Long-chain n-3 PUFA ingestion for the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis in healthy older adults.

This review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy of long-chain Õ¸-3 PUFA ingestion in modulating muscle protein synthesis (MPS), with application to maintaining skeletal muscle mass, strength and function into later life. Ageing is associated with a gradual decline in muscle mass, specifically atrophy of type II fibres, that is exacerbated by periods of (in)voluntary muscle disuse. At the metabolic level, in otherwise healthy older adults, muscle atrophy is underpinned by anabolic resistance which describes the impaired MPS response to non-pharmacological anabolic stimuli, namely, physical activity/exercise and amino acid provision. Accumulating evidence implicates a mechanistic role for n-3 PUFA in upregulating MPS under stimulated conditions (post-prandial state or following exercise) via incorporation of EPA and DHA into the skeletal muscle phospholipid membrane. In some instances, these changes in MPS with chronic Õ¸-3 PUFA ingestion have translated into clinically relevant improvements in muscle mass, strength and function; an observation evidently more prevalent in healthy older women than men. This apparent sexual dimorphism in the adaptive response of skeletal muscle metabolism to EPA and DHA ingestion may be related to a greater propensity for females to incorporate Õ¸-3 PUFA into human tissue and/or the larger dose of ingested Õ¸-3 PUFA when expressed relative to body mass or lean body mass. Future experimental studies are warranted to characterise the optimal dosing and duration of Õ¸-3 PUFA ingestion to prescribe tailored recommendations regarding n-3 PUFA nutrition for healthy musculoskeletal ageing into later life.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on maximal strength and power in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Vitamin D is thought to be a powerful modulator of skeletal muscle physiology. However, available data on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function in athletes are limited and with mixed results. This meta-analysis therefore, aimed to quantitatively summarize the up-to-date literature assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and power in athletes. Methods: Sport Discus, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests to assess maximal strength, and vertical jump to assess muscle power in athletes. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the included RCTs for sources of bias. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as the effect size, interpreted together with its 95% confidence intervals (CI). The effect sizes were calculated on the changes from baseline between vitamin D and placebo groups for maximal strength results by upper body and lower body, and for power results. Results: Eleven RCTs involving 436 athletes were included. The results indicated that if baseline serum 25(OH)D concentration was < 75 nmol/L, the treatment had a small effect on upper body muscle strength [SMD 0.25, 95% CI: (-0.44, 0.95), p = 0.47] and on lower body muscle strength [SMD 0.26, 95% CI: (-0.13, 0.65), p = 0.19]; if the baseline serum 25(OH)D concentration was ≥ 75 nmol/L, the treatment had a trivial effect on muscle power [SMD 0.15, 95% CI: (-0.42, 0.72), p = 0.61]. Discussion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that there is not a statistically significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on improving maximum strength and power, but highlights that further research is required addressing the key limitations in previous studies before definitive conclusions can be made.

Skinfold thickness in elite male professional football players: changes across 3 seasons including a COVID-19 lockdown period.

This study investigates variations in skinfold thickness in a European professional football team within and across multiple seasons, including before and after COVID-19 restrictions. Skinfold thickness was measured in 49 male players on 32 occasions across three seasons (2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21). Intra- and inter-seasonal trends were examined by comparing values for the sum of eight skinfolds (sum8) at key time points using linear mixed models. In each season, the largest differences in sum8 occurred after the preseason period. These differences ranged from a mean difference (Mdiff) of -11.0 mm (p < 0.001) in 2018/19 to -4.8 mm (p < 0.001) in 2020/21. Increases in sum8 occurred after each off-season; however, the increase after the off-season before the 2020/21 season (which included the COVID-19 lockdown period) was the lowest in magnitude and was not statistically significant (Mdiff = 2.9 mm, p = 0.06). Changes occurring in sum8 between the start and end of the competitive season did not follow a consistent pattern and were generally smaller in magnitude than the changes between other seasonal time points. Despite the notable heterogeneity in sum8 between players, changes within players generally followed a similar pattern between the different seasonal timepoints. In summary, changes in skinfold thickness were predominantly related to off-season and 'preparation for competition' periods. Increases in skinfold thickness can be mitigated during extended remote training periods with appropriate training and nutritional strategies.

