The effects of eight weeks of Concurrent Training on Plasma Levels of NRF2 in Young Men

Physical activity can dramatically increase cellular Nrf2 level, and this factor over time is associated with aging, resulting in decreased induction of Phosphate II Phase II enzymes and increased sensitivity to oxidative damage. This study aim was to investigate the effects of eight weeks concurrent training on plasma NRF2 levels in young men. In this study, 16 young men (age: 25.06 ± 3.60 years, weight: 71.37 ± 8.21 Kg, BMI: 24.09 ± 3.52 kg.m2) were randomly divided into Concurrent training and control groups (n=8). The exercise program consisted of eight weeks (three sessions per week) of resistance training at 40% of 1RM and an aerobic exercise program with a maximum intensity of 60% of maximum heart rate. Fasting blood samples were taken prior to and after the intervention. It was found that eight weeks of concurrent training resulted in plasma NRF2 elevation (P = 0/035). However, no significant difference was observed after 8 weeks in the control group (P≤0.05). According to the results, an upregulation of NRF2 occurred during concurrent training, will lead to decrease ROS production and therefore the antioxidative capacity of the body would be elevated.