The Effect of Strawberry Extract Supplementation on Caspase -3 and Cytochrome c after Resistance Exercise in Non-Athletic Women

Background: Exercise-induced apoptosis occurs in a variety of tissues. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of strawberry extract supplementation on circulating apoptosis biomarkers following a single bout of resistance exercise. Methods: Eighteen healthy young untrained women were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover research. The subjects participated in one resistance exercise session (at 80% 1RM) and underwent 2wk strawberry extracts (700 mg daily) or maltodextrin. The washout period that separated the treatment periods was 4wk. Blood samples were taken before supplementation and after 2 w of the post-resistance exercise session to determine cytochrome c and caspase-3 serum markers. Results: Resting cytochrome c and caspase-3 concentrations were not significantly different for any strawberry extract supplementation and placebo groups (P > 0.05). Cytochrome c and caspase-3 were significantly elevated after exercise in a placebo (P < 0.05) but not strawberry extract supplementation. Conclusions: Supplementation with strawberry extract attenuates intense acute exercise-induced apoptosis in healthy women.