Training Enhances Immune Cells Mitochondrial Biosynthesis, Fission, Fusion, and Their Antioxidant Capabilities Synergistically with Dietary Docosahexaenoic Supplementation

Abstract EN

Exercise training induces adaptations in mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, and oxidative protection.

Omega-3 fatty acids change membrane lipid composition and modulate mitochondrial function.

The aim was to investigate the effect of 8-week training and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (1.14 g/day) on the mitochondria dynamics and antioxidant status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sportsmen.

Subjects were assigned to an intervention ( N = 9 ) or placebo groups ( N = 7 ) in a randomized double-blind trial.

Nutritional intervention significantly increased the DHA content in erythrocyte membranes from the experimental group.

No significant differences were reported in terms of circulating PBMCs, Mn-superoxide dismutase protein levels, and their capability to produce reactive oxygen species.

The proteins related to mitochondrial dynamics were, in general, increased after an 8-week training and this increase was enhanced by DHA supplementation.

The content in mitofusins Mtf-1 and Mtf-2, optic atrophy protein-1 (Opa-1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) were significantly higher in the DHA-supplemented group after intervention.

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX-IV) activity and uncoupling proteins UCP-2 and UCP-3 protein levels were increased after training, with higher UCP-3 levels in the supplemented group.

In conclusion, training induced mitochondrial adaptations which may contribute to improved mitochondrial function.

This mitochondrial response was modulated by DHA supplementation.