Pistachios as a recovery food following downhill running exercise in recreational team-sport individuals.

We aimed to investigate the impact of pistachio nut consumption on muscle soreness and function following exercise-induced muscle damage. Using a randomised cross-over design, male team-sport players (n = 18) performed a 40-minute downhill treadmill run to induce muscle damage, which was conducted after 2-wks of consuming either control (CON, water), a standard dose of daily pistachios (STD, 42.5 g/d) or a higher dose of daily pistachios (HIGH, 85 g/d). Lower limb muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (maximal voluntary isokinetic torque and vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage/inflammation (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, superoxide dismutase) were measured pre (baseline) and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. No trial order effects were observed for any outcome measurement across trials. Mean quadriceps soreness (non-dominant leg) during exercise recovery was reduced (p < 0.05) in HIGH vs. CON (mean difference (95%CI): 13(1-25) mm). Change in soreness in the dominant quadriceps was not different between HIGH vs. CON (p = 0.06; mean difference (95%CI): 13(-1 to 26 mm)). No main effects of time or trial were observed for mean soreness of hamstrings, or on isokinetic torque of knee extensors or knee flexors, during recovery. Serum creatine kinase concentration peaked at 24 h post-damage (mean(SEM): 763(158)µg/L) from baseline (300(87)µg/L), but had returned to baseline by 72 h post (398(80)µg/L) exercise in all trials, with no trial or trial × time interaction evident. These data suggest that high dose pistachio nut ingestion may provide some alleviation of muscle soreness, but no effect on muscle function, following modest muscle damage.

Pistachio nuts are considered a rich source of leucine and other essential amino acids, as well as being a good source of antioxidants. These properties suggest that pistachio ingestion could potentially influence recovery from exercise induced muscle damage.Ingestion of 85 g/d of pistachios, for 2-wks prior to and during recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, significantly reduced muscle soreness in the non-dominant limb knee extensors, in comparison to 0 g/d control.No effects of pistachio ingestion were observed on muscle function or blood markers of damage suggesting that a mechanism of action on soreness is likely related to blunting of the inflammation response. However, further work is required to explore these effects in a larger sample when greater damage is induced.

A randomised trial to assess fluid and electrolyte balance responses following ingestion of different beverages in young and older men.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are susceptible to dehydration and fluid overload due to a reduced ability to maintain homeostatic control of fluid and electrolyte balance. PURPOSE: To assess fluid and electrolyte balance responses in young and older men following ingestion of commonly consumed beverages differing in composition. METHODS: 12 young and 11 older men were recruited. Euhydrated body mass was recorded. Participants consumed 1L (250 ml every 15 min) of water, fruit juice, a sports drink or low-fat milk in a randomized cross-over design. Urine and blood samples were obtained before and after the drinking period and every hour thereafter for 3-h. Samples were used to determine osmolality, electrolytes (Na+ and K+), water clearance, and glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: Free water clearance was significantly higher in Young than Older at 1 and 2 h after the ingestion of W and S (p < 0.05). Net Na+ and K+ balance were not different between Young and Older (p = 0.91 and p = 0.65) adults, respectively. At 3 h Na+ balance was negative after ingesting water and fruit juice, but neutral after sport drink and milk. Net K+ balance was neutral at 3 h after ingesting milk, but negative after water, fruit juice and sport drink. CONCLUSIONS: Milk was retained longer than other beverages in Young, but not in Older, despite similar net electrolyte balance responses. Older had higher fluid retention in the first 2 h after the ingestion of all beverages, except for milk when compared to Young, indicating an age-related loss of ability to regulate fluid balance under current study conditions.

Fluid and electrolyte balance considerations for female athletes.

