Exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress

Abstract

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is associated with muscle soreness or discomfort and a marked decline of muscle strength during the first 12-72 hours post-exercise [1]. Furthermore, EIMD leads to the onset of an inflammatory response that is associated with the activation of leukocytes, muscle oedema, deterioration of muscle function, delayed-onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), and several intracellular events that aim to restore the integrity and function of the affected muscle [2]. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, indicates a condition where the cellular production of pro-oxidant molecules exceeds the ability of the antioxidant system to reduce reactive oxygen or nitrogen species (RONS). Research indicates that oxidative stress is evident following muscle damaging exercise [3]. Perturbations in oxidative stress seem to have a potent role in the adaptation process following EIMD. The purpose of this Special Issue of Antioxidants was to highlight recent developments on the field of EIMD and its association with inflammation and oxidative stress. Three review papers and five articles with original data were published. © 2018 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.