Changes in homocysteine and 8-iso-PGF(2a) levels in football and hockey players after a match.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of homocysteine and 8-iso PGF(2a) in football and hockey players before and soon after a match, on the predisposition for development of atherosclerosis. We measured 8-iso-PGF(2a) and homocysteine in 21 football athletes aged 21.8 ± 3.7 years old and 18 hockey athletes 22.2 ± 3.3 years old, respectively. All the athletes presented significant increases in serum homocysteine levels following the match (p = 0.001 for football and p = 0.001 for hockey players) Also a statistically significant increase of 8-iso-PGF(2a) levels was found in hockey and football athletes following the match (p < 0.001 and p = 0.071). Our findings suggest that strenuous exercise such as a football or a hockey match causes a marked increase in serum homocysteine and 8-iso-PGF(2a). Due to the fact that homocysteine and 8-iso-PGF(2a) are contributing to atheromatosis, it may be useful to follow a restoration exercise program that involves mild exercise and to pay special attention to folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 balance during the first 24 h after the match.