The effect of melatonin on the antioxidant status of athletes under intense physical activity

Purpose. Investigation of antioxidant system of weightlifters and powerlifters in pre-competition period and its correction with melatonin. Materials and methods. 24 athletes of high qualification practicing weightlifting and powerlifting participated in the study. Observations were carried out in the period of intense exercising. Participants were divided into 2 equal groups, the 1st group contained athletes taking placebo and the 2nd group included athletes taking melatonin during 30 days. Before the start of the experiment and immediately after it the level of malondialdehyde, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase were measured. Results. It was revealed that malondialdehyde level in the group taking melatonin significantly decreased (1.18 times), whereas there were no significant changes in the control group. The experiment results demonstrated a valid increase in the catalase activity (1.4 times) and superoxide dismutase (1.5 times) for the second group of athletes, while the first group of athletes did not show any positive dynamics. Conclusions. Melatonin intake during intense exercising results in reduction of oxidative stress and promotes increasing activity of antioxidant body enzymes.

1. Arushanjan, E.B. Limitation of oxidative stress as the main cause of the universal protective properties of melatonin / E.B. Arushanjan // Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. - 2012, Vol. 75, № 5. - P. 44-49.
2. Bazarin, K.P. Dynamic changes in the enzymes activity of the antioxidant protection system in blood plasma of professional rugby players / K.P. Bazarin, N.M. Titova // Bulletin of VSNC SO RAMN. – 2014. - № 3. - P. 9-13.
3. Bespjatyh, A.Y. Melatonin as an antioxidant: basic functions and properties / A.Y. Bespjatyh, O.V. Burlakova, V.A. Golichenkov // Advances in modern biology. – 2010.  Vol. 130, № 5. - P. 487-496.
4. Velichko, T.I. Free radical processes and possible demonstration of oxidative stress in exercise process / T.I. Velichko // Bulletin of V.N. Tatishev Volzhsky University. – 2015. -  № 4. -  P. 286-293.
5. Elikov, A.V. Antioxidant status of athletes during a dosed exercise and in the recovery period / A.V. Elikov, A.G. Galstjan // Nutrition issues. – 2017. - Vol. 86, № 2. - P. 23-31.
6. Kalinkin, L.A. Oxidative stress in physical training: methods of diagnosis and correction of antioxidant status / E.A. Stacenko, A.G. Ponomareva, V.N. Morozov, L.V. Kutnjahova, M.V. Krivoshapov, D.V. Rummo, Z.M. Kostjuk // Bulletin of Sport Science. – 2014. - № 1. - P. 31-35.
7. Kupriyanov, S.V. Chemoreflexes originated in vertebral arteries and carotid sinus zones during acidosis and alkalosis in experimental and clinical conditions / S.V. Kupriyanov // Kazan medical journal. – 2007. - Vol. 88, № 1. - P. 20-23.
8. Potapov, V.N. Individualization in the training system of weightlifters of high qualification based on bionic criteria for assessing the body state / V.N. Potapov, V.V. Rybakov, E.V. Antropova // Human. Sport. Medicine. – 2017. - Vol. 17, № 1. - P. 87-91. DOI: 10.14529/hsm170109        
9. Rakhmanov, R.S. Antioxidant system as an indicator of health status and prognosis / R.S. Rakhmanov, T.V. Blinova, A.V. Tarasov, D.S. Shumskikh // Hygiene and sanitation. – 2014. - Vol. 93, № 6. - P. 91-94.
10. Li Li Ji. Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress in Exercise // Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine – 1999. – Vol. 222, № 3. – P. 283-292. DOI: 10.1046 / j.1525-1373.1999.d01-145.x
11. Zhang H.M., Zhang Y. Melatonin: a well-documented antioxidant with conditional pro-oxidant actions // Journal of Pineal Research., 2014. – Vol. 57, № 2. – P. 131-146. DOI: 10.1111 / jpi.12162
12. Borges Lda S., Dermargos A., da Silva Junior E.P., Weimann E., Lambertucci R.H., Hatanaka E. Melatonin decreases muscular oxidative stress and inflammation induced by strenuous exercise and stimulates growth factor synthesis // Journal of Pineal Research. – 2015. - Vol. 58, № 2. - P. 166-172. DOI: 10.1111 / jpi.12202
13. Hadzovic - Dzuvo A., Valjevac A., Lepara O., Pjanic S., Hadzimuratovic A., Mekic A. Oxidative stress status in elite athletes engaged in different sport disciplines // Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. - 2014. – Vol. 14, № 2. – P. 56-62. DOI: 10.17305 / bjbms.2014.2262