Background: Capsaicin, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, may mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). This study evaluates the efficacy of capsaicin supplementation in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing strength and power in collegiate male futsal players. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was used. Twelve male futsal players participated in three testing sessions: baseline (BL), followed by capsaicin (12 mg) or placebo (PLA), with a 7-day washout period. Participants consumed the supplement 45 min before completing an EIMD protocol of 200 plyometric jumps with a 10% body-weight vest. Metrics including vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), thigh circumference (TCM), and isokinetic and isometric strengths were assessed 48 h post-EIMD. DOMS was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD. Results: Capsaicin supplementation significantly improved VJH (p = 0.009), PPT (p = 0.004), and reduced TCM (p = 0.015) compared to baseline, with superior performance in PPT and TCM reduction (p < 0.05). Capsaicin also significantly decreased VAS scores for DOMS immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD (p < 0.001) compared to PLA and BL. No significant differences were found in isokinetic and isometric strength metrics (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute capsaicin supplementation can mitigate DOMS and enhance performance markers such as VJH and PPT in collegiate futsal players. Its benefits suggest a viable nutritional strategy for recovery and performance optimization in high-intensity sports.

Background: Skeletal muscle wasting is commonly observed in aging, immobility, and chronic diseases. In pathological conditions, the impairment of skeletal muscle and immune system often occurs simultaneously. Recent studies have highlighted the initiative role of skeletal muscle in interactions with immune cells. However, the impact of skeletal muscle wasting on macrophage inflammatory responses remains poorly understood. Methods: To investigate the effect of atrophic myotubes on the inflammatory response of macrophages, we established two in vitro models to induce myotube atrophy: one induced by D-galactose and the other by starvation. Conditioned medium (CM) from normal and atrophic myotubes were collected and administered to bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from mice. Subsequently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was applied, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured via RT-qPCR. Results: Both D-galactose and starvation treatments reduced myotube diameter and upregulated muscle atrophy-related gene expression. CM from both atrophic myotubes models augmented the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors in BMDMs following LPS stimulation, including Il6, Il1b, and Nfkb1. Notably, CM from starvation-induced atrophic myotubes also enhanced Il12b, Tnf, and Nos2 expression in BMDMs after stimulation, a response not observed in D-galactose-induced atrophic myotubes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CM from atrophic myotubes enhanced the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages.

Background/Objectives: Our previous study demonstrated that 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HMPA) administration improved grip strength and reduced blood urea nitrogen levels, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HMPA on oxidative stress and muscle fiber composition, emphasizing its potential role in modulating redox signaling pathways and influencing muscle development. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were orally administered HMPA solution (50 or 500 mg/kg/day) or distilled water (10 mL/kg) for 14 days, and then divided into sedentary and exhaustive exercise groups to evaluate oxidative stress status, myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression, and underlying mechanisms. Results: Both low and high doses of HMPA reduced oxidative stress by decreasing plasma reactive oxygen metabolites. High-dose HMPA reduced plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and enhanced antioxidant capacity post-exercise, accompanied by changes in the mRNA abundance of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., Sod1 and Nqo1) and reductions in the mRNA abundance of nitric oxide synthases (e.g., Nos2 and Nos3) in the soleus. Additionally, high-dose HMPA administration increased the protein expression of MYH4 in the soleus, while low-dose HMPA enhanced the gene expression of Myh4 and Igf1, suggesting that HMPA may promote fast-twitch fiber hypertrophy through the activation of the IGF-1 pathway. Furthermore, low-dose HMPA significantly increased the gene expression of Sirt1 and Nrf1, as well as AMPK phosphorylation post-exercise, suggesting low-dose HMPA may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise adaptation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HMPA may serve as a dietary supplement to regulate redox balance, enhance antioxidant defenses, and promote the formation of fast-twitch fibers.