This review explores the effects of oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle on fluid and electrolyte balance. The review aims to provide information on this topic for the exercising female but also for researchers working in this field. Beginning with a basic introduction to fluid and electrolyte balance, the review goes on to describe how oestrogen and progesterone have independent and integrated roles to play in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance. Despite evidence that oestrogen can influence the osmotic threshold for arginine vasopressin release, and that progesterone can influence aldosterone production, these actions do not appear to influence fluid retention, plasma volume changes at rest and during exercise, or electrolyte losses. However, the large inter-individual variations in hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle may mean that specific individuals with high fluctuations could experience disturbances in their fluid and electrolyte balance. During phases of oestrogen dominance (e.g. late-follicular phase) heat dissipation is promoted, while progesterone dominance (e.g. mid-luteal phase) promotes heat conservation with overall higher basal body temperature. However, these responses do not consistently lead to any change in observed sweat rates, heat-stress, or dehydration during exercise. Finally, the literature does not support any difference in fluid retention during post-exercise rehydration periods conducted at different menstrual cycle phases. Although these mean responses largely reveal no effects on fluid and electrolyte balance, further research is required particularly in those individuals who experience high hormonal fluctuations, and greater exploration of oestrogen to progesterone interactions is warranted.

Changes in adipose tissue microRNA expression across the menstrual cycle in regularly menstruating females: a pilot study.

Cyclical changes in hormone profiles across the menstrual cycle are associated with alterations in metabolic control. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to regulating metabolic control, including adipose tissue metabolism. How fluctuations in hormonal profiles across the menstrual cycle affect adipose tissue miRNA expression remains unknown. Eleven healthy, regularly menstruating females underwent four sampling visits across their menstrual cycle. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and venous blood samples were collected at each sampling visit. Luteinizing hormone (LH) tests, calendar counting, and serum hormone concentrations were used to determine menstrual cycle phases: early-follicular (EF), late-follicular (LF), postovulatory (PO), and midluteal (ML). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone were determined using multiplex magnetic bead panels and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Global adipose tissue miRNA expression levels were determined via microarray in a subset of participants (n = 8) and 17 candidate miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR in the whole cohort (n = 11). Global analysis of adipose tissue miRNA expression identified 33 miRNAs significantly altered across the menstrual cycle; however, no significant differences remained after correcting for multiple testing (P > 0.05). RT-qPCR analysis of candidate miRNAs revealed miR-497-5p expression was significantly altered across the menstrual cycle ([Formula: see text] = 0.18, P = 0.03); however, post hoc tests did not reveal any significant differences between menstrual cycle phases (P > 0.05). miR-30c-5p was associated with testosterone concentration (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.033). These pilot data indicate differences in adipose tissue miRNAs in healthy women across the menstrual cycle and a weak association with ovarian hormones. Further research in larger sample sizes is required to confirm regulation of miRNA expression across the menstrual cycle.

Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Sampling using a Mini-liposuction Technique.

Studies on adipose tissue are useful in understanding metabolic and other conditions. Human subcutaneous adipose tissue is accessible. With appropriate training and strict adherence to aseptic technique, subcutaneous adipose samples can be safely and efficiently obtained in a non-clinical setting by researchers. Following the administration of local anesthetic lateral to the umbilicus, a 14 G needle attached to a 5 or 10 mL syringe is inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. Under suction, the syringe is moved in a reciprocating, slicing motion to isolate fragments of adipose tissue. Withdrawing the plunger is enough to ensure that adipose tissue fragments are aspirated through the needle into the syringe. A single biopsy can collect about 200 mg of tissue. This biopsy technique is very safe for both participants and research staff. Following the biopsy, participants can resume most everyday activities, although they should avoid swimming and overly strenuous activities for 48 h to avoid excessive bleeding. Participants can safely undergo 2 biopsies within a single day, meaning that the technique can be applied in before-after acute intervention studies.

Hill Runner's Physiology, Performance and Nutrition: A Descriptive Study.

