10. Oxidative Stress and Arterial Stiffness in Strength- and Endurance-Trained Athletes

Abstract

Background

Endurance exercise training decreases arterial stiffness, whereas high-intensity strength exercise training increases arterial stiffness. However, the mechanisms underlying the different adaptations to these two types of exercise training are unclear. Oxidative stress induces vasocon-striction and endothelial dysfunction. Recently, plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), a new marker of oxidative stress, level has been reported to be positively associated with arterial stiffness in healthy subjects. We hypothesized that AOPP participates in the adaptation of arterial stiffness in different types of exercise training. The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma AOPP concentration and arterial stiffness in strength- and endurance-trained athletes.

Methods

Young male strength-trained athletes (shot put, hammer, or javelin throwers; n = 12; SA), endurance-trained athletes (long- or middle-distance runners; n = 10; EA), and sedentary control human (n = 12; C) participated in this study. We measured maximal handgrip strength, maximal oxygen uptake, aortic pulse wave velocity (APWV), which is an index of arterial stiffness, and plasma AOPP concentration.

Results

Maximal handgrip strength was significantly greater in SA compared with C and EA. Maximal oxygen uptake was significantly greater in EA compared with C and SA. APWV was significantly higher in SA compared with C and EA. Plasma AOPP concentration was significantly higher in SA compared with in EA. The relationships of plasma AOPP concentrations to maximal handgrip strength (i.e., muscle strength) and maximal oxygen uptake (i.e., aerobic capacity) were linear (AOPP and muscle strength: r = 0.42, AOPP and aerobic capacity: r = −0.46).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that oxidative stress may participate in the mechanism underlying different adaptations of arterial stiffness in strength- and endurance-trained athletes. Key words: arterial stiffness; oxidative stress; endurance exercise training; strength exercise training