ORIGINAL PAPER
The influence of Finnish sauna treatments on the concentrations of nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine and selected markers of oxidative status in training and non-training men
 
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1
University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry)
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University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland (Faculty of Rehabilitation)
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University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport)
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Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovakia (Institute of Physical Education and Sport)
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Anna Piotrowska   

University of Physical Education, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Al. Jana Pawła II 78, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
Online publication date: 2020-01-16
 
Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2020;33(2):173–185
 
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of repeated Finnish sauna baths on the concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and 3-nitrotyrosine in relation to pro-oxidative and antioxidative status in young males with different physical activity levels. Material and Methods: The study was performed on healthy males (aged 20–25 years), representing the training (T, N = 10) and non-training groups (NT, N = 10). The protocol included a series of 10 sauna baths during 3 weeks. One bath consisted of three 15-min sessions, with 2 min recovery. Before the first and the 10th treatment, measurements of body composition, blood pressure, rectal temperature, and plasma concentrations of the total pro-oxidative and antioxidative status, 3-nitrotyrosine and NOx were performed. Results: A significant increase in physiological parameters during sauna treatments, as well as a significant decrease in the total antioxidative status before the 10th bath, were observed in both groups. The series of sauna baths caused a significant increase in the total antioxidative status in the T group, and a decrease in the total oxidative status in the NT group. A significant decrease in 3-nitrotyrosine in both groups before the last treatment, and also in the T group after the last treatment, was noted. In both groups, a significant increase in NOx concentrations was observed after the first bath. Conclusions: A series of sauna baths contributes to the improvement in the prooxidative/ antioxidative balance. The increased production of nitric oxide may lead to a better vascular relaxation and blood flow. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(2):173–85
eISSN:1896-494X
ISSN:1232-1087