Objectives: The aim of this descriptive study was to characterise anthropometric variables, aerobic capacity, running performance and energy intake and expenditure of hill runners in free-living conditions, and to investigate the relationship between age, anthropometric variables, aerobic capacity and running performance. Methods: Twenty-eight hill runners participated in this study (17 males and 11 females; aged 18-65 years). Body fat percentage estimate, sum of eight skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf) and maximal oxygen capacity (VO2max) were assessed in a laboratory setting. Participants also completed a timed hill run (Dumyat Hill, Scotland, ascent: 420 m, distance: 8 km) while wearing a portable gas analyzer to assess oxygen consumption (VO2). Energy intake and energy expenditure were assessed in free-living conditions over three consecutive days different from the testing days through self-reported food diaries and accelerometers. Results: VO2max assessed in the lab (51.2 ± 7.6 ml·min-1·kg-1) showed a weak negative relationship with age [rs(23) = -0.38, p = 0.08]. Neither body fat percentage (median 12.4; IQR 10.1-17.1) nor the sum of skinfolds (median 81.8; IQR 62.4-97.8 mm) correlated with age [rs(28) = 0.001, p = 0.10 and 26 rs(28) = -0.02, p = 0.94, respectively]. The observed intensity of the hill run was 89 ± 6% of the age predicted maximum heart rate and 87 ± 9% of the VO2max observed in the lab. Hill running performance correlated with VO2max [r(21) = 0.76, p < 0.001], age [rs(26) = -0.44, p = 0.02] and with estimated body fat percentage and sum of skinfolds [rs(26) = -0.66, p < 0.001 and rs(26) = -0.49, p = 0.01, respectively]. Energy intake negatively correlated with age [rs(26) = -0.43, p = 0.03], with the overall energy intake being significantly lower than the total energy expenditure (2273 ± 550 vs. 2879 ± 510 kcal·day-1; p < 0.001; d = 1.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that hill running performance is positively associated with greater aerobic capacity and negatively associated with increases in adiposity and age. Further, the study highlights that hill runners are at risk of negative energy balance.

Effect of Drinking Rate on the Retention of Water or Milk Following Exercise-Induced Dehydration.

This study investigated the effect of drinking rate on fluid retention of milk and water following exercise-induced dehydration. In Part A, 12 male participants lost 1.9% ± 0.3% body mass through cycle exercise on four occasions. Following exercise, plain water or low-fat milk equal to the volume of sweat lost during exercise was provided. Beverages were ingested over 30 or 90 min, resulting in four beverage treatments: water 30 min, water 90 min, milk 30 min, and milk 90 min. In Part B, 12 participants (nine males and three females) lost 2.0% ± 0.3% body mass through cycle exercise on four occasions. Following exercise, plain water equal to the volume of sweat lost during exercise was provided. Water was ingested over 15 min (DR15), 45 min (DR45), or 90 min (DR90), with either DR15 or DR45 repeated. In both trials, nude body mass, urine volume, urine specific gravity and osmolality, plasma osmolality, and subjective ratings of gastrointestinal symptoms were obtained preexercise and every hour for 3 hr after the onset of drinking. In Part A, no effect of drinking rate was observed on the proportion of fluid retained, but milk retention was greater (p < .01) than water (water 30 min: 57% ± 16%, water 90 min: 60% ± 20%, milk 30 min: 83% ± 6%, and milk 90 min: 85% ± 7%). In Part B, fluid retention was greater in DR90 (57% ± 13%) than DR15 (50% ± 11%, p < .05), but this was within test-retest variation determined from the repeated trials (coefficient of variation: 17%). Within the range of drinking rates investigated the nutrient composition of a beverage has a more pronounced impact on fluid retention than the ingestion rate.

Influence of Fish Oil-Derived n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Changes in Body Composition and Muscle Strength During Short-Term Weight Loss in Resistance-Trained Men.

