The Effect of Progressive Aerobic Exercise On G6PD Activity Among Active and Sedentary Men

Background: Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity is highly associated with free radical production. G6PD deficiency can increase the sensitivity of erythrocytes to oxidative stress resulting in hemolytic anemia. Aim: to study the main effect of progressive aerobic exercise on G6PD activity in active and sedentary men. Material and Methods: the study comprised 10 active men and 10 sedentary men. The protocol, started with running at approximately %75 of their maximal oxygen uptake for 30 min x times a week for y weeks. Venous blood samples (5ml) were collected prior to, immediately after, 2 hours and 24 hours after exercise. G6PD activity was evaluated with auto-Analyzer Method. Result: G6PD was not significantly higher in the active men in comparison with the sedentary men at baseline (10.5 ± 1.2 (IU/gHb) VS 9.5 ± 1.0 (IU/gHb), P ≤ 0.05). G6PD activity was increased significantly in both groups immediately after exercise but was not considerably different between the groups (11.6 ± 2.7 (IU/gHb) VS 9.9 ± 1.1 (IU/gHb), for active and sedentary men, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). G6PD returned to the baseline levels 2 hours after exercise in active men but remained high in sedentary men (10.5 ± 1.4 (IU/gHb) VS 10.1 ± 1.1 (IU/gHb, P ≤ 0.05). Also, G6PD levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after exercise in the active men in comparison with the sedentary men (11.8 ± 2.5 (IU/gHb) VS 9.5 ± 1.5 (IU/gHb), P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: In this regard, it can be concluded that, progressive aerobic exercise may be an effective factor affecting the levels of G6PD significantly, and as a home message it is useful for controlling the hemolytic anemia among sedentary population.