Skeletal muscle is primarily involved in exercise performance and health promotion. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate that indirectly activates the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), thus inducing the expression of Nrf2 target genes, including antioxidant enzymes. This study aimed to identify the effects of a single dose of SFN administration on exhaustive exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle tissue and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-six mice were divided into four groups: control, SFN, exercise (Ex), and SFN + Ex. The SFN group and SFN + Ex group received SFN orally (50 mg/kg body weight) 2 h before the running test. Exercise significantly reduced plasma glucose levels, while the SFN-treated group exhibited a smaller reduction. Acute exhaustive exercise increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in muscle tissue, while the SFN + Ex group exhibited significantly reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The gene expression of Nrf2 and its target enzymes, including heme oxygenase (HO)-1, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1, was measured in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle tissue. Compared with the Ex group, the SFN + Ex group showed upregulated expression of all these parameters, including Nrf2. SFN treatment reduced acute exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Background: Lutein, a carotenoid, exhibits various biological activities such as maintaining the health of the eye, skin, heart, and bone. Recently, we found that lutein has dual roles in suppressing bone resorption and promoting bone formation. In this study, we examined the effects of lutein in a disuse-induced osteoporosis model using hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) mice. Methods: Osteoclast differentiation was assessed by coculturing mouse primary osteoblasts and bone marrow cells or culturing a mouse osteoclast precursor cell line. The bone-resorbing activity was determined by mouse calvarial organ cultures. An in situ docking simulation was conducted to reveal the interaction of lutein and IκB kinase (IKK) β protein. HLU mice were fed a 1% lutein-containing diet for two weeks, and the femoral bone mass was measured by μCT. Results: Osteoclast differentiation is significantly inhibited by lutein, astaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. In contrast, only lutein promoted osteoblastic calcified bone nodule formation. To elucidate the molecular role of lutein, we functionally analyzed the NF-κB complex, a molecule involved in bone metabolism, especially in osteoclasts. Docking simulations showed that lutein binds to IKK, thus inhibiting the activation of NF-κB. In a cell culture analysis, the phosphorylation of p65, the active form of NF-κB in osteoblasts, was suppressed by lutein treatment. In vivo, a μCT analysis of the bone microarchitecture showed that lutein improves several bone parameters while maintaining bone mass. Conclusions: Lutein is effective in maintaining bone mass by controlling both bone resorption and formation, which is applied to prevent disuse-induced osteoporosis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training (RT) alongside creatine-hydrochloride (Cr-HCl) or creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation on anabolic/catabolic hormones, strength, and body composition. Forty participants with an age range of 18-25 years were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): RT+Cr-HCl (0.03 g.kg-1 of body mass), RT+CrM-loading phase (CrM-LP) (0.3 g.kg-1 of body mass for five days (loading) and 0.03 g.kg-1 body mass for 51 days (maintenance)), RT+CrM-without loading phase (CrM-WLP) (0.03 g.kg-1 body mass), and RT+placebo (PL). The participants consumed supplements and performed RT with an intensity of 70-85 % 1RM for eight weeks. Before and after the training and supplementation period, strength (1RM), body composition (percent body fat (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscular cross-sectional area (MCSA)) and serum levels of testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follistatin and myostatin were measured. The results showed that in the supplementation groups, strength, arm and thigh MCSA, and SMM significantly increased, and PBF significantly decreased (P≤0.05); this change was significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). In addition, the results showed a significant increase in GH, IGF-1 levels, the ratio of follistatin/myostatin, testosterone/cortisol (P≤0.05), and a significant decrease in cortisol and ACTH levels (P≤0.05) in the supplementation groups. Hormonal changes in GH, IGF-1, testosterone/cortisol, cortisol, and ACTH levels in the supplementation groups were significant compared to the PL group (P≤0.05). The results showed that CrM and Cr-HCl significantly enhanced the beneficial effects of RT on strength, hypertrophy, and hormonal responses, with Cr-HCl showing no benefit over CrM.

Abstract

Background

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic tissue that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis and increases energy expenditure via non-shivering thermogenesis in mammals. Cold exposure and exercise have been shown to increase BAT and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice. This study aimed to determine whether there is an additive effect of exercise during cold exposure on markers related to browning of adipose tissue. in Wistar rats.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (C, 25˚C), Swimming in Neutral (SN, 30˚C) water, and Swimming in Cold (SC, 15˚C) water. Swimming included intervals of 2–3 min, 1 min rest, until exhausted, three days a week for six weeks, with a training load of 3–6% body weight. After the experimental protocol, interscapular BAT and inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) were excised, weighed, and processed for beiging marker gene expression.

