Redox Status and Immune Function

The major thiol-disulfide couple of GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is a crucial regulator of the main transcriptional pathways regulating aseptic inflammation and recovery of skeletal muscle following aseptic injury. Antioxidant supplementation may hamper exercise-induced inflammatory responses.

The objective was to examine how thiol-based antioxidant supplementation affects immune mobilization following exercise-induced skeletal muscle microtrauma. In a two-trial, double-blind, crossover, repeated measures design, 10 young men received either placebo or NAC (20 mg/kg/day) immediately after a muscle-damaging exercise protocol (300 eccentric contractions) and for eight consecutive days. Blood sampling and performance assessment were performed pre-exercise, 2h post-exercise and daily for 8 consecutive days.

Inclusion criteria

• Recreationally trained (VO2max > 45 ml/kg/min)
• Engaged in regular exercise for ≥3 times/week for > 12 months
• non-smokers
• Abstain from exercise during the course of the two trials
• No consumption of performance-enhancing substances, antioxidants, caffeine, alcohol and/or medications during the study.

Exclusion criteria

• NAC intolerance
• Recent musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs
• Febrile illness
• History of muscle lesion.