Influence of Long-Term Soccer Training on the Fatty Acid Profile of the Platelet Membrane and Intra-Platelet Antioxidant Vitamins.

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 1833 (alpha-linolenic acid), 2053 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 2263 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 2046 (arachidonic acid)/160 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 2046/160 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 240 (lignoceric acid), 161 (palmitoleic acid), 2036 (eicosadienoic acid) and 1833 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 240, 161, 186, 2036, 18333, 2053, 2663 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.