Title:Oxidative Stress Modulation Through Habitual Physical Activity
Volume: 22
Issue: 24
Author(s): Andrea Boccatonda, Romina Tripaldi, Giovanni Davì and Francesca Santilli
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Exercise, oxidative stress, ROS, mitochondria, sirtuins, endoplasmic reticulum.
Abstract: Background: Oxidative stress is involved in different pathophysiological states, such
as aging, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, by damaging several
cellular and tissue components including proteins, DNA and lipids. On the other hand, free radicals
generated during physical activity are important modulators of muscle contraction, antioxidant
protection, and oxidative damage repair. Indeed, ROS, generated during physical activity,
are likely main mediators of antioxidant molecules upregulation, as reflected by increased glutathione
reductase levels after exercise training. Methods: The aim of this review is to summarize
the main mechanisms responsible for ROS-dependent adaptations to exercise training. Results:
Regular moderate exercise seems to counteract oxidative stress-related detrimental changes and
to promote a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, acute and strenuous exercise can generate an excess of free radicals production. Moreover,
regular habitual physical activity is related to reduced risk of coronary heart disease and death, whereas vigorous exercise has been shown
to favour sudden cardiac death in sedentary individuals with preexisting vascular disease. New specific markers of mitochondrial or ER
dysfunction may be better clues of oxidative stress, and their application to clinical practice may help set up the optimal dose, intensity
and modality of exercise training for every single subject. Conclusion: The relationship between exercise and oxidative stress is extremely
complex, depending on the mode, intensity, and duration of exercise. These conflicting effects and outcomes may be explained
by the hormesis theory, in which low doses of an agent that is detrimental at high doses, induces an adaptive beneficial effect on the cells
or organism.