The beneficial effect of L-cysteine supplementation on DNA oxidation induced by forced training.
BACKGROUND
Forced training is closely implicated with free radicals production and indication of tissue damage as well as DNA oxidation.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of L-cysteine (L-cys) supplementation on DNA oxidative damage found in basketball players after forced training.


METHODS
Blood was obtained from 10 players pre-game (group A), post-game (group B) and after 1 month L-cys (0.5 g 24 h(-1), orally) supplementation, pre- (group C) and post-training (group D). Total antioxidant status (TAS) and the biomarker of DNA oxidative damage 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as well as creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured with commercial kits.


RESULTS
TAS was increased in the groups with L-cys (group C and group D). Post-exercise 8-OHdG levels, CK and LDH were remarkably lower (0.16+/-0.03 ng ml(-1), 115+/-15 U l(-1), 417+/-90 U l(-1), respectively) in group D than those in group B (0.36+/-0.05 ng ml(-1), 286+/-12 U l(-1), 688+/-88U l(-1), p<0.001, respectively). 8-OH dG levels were negatively correlated with TAS(r=-0.718, p<0.01) and positively with CK levels(r=0.590, p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
L-cys supplementation in basketball players may reduce DNA damage induced by training. The sulfur-containing amino acid may protect muscle cells "death" by increasing TAS and the cellular defense against oxidative stress.
Tsakiris
Stylianos
S
Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, University of Athens, P.O. Box 65257, GR-15401 Athens, Greece. stsakir@cc.uoa.gr
Parthimos
Theodore
T
Parthimos
Nickolaos
N
Tsakiris
Theodore
T
Schulpis
Kleopatra H
KH
D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D000293:Adolescent; D001490:Basketball; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D003545:Cysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D003849:Deoxyguanosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D005609:Free Radicals; D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D004247:DNA; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D003849:Deoxyguanosine; D003545:Cysteine