Unfavourable plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite amateur boxers

Abstract

Research on possible physiological changes as a consequence of a specific lifestyle and long-term strenuous exercise in boxing has been sparse. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) profile of 16 elite amateur male boxers (22.4±3.3 years of age), and compared them with a control group composed of 19 sedentary (24.4±3.4) year-old men. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monosaturated FA in plasma phospholipids were significantly higher (P <0.001) in boxers compared to the control group. On the other hand, all studied polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma PL with the exception of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n-3) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, 22:4, n-6) were significantly lower in boxers than in sedentary men. Total PUFA, n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA were also significantly lower in boxers (P <0.001), whereas the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in boxers than in control group (P <0.01). Boxers had significantly higher proportion of all SFA in erythrocyte PL compared to the control group (P <0.05). In addition, the percentage of linoleic acid was lower in boxers' erythrocyte PL than in the control group (P <0.05). The results show two potentially unfavourable main features of the FA profile of boxers, that is, a higher n-6/n-3 ratio in plasma PL and a higher percentage of SFA in both plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids compared to controls. As SFA correlates directly with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and high n-6/n-3 ratio has been shown to stimulate carcinogenesis and modulate inflammation and autoimmunity, this profile could be detrimental to the health of boxers. The mechanism underlying these differences requires further investigation; however the results suggest benefits of nutritional intervention.

Long-Term Adaptations to Aerobic-Anaerobic Physical Training in the Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acids Profile

“…Despite no significant differences were obtained, these results agree with those found in other studies where aerobic-anaerobic exercise was practiced, one among basketball players, with a similar response in SFA and n-6 PUFA [40], and among boxers with a similar trend in SFA [22]. So, if previous reports are taken into account, it can be stated that there is a clear change in SFA and n-6 PUFA in response to aerobic-anaerobic exercise.…”

“…Arsic [21] made a comparative analysis of fatty acid profiles in erythrocyte membranes among female football and water polo players in both similar energetic exercise modalities (aerobic-anaerobic); they found a significantly higher proportion of oleic acid (18:1C) in the football group than in the control group. In anaerobic sports, such as boxing, predominant lower values of linoleic acid (18:2:6) were registered in comparison with those in the control group [22].…”

“…Tepsic [22] found a greater n-6/n-3 ratio in boxers in comparison with those in the control group; it was shown that a high n-6/n-3 ratio modulates inflammation and autoimmureduced, geographic area and they had been following a similar Mediterranean Diet for at least two years before the blood extractions day. Consequently, the variability in the type of foods consumed and in the nutritional routines was minimal.…”

“…N-6-PUFA/n-3-PUFA index shows the coeficient between total fatty acids n-6 and n-3, and it has a relation with membrane stability and with inflammation and autoimmunity [22,31].…”

“…However, the relationship between training and fatty acids behavior has been previously studied in female athletes, male water polo and adult football players [21] and it has been observed that long-term, intense physical training amends fatty acids profile, and, in the case of amateur boxers [22] causes significant modifications in saturated fatty acids.…”