competitive sports, the use of protein and carbohydrates preparations against muscle damage and inflammation [ 44 , 45 ] as well as vitamin C and E preparations as antioxidants is common [ 46 ]. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ALA reduces the serum concentrations of creatine kinase after a 90-min endurance load indicating possible protective effects with respect to muscle damage [ 18 ]. Data regarding potential protective or pro-regenerative effects of ALA are not available so far.…”

Dietary Thiols: A Potential Supporting Strategy against Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure and Muscular Damage during Sports Activity

“…The generation of reactive nitrogen/oxygen species (RNS/ROS) represents an important mechanism in erythropoietin (EPO) expression and skeletal muscle adaptation to physical and metabolic stress. Morawin et al have shown that the generation of RNS/ROS can be modulated by controlled physical exercise and by taking food supplements such as ALA which has both an anti- and pro-oxidative action [ 82 ]. The study was planned to highlight how the intake of ALA in combination with physical exercise modulated the hematological response.…”

Physiological Changes after One Month of Exclusive Supplement Consumption and Exercise: A Case Study

“…BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) is considered by some researchers as both anti-catabolic and anabolic [21]. Other ergogenic aids and/or protective agents used included ubiquinol, acetyl L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, and beta-alanine [22][23][24][25][26][27]. A third group of nutrients had Table 1 Daily intake of all nutrients, taken as supplements (see next table) resulting in an 1,300 calories energy-intake per day.…”