Seric concentrations of copper, chromium, manganesum, nickel and selenium in aerobic, anaerobic and mixed professional sportsmen

Exercise-induced microbial changes in preventing type 2 diabetes

The metabolic benefits associated with long-term physical activity are well appreciated and growing evidence suggests that it involves the gut microbiota. Here we re-evaluated the link between exercise-induced microbial changes and those associated with prediabetes and diabetes. We found that the relative abundances of substantial amounts of diabetes-associated metagenomic species associated negatively with physical fitness in a Chinese athlete students cohort. We additionally showed that those microbial changes correlated more with handgrip strength, a simple but valuable biomarker suggestive of the diabetes states, than maximum oxygen intake, one of the key surrogates for endurance training. Moreover, the causal relationships among exercise, risks for diabetes, and gut microbiota were explored based on mediation analysis. We propose that the protective roles of exercise against type 2 diabetes are mediated, at least partly, by the gut microbiota.

Sex Differences in Copper Concentrations during a Sports Season in Soccer Players

Physical training produces changes in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. Sex differences in copper (Cu) concentrations in athletes are scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze changes in intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) and extracellular (plasma and urine) Cu concentrations during a sports season in soccer players and (ii) to analyze sex differences. A total of 46 soccer players (22 men and 24 women) participated in the study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season. Anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical condition, female hormones (menstrual cycle) and hematology were evaluated, as well as Cu determination (plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets). Regarding longitudinal differences, there were discrepancies in plasma, urine, absolute erythrocyte, and absolute platelet Cu concentrations (p < 0.05). There were differences between sexes in Cu concentrations in urine, erythrocytes relative to cell number and in platelets relative to cell number (p < 0.05). During a sports season, there are changes in Cu concentrations in soccer players. Likewise, there could be sex differences in urinary, erythrocyte and platelet Cu concentrations.

Analysis of Intracellular and Extracellular Selenium Concentrations: Differences According to Training Level

Trace mineral element concentrations are under homeostatic control. Selenium (Se) is a very important micronutrient for the antioxidant and immune system. Se metabolism could be modified due to physical training. This research aimed to analyze the extracellular (plasma, urine and serum) and intracellular (platelets and erythrocytes) concentrations of Se in athletes and to compare it with subjects with low levels of physical training. Forty young men divided into a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years) and a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years) participated in this study. The TG was formed by semi-professional soccer players. The analysis of Se was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The TG obtained higher values of maximum oxygen consumption and muscle percentage (p < 0.05). The TG showed reduced absolute (p < 0.01) and relative (p < 0.05) Se concentrations in erythrocytes and platelets in comparison to CG. Trace element assessments should not be limited only to extracellular compartments as there could be deficiencies at the intracellular level.

The study of the relevance of macro- and microelements in the hair of young wrestlers depending on the style of wrestling

While participating in an intensive training process, the athlete's body requires not only energy, but also specific macro- and microelements. The purpose of this study was to show the meaning of monitoring the level of mineral trace elements in athletes-wrestlers during physical activity. As an experimental group, 66 male wrestlers aged 18-20 years with at least 3 years of intensive wrestling experience were examined. The control group consisted of 92 young cadets of military school aged 18-20 years, who had previous sports training, but were not engaged in wrestling. To determine the quantitative content of trace elements, the hair was cut from the back of the head for the entire length in an amount of at least 0.1 g. an examined using the mass spectrometer ICP-MS Agilent 7900. Strong positive correlations were found for sodium with potassium and rubidium, magnesium with calcium, potassium with rubidium, and rubidium with caesium among wrestlers. Wrestlers were found to have higher levels of a number of macro- and microelements, including toxic ones.

