α-Tocopherol supplementation restores the reduction of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity induced by forced training

Background: Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity is closely related to free radical production. alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-T) is implicated with the reduction of lipid peroxidation. Aim: To investigate the effect of training and alpha-T supplementation on the erythrocyte G6PD activity. Methods: Blood was obtained from 10 basketball players pre-game (group A), post-game (group B) and after 30 days on alpha-T (DL-alphatocopheryl-acetate, 200mg 24h(-1) orally) supplementation pre- (group Q and post-training (group D). alpha-T and catecholamines were evaluated with HPLC methods and creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, total antioxidant status (TAS) and G6PD activity with commercial kits. Results: TAS was increased in the groups with alpha-T addition (groups C and D). Post-exercise, TAS and G6PD activity were remarkably higher (2.10 +/- 0.13 mmol 1(-1), 7.92 +/- 1.5Ug(-1)Hb, respectively) in group D than those in group B (0.92 +/- 0.10mmol 1(-1), 4.8 +/- 1.4Ug(-1) Hb, p < 0.01, respectively). G6PD activity positively correlated with TAS (r=0.64,p < 0.001) in all the studied groups. Conclusions: Supplementation with alpha-T may protect G6PD activity from reduction induced by forced training. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.