Physical activity reduces oxidative stress

It is generally accepted that physical activity is beneficial for health, compared to a sedentary lifestyle. However, the underlying mechanisms of how physical activity affects health are not fully understood. It has been suggested that physical activity may favorably modify the antioxidant - prooxidant balance.

In a study by Elosua and coworkers at the Institut Municipal D’Investigacio Medical (Barcelona, Spain), 17 healthy subjects followed an individualized and supervised aerobic physical activity training program for 16 weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activity, oxidized LDL concentration, and LDL resistance to oxidation were evaluated before and after training. Training was shown to induce an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity (27.7%), glutathione reductase activity (17.6%), and LDL resistance to oxidation, as well as a decrease in circulating levels of oxidized LDL (-15.9%).

In a recent study by Autenrieth and colleagues at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich (Germany), 1,820 subjects from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg Studies were assessed for the oxidative stress markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and biomarker association with self-reported physical activity was investigated. The physical activity was divided into no, low, moderate and high physical activity during leisure-time, work, transportation (walking/biking) and household activities. Even though oxLDL levels were not associated with physical activity in this study, MPO levels were significantly reduced in participants who had engaged in leisure-time physical activities.

MPO and oxLDL levels were measured with Mercodia’s MPO ELISA and Oxidized LDL ELISA.

Autenrieth et al. (2011) Myeloperoxidase, but not oxidized LDL, is associated with leisure-time physical activity: Results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg Studies 1984-1995. Atherosclerosis Aug 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Elosua et al. (2003) Response of oxidative stress biomarkers to a 16-week aerobic physical activity program, and to acute physical activity, in healthy young men and women. Atherosclerosis 167:327-334.