Other sources such as a decrease in intracellular pH, lactate accumulation and sarcomere disruption can also contribute to RT induced ROS production [4, 2]. It has been suggested that a supplementation regime of antioxidants could reinforce the body’s endogenous antioxidant system providing a means of blunting exercise induced see more ROS molecules [15, 16]. Several studies have demonstrated that AOX supplementation can minimise damage to cellular structures caused by RT [8, 17] and also help maintain muscular force [18] during isometric maximal contractions. However, there are also

a number of studies that have found no benefit of AOX supplementation on markers of oxidative stress or performance [19–21]. Differing exercise protocols, subjects and types/amounts of AOX supplements used, have been suggested as the cause of the inconsistency between findings click here [21]. It appears that RT protocols employing a higher volume and intensity invokes the greatest oxidative stress

response, while there is some support for the effectiveness of Vitamins C and E and flavonoid supplements at attenuating acute muscle injury in untrained individuals [21]. Most AOX studies have focused on the effects of vitamin C and/or E supplementation to attenuate the oxidative stress caused by RT [8, 18–20]. There has been little focus on plant polyphenols, which have potent antioxidants qualities [22, 23]. Pycnogenol (PYC) is a particularly effective antioxidant polyphenol, comprised of several proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids and has been shown to blunt elevated ROS [24, 25], increase growth hormone (GH) secretion [26] and stimulate muscle blood flow [27]. It has also previously been shown that the supplement Lactaway©, containing PYC, acutely improves endurance cycle performance without improving

AOX capacity [28, 29]. There are no studies that have yet assessed the effects of Lactaway© containing PYC on RT performance and the associated bio-molecular responses. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effect of a PYC mixture, on performance during lower limb ‘hypertrophic’ RT (HRT) and Molecular motor the resulting acute endocrine, physiological and oxidative stress response. Methods Subjects Fifteen healthy subjects volunteered to www.selleckchem.com/products/VX-680(MK-0457).html participate in the study (age 23 ± 4 yr: body mass 86 ± 6 kg: height 179.4 ± 6.1 cm). Each subject had been resistance training for a minimum of 2 yr prior to recruitment for the study. All the subjects were familiar with the back squat exercise (BS) and could perform the activity satisfactorily from a technique perspective. Assessment was carried out by the primary researcher who was a certified strength and conditioning coach. Each subject completed a consent form and pre activity screening questionnaire to identify any musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems that could affect performance of the exercise.