Physical exercise increases mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative damage in skeletal muscle

The present study investigated mitochondrial adaptations and oxidative damage after 4 and 8 weeks of running training in skeletal muscle of mice. Twenty-one male mice (CF1, 30–35 g) were distributed into the following groups (n = 7): untrained (UT); trained—4 weeks (T4); trained—8 weeks (T8). Forty-eight hours after the last training session the animals were killed by decapitation and quadriceps (red portion) were removed and stored at −70°C. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), complexes I, II, II–III and IV, lipoperoxidation (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC) and total thiol content were measured. Results show that endurance training (8-wk) increases the SDH activity and complexes (I, II, III, IV), decreases oxidative damage (TBARS, CP) and increases total thiol content in skeletal muscle when compared to untrained animals. In conclusion, eight weeks of running training are necessary for increases in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities to occur, in association with decreased oxidative damage.