A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance

As a nitric oxide (NO) enhancer, citrulline malate (CM) has recently been touted as a potential ergogenic aid to both resistance and high-intensity exercise performance, as well as the recovery of muscular performance. The mechanism has been associated with enhanced blood flow to active musculature, however, it might be more far-reaching as either ammonia homeostasis could be improved, or ATP production could be increased via greater availability of malate. Moreover, CM might improve muscle recovery via increased nutrient delivery and/or removal of waste products. To date, a single acute 8 g dose of CM on either resistance exercise performance or cycling has been the most common approach, which has produced equivocal results. This makes the effectiveness of CM to improve exercise performance difficult to determine. Reasons for the disparity in conclusions seem to be due to methodological discrepancies such as the testing protocols and the associated test–retest reliability, dosing strategy (i.e., amount and timing), and the recent discovery of quality control issues with some manufacturers stated (i.e., citrulline:malate ratios). Further exploration of the optimal dose is therefore required including quantification of the bioavailability of NO, citrulline, and malate following ingestion of a range of CM doses. Similarly, further well-controlled studies using highly repeatable exercise protocols with a large aerobic component are required to assess the mechanisms associated with this supplement appropriately. Until such studies are completed, the efficacy of CM supplementation to improve exercise performance remains ambiguous.

Copper concentration in erythrocytes, platelets, plasma, serum and urine: influence of physical training

Background

Physical training produces changes in the extracellular and intracellular concentrations of trace minerals elements. To our knowledge, only three compartments have been studied simultaneously. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of physical training on extracellular (serum, plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) concentrations of Copper (Cu).

Methods

Forty young men participated in this study. The participants were divided into a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years; 68.59 ± 4.18 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) and a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years; 73.45 ± 9.04 kg; 1.79 ± 0.06 m). The TG was formed by semi-professional soccer players from a youth category with a regular training plan of 10 h/week. All of them had been participating in high level competitions and had trained for at least 5 years. Plasma, serum, urine, erythrocyte and platelet samples of Cu were obtained and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results

The TG showed lower concentrations of Cu in erythrocytes (p < 0.05) despite similar intakes. There were no significant differences in Cu concentrations in plasma, serum, urine and platelets although the trend was similar to that observed in erythrocytes.

Conclusions

The assessment of trace element concentrations should be carried out in both extracellular and intracellular compartments to obtain a proper evaluation and to identify possible deficiencies of the element. We believe that additional Cu supplementation is needed in athletes who perform physical training regularly.

Correlations between Basal Trace Minerals and Hormones in Middle and Long-Distance High-Level Male Runners

Several essential trace minerals play an important role in the endocrine system; however, toxic trace minerals have a disruptive effect. The aim of this research was to determine basal concentrations and the possible correlations between trace minerals in plasma and several plasma hormones in runners. Sixty high-level male endurance runners (21 ± 3 years; 1.77 ± 0.05 m; 64.97 ± 7.36 kg) participated in the present study. Plasma hormones were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and plasma trace minerals were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Correlations and simple linear regression were used to assess the association between trace minerals and hormones. Plasma testosterone concentrations were inversely correlated with manganese (r = -0.543; β = -0.410; p < 0.01), selenium (r = -0.292; β = -0.024; p < 0.05), vanadium (r = -0.406; β = -1.278; p < 0.01), arsenic (r = -0.336; β = -0.142; p < 0.05), and lead (r = -0.385; β = -0.418; p < 0.01). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were positively correlated with arsenic (r = 0.298; β = 0.327; p < 0.05) and cesium (r = 0.305; β = 2.272; p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with vanadium (r = -0.303; β = -2.467; p < 0.05). Moreover, cortisol concentrations showed significant positive correlations with cadmium (r = 0.291; β = 209.01; p < 0.05). Finally, insulin concentrations were inversely related to vanadium (r = -0.359; β = -3.982; p < 0.05). In conclusion, endurance runners living in areas with high environmental levels of toxic minerals should check their concentrations of anabolic hormones.

