Antioxidant status and oxidative stress in elite alpine ski racers

The goal of this field study was to assess antioxidant status and markers o f oxidative damage in elite alpine ski racers during routine training. Subj ects included 12 members of the U.S. Men's Alpine Ski Team attending a 10-d ay summer training camp. Blood draws were collected at rest and after exerc ise: (a) prior to training, (b) following 2 days of dry land training, and (c) after 4 days of on-snow skiing. Seven measures of antioxidant status we re determined using calorimetric and HPLC methods (Trolox" equivalent antio xidant capacity, uric acid, alpha -tocopherol, gamma -tocopherol, total glu tathione, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase). Oxid ative stress was assessed using 2 markers of lipid peroxidation (malondiald ehyde and lipid hydroperoxides) and 2 markers of protein oxidation (carbony lated total proteins and carbonylated hemoglobin). The results of this stud y suggest that antioxidant status of elite alpine skiers may decline over a period of intense training. However, elevations in markers of oxidative st ress were not evident.