Apoptosis signaling pathway study in the neutrophils of marathon runners supplemented or not supplemented with fish oil.

Author(s)

Vinicius Coneglian Santos

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2015-05-22

Examining board members

Tania Cristina Pithon Curi; Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi; Carla Roberta de Oliveira Carvalho; Renata Gorjão; Mauro Walter Vaisberg

• Advisor: Tania Cristina Pithon Curi

Abstract

Intense physical exercise is associated with changes in the number, function and death of neutrophils. It has been proposed that supplementation with fish oil rich minimizes the immunosuppressive effects induced by intense physical exercise and phosphatidylcholine could also have significant effects on leukocytes function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a half-marathon and fish oil suplemmentation rich in EPA or DHA or soy lecithin suplemmentation on neutrophils apoptosis of amateur athletes. Forty-six recreational athletes were evaluated before and after two half marathons. In the first competition the athletes did not receive supplementation. Blood samples were collected in the following conditions: In rest and immediately after competition. On the first day, after the first half-marathon, supplementation began. The subjects were supplemented with 3 g of fish oil or soy lecithin daily for 60 days and divided into 3 groups: 1) Lecithin 2) DHA 3) EPA. The athletes were assessed 8 weeks after the start of supplementation. In the second half-marathon, with all the supplemented athletes, blood samples were collected under the same conditions of the first competition. In this study were evaluated the receptors of neutrophils apoptosis (Fas and TRAIL), adhesion molecules (L-selectin and ICAM-1), DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine externalization. Moreover, the plasma concentration of TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-1beta cytokines was evaluated. The enzymatic activity of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, plasma concentration of myoglobin, and C-reactive protein and blood counts was also determined. The half-marathon increased the enzymatic activity of CK and LDH and the myoglobin concentration in all groups studied, and the supplementation had no effect on these parameters. The number of neutrophils and leucocytes increased in all groups after half marathon, and the supplementation caused this increase only in the EPA and Lecithin groups. In athletes neutrophils, the half-marathon decreased the expression of Fas and TRAIL receptors and of ICAM-1 and L-selectin adhesion molecules. On the other hand, it increased DNA fragmentation (only in the DHA group) and phosphatidylserine externalization (DHA, EPA and Lecithin groups). The half-marathon also increased concentrations of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines in all groups. The Supplementation (DHA or EPA or soy lecithin) decreased DNA fragmentation and Fas receptor expression in neutrophils. Moreover, increased expression of TRAIL, ICAM-1, L-selectin and phosphatidylserine externalization. In relation to cytokines plasma concentration the supplementation decreased TNF-alfa and increased the concentration of IL-10 in all groups. Whereas, IL-4 concentration increased only DHA and EPA groups. In conclusion, supplementation with soy lecithin has similar effects to the fish oils rich in EPA or DHA on leukocyte function amateur athletes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/11754-8 - EFFECT OF FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION ON NEUTROPHILS APOPTOSIS SIGNALING PATHWAY OF MARATHONISTS IN THE PRE-COMPETITION PHASE.
• Grantee: Vinícius Coneglian Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate