Oxidative stress in older adults: effects of physical fitness.

ABSTRACT: Acute exercise results in transient change in redox balance. High concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to oxidative damage to macromolecules. However, moderate periodic increases in ROS, such as experienced with habitual exercise, may activate signal transduction pathways which stimulate increases in endogenous antioxidant systems. This study tested the hypothesis that physically fit older adults would have less oxidative stress than unfit age-matched controls, due to greater circulating concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants and greater capacity to upregulate antioxidant enzymes. We compared 37 fit (mean age 65.2 ± 5 years) and 35 unfit (mean age 67.7 ± 4 years) men and women. Fitness status was classified by VO(2 max) and maximal leg power. Basal levels of oxida

SUBMITTER: Traustadottir T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3682074 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature