RESUMO
Prolonged physical exercise results in transient elevations of biochemical markers of muscular damage. This study examined the effect of short-term maximal exercise on these markers, homocysteine levels [Hcy], and total antioxidant status [TAS] in trained subjects. Eighteen male football players participated in this study. Blood samples were collected 5-min before and 3-min after a 30-s Wingate test. The results indicated that plasma biochemical markers of muscle injury increased significantly after the Wingate test [P<0.05]. Moreover, significant increase of white blood Cells and their main subpopulations [i.e. monocytes, neutrophiles, and lymphocytes] [P<0.001] has been observed. Likewise, uric acid, total bilirubin, and TAS increased significantly after exercise [P<0.05]. However, Hcy levels were unaffected by the Wingate test [for 3-min post-exercise measurement]. Short-term maximal exercise [e.g. 30-s Wingate test] is of sufficient intensity and duration to increase markers of muscle damage, and TAS; but not Hcy levels. Increases in the selected enzymes probably come primarily from muscle damage, rather than liver damage. Moreover, increase of TAS confirms the Wingate test induced oxidative stress