#55 - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exercise with Dr Carlos Henríquez-Olguín
Jul 17, 2023
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Dr Carlos Henríquez-Olguín, an up and coming rising star exercise metabolism researcher, discusses challenges in mechanistic exercise research in Chile and his groundbreaking work on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exercise. He explores the role of ROS in muscle contraction, the effects of chronic versus acute increases in ROS, and the theory of ROS and aging. He also talks about language challenges, giving visibility to early career researchers, and challenges faced by researchers from less scientifically recognized countries in publishing their work.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during exercise can cause damage to cells but can also trigger the production of endogenous antioxidants to neutralize the ROS and prevent cellular damage.
Different types of exercise, such as endurance training and high-intensity interval training, have been shown to increase the antioxidant capacity of muscles, improving overall antioxidant defenses.
Short-term increases in ROS production during exercise serve as important signaling molecules that promote muscle adaptation, survival, and enhancements in energy metabolism.
Deep dives
Reactive Oxygen Species and Exercise: Understanding the Basics
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly reactive molecules produced in cells during exercise. They can cause damage to proteins, DNA, and lipids and are often associated with oxidative stress. However, exercise also triggers the body's defense mechanisms, including the production of endogenous antioxidants, which help neutralize ROS and prevent cellular damage. Different types of exercise, such as endurance training and high-intensity interval training, have been shown to increase the antioxidant capacity of muscles. The production of ROS during exercise primarily occurs in the cytosol, while the mitochondria actually decrease ROS production. The specific signaling mechanisms that activate ROS production during exercise are still being studied, but mechanical stimulation is believed to play a role. Understanding the balance between ROS production and antioxidant defense is crucial for comprehending the positive effects of exercise on the body.
The Role of Endogenous Antioxidants in Exercise
Within the muscle, there are various enzymes and proteins that act as endogenous antioxidants, providing defense against oxidative stress. These antioxidants are located in different parts of the cell, including the plasma membrane and the transverse tubules. By removing excessive ROS generation, these enzymes and proteins prevent cellular damage and keep the muscles healthy. The levels of endogenous antioxidants can vary depending on factors such as physical fitness and training. Athletes generally have higher antioxidant levels compared to sedentary individuals. Exercise training has been shown to increase the gene expression of antioxidant proteins in muscles, improving the overall antioxidant capacity.
Short-Term Increases versus Chronic Adaptations
While ROS can be detrimental when present in excess, short-term increases in ROS production during exercise serve as important signaling molecules within the body. These short-term increases activate various cellular mechanisms that promote muscle adaptation and survival. Exercise-induced ROS production triggers the upregulation of antioxidant defenses and promotes gene expression changes that enhance muscular integrity, mechanical force generation, and improvements in energy metabolism. Different types of exercise can lead to specific adaptations and stress responses. Endurance exercises and high-intensity interval training have been characterized to have a more profound impact on the overall antioxidant capacity of muscles compared to strength training. Further research is needed to determine precise exercise intensities and durations that maximize antioxidant benefits.
Current Limitations and Future Directions
Despite significant progress in understanding the relationship between ROS and exercise, there are still limitations in studying the topic due to methodological challenges. Tools to accurately measure ROS in vivo conditions, particularly in humans, are lacking. Further investigation into the interactions between ROS and nitric oxide, as well as the effects of exercise intensity on ROS production, is needed. Translational research focusing on muscle diseases and redox modifications can provide valuable insights into developing exercise programs and antioxidants that protect against excessive ROS production. Targeting specific antioxidants for removal of ROS from mitochondria could be a promising area of study. Striving for an optimal balance between ROS and antioxidant defense is crucial for harnessing the benefits of exercise on overall health.
Exercise as a Stress Response and Promoting Adaptation
Exercise should be seen as a stress response that promotes specific adaptations depending on the stimuli provided. Removing most of the signals by taking antioxidants during exercise can hinder adaptation. While antioxidants may be beneficial for recovery, they are generally not recommended for regular use, unless there is a deficiency or inadequate dietary intake. Therefore, exercise should be prioritized over antioxidant supplementation, especially for individuals with diabetes or those looking to promote adaptations.
