THE EFFECT OF BCAA SUPPLEMENTATION UPON THE IMMUNE RESPONSE OF TRIATHLETES.

 

Reinaldo Abunasser BASSIT

Mara Assis MALVERDI

Bassit, R.A.2,4; Sawada, L.A.3; Bacurau, R.F.P.1,4; Navarro, F.2,4 & Costa Rosa, L.F.B.P.2,4

1Department of Physiology and Biophysics and 2Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

3Department of Biodynamic of the Movement of the Human Body, School of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

4Laboratory of Human Nutrition for Athletes - CEPEUSP, University of São Paulo, Brazil

Short tittle: BCAA supplementation and immune response

Key words: triathlon, immune system, glutamine, immunossupression, cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation

Correspondence to:

  • Dr. Luís F. B. P. Costa Rosa, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas I, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-900, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
  • Phone/fax: 55-011-818.7227

Abstract

Intense long-duration exercise could lead to immune suppression through a decrease in the circulating level of plasma glutamine. The decrease in plasma glutamine concentration as a consequence of intense long-duration exercise was reversed, in some cases, by supplementing the diet of the athletes with branched chain amino acids (BCAA). To better address this question, we have evaluated some blood parameters (lymphocyte proliferation, the level of plasma cytokines, plasma glutamine concentration and in vitro production of cytokines by peripheral blood lymphocytes) before and after the São Paulo International Triathlon, as well as the incidence of symptoms of infections between the groups. Twelve elite male triathletes of mean age 25.5 ± 3.2 years (ranging from 21.4 to 30.1 years), weighing 74.16 ± 3.9kg swam 1.5km, cycled 40km and ran 10km (Olympic Triathlon) in the São Paulo International Triathlon held in April 1997 and April 1998. In both events 6 athletes received BCAA and the others, placebo. Athletes from the BCAA group (BG) presented the same levels of plasma glutamine, before and after the trial, while those from the placebo group showed a reduction of 22.8% in plasma glutamine concentration after the competition. Changes in the proliferative response of peripheral blood lymphocytes were accompanied by a reduction in IL-1 production after exercise (22.2%), that was reversed by BCAA supplementation (20.3%), without changes in IL-2 production. The data obtained shows that BCAA supplementation can reverse the reduction in serum glutamine concentration observed after prolonged intense exercise such as an Olympic triathlon. The decrease in plasma glutamine concentration is paralleled by an increased incidence of symptoms of infections that results in augmented proliferative response of lymphocytes cultivated in the absence of mitogens. The prevention of the lowering of plasma glutamine concentration allows an increased response of lymphocytes to ConA and LPS, as well as an increased production of IL-1 and 2, TNF-a and IFN-g , possibly linked to the lower incidence of symptoms of infection (33.84%), reported by the supplemented athletes.

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Reinaldo Abunasser BASSIT

 

 

CRN - 6845

Formação Profissional

  • Professor de Educação Física - Universidade de São Paulo - Escola de Educação Física. (EEFUSP) - 1988-1991.
  • Nutricionista - Universidade Anhembi Morumbi - 1993 - 1996
  • Mestrado - Universidade de São Paulo - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas. (ICB- USP). Laboratório de Metabolismo
    • Ano de entrada: 1998
    • Previsão de Conclusão: 2000

Atividades Profissionais

  • Professor de Natação e Hidroginástica Período: 2º semestre de 1990
  • Preparação Física Individual (Personal Training) Período: 1989 a 1997
  • Professor de Musculação e Condicionamento Físico Período: 1992 a 1995
  • Coordenador de Natação e Hidroginástica Período: 1994
  • Avaliação e Orientação Nutricional dos Atletas Olímpicos
    • Roberto Scheidt
    • Aurélio Miguel
    • Daniele Zangrando
    • Cristiane Parmiggiane
    • Henrique Guimarães
    • Leandro Macedo
    • Mariana Ohata
  • Orientador Nutricional e Avaliador da Composição Corporal de Times Profissionais.
  • Olympikus Telesp (voleibol) 1995 e 1997
  • Sport Clube Banespa (voleibol) 1996 e 1997.
  • Sport Club Corinthians Paulista (Futebol) 1997
  • Portuguesa Futebol Clube 1997.
  • São Paulo Futebol Clube 1995 e 1996.
  • Preparador Físico das Equipes Masculina e Feminina de Handebol Profissional de Osasco. Período: 1997. (Campeão Brasileiro com a Equipe Feminina).
  • Nutricionista da Equipe Brasileira de Duplas na Travessia da Race Across América 98. Período: 1998. (O Brasil foi campeão pela primeira vez obtendo o record na categoria com o tempo de 7 dias e10 horas.)
  • Consultório particular (desde 1997)

 

Mara Assis MALVERDI

CRN - 6844

Formação Profissional

  • Professora de Educação Física - Universidade de São Paulo - Escola de Educação Física. (EEFUSP) - 1988-1991.
  • Nutricionista - Universidade Anhembi Morumbi - 1993 - 1996

Atividades Profissionais

Área de Educação Física

  • Professora de Ed. Física Escolar (1992-1994)
  • Professora de Natação e Hidroginástica (1992-1994)
  • Professora de Ginástica (1992-1994)
  • Coordenadora de atividades aquáticas (1994)

Área de Nutrição

  • Atendimento em clínicas médicas (1997-1998)
  • Atendimento em academias:
    • Master Academia (1997 - 1998)
    • Raia 4 Morumbi (1997-2000)
    • Raia 4 Moema (1997-2000)
    • Kainágua Fitness (desde 1998)
    • Aquademia Sports (1998-1999)
    • Consultório particular (desde 1997)

 

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