Results

SN and SC resulted in lower body weight gain, associated with reduced WAT and BAT volume and increased BAT number with greater effects observed in SC. Myostatin protein expression was lower in BAT, WAT, soleus muscle, and serum NC and SC compared to the C group. Expression of the interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4) gene in both BAT and WAT tissues was significantly greater in the SC than in the C. Expression of the PGC-1α in BAT was significantly increased in the SC compared to C and increased in WAT in NC and SC. Expression of the UCP1 in BAT and WAT increased in the SC group compared to other groups.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that six weeks of swimming training in cold water promotes additive effects of the expression of genes and proteins involved in the browning process of adipose tissue in Wistar rats. Myostatin inhibition may possess a regulator effect on the PGC-1α – UCP1 pathway that mediates adipose tissue browning.

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 10 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and HIIT combined with circuit resistance training (HCRT) on selected measures of physical fitness, the expression of miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155 as well as metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and insulin resistance in middle-aged overweight/obese women.

Methods

Twenty-seven overweight/obese women aged 35–50 yrs. were randomized to HIIT (n = 14) or HCRT (n = 13) groups. The HIIT group performed running exercises (5 reps x 4 min per session) with active recovery between repetitions for 10 weeks with 5 weekly sessions. The HCRT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT and resistance training with 3 weekly HIIT sessions and 2 weekly HCRT sessions. Anthropometric measures (e.g., body mass), selected components of physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength), levels of miRNAs (miR-9, -15a, -34a, -145, and − 155), lipid profiles (total cholesterol; TC, Triglycerides; TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C), and insulin resistance; HOMA-IR index, were measured at baseline and week 10.

Results

An ANOVA analysis indicated no significant group by time interactions (p > 0.05) for all anthropometric measures, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max). A significant group by time interaction, however, was found for the one-repetition maximum (IRM; p < 0.001, ES= 0.751 , moderate). A post-hoc test indicated an increase in the pre-to-post mean 1RM for HCRT (p = 0.001, ES = 1.83, large). There was a significant group by time interaction for miR-155 (p = 0.05, ES = 0.014, trivial). Levels for miR-155 underwent pre-to-post HIIT increases (p = 0.045, ES = 1.232, large). Moreover, there were also significant group by time interactions for TC (p = 0.035, ES = 0.187, trivial), TG (p < 0.001, ES = 0.586, small), LDL-C (p = 0.029, ES = 0.200, small) and HDL-C (p = 0.009, ES = 0.273, small). Post-hoc tests indicated pre-post HCRT decreases for TC (p = 0.001, ES = 1.44, large) and HDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 1.407, large). HIIT caused pre-to-post decreases in TG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.599, small), and LDL-C (p = 0.001, ES = 0.926, moderate).

Conclusions

Both training regimes did not improve cardiovascular fitness. But, HCRT improved lower/upper limb muscle strength, and HIIT resulted in an increase in miR-155 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, HIIT and HCRT each improved selected metabolic risk factors including lipid profiles and glucose and insulin metabolism in overweight/obese middle-aged women.

Trial registration

OSF, October, 4th 2023. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UZ92E. osf.io/tc5ky. “Retrospectively registered”.

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study estimated an individual's genetic liability to cardiometabolic risk factors by polygenic risk score (PRS) construction and examined whether high cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) modifies the association between PRS and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,296 Japanese adults aged ≥40 years. The PRS for each cardiometabolic trait (blood lipids, glucose, hypertension, and obesity) was calculated using the LDpred2 and clumping and thresholding methods. Participants were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-PRS groups according to PRS tertiles for each trait. CRF was quantified as peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) per kg body weight. Participants were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-CRF groups according to the tertile VO₂peak value.

Results

Linear regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between PRS for triglyceride (PRS_TG) and CRF groups on serum TG levels regardless of the PRS calculation method, and attenuated the association between PRS_TG and TG levels in the high-CRF group. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant sub-additive interaction between LDpred2 PRS_TG and CRF on the prevalence of high TG, indicating that high CRF attenuated the genetic predisposition to high TG. Furthermore, a significant sub-additive interaction between PRS for body mass index and CRF on obesity was detected regardless of the PRS calculation method. These significant interaction effects on high TG and obesity were diminished in the sensitivity analysis using VO₂peak per kg fat-free mass as the CRF index. Effects of PRSs for other cardiometabolic traits were not significantly attenuated in the high-CRF group regardless of PRS calculation methods.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that individuals with high CRF overcome the genetic predisposition to high TG levels and obesity.

