Ergometry induces systemic oxidative stress in healthy human subjects.

Oxidative stress is an important pathogenic factor of cancer and cardiovascular, metabolic and degenerative diseases. On the other hand, mild oxidative stress, as in case of physical exercise, can increase the antioxidant defense system. However, the mechanisms underlying such desirable effects of mild oxidative stress are not well understood, because the production of hydroxyl radical, the most aggressive oxygen free radical, was not yet evaluated under physiological circumstances.