BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF ZINC AND MARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN SOCCER PLAYERS - DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18511/0103-1716/rbcm.v22n1p45-50

Abstract

Intense physical exercise induces to excessive formation of oxygen reactive species and changes in the metabolism of antioxidant nutrients. The zinc, particularly, which is a cofactor of enzymes of antioxidant defense system, seems to have alterations in their metabolic behavior in athletes. This study evaluated the effect of physical exercise in biochemical parameters of zinc and oxidative stress markers in soccer players. A transectional, analytical and experimental study was developed with 20 players of main team of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube from Minas Gerais-Brazil, with age between 17 and 19 years, male gender. The analysis of zinc intake, plasma and erythrocyte zinc, the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme, and the plasma malondialdehyde were carried out. Players showed zinc intake superior to recommendation. The mean plasma zinc was 77.6 ± 9.9 ?g/dl pre-exercise and 68.9 ± 8.2 ?g/dl post-exercise (p<0.05). The mean of erythrocyte zinc did not show significant difference after exercise (p>0.05). The mean of plasma malondialdehyde in players was 1.1 ± 0.3 nmol/ml, 5.5 ± 1.4 nmol/ml pre and post–exercise, respectively (p<0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme did not changed after 48 hours of the soccer match (p>0.05). From of the results of this study, concludes that the plasma malondialdehyde is high, and the plasma zinc is reduced after the physical exercise. New investigations with other biomarkers of oxidative stress or of inflammation may clarify the alterations in the metabolic behavior of antioxidant nutrients in athletes.