Oxidative stress is a state characterized by an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. ROS, also known as free radicals, are crucial for cellular signaling and are generated through natural processes. The antioxidant defense system typically regulates their concentrations to prevent oxidative stress-related damage. However, when ROS concentrations surpass a certain threshold and overwhelm the antioxidant defense system, it can lead to physiological issues and impairments in athletic performance. Additionally, oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related phenomena that can exacerbate each other, creating a vicious cycle. Both oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the pathophysiology of various chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, and accelerated aging. Furthermore, acute oxidative stress and inflammation have been shown to negatively affect performance by reducing skeletal muscle force output and increasing fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to explore strategies to mitigate uncontrolled elevations of oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, has been linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While cell line and animal studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin, its effects in humans remain inconclusive. This dissertation project aimed to evaluate the effect of a four-week turmeric supplementation intervention on biomarkers associated with exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in recreationally active individuals, 18 to 45 years of age. The study investigated curcumin's potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, while contributing to the existing literature on strategies for managing oxidative stress and inflammation. The findings from this research may offer valuable insights for promoting health, well-being, and athletic performance. / Doctor of Philosophy / Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. ROS, or free radicals, serve essential roles in cell signaling and are naturally generated. While our bodies possess a defense mechanism that typically regulates ROS concentrations to prevent oxidative stress-related damage, an excess of ROS can overwhelm this system, leading to physiological complications and impairing athletic performance. The interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation exacerbates their effects, initiating a detrimental cycle. Both processes are implicated in chronic ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, and accelerated aging. Moreover, elevated concentrations of oxidative stress and inflammation can diminish muscle strength and increase fatigue during exercise. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, presents a potential avenue for managing oxidative stress and inflammation. While some studies have demonstrated these benefits in cellular and animal models, the efficacy of curcumin in humans remains uncertain. This study assessed whether a four-week regimen of turmeric supplementation can attenuate markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in physically active individuals, 18 to 45 years of age. By investigating the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, this research aimed to contribute novel insights into strategies for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby promoting health, well-being, and athletic performance.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/119339 |
| Date | 06 June 2024 |
| Creators | Ramadoss, Rohit Kumar |
| Contributors | Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Volpe, Stella L., Rockwell, Michelle S., Bruneau, Michael, Larson-Meyer, D. Enette |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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