Effect of pomegranate juice supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 following exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of pomegranate juice supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases2 and 9 serum levels and improving antioxidant function in young healthy males during exhaustive exercise. METHODS The study was conducted at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2010-11 and comprised 28 healthy subjects in 18-24 age bracket. They were randomly divided into control and supplemented groups. One cup of pomegranate juice and one cup of tap water were given to supplemented and control groups daily for two weeks respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of two weeks of intervention. The subjects were given one exhaustive exercise and then fasting blood samples were taken for testing blood glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, zinc, ceruloplasmin, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical tests, paired and independent sample t-test. RESULTS The blood levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity after exhaustive exercise in the supplemented group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the content of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, ceruloplasmin and malondialdehyde showed a significant decrease in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Besides, there were no significant changes in other biochemical factors. CONCLUSION Regular intake of pomegranate juice significantly modulates matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9and serum levels of some inflammatory factors and thus protects against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative injury in young healthy males.