Metabolic damages induced by strenuous exercise

Strenuous exercise leads to an increase in metabolic rate, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and compromised antioxidant defense systems. Skeletal muscle has been shown to generate a complex set of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species both at rest and during contractile activity. The primary reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated are superoxide and nitric oxide and the pattern and magnitude of their generation is influenced by the nature of the contractile activity. Strenuous exercise enhances oxygen consumption and produces disturbance of intracellular pro-oxidant- antioxidant homeostasis. The mitochondrial electron transport chain, polymorphoneutrophil, and xanthine oxidase have been identified as major sources of intracellular free radical generation during physical activity. Reactive oxygen species pose a serious threat to the cellular antioxidant defense system and increased tissue susceptibility to oxidative damage. The possible dangerous consequences on human wellness and aging processes are emphasized in this expert commentary. © 2010 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.