Lymphocyte Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Following Short-Term Beach Volleyball Competition in Elite Athletes

Continuous, strenuous, and prolonged exercise has a well-documented impact on the immune system. This study aimed to verify whether beach volleyball can cause lymphocyte apoptosis and a concomitant increase in oxidative stress. Apoptotic leukocyte cells with FITC-labeled anti-annexin V antibodies and the detection of nuclear propidium iodide, the availability of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) through the oxidation of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate, and the total concentration of antioxidants by the iron reduction antioxidant power assay, before and after a short beach volleyball tournament with 20 elite athletes, were evaluated. The median and interquartile range of H₂O₂ in arbitrary units increased from 2886 before competition to 10402 after competition for female group, and from 2711 to 11154, for male group. The percentage of apoptosis-positive cells increased from 0.7 to 3.9 for female group and from 0.7 to 4.0 for male group. The total concentration of antioxidants did not change, while HDL cholesterol increased in both groups at the end of the competition. Concomitant apoptosis and increased H₂O₂ production in lymphocytes suggest oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. Antioxidant defense is not activated immediately to restore the redox balance of immune cells, while improved lipid profile suggests antioxidant protection for blood vessels.