Addressing cognitive impairment (CI) represents a significant global challenge in health and social care. Evidence suggests that aging and metabolic disorders increase the risk of CI, yet promisingly, physical exercise has been identified as a potential ameliorative factor. Specifically, there is a growing understanding that exercise-induced cognitive improvement may be mediated by molecules known as exerkines. This review delves into the potential impact of aging and metabolic disorders on CI, elucidating the mechanisms through which various exerkines may bolster cognitive function in this context. Additionally, the discussion extends to the role of exerkines in facilitating stem cell mobilization, offering a potential avenue for improving cognitive impairment.

Athletes often take sport supplements to reduce fatigue and immune disturbances during or after training. This study evaluated the acute effects of concurrent ingestion of alkaline water and L-glutamine on the salivary immunity and hormone responses of boxers after training. Twelve male boxing athletes were recruited in this study. During regular training, the participants were randomly divided into three groups and asked to consume 400 mL of alkaline water (Group A), 0.15 g/kg body weight of L-glutamine with 400 mL of water (Group G), and 0.15 g/kg of L-glutamine with 400 mL of alkaline water (Group A+G) at the same time each day for three consecutive weeks. Before and immediately after the training, saliva, heart rates, and the rate of perceived exertion were investigated. The activity of α-amylase and concentrations of lactoferrin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), testosterone, and cortisol in saliva were measured. The results showed that the ratio of α-amylase activity/total protein (TP) significantly increased after training in Group A+G but not in Group A or G, whereas the ratios of lactoferrin/TP and IgA/TP were unaffected in all three groups. The concentrations of salivary testosterone after training increased significantly in Group A+G but not in Group A or G, whereas the salivary cortisol concentrations were unaltered in all groups. In conclusion, concurrent ingestion of 400 mL of alkaline water and 0.15 g/kg of L-glutamine before training enhanced the salivary α-amylase activity and testosterone concentration of boxers, which would be beneficial for post-exercise recovery.

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a promising molecule for developing phytopharmaceuticals due to its potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. A plethora of research conducted in vivo and in vitro reported the beneficial effects of SFN intervention and the underlying cellular mechanisms. Since SFN is a newly identified nutraceutical in sports nutrition, only some human studies have been conducted to reflect the effects of SFN intervention in exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, we briefly discussed the effects of SFN on exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. We discussed human and animal studies that are related to exercise intervention and mentioned the underlying cellular signaling mechanisms. Since SFN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent, we mentioned briefly its synergistic attributes with other potential nutraceuticals that are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Given its health-promoting effects, SFN could be a prospective nutraceutical at the forefront of sports nutrition.

Abstract

Background and objective

Studies have shown that Caveolin gene polymorphisms (CAV-1) are involved in chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) have been shown to potentially elicit favorable effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of DII DIL and CAV-1 interaction on CVD risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 333 overweight and obese women aged 18–48 years. Dietary intakes, DII, and DIL were evaluated using the 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum profiles were measured by standard protocols. The CAV-1 rs 3,807,992 and anthropometric data were measured by the PCR–RFLP method and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), respectively. Participants were also divided into three groups based on DII, DIL score, and rs3807992 genotype.

Results

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 333 women classified as overweight or obese. Participants with A allele for the caveolin genotype and higher DII score showed significant interactions with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P for AA = 0.006 and P for AG = 0.019) and CRI-I (P for AA < 0.001 and P for AG = 0.024). In participants with AA genotype and greater DII score, interactions were observed in weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, CRI-II, fat-free mass (FFM), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (P < 0.079). Those with higher DIL scores and AA genotype had higher weight (P = 0.033), FFM (P = 0.022), and SMM (P = 0.024). In addition, DIL interactions for waist/hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride (TG), CRI-I, and body fat mass (BFM) among individuals with AA genotype, while an HDL interaction was observed in individuals with AG and AA (P < 0.066).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study indicate that people who carry the caveolin rs3807992 (A) allele and have greater DII and DIL scores are at higher risk for several cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome biomarkers. These results highlight that diet, gene variants, and their interaction, should be considered in the risk evaluation of developing CVD.

