Ll. Ji et S. Leichtweis, EXERCISE AND OXIDATIVE STRESS - SOURCES OF FREE-RADICALS AND THEIR IMPACT ON ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS, Age, 20(2), 1997, pp. 91-106
Strenuous exercise is characterized by increased oxygen consumption an
d the disturbance between intracellular pro-oxidant and antioxidant ho
meostasis. At lease three biochemical pathways (i.e., mitochondrial el
ectron transport chain, xanthine oxidase, and polymorphoneutrophil) ha
ve beers identified as potential sources of intracellular free radical
generation during exercise. These deleterious reactive oxygen species
pose a serious threat to the cellular antioxidant defense system, suc
h as diminished reserves of antioxidant vitamins and glutathione. Howe
ver, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants have demonstrated great
versitility and adaptability in response to acute and chronic exercise
. The delicate balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants suggests
that supplementation with antioxidants may be desirable for physically
active individuals under certain physiological conditions by providin
g a larger protective margin.