A preliminary pilot study of the effect of oatmeal and oxygen–ozone (O۲-O۳) administrations on NRF۲ pathway-related antioxidants after intense exercise

Objective: This preliminary pilot study aimed to evaluate how oatmeal and oxygen-ozone (O۲-O۳) administrations after intense exercise affect the NRF۲ pathway, a key regulator of antioxidant responses.Materials and Methods: A single-blind, repeated-measures design was conducted with ten participants (ages ۲۰-۳۶, body mass index<۳۰ kg/m²) who completed high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols under four conditions: baseline, following O۲-O۳ sauna sessions, after oatmeal supplementation, and post-HIIE. Blood glucose, lactate, white blood cell count (WBC), and levels of NRF۲ pathway-related antioxidants, body weight, and blood pressure were measured under four conditions.Results: Significant fluctuations over time were observed in cardiovascular responses (p<۰.۰۵). Notably, cardiovascular responses following HIIE after supplementation differed compared to ozone sessions. Lactate, platelets, lymphocytes, and WBC increased significantly, while neutrophils decreased (p<۰.۰۵). glucose and most NRF۲-related antioxidants remained stable; however, a gender-specific increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) was found (p>۰.۰۵). Women showed a greater WBC reduction after oatmeal versus O۲-O۳ administration (p>۰.۰۵).Conclusion: The study demonstrated that oatmeal and O۲-O۳ administrations may significantly affect cardiovascular responses and immune cell dynamics post-exercise, with gender-specific effects. The SOD increase among women and the greater reduction in WBC after oatmeal probably suggest its potential in enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation. These findings probably underscore the role of dietary interventions in managing oxidative stress following intense exercise.