Circulating differential miRNAs profiling and expression in hexavalent chromium exposed electroplating workers

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (Ⅵ)] has extensive applications in industries, and long-term occupational exposure to Cr (Ⅵ) may lead to lung carcinoma and other cancers. While microRNA (miRNA) can take part in carcinogenesis, little is known about its expression profile in the population with Cr (Ⅵ) exposure. Thus, this study aimed to explore miRNA expression profiles in Cr (Ⅵ) exposed workers and to identify the potential biological function of differentially expressed miRNAs. A total of 45 significant differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by the miRNA array. The results of validation showed that miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-142-3p were downregulated and miR-590-3p and miR-941 were upregulated in the exposure group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, exposure duration and urinary chromium level were associated with one or more miRNAs expression. Target gene analysis indicated that these miRNAs might participate in the regulation of DNA damage-related signaling pathways. Taken together, Cr (Ⅵ) exposure can result in differential expression of miRNAs in occupational workers, and the expression of these miRNAs is correlated with the level and duration of Cr (Ⅵ) exposure, and the differentially expressed miRNAs may participate in DNA damage response.

Erythrocyte concentrations of chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc in subjects with different physical training levels

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine changes occurring in the erythrocyte concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) in male subjects with different training levels living in the same region (Spain).

Methods

Thirty sedentary subjects (24.34 ± 3.02 years) formed the control group (CG); 24 moderately trained (4–7 h/week) subjects (23.53 ± 1.85 years) formed the group with a moderate degree of training (MTG) and 22 professional cyclists (23.29 ± 2.73 years), who performed more than 20 h/week of training, formed the high-level training group (HTG). Erythrocyte samples were collected from all subjects in fasting conditions, washed and frozen at − 80 °C until analysis. Erythrocyte analysis of trace elements was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results

The results showed that there was a statistically significant lower erythrocyte concentration of Cu, Mn, Mo and Zn in the MTG and HTG than CG. Se was only significantly lower in HTG than CG. The correlation analysis indicates that this change was correlated with training in the case of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn. All results are expressed in μg/g Hb.

Conclusions

We can conclude that physical training produces a decrease in erythrocyte concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn, which can cause a decrement in athletes’ performance given the importance of these elements. For this reason, erythrocyte monitoring during the season would seem to be advisable to avoid negative effects on performance.

Association between Parameters Related to Oxidative Stress and Trace Minerals in Athletes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the basal concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and retinol in plasma or erythrocytes, and the plasma concentrations of 16 trace minerals in endurance athletes from Extremadura (Spain). In addition, we aimed to assess the possible relationships between some parameters related to cellular oxidative stress with plasma concentrations of some trace minerals. Sixty-two national long-distance men athletes participated in this study. The parameters related to oxidative stress and antioxidant activity were analyzed through high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and trace minerals analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that plasma MDA was positively correlated with selenium and rubidium. Plasma ascorbic acid was positively correlated with manganese and negatively correlated with cobalt and cadmium. Erythrocyte ascorbic acid was related to arsenic and cesium. Plasma α-tocopherol correlated with copper and manganese negatively and positively with arsenic. Erythrocyte α-tocopherol was positively related to copper, rubidium, and lithium. The findings show that athletes with a high degree of training should monitor their intake and concentrations of α-tocopherol for its fundamental role of neutralizing the excess of reactive oxygen species produced by exercise and the prooxidant effects of several minerals such as arsenic, copper, and lithium.

Effects of exercise on biological trace element concentrations and selenoprotein P expression in rats with fructose-induced glucose intolerance

