The Impact of Regular Exercise on Antioxidants and Selected Biochemical Health Indicators

Abstract

Intense exercise alters the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may be an effective means to reduce their deleterious effect on the body. Two major classes of endogenous protective mechanisms work together to reduce the harmful effects of oxidants in the cell. The enzymatic scavenging system such as superoxide dismutase and the nonenzymatic antioxidants such as, albumin and uric acid can reduce ROS and protect tissues against oxidative damage. This oxidant-antioxidant balance may affect overall health disrupting changes in biochemical parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular exercise on circulating antioxidant defences and selected biochemical health indicators in Ghanaian individuals. Eighty-six [44(51.2%) females and 42(48.8%) males] participants with age ranging from18-59 took part in this study. The exercise group recruited from two gymnasium centres in Greater Accra comprised 42 individuals, made up of 32 (76.2%) and 10 (23.8%) males and females respectively. The control group were 44 in number made up of 9 (20.5%) males and 35(79.5%) females. There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.350) between the two groups. An International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) that assessed exercise history and demographic characteristics was administered to each participant. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and body composition) were determined. Biochemical markers (fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides-TG), blood antioxidants markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and uric acid (UA) as well as oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The mean values (p < 0.05) of weight and height showed that the exercise group were heavier and taller compared to controls. The case group also had increased levels in heart rate (p < 0.05), daily calorie intake (p < 0.05), muscle mass (p < 0.05), bone mass (p < 0.05) and visceral mass (p < 0.05) than the controls. Oxidative stress MDA and antioxidant SOD markers were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the exercise group compared with controls. Uric acid levels (p < 0.05), total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and HDL-C (p < 0.05) were elevated in the exercise group than the control group and was significant. It is concluded that, participating in both vigorous and moderate regular exercises have some benefits on antioxidant and biochemical parameters compared with mild exercising.