Background: A detrimental consequence of diet-induced weight loss, common in athletes who participate in weight cutting sports, is muscle loss. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) exhibit a protective effect on the loss of muscle tissue during catabolic situations such as injury-simulated leg immobilization. This study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary n-3PUFA supplementation on changes in body composition and muscle strength following short-term diet-induced weight loss in resistance-trained men. Methods: Twenty resistance-trained young (23 ± 1 years) men were randomly assigned to a fish oil group that supplemented their diet with 4 g n-3PUFA, 18 g carbohydrate, and 5 g protein (FO) or placebo group containing an equivalent carbohydrate and protein content (CON) over a 6 week period. During weeks 1-3, participants continued their habitual diet. During week 4, participants received all food items to control energy balance and a macronutrient composition of 50% carbohydrate, 35% fat, and 15% protein. During weeks 5 and 6, participants were fed an energy-restricted diet equivalent to 60% habitual energy intake. Body composition and strength were measured during weeks 1, 4, and 6. Results: The decline in total body mass (FO = -3.0 ± 0.3 kg, CON = -2.6 ± 0.3 kg), fat free mass (FO = -1.4 ± 0.3 kg, CON = -1.2 ± 0.3 kg) and fat mass (FO = -1.4 ± 0.2 kg, CON = -1.3 ± 0.3 kg) following energy restriction was similar between groups (all p > 0.05; d: 0.16-0.39). Non-dominant leg extension 1 RM increased (6.1 ± 3.4%) following energy restriction in FO (p < 0.05, d = 0.29), with no changes observed in CON (p > 0.05, d = 0.05). Dominant leg extension 1 RM tended to increase following energy restriction in FO (p = 0.09, d = 0.29), with no changes in CON (p > 0.05, d = 0.06). Changes in leg press 1 RM, maximum voluntary contraction and muscular endurance following energy restriction were similar between groups (p > 0.05, d = 0.05). Conclusion: Any possible improvements in muscle strength during short-term weight loss with n-3PUFA supplementation are not related to the modulation of FFM in resistance-trained men.

Sucrose and Sodium but not Caffeine Content Influence the Retention of Beverages in Humans Under Euhydrated Conditions.

This study systematically examined the influence of carbohydrate (sucrose), sodium, and caffeine on the fluid retention potential of beverages under euhydrated conditions, using the beverage hydration index method. Three cohorts, each of 12 young, healthy, active men, ingested 1 L of beverages containing four different concentrations of a single component (sucrose, sodium, or caffeine) in a double-blind, crossover manner. Urine output was collected for the subsequent 4 hr. Cumulative urine output was lower and net fluid balance was higher after 10 and 20% sucrose beverages than 0 and 5% sucrose beverages (p < .05), and after 27 and 52 mmol/L sodium beverages than 7 and 15 mmol/L sodium beverages (p < .05). No difference in urine output or net fluid balance was apparent following ingestion of caffeine at concentrations of 0-400 mg/L (p = .83). Consequently, the calculated beverage hydration index was greater in beverages with higher sucrose or sodium content, but caffeine had no effect. No difference was observed in arginine vasopressin or aldosterone between any trials. These data highlight that the key drivers promoting differences in the fluid retention potential of beverages when euhydrated are energy density, likely through slowed fluid delivery to the circulation (carbohydrate content effect), or electrolyte content through improved fluid retention (sodium content effect). These data demonstrate that beverage carbohydrate and sodium content influence fluid delivery and retention in the 4 hr after ingestion, but caffeine up to 400 mg/L does not. Athletes and others can use this information to guide their daily hydration practices.

A randomized trial to assess the potential of different beverages to affect hydration status: development of a beverage hydration index.