In the present study, we investigated the effects of exercise intended to prevent or treat lifestyle-related diseases on the glucose tolerance, insulin level, lactic acid utilization, muscle glycogen synthesis, hepatic and renal oxidative stress, hepatic selenoprotein P and biological trace element levels in organs of obese, glucose-intolerant rats. We fed normal, healthy rats a 20% casein diet while the glucose-intolerant, obese rats received a high-fructose diet. They were forced to run for one hour per day, six days per week, for ten weeks. Exercise reduced visceral fat and ameliorated glucose tolerance in the high-fructose group, lowered blood lactic acid levels, improved lactic acid usage efficiency, and increased oxidative stress and hepatic levels of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the normal and high-fructose groups. Additionally, exercise significantly upregulated hepatic selenoprotein P expression in both groups, however, its effect was remarkable in healthy group. On the other hand, muscle glycogen synthesis was not markedly enhanced in high-fructose-diet rats but in normal-diet rats in response to exercise. It is concluded that exercise conditions rather than exercise load must be customized and optimized for each health and disease states in advance before starting exercise training intended to prevent or treat lifestyle-related diseases.

Influence of a high-temperature programme on serum, urinary and sweat levels of selenium and zinc

INTRODUCTION

The effect of hyperthermia on the antioxidant system in the human organism is well known.

AIM

The objective of this study was to observe the effects of heat on the concentration of Se and Zn, elements related to antioxidant systems.

METHODS

Twenty-nine subjects voluntarily participated in this study. They were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). All of them underwent two incremental tests until exhaustion in normothermia (22 °C, 20-40%RH) and hyperthermia (42 °C, 20-40%RH). EG experienced nine sessions of repeated heat exposure at high temperatures (100 °C, 20%RH) for three weeks (HEHT). After the intervention, the initial measurements were repeated. Urine and blood samples were collected before and after each test. Additionally, sweat samples were collected after tests in hyperthermia.

RESULTS

There were no significant changes in serum. An increase in the elimination of Zn and Se in EG was observed in urine after HEHT (p < .05). The elimination of Zn by sweating decreased after HEHT in EG (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to heat at high temperatures increases the urinary excretion of Se and Zn.

Influence of a 6-month physical training program on serum and urinary concentrations of trace metals in middle distance elite runners

Background

The aim of this survey was to determine the effects of an aerobic physical training program of six months duration on the serum and urinary concentrations of essential trace elements among middle distance runners and untrained, non-sportsmen participants.

Methods

24 well-trained, middle-distance (1500 and 5000 m), aerobic male runners (AG) were recruited at the beginning of their training season and 26 untrained males formed the control group (CG). All participants were from the same region of Spain, and all of them had been living in this area for at least two years. Serum and urine of samples of Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Selenium (Se), Vanadium (V) and Zinc (Zn) were obtained at the beginning of the training season, and six months later, from all participants. All samples were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results

Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences relative to group effect in serum concentrations of Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn. Attending to time effect, there were differences in Mn (p = 0.003) and Zn (p = 0.001). The group x time interaction revealed differences only in the case of Mn (p = 0.04). In urine, significant differences between group were obtained in Co, Cu, Mn, Se and V. Time effect showed changes in Co, Cy, Mo and Se. Finally, the group and time interaction revealed significant differences in urinary Cu (p = 0.001), Mn (p = 0.01) and Se (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

A six-month aerobic training program for well-trained athletes induced modifications in the body values of several minerals, a fact which may reflect adaptive responses to physical exercise. The obtained data could be interesting for physicians or coaches in order to consider specific modifications in sportsmen’s diets as well as to determine specific nutritional supplementation strategies.

Serum, erythrocyte and urinary concentrations of iron, copper, selenium and zinc do not change during an incremental test to exhaustion in either normothermic or hyperthermic conditions

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the performance of an incremental exercise test until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, erythrocyte and urine concentrations of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn).

METHODS

Nineteen adult males (age: 22.58 ± 1.06 years) performed two maximum incremental exercise tests on a cycloergometer in normothermia (22 ± 2 °C) and hyperthermia (42±2 °C) separated by 48 h. Urine, serum and erythrocyte samples were collected before and after each test.

RESULTS

Serum Se (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) levels were altered after each test, but the significance disappeared with the correction for haematocrit. The rest of the values did not undergo alterations in either condition.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that a higher stimulus is necessary to obtain changes in these minerals. The study reveals the need to correct serum concentrations concerning possible changes in these volumes after an acute effort.

