α-tocopherol supplementation reduces the elevated 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine blood levels induced by training in basketball players

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Te) supplementation on DNA oxidative damage induced by heavy training in basketball players. Methods: Blood was obtained from 10 players before (group A) and after training ( group B) and after 1 month on alpha-Te ( 200 mg/day, orally) supplementation, before ( group C) and after training ( group D). Total antioxidant status (TAS), muscle enzyme activities and the biomarker of DNA oxidation, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were measured using commercial kits. alpha-Te and catecholamine blood levels were determined using HPLC methods. Results: TAS was higher in the groups with alpha-Te ( groups C and D). Levels of 8-OHdG and muscle creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were remarkably lower (0.20 +/- 0.03 ng/mL, 120 +/- 15 U/L and 430 +/- 90 U/L, respectively) in the group with alpha-Te ( group D) than in group B ( 0.42 +/- 0.05 ng/mL, 286 +/- 12 U/L and 688 +/- 88 U/L, respectively; p < 0.001). 8-OHdG levels were negatively correlated to TAS and positively to CK levels. Conclusions: alpha-Te supplementation may reduce DNA oxidation induced by training by protecting muscle cell death'' from glutamate entry and/or by elevation of TAS via amelioration of lipid peroxidation.