Volume 33, Issue 9 (12-2025)
JSSU 2025, 33(9): 9369-9385 |
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Asadi A, Yazdan Nasab N, Hormati Oughoulbaig Z, Parandak S Z, Hormati Oughoulbaig A H. Role of Antioxidants in Regulating Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Functional Impacts. JSSU 2025; 33 (9) :9369-9385
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6464-en.html
URL: http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-6464-en.html
Asadollah Asadi 
, Narges Yazdan Nasab , Zahra Hormati Oughoulbaig , Seyedeh Zeinab Parandak , Amir Hossein Hormati Oughoulbaig *
, Narges Yazdan Nasab , Zahra Hormati Oughoulbaig , Seyedeh Zeinab Parandak , Amir Hossein Hormati Oughoulbaig *
Abstract: (43 Views)
Introduction: Exercise prompts oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering complex physiological mechanisms that play a dual role in both athletic adaptation and cellular damage. This study examined the paradoxical nature of ROS (beneficial signaling vs. harmful effects) and controversies surrounding antioxidant supplementation's impact on athletic performance. Our goals were to analyze the mechanism of antioxidant-ROS interactions and mechanisms and develop personalized antioxidant strategies based on individual characteristics and training regimens.
Methods: This systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (2022-2025). We included review articles, experimental studies, and observational studies related to antioxidants, oxidative stress, and physical activity. Exclusions comprised studies without full-text access, irrelevant to biological mechanisms/functional outcomes, or that involved participants with underlying medical conditions.
Results: Analysis of 15 qualifying studies (out of 142 initially identified) revealed that moderate-intensity exercise enhanced antioxidant defenses via Nrf2 pathway activation, while balanced ROS/RNS levels facilitated muscular adaptation. Although antioxidant supplements (like vitamins C/E, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10) supported recovery, excessive intake could impair training adaptation.
Conclusion: Maintaining ROS-antioxidant equilibrium is crucial for athletic performance and well-being. Moderate exercise optimizes antioxidant defenses, whereas intense training may disrupt this balance. Targeted supplementation and polyphenol-rich diets can enhance recovery, but excessive intake might hinder training adaptations. Future research needs to determine optimal dosing protocols and investigate long-term effects.
Methods: This systematic review searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (2022-2025). We included review articles, experimental studies, and observational studies related to antioxidants, oxidative stress, and physical activity. Exclusions comprised studies without full-text access, irrelevant to biological mechanisms/functional outcomes, or that involved participants with underlying medical conditions.
Results: Analysis of 15 qualifying studies (out of 142 initially identified) revealed that moderate-intensity exercise enhanced antioxidant defenses via Nrf2 pathway activation, while balanced ROS/RNS levels facilitated muscular adaptation. Although antioxidant supplements (like vitamins C/E, polyphenols, coenzyme Q10) supported recovery, excessive intake could impair training adaptation.
Conclusion: Maintaining ROS-antioxidant equilibrium is crucial for athletic performance and well-being. Moderate exercise optimizes antioxidant defenses, whereas intense training may disrupt this balance. Targeted supplementation and polyphenol-rich diets can enhance recovery, but excessive intake might hinder training adaptations. Future research needs to determine optimal dosing protocols and investigate long-term effects.
Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Biology
Received: 2025/06/13 | Accepted: 2025/08/11 | Published: 2025/12/6
Received: 2025/06/13 | Accepted: 2025/08/11 | Published: 2025/12/6
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