Biochemical Effects of Long-Term Exercise on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Markers in Adolescent Female Athletes
Background: Adolescence is a critical period where exercise-induced oxidative stress is modulated by both training adaptations and hormonal changes, particularly the antioxidant effects of estrogen in females. However, data on how adolescent female athletes respond to long-term exercise remain limit...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Children |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/7/809 |
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| Summary: | Background: Adolescence is a critical period where exercise-induced oxidative stress is modulated by both training adaptations and hormonal changes, particularly the antioxidant effects of estrogen in females. However, data on how adolescent female athletes respond to long-term exercise remain limited. The aim of this study was to examine oxidative stress levels and some antioxidant defense parameters in adolescent female athletes who train regularly. Methods: The study included 20 adolescent female basketball players (16.65 ± 0.67 years; 165.50 ± 0.06 cm; 59.75 ± 5.50 kg) with at least three years of training experience and 20 non-athlete adolescent female participants (16.80 ± 0.69 years; 159.95 ± 0.04 cm; 60.15 ± 4.23 kg). Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels were analyzed by a spectrophotometric method using a UV/VIS spectrophotometer in blood samples taken from all participants, and the data were compared between the groups. Results: The results showed that MDA levels were significantly lower in the athlete group (<i>p</i> < 0.01; d = 4.78). In addition, CAT activity was significantly higher in athletes compared to non-athletes (<i>p</i> < 0.01; d = 7.81). However, no significant difference was observed in GSH levels between the groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05; d = 0.15). A strong negative correlation was found between MDA and CAT (r = −0.900). Conclusions: These findings suggest that prolonged exercise reduces oxidative stress and enhances catalase-mediated antioxidant defense in adolescent women. Increased CAT activity and decreased MDA levels support this effect, while stable GSH levels point to the role of compensatory mechanisms. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9067 |