High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of human serum albumin (HSA) using an ion-exchange (DEAE-form) column shows three components; the principal component corresponds to human mercaptalbumin (HMA), the secondary to nonmercaptalbumin (HNA) having mixed disulfide with cystine (HNA(Cys)) or oxidized glutathione (HNA(Glut)), and the tertiary to HNA oxidized more highly than mixed disulfide. The purpose of this study was to examine HSA redox state to determine the effects iron ingestion may have on oxidative stress levels in long distance runners. Subjects for the study were university track athletes (n=8; 19.8±0.4 years old). Students were divided into two groups, those who took iron (iron group) and those who did not (no iron group). Blood samples were taken before and after an intensive three-day training camp, and then analyzed by HPLC. The amount of iron ingested by the iron group was 39 mg/day. The overall average percentage (f ̅[HMA]) of reduced form albumin for both groups was 78.9±0.5% before camp, and 68.0±1.2% after camp, with both groups showing significant post-camp decreases (p<0.05). Examined separately, (f ̅[HMA]) values for the iron group was 78.6±0.7% before camp and 69.2±1.4% after camp, and values for the no iron group were 78.5±1.0% and 69.0±1.5% respectively. While decreases were seen for both groups, a significant difference between the two groups was not found. These results suggest that iron, taken in this amount, has no particular effect on oxidative stress levels.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.25/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE