An in vivo and in vitro study of erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase, (Na+, K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in basketball players on alpha-tocopherol supplementation. The role of L-carnitine.

Background & Aims: Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, alpha-Te) and carnitine reduce lipid peroxidation. THE AIM WAS TO: To investigate the erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in basketball players with or without alpha-Te supplementation, before and after training. In vitro, we aimed to find out any additional effect of L-carnitine (L-C) on the modulated enzyme activities.

Subjects And Methods: Blood was obtained from 10 players before (group A), after exercise (group B) and after 1 month on alpha-Te (200 mg/24 h orally) supplementation before (group C) and after the game (group D). Lactate, pyruvate, muscle enzyme activities and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured with commercial kits. Catecholamines and alpha-Te were determined with HPLC methods and membrane enzyme activities spectrophotometrically.

Results: Lactate, pyruvate, muscle enzymes and catecholamine levels were increased (P<0.001) in all groups after training. Alpha-Te levels and Mg2+-ATPase activity remained unaltered before and after exercise. TAS was decreased in the groups after the game. AChE activity was increased in group B (P<0.01) and decreased in group D (P<0.01). After the exercise, Na+, K+-ATPase activity was increased in group B and remained unaltered in group D. In vitro incubation of membranes from group D with L-C resulted in a partially restoration of the membrane AChE activity, whereas Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities were found unchanged.

Conclusions: Alpha-Te supplementation in basketball players results in an increase of TAS and AChE activity, whereas the other enzyme activities were found unchanged. L-C addition may restore AChE activity, which was modulated by training in players on alpha-Te.