Response of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant parameters to an 8-week aerobic physical activity program in healthy, postmenopausal women

Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2009 Jul-Aug;49(1):e67-71. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2008.09.001. Epub 2008 Nov 5.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of an 8-week aerobic physical activity program on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant parameters, and selected metabolic parameters in healthy, postmenopausal women. The study was carried out in a group of 41 healthy women (mean age 65 years) participating in an 8-week cycle ergometer physical workout of moderate intensity. Before and after completing the training program, the following parameters were assessed: total antioxidant status (TAS) and concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma, serum levels of antibodies against oxidatively modified low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (oLAB), serum concentrations of glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), insulin, and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations in red blood cells (RBC). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and insulin resistance index (HOMA(IR)) were calculated. The 8-week aerobic physical activity program resulted in significant decrease (p<0.01) in serum glucose and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, plasma TBARS concentrations (p<0.05), and in significant decrease of HOMA(IR) (p<0.01). TAS of plasma and GSH concentrations in RBC increased significantly (p<0.01) over the study period. The results show that an 8-week aerobic training enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in healthy, postmenopausal women.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropometry
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Glutathione / blood
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Postmenopause*
  • Program Development
  • Thiobarbiturates / blood

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Thiobarbiturates
  • Glutathione
  • thiobarbituric acid