Effect of heat exposure and physical exercise until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, sweat and urinary concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus

AIM

The aim of this survey was to ascertain the difference in the levels of Magnesium (Mg) and Phosphorus (P) after an exercise test in normothermia and hyperthermia before and after heat acclimation in comparison to their respective pre-test values.

METHODS

Twenty-nine male university students were divided into an Experimental Group (EG) (n = 15) and a Control Group (CG) (n = 14). All of them voluntarily participated in this investigation. Both groups performed an incremental test until exhaustion on a cycloergometer in normothermia (22 °C) and hyperthermia (42 °C). EG underwent 9 sessions of heat acclimation (100 °C) in a sauna (Harvia C105S Logix Combi Control; 3-15 W; Finland). Once the experimental period was completed, all initial measurements were carried out again under identical conditions. Urine and blood samples were obtained before and after each trial. Sweat samples were collected at the end of every test performed in hyperthermia. The samples were frozen at -80 °C until further analysis by ICP-MS.

RESULTS

Lower seric Mg levels were observed in both groups at the end of pre-acclimation tests. After acclimation, only EG experimented a decrease of Mg in serum after testing (p < .01). The urinary excretion was unaffected in the pre-acclimated period, but EG experimented an increase in Mg after trials in the post-acclimation evaluation (p < .01). Mg sweat loss decreased significantly after heat acclimation (p < .05). P did not undergo changes, except in its urinary excretion, which was elevated after the normothermia trial in the post-acclimation period (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that exercise in hyperthermia altered Mg status but not P homeostasis. Additionally, heat acclimation reduces Mg losses in sweat while increasing its loss in urine. Thus, Mg supplementation should be considered in unacclimated and acclimated subjects if physical exercise is going to be performed in hyperthermic conditions.

Evaluation of Level of Essential Elements and Toxic Metal in the Medicinal Plant Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Jatobá) Used by Mid-West Population of Brazil

Hymenaea martiana Hayne belongs to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and presents the popular name of jatobá. It is a tree that demonstrates medicinal purposes and represents a food source in Brazil. The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (DRI) and Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for children and adults were calculated. A comparison between the quantified contents of micro- and macronutrients Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, and Zn in leaves tea and tea of the bark of this plant was made with the recommendation of FDA and ANVISA. General safety regarding metal content (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Ni) and nonmetal (P) was assured as none of them exceed the safety limit of the daily intake. However, the content of Mn observed in the teas of H. martiana Hayne is above the UL for tolerable intake level for children aged 1-6 years. There are no limits established for the UL of Cr and S for children and adults. The data on quantification of mineral concentration in the species Hymenaea martiana Hayne obtained can serve as a tool to decide the dosage of preparations from this plant used for medicinal purposes.

The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

Minerals and trace elements (MTEs) are micronutrients involved in hundreds of biological processes. Deficiency in MTEs can negatively affect athletic performance. Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role of MTEs in exercise and athletic performance. Six electronic databases and grey literature sources (MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL and SportDISCUS; Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: 17,433 articles were identified and 130 experiments from 128 studies were included. Retrieved articles included Iron (n = 29), Calcium (n = 11), Magnesium, (n = 22), Phosphate (n = 17), Zinc (n = 9), Sodium (n = 15), Boron (n = 4), Selenium (n = 5), Chromium (n = 12) and multi-mineral articles (n = 5). No relevant articles were identified for Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Nickel, Fluoride or Cobalt. Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'. Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence. Regardless, some MTEs may possess the potential to improve athletic performance, but more high quality research is required before support for these MTEs can be given. PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).

Influence of a physical exercise until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, erythrocyte and urinary concentrations of magnesium and phosphorus

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the performance of a maximal exercise test until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on body concentrations of magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P).

