Spirulina platensis prevents oxidative stress and inflammation promoted by strength training in rats: dose-response relation study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina Platensis supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammation, and performance in trained rats. Rats (250 g - 300 g) were submitted to a strength training program (eight weeks), divided into four groups: control (GT) (trained without supplementation), trained with daily-supplementation of 50 mg/kg (GT50), 150 mg/kg (GT150) and 500 mg/kg (GT500). Training consisted of a jump protocol in PVC-cylinder containing water, with increasing load over experimental weeks. We evaluated the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde - MDA and antioxidant capacity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) at the end of the training. Among groups submitted to strength training, concentration of C-reactive protein decreased after 8 weeks of intervention in the trained group and GT500. Strength training enhanced plasma MDA concentration of malondialdehyde with supplementation of S. platensis in GT150 and GT500. In plasma analysis, strength training enhanced the percentage of oxidation inhibition, with spirulina supplementation in rates of 150 and 500 mg/kg. Spirulina supplementation for 8 weeks (in a dose-effect manner) improved antioxidant capacity as well as attenuated exercise-induced increases in ROS and inflammation. As a practical application, the use as high doses did not cause a reduction in positive physiological adaptations to exercise training. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina Platensis in other contexts, as collective sports (basketball, football, soccer).

Figure 1

C-reactive protein after eight weeks of exercise for the groups () GT () and GT50 (), GT150 () and GT500 (). Vertical columns and bars represent mean and standard deviation, respectively (n = 8). “Two-way” ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test. *p ≤ 0.05 GT vs. GT500; ^#p ≤ 0.05 GT50 vs. GT500; ^†p ≤ 0.05 GT150 vs. GT500.

Figure 2

Malondialdehyde concentration in blood plasma (A), liver (B) and quadriceps (C) obtained after eight weeks of treatment groups GT(), GT50 (), GT150 () and GT500 (). Vertical columns and bars represent mean and standard deviation, respectively (n = 8). *p≤ GT vs. GT150; GT vs. GT500; ^#p ≤ 0.05; GT50 vs. GT150; GT50 vs. GT500; ^†p < 0.01; GT150 vs. GT500.

Figure 3

Antioxidant activity percentage in blood plasma (A), liver (B) and quadriceps (C) obtained after eight weeks of treatment GT () and GT50 (), GT150 () and GT500 (). Vertical columns and bars represent mean and standard deviation, respectively (n = 8).*p ≤ 0.05; GT vs. GT150; GT vs. GT500; ^#p ≤ 0.05; GT50 vs. GT150; GT50 vs. GT500; ^†p < 0.01; GT150 vs. GT500.