Background: Heat shock proteins (HSP) can act as a cellular protection by facilitating reconstruction of denatured proteins. The aim of this study is evaluation of protective effects of glutamine consumption on HSP70 and cortisol response.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 soccer players divided into 4 groups: control (n=7), supplement (n=7), exercise (n=7) and exercise supplement (n=7). Supplements (glutamine) and placebo (Dextrin) to a 0.5 gram per kg of body weight and volume of 5 ml per kg of body weight one hour prior to the exercise protocol was used. exercise protocol include a 3-stage 20-minute run at 80% of maximum heart rate and rest 5 minutes. Blood samples of basal (after 12-14 hour overnight fasting), post exercise, and 90 minutes after exercise were gathered and HSP70 of serum and cortisol were measured with Elisa and RIA respectively. Data were analyzed with multivariate repeated measures (MANOVA) at p&le0.05 level.

Results: There was significant difference in HSP70 amounts between supplement group and exercise supplement group compared to the control group (p&le0.09, p&le0.019) and also supplement group with exercise supplement group (p&le0.032). Also there was significant difference Between post exercise and 90 min after exercise stages compared to basal stage (p&le0.08, p&le0.06) and between post exercise and 90 min after exercise (p&le0.030). In cortisol amounts between basal and 90 min after exercise stages (p&le0.026) there was significant difference.

Conclusion: Glutamine sitimulate of HSP70 induction and combination of supplement with exercise has a great HSP70 response thus athletes who wish to compete or have intense exercise, glutamine consumption is recommended.