The influence of exogenous antioxidants and physical exercise on some parameters associated with production and removal of free radicals

Metabolic processes generate chemically active forms of oxygen, among which a prominent role is played by the superoxide ion. Cells are equipped with defence systems against the effects of superoxide radicals, superoxide dism utase is the most impertant one. The organism depends on the delivery of ex ogenous antioxidants, like selenium, vitamins E and C. Physical exercise tr iggers the production of superoxide radicals, which can at least partly be responsible for muscular damage. This work has studied the effect of Protec ton Zellaktiv(R) (Smith Kline Beecham, Fink Naturarznei GmbH), a preparatio n containing selenium, vitamins C, E, B-2, niacin and beta-carotene on the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, levels of glutathione, mal ondialdehyde, selenium, iron, zinc, triglicerides, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, before and after physical exercise. Muscle status was monitored by the activities of lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. Pr otecton Zellaktiv(R) was administered orally for one month, the measurement s were repeated and the results before and after treatment were compared. I t was found that treatment diminished the levels of malondialdehyde and zin c in serum, as well as cholesterol and triglicerides. Physical exercise bef ore treatment decreased the levels of reduced glutatione, zinc and triglyce rides. As expected, the levels of selenium were increased by the preparatio n. Protecton Zellaktiv(R) suppressed the production of malondialdehyde duri ng physical exercise. The preparation had a beneficial effect on lipid leve ls and it is inferred that lipid peroxidation was suppressed.