Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

  Background: The aim of this research is investigation of Cu/ Zn Superoxide Dismutase e nzyme of lymphocytic cell gene expression, total antioxidant status and oxidative stress changes following intensive exercise in young men athletes.

  Methods: This study was a semi-experimental research with a repeated measures design. 20 young men athletes (age range of 21-23 years) participated in this study after signing an informed consent form. Blood sample were collected in pre intensive exercise (grade: 5%, speed: 7/5 mile/h, time: 20 minutes) immediately and recovery (3 hours after exercise test), and Real time-polymerase chain reaction was used for evaluation of Cu/Zn SOD gene expression and autoanalyzer for other markers.

  Results: H2O2 level and mRNA of Cu/Zn SOD were both increased ,immediately and 3 hours after of exercise (p=0/012, p=0/014), (2.95 ± 0.84 and 3.37 ± 0.99) but this changes were not reported significant , but TAS levels areeffectively ,raised only in recovery state (p=0/009) (0.86 ± 0.16).

  Conclusions: Intensive exercise increases oxidative stress markers and can weakens the immune system of men athletes, but they raisethe activity of antioxidant enzymes in response to threat of free radicals, so Cu/Zn SOD gene expression does not significantly increased.