PLASMA PROTEIN-BOUND SULFHYDRYL-GROUP OXIDATION IN HUMANS FOLLOWING AFULL MARATHON RACE

Physical exercise can induce oxidative stress in humans. We studied th e influence of aerobic exercise on the status of plasma protein-bound sulfhydryl groups in seven moderately-trained male college students wh o participated in a full marathon race. The plasma protein-bound sulfh ydryl group values were significantly declined immediately after the r ace (-22%, p < 0.01), and 24 h (-12%, p < 0.01) and 48 h (-13%, p < 0. 01) after the race, as compared to the baseline value. The plasma conc entrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were unchanged f ollowing the race, while the activities of plasma creatine kinase were significantly increased, indicating skeletal muscle damage. These res ults suggested that prolonged exercise may cause the oxidation of plas ma proteins.