Oxidative stress and exercise in cardiopulmonary and metabolic disorders

Oxidative stress appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of multiple human diseases. Although various stimuli exist, acute bouts of strenuous exercise are known to induce a transient increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), evident by numerous reports of increased oxidative stress biomarkers following single bouts of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Although the results are mixed and appear disease dependent, when compared to healthy individuals, those with chronic disease often experience an exacerbation in oxidative stress following acute exercise. While this might appear to be detrimental phenomenon, it is possible that such a response may exist as a necessary signal for the upregulation in antioxidant defenses which may subsequently provide protection against future exposure to RONS. This chapter discusses studies related to both acute exercise-induced oxidative stresses in those with disease, in addition to studies focused on adaptations resulting from increased RONS exposure associated with chronic exercise training in persons with disease. Specific attention is given to cardiopulmonary and metabolic disease