BACKGROUND: The identification of beverages that promote longer-term fluid retention and maintenance of fluid balance is of real clinical and practical benefit in situations in which free access to fluids is limited or when frequent breaks for urination are not desirable. The postingestion diuretic response is likely to be influenced by several beverage characteristics, including the volume ingested, energy density, electrolyte content, and the presence of diuretic agents. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of 13 different commonly consumed drinks on urine output and fluid balance when ingested in a euhydrated state, with a view to establishing a beverage hydration index (BHI), i.e., the volume of urine produced after drinking expressed relative to a standard treatment (still water) for each beverage. DESIGN: Each subject (n = 72, euhydrated and fasted male subjects) ingested 1 L still water or 1 of 3 other commercially available beverages over a period of 30 min. Urine output was then collected for the subsequent 4 h. The BHI was corrected for the water content of drinks and was calculated as the amount of water retained at 2 h after ingestion relative to that observed after the ingestion of still water. RESULTS: Total urine masses (mean ± SD) over 4 h were smaller than the still-water control (1337 ± 330 g) after an oral rehydration solution (ORS) (1038 ± 333 g, P < 0.001), full-fat milk (1052 ± 267 g, P < 0.001), and skimmed milk (1049 ± 334 g, P < 0.001). Cumulative urine output at 4 h after ingestion of cola, diet cola, hot tea, iced tea, coffee, lager, orange juice, sparkling water, and a sports drink were not different from the response to water ingestion. The mean BHI at 2 h was 1.54 ± 0.74 for the ORS, 1.50 ± 0.58 for full-fat milk, and 1.58 ± 0.60 for skimmed milk. CONCLUSIONS: BHI may be a useful measure to identify the short-term hydration potential of different beverages when ingested in a euhydrated state. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN13014105.

Errors in dual energy x-ray absorptiometry estimation of body composition induced by hypohydration.

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a popular tool to determine body composition (BC) in athletes, and is used for analysis of fat-free soft tissue mass (FFST) or fat mass (FM) gain/loss in response to exercise or nutritional interventions. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of exercise-heat stress induced hypohydration (HYP, >2% of body mass (BM) loss) vs. maintenance of euhydration (EUH) on DXA estimates of BC, sum of skinfolds (SF), and impedance (IMP) measurements in athletes. Competitive athletes (23 males and 15 females) recorded morning nude BM for 7 days before the first main trial. Measurements on the first trial day were conducted in a EUH condition, and again after exercise-heat stress induced HYP. On the second trial day, fluid and electrolyte losses were replaced during exercise using a sports drink. A reduction in total BM (1.6 ± 0.4 kg; 2.3 ± 0.4% HYP) and total FFST (1.3 ± 0.4 kg), mainly from trunk (1.1 ± 0.5 kg), was observed using DXA when participants were HYP, reflecting the sweat loss. Estimated fat percent increased (0.3 ± 0.3%), however, total FM did not change (0.1 ± 0.2 kg). SF and IMP declined with HYP (losses of 1.5 ± 2.9% and 1.6 ± 3% respectively) suggesting FM loss. When EUH was maintained there were no significant changes in BM, DXA estimates, or SF values pre to post exercise, but IMP still declined. We conclude that use of DXA for FFST assessment in athletes must ensure a EUH state, particularly when considering changes associated with nutritional or exercise interventions.

Protective effect of some vitamins against the toxic action of ethanol on liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of vitamins (A, C and E) on liver injury induced by ethanol administration during liver regeneration in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats subjected to 70% partial hepatectomy were divided into five groups (groups 1-5). During the experiment, animals of Group 1 drank only water. The other four groups (2-5) drank 30 mL of ethanol/L of water. Group 3 additionally received vitamin A, those of group 4 vitamin C and those of group 5 received vitamin E. Subsequently serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin and bilirubin were measured colorimetrically. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, TBARS) both in plasma and liver was measured, as well as liver mass gain assessment and total DNA. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, serum AST and ALT increased significantly under ethanol treatment (43% and 93%, respectively, with P < 0.05). Vitamin C and vitamin E treatment attenuated the ethanol-induced increases in ALT and AST activity. Ethanol treatment also decreased serum albumin concentration compared to sham group (3.1 +/- 0.4 g/dL vs 4.5 +/- 0.2 g/dL; P < 0.05). During liver regeneration vitamins C and E significantly ameliorated liver injury for ethanol administration in hepatic lipid peroxidation (4.92 nmol/mg and 4.25 nmol/mg vs 14.78 nmol/mg, respectively, with P < 0.05). In association with hepatic injury, ethanol administration caused a significant increase in both hepatic and plasma lipid peroxidation. Vitamins (C and E) treatment attenuated hepatic and plasma lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSION: Vitamins C and E protect against liver injury and dysfunction, attenuate lipid peroxidation, and thus appear to be significantly more effective than vitamin A against ethanol-mediated toxic effects during liver regeneration.