In vitro protective effect of the association of wine polyphenols, vitamin E and zinc on muscle fatigue and damages induced by physical exercise

Period of intense or prolonged muscle activity can cause a decline in performance as well as muscle weakness. If the weakness is largely and quickly reversible, it is named fatigue. If the weakness is slowly or poorly reversible and associated with structural changes, it is described as muscle damages and can lead to immediate and/or delayed soreness. The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the association of wine polyphenols, vitamin E and zinc on muscular fatigue and damages on human skeletal muscle cells (HSMC) challenged with A23187 calcium ionophore, mimicking a physical exercise (patent application filed). Fatigue and damages were monitored by quantifying release of lactate and IL-6, and activity of creatine kinase. A23187 significantly increased the release of lactate and IL-6 and decreased the intracellular activity of creatine kinase in HSMC. The association of wine polyphenols, vitamin E and zinc was able to significantly protect the cells against the effects of A23187, in a higher way than the ingredients alone. The study demonstrated the ability of the association of wine polyphenols, vitamin E and zinc to protect muscles against fatigue and damages. Consequently it could contribute to the optimization of performance and recovery during physical exercise.