Effect of Regular Physical Exercise (Among Circus Athlets) on Lipid Profile, Lipid Peroxidation and Enzymatic Antioxidants

Aims: The study was planned to see the effect of regular physical exercise on levels of lipid profile, activity of lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in those involved in regular physical exercise (among athlete in circus) and those involved in sedentary lifestyle.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during September 2012 to December 2012 in the department of biochemistry, BIMS, Belgaum.

Methodology: A total of 70 participants were studied, aged 25-55 years. Group I consists of 35 participants working as circus athletes, involved in regular physical exercise. Group II consisted of 35 age and sex matched healthy controls, with sedentary life style. Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were measured by CHOD-PAP method. Triglyceride was measured by GPO-PAP method. LDL and VLDL were calculated by formula. MDA was determined as the measure of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). SOD Catalase and GPX activity was determined by the method of Mishra and Fridovich, Beer and Seazer and Paglia and Valentine respectively.

Results: The levels of lipid peroxide, TC, TC / HDL and LDL / HDL ratio were significantly lowered in Group I on comparison with Group II. The levels of HDL, activity of SOD, GPX and catalase were significantly higher in Group I on comparison with Group II. Individuals engaged in regular physical activity had lowered levels of atherogenic lipid components and subjects with sedentary lifestyles had higher atherogenic lipid components (lipid profile and lipid peroxide).

Conclusion: The study indicates that engaging in regular physical exercise protects cardiovascular diseases by increasing the HDL Cholesterol levels, activity of LCAT enzyme and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Thus regular physical exercise is an important in the protection of atherosclerosis and management cardiovascular disease.