Exercise, IMA and Sulfhydryl Biomarkers in Young Women

NCT07181044 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 27750
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background: Regular physical activity exerts systemic health benefits that extend to redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and total sulfhydryl groups (-SH) are increasingly recognized as sensitive biomarkers reflecting oxidative protein modification and thiol-dependent antioxidant capacity, respectively. However, data on their interplay in young women engaged in structured exercise remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular exercise on serum IMA and -SH concentrations in healthy young women, thereby providing insights into exercise-induced redox remodeling and sex-specific physiological adaptations. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving 30 healthy women aged 18-25 years. Participants were divided into an exercise group (n = 15), who had performed structured training ≥3 sessions per week for at least one year, and a control group (n = 15) with no structured exercise history. Venous blood samples were collected after overnight fasting. Serum IMA was quantified using the albumin-cobalt binding assay, and -SH concentrations were determined via the Ellman method. All analyses were performed in duplicate under standardized laboratory conditions. Independent samples t-tests were applied, and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

Conditions

Healthy Young Women; Regular Exercise; Oxidative Stress; Redox Homeostasis; Antioxidant Defense; Biomarkers; Sports Physiology

Keywords

Ischemia-Modified Albumin; Total Sulfhydryl Groups; Oxidative Stress Biomarkers; Redox Remodeling; Antioxidant Capacity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Serum Ischemia-Modified Albumin (IMA)

  Change in serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) concentration, measured in absorbance units (ABSU) using the albumin-cobalt binding assay.

  Baseline (single fasting blood draw)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Serum Total Sulfhydryl Groups (-SH)

  Baseline (single fasting blood draw)

Study Arms (2)

Exercising Women

Healthy women aged 18-25 years who performed structured exercise training ≥3 sessions per week for at least 12 months. Training programs included aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercise, each session lasting 60-90 minutes.

Sedentary Controls

Healthy women aged 18-25 years without a history of structured exercise. Physical activity limited to daily living and compulsory school-based physical education classes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Thirty healthy women aged 18-25 years were recruited. Fifteen had a history of regular structured exercise training, while fifteen had sedentary lifestyles without structured exercise.

You may qualify if:

• Healthy women aged 18-25 years
• For exercise group: Regular structured training ≥3 sessions per week for at least 12 months
• For control group: No structured exercise background, only daily living activity

You may not qualify if:

• History of chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, or endocrine disorders
• Smoking or alcohol abuse
• Current or recent use (past 6 months) of medications or supplements influencing oxidative stress or hormonal regulation
• Irregular or intermittent exercise participation not meeting the defined threshold

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Duvenciler Anadolu Lİsesi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Yüzüncü Yıl University, Central Research Laboratory

Van, Muş, 49100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Bilici OF, Kahraman MZ, Turker A, Seyhan S, Sahin MF, Demir H, Acar G, Bilici MF, Soylu C, Sogut T, Bakum A. Effects of regular exercise on ischemia-modified albumin and total sulfhydryl levels in young women: a cross-sectional study. Front Physiol. 2025 Nov 20;16:1719454. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1719454. eCollection 2025.

  PMID: 41357165 DERIVED

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 4, 2025
• First Posted: September 18, 2025
• Study Start: January 20, 2022
• Primary Completion: February 20, 2022
• Study Completion: March 20, 2022
• Last Updated: September 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)