IMPLICATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN BLOOD SERUM.

Aim of the study was to examine the relationship between oxidative stress and overtraining syndrome in athletes by evaluation in serum oxidative and antioxidant status. In 43 athletes with non-functional overreaching (NFO)/overtraining syndrome(OTS) and 40 athletes without NFO/OTS -control athletes (CA), diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in serum, as well as ratio of d-ROMs and BAP test measurements - marker of oxidative stress, were assessed. Baseline data collection performed in both groups of athletes - with NFO/OTS and CA, followed by data collection in athletes with NFO/OTS after 28 days of rest. In athletes suspicious for OTS all measurements were performed after 2 more months of rest. Results of the study showed higher baseline d-ROMs in NFO/OTS athletes than in athletes without NFO/OTS, whereas antioxidant potential in CA was significantly higher, than in NFO/OTS athletes, After 28 days of rest there was significant decrease in d-ROM values in both: athletes with NFO and with OTS, as well as normalization of antioxidant status in athletes with NFO. Total 3 month of rest showed improvement in the oxidative status of athletes with OTS, reaching normal values, though antioxidant status remained without significant improvement, showing subnormal BAP values and decreased BAP/d-ROM ratio. The results demonstrate increased oxidative stress in overtraining state, creating disbalance between d-ROM production and antioxidant capacity. Thus, prolonged imbalance between oxidant production and antioxidant protection via attenuation of antioxidant capacity can be a cause of overtraining in highly trained athletes. In this study most frequently NFO and OTS were seen in wrestling, which needs further investigation and regular medical monitoring.