The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of training on red blood cells' (RBC) susceptibility to peroxidation induced in vitro by H2O2 and on RBC' antioxidant enzymes activities. Fiveteen high competition male swimmers and 16 active men not involved in any regular sport activity participated in the study. Nutritional Information was collected and body composition and physical condition were assessed. Blood was collected at rest. RBC peroxidation and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase and metha-haemoglobin reductase activities were evaluated by photometry. Swimmers showed higher RBC' resistance to oxidation even though antioxidant enzymes were not higher. This beneficial adaptation may result from an accelerated RBC' renewal, leading to more efficient O2 delivery to tissues and to lower RBC' intracellular oxidant stress.
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