Training Enhances Immune Cells Mitochondrial Biosynthesis, Fission, Fusion, and Their Antioxidant Capabilities Synergistically with Dietary Docosahexaenoic Supplementation

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016:2016:8950384. doi: 10.1155/2016/8950384. Epub 2016 Sep 6.

Abstract

Exercise training induces adaptations in mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, and oxidative protection. Omega-3 fatty acids change membrane lipid composition and modulate mitochondrial function. The aim was to investigate the effect of 8-week training and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (1.14 g/day) on the mitochondria dynamics and antioxidant status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sportsmen. Subjects were assigned to an intervention (N = 9) or placebo groups (N = 7) in a randomized double-blind trial. Nutritional intervention significantly increased the DHA content in erythrocyte membranes from the experimental group. No significant differences were reported in terms of circulating PBMCs, Mn-superoxide dismutase protein levels, and their capability to produce reactive oxygen species. The proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics were, in general, increased after an 8-week training and this increase was enhanced by DHA supplementation. The content in mitofusins Mtf-1 and Mtf-2, optic atrophy protein-1 (Opa-1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) were significantly higher in the DHA-supplemented group after intervention. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX-IV) activity and uncoupling proteins UCP-2 and UCP-3 protein levels were increased after training, with higher UCP-3 levels in the supplemented group. In conclusion, training induced mitochondrial adaptations which may contribute to improved mitochondrial function. This mitochondrial response was modulated by DHA supplementation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Adolescent
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Dynamics / drug effects*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Physical Conditioning, Human / methods*
  • Physical Fitness
  • Protein Carbonylation / drug effects
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / blood
  • Soccer*
  • Spain
  • Superoxide Dismutase / blood
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Superoxide Dismutase