METHODS

19 adult males (age: 22.58 ± 1.05 years) performed two maximum incremental exercise tests on a cycloergometer separated by 48 h. The first was performed in normothermia (22 ± 2 °C) and the second in hyperthermic conditions induced with a sauna (42 ± 2 °C). Blood and urine samples were taken before and after each test.

RESULTS

The tests in hyperthermia did not produce ergospirometric alterations or a noticeable cardiovascular drift. Serum Mg concentrations underwent a reduction after the stress test in hyperthermia (p > 0.05) but not in normothermia. Nevertheless, urinary and erythrocyte concentrations of Mg, and urinary, erythrocyte and serum concentrations of P did not undergo alterations in either conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that exercise in hyperthermic conditions induces a tissue redistribution of Mg in the body, a fact which was not observed in normothermic conditions.

Influence of an exercise until exhaustion in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic minerals among professional athletes, a preliminary approach

The aim of the present survey was to determine differences in the serum and urinary concentrations of several toxic trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs and Pb) between long distance runners and non-sportsmen living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain) in basal conditions as well as after the performance of a maximal effort test until exhaustion. 21 Spanish national long-distance runners were recruited before the start of their training season and 26 untrained students. All of them had similar ages. The effort test consisted in running on a treadmill incrementally in stages, until exhaustion. Serum and urine analysis of trace metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the statistics the urine and blood basal concentrations was analyzed first using Student t test. Then the differences between the pre and post-test values were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. The serum concentrations of Be (p < 0.001), Cd (p < 0.01), Cs (p < 0.001) and Pb (p < 0.001) were higher in the athletes than the control groups in basal conditions. In relation to the exercise, the results showed that there were lower serum concentrations of Be, Cd and Pb after the test, but without statistically significance, in both groups. Cs (p < 0.001) concentrations were statistically lower after the exercise tests in both groups, but if the parameters were corrected in relation to hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations the differences were significant only among the athletes. In urine, the concentrations of Be (p < 0.001) and Cd (p < 0.01) were higher among athletes than among controls, being the opposite case for urinary Pb values. In relation to the exercise-induced effect of the test, the results showed that among controls only Cd values were modified, but if creatinine corrections are applied this difference does not reach statistical significance. However, sportsmen suffered a diminution in Be values, that can be observed only if urine values are corrected. Also, an increase in Cd, both in corrected and normal values, was observed, fact that occurred also in the case of Cs, but only if urinary values are corrected. It can be concluded that an incremental exercise to exhaustion among elite athletes of long distance modalities can produce changes in serum and urinary concentrations of toxic trace elements which may reflect an adaptive mechanism to prevent toxicity, and which could be an interesting outcome for physicians in the treatment and prevention of toxic situations.

Serum concentration of cobalt, molybdenum and zinc in aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic sportsmen

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to determine changes in the serum concentrations of trace elements Cobalt (Co), Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc (Zn) among high-level sportsmen.

METHODS

Eighty professional athletes of different metabolic modalities (aerobic, anaerobic and aerobic-anaerobic), were recruited before the beginning of their training seasons. Thirty-one sedentary participants of the same geographic area constituted the control group. Co, Mo and Zn analysis was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

Serum concentration of Mo (p < 0.001) was higher among sportsmen compared to the control group values. Separated by modalities, the concentrations of Co in the aerobic-anaerobic athletes were lower (p < 0.01) than in the control group as well as than in the other athletes. The highest Mo concentration was found in anaerobic sportsmen (p < 0.001), followed by aerobic-anaerobic (p < 0.001) being both statistically higher in comparison with the control group. In relation to Zn, it was observed that aerobic-anaerobic (p < 0.001) and anaerobic (p < 0.001) sportsmen showed higher concentrations than the control participants. However, aerobic sportsmen showed lower concentrations (p < 0.01) than controls.

CONCLUSION

This data manifest that long-term, daily physical training may induce variations in serum concentrations of several essential elements among sportsmen in comparison to untrained men and that these changes seems to be related to the sports modality practiced.