Relationship Between Oxidative Stress Indices and Aerobic/Anaerobic Capacity in U17 Soccer Players

Abstract

The intensive exercise performed during soccer games and training relies on both aerobic and anaerobic energy production. Furthermore, several studies have reported that after strenuous aerobic or anaerobic exercises, production of free radicals (FR) increases, which could change the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms. On the other hand, regular physical activity may up regulate the antioxidant defense system to maintain homeostasis. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic capacity and oxidative stress indices in young male soccer players. Twenty trained male U17 soccer players (height = 169.23 +/- 3.08 cm; weight = 62.23 +/- 5.68 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. The aerobic and anaerobic capacity variables were limited with the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, 200 m sprint, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 2 (YO-YO IR2) and VO2mox. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indirect marker of DNA damage, were determined as oxidative stress indices. The results of the current study demonstrated that only the TAS level positively correlated with the YO-YO IR2 distance and VO2max values (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive strong relationship between TOS and OSI (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant relationship between the TOS level and DNA damage and any performance variables (p > 0.05). These results indicate that physical capacity is positively associated with antioxidant capacity, but further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the antioxidant defense system and regular physical activity.