LDL SENSITIVITY TO OXIDATION IN ATHLETES AND NON ATHLETES.

Abstract

Background: LDL oxidation plays a significant role in atherosclerosis process. Change in LDL type, occurring with physical activity, and the resulting decrease in LDL sensitivity to the oxidative process can protect the subject against atherosclerosis. This study has compared LDL sensitivity to oxidation in athletes and non athletes.

Methods: 14 male athletes (aged 48±2) and 14 male non athletes (aged 44±4) were recruited. 10 ml venous fasting blood was obtained from each subject. According to the PUHL guidelines, LDL sensitivity to oxidation was evaluated using conjugated diene method. Cholesterol and triglyceride were measured by enzymatic immunoassay. HDL-c was measured by precipitation method. LDL was calculated by Fried-Wald formula.

Results: LDLs from athletes' sera were less vulnerable to oxidation than non-athletes' sera. To say, mean lag time in athletes was 60.35 ±10 compared to 56±10 in non athletes.  This difference, however, was not statistically significant. A significant difference existed between the two groups with regard to HD L-c level (46.2±8 vs. 38±8.5; P<O. 05).

Conclusion: The experimental evidences suggest that oxidation of LDL paves the way to atherosclerosis. There are also reports on the role of physical activities in preventing atherosclerosis development. However, other factors, such as serum concentration of vitamin E, composition of LDLs, can influence the atherosclerosis process and their roles should not be neglected.