The Complex Relationship Between Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Glucose Uptake
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly cytosolic ROS, may play a role in glucose uptake. Studies have shown increased glucose uptake with higher levels of peroxide, indicating a role for ROS in glucose translocation. However, excessive ROS can lead to a reduction in glucose uptake. The specific mechanisms by which ROS modulate glucose uptake during exercise are still being explored, but it is clear that the production and location of ROS are crucial factors. Further research is needed to understand the intricate relationship between ROS and glucose uptake.
Dr Glenn McConell chats with Dr Carlos Henríquez-Olguín from The University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Carlos is an up and coming rising star exercise metabolism researcher. He discusses the challenges of doing mechanistic exercise research in Chile and how he ended up moving to the University of Copenhagen. Language challenges etc. He has been doing really ground breaking research on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contraction/exercise and already won awards for his research. Twitter: @MuscleBiology. 0:00. Introduction/reason invited Carlos onto Inside exercise 4:00. Challenges doing mechanistic exercise research in Chile etc 9:37. Cell culture and mouse ROS experiments in Chile 12:11. How got into reactive oxygen species research 14:25. Muscle dystrophy, contraction and ROS 16:09. Chronic versus acute increases in ROS 16:49. How/why moved to the University of Copenhagen 19:20. No success with initial research at the University of Copenhagen 20:30. Made his own luck 21:39. The need for patience from supervisor if facing challenges 23:40. Language challenges when coming from Chile 26:30. Giving better visibility to early career researchers 31:04. Prizes he has won in both exercise and ROS 34:08. Challenges publishing when from less scientifically recognized countries 36:22. What are reactive oxygen species? 37:50. Theory of ROS and aging 38:30. ROS, antioxidants, oxidative stress, ROS signaling 40:05. Muscle antioxidants, exercise and disease 42:19. Where in muscle are ROS coming from during contraction? 45:02. NOX2, RAC1, glucose uptake with contraction 47:21. What’s activating ROS production during contraction? 48:11. Nitric oxide vs ROS vs both? 50:15. Acute versus chronic increases in ROS 53:16. Best exercise for increasing your antioxidant defenses? 57:50. High ROS production from mitochondria in some diseases 59:30. Can exercise improve these diseases by producing ROS? 1:00:41. Compartmentalization of ROS production in muscle 1:02:03. Should supplement with antioxidants? 1:07:23. Increased mortality in people taking high levels of supplements 1:06:32. Antioxidant supplements improve those with chronically high ROS? 1:09:20. Mitochondria ROS and mitochondria specific antioxidants 1:14:37. Exercise and antioxidant gene expression 1:16:50. Mitochondria have antioxidant enzymes 1:17:50. Carlos’s methods to study ROS with contraction/insulin resistance 1:23:20. Takeaway messages 1:27:39. ROS and glucose uptake during exercise 1:29:43. Outro (9 seconds)
Inside Exercise brings to you the who's who of research in exercise metabolism, exercise physiology and exercise’s effects on health. With scientific rigor, these researchers discuss popular exercise topics while providing practical strategies for all. The interviewer, Emeritus Professor Glenn McConell, has an international research profile following 30 years of Exercise Metabolism research experience while at The University of Melbourne, Ball State University, Monash University, the University of Copenhagen and Victoria University. He has published over 120 peer reviewed journal articles and recently edited an Exercise Metabolism eBook written by world experts on 17 different topics (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-94305-9). Connect with Inside Exercise and Glenn McConell at: Twitter: @Inside_exercise and @GlennMcConell1 Instagram: insideexercise Facebook: Glenn McConell LinkedIn: Glenn McConell https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-mcconell-83475460 ResearchGate: Glenn McConell Email: glenn.mcconell@gmail.com Subscribe to Inside exercise: Spotify: shorturl.at/tyGHL Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/oFQRU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@insideexercise Anchor: https://anchor.fm/insideexercise Google Podcasts: shorturl.at/bfhHI Anchor: https://anchor.fm/insideexercise Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4025218 Not medical advice
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