CAN ESTROGENS DIMINISH EXERCISE-INDUCED MUSCLE DAMAGE

Estrogens are female sex hormones that may also protect against peroxidative damage of membrane lipids and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Studies have reported that female rats have greater protection against flee radical induced lipid peroxidation and muscle damage consequent to exercise than do male rats. It has been suggested that the lower susceptibility to exercise induced oxidative stress and muscle membrane disruption of female rats may be due primarily to the antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties of estrogens. Studies on humans have indicated that the lower incidence of atherosclerosis seen in premenopausal females in comparison to males is due at least in part to the ability of estrogens to diminish LDL pel oxidation. However, there is little evidence as to the potential of estrogens to pi-elect human females from fi ee radical induced peroxidation and muscle damage due to exercise. This paper reviews the evidence for membrane stabilization potential of Estrogens and their possible mechanisms, and speculates as to the potential significance of this for human exercise.