EFFECTS OF ZIZIPHUS JUJUBE SUPPLEMENTATION ON PRO- AND ANTI-APOPTOTIC PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN NEUTROPHILS AFTER RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Introduction. It is suggested that jujube might have beneficial effects on exercise-induced immune perturbations, specifically on neutrophils apoptosis regulation, but its cellular mechanism is unclear. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of Ziziphus jujuba administration on pro- and anti-apoptotic protein levels in human neutrophils in response to a session of circuit resistance exercise (Ex). Material and Methods. Participants completed an Ex (75 % 1RM, 9 exercises, 3 sets). While one group received a placebo, the other group (Zj) was supplemented daily with jujube (0.5 gr/kg body weight suspended in 2.5cc distilled water) one hour before Ex. Results. Ex increased the neutrophil level of [Ca2+]i, calpain-1 and caspase-3 (p < 0.05) while a reduction of calpastatin and XIAP were observed (p < 0.05). Zj either suppressed the [Ca2+]i or reversed the calpastatin, calpain-1, XIAP, and caspase-3 responses (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The data indicate that a single session of intensive Ex induced apoptotic signaling in human neutrophils with the involvement of [Ca2+]i-calpastatin-calpain axis upstream caspase-3. Acute administration of jujube solution before exercise attenuated these effects probably by providing energy sources for neutrophils or by functioning as antioxidants.