Abstract

Aging is the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases and mortality, and establishing geroprotective interventions targeting aging is required. Previous studies have suggested that healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with delayed biological aging; however, these associations depend on nationality and sex. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns identified through principal component analysis and biological aging in older men of Japan, one of the countries with the longest life expectancies. Principal component analysis identified two dietary patterns: a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and a Western-style dietary pattern. Eight epigenetic clocks, some of the most accurate aging biomarkers, were identified using DNA methylation data from whole-blood samples. Correlation analyses revealed that healthy Japanese dietary patterns were significantly negatively or positively correlated with multiple epigenetic age accelerations (AgeAccel), including AgeAccelGrim, FitAgeAccel, and age-adjusted DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTLAdjAge). Conversely, the Western-style dietary pattern showed no significant correlation with any of the examined epigenetic AgeAccels or age-adjusted values. After adjusting for confounders, the healthy Japanese dietary pattern remained significantly negatively correlated with AgeAccelPheno and AgeAccelGrim and positively correlated with DNAmTLAdjAge. These findings suggest that a Western-style dietary pattern is not associated with biological aging, whereas a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with delayed biological aging in older Japanese men. Our findings provide evidence that healthy dietary patterns may have beneficial effects on delayed biological aging in older Japanese men.

Abstract

Prolonged intense exercise induces acute renal injury; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effects of neutrophil depletion in male C57BL/6J mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: sedentary with control antibody; sedentary with antineutrophil antibody; exhaustive exercise with control antibody; and exhaustive exercise with antineutrophil antibody. Antineutrophil (1A8) or control antibody was administered i.p. to the mice before they ran on a treadmill. Plasma levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Renal histology was assessed 24 h after exhaustive exercise, and the concentration of kidney injury molecule (KIM)‐1 was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured using qRT‐PCR. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase activity and the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the kidney were measured. Immediately after exhaustive exercise, plasma BUN was significantly increased, but creatinine was not. The increase in BUN after exercise was suppressed by 1A8 treatment. The pathological changes manifested as congested and swollen glomeruli and nuclear infiltration after exhaustive exercise. These changes were suppressed by treatment with the 1A8 antibodies. The KIM‐1 concentration increased after exhaustive exercise but was reduced by the 1A8 antibodies. Treatment with the 1A8 antibody also decreased exhaustive exercise‐induced inflammation and reactive oxygen species levels in the kidney. These results suggest that neutrophils contribute to exercise‐induced acute renal injury by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined remote music and exercise training on the cognitive, psychological, and physical function of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

Forty-one AD patients were randomly allocated to three groups, including control (C), training (T), and training with music (TM) groups. Participants were evaluated by cognitive and performance test batteries before and after the interventions. Both experimental groups performed 36 remote workouts in 3 months online via WhatsApp video call individually with the trainer. Training included simple and varied movements of all physical indicators. The number of sets began with two sets and progressively increased to one set every month, 5–10 repetitions per set. The overload was applied by reducing the break between sets every week. The TM group performed the same exercises while listening to Mozart and traditional Iranian songs.

Results

We observed a significant main, group, time, and interaction effect on Romberg (ηp²:0.72), 30 s chair sit and stand (ηp²:0.75), and walking on steppe test (ηp²:0.63). Furthermore, there was a significant main time and interaction effect on push-ups (ηp²:0.43), sit and reach (ηp²:0.64), and MMSE (ηp²:0.76). In all variables, two experimental groups demonstrated substantial improvements than the C group (p < 0.01). In addition, the TM group (27.8%) showed a significant improvement compared to the C group (−6.4%) and the T group (12.2%) in MMSE.

Conclusion

Combined remote training with listening to music as adjuvant treatment is an appropriate item to improve the cognitive and physical performance of Alzheimer’s patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Purpose:Limited data are available on the relationship of parasympathetic nervous function with the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in men and women. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between diving reflex - markers of parasympathetic nervous function - with the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among men and women in WASEDA'S Health Study.Methods: Participants were 199 men and 75 women who completed a medical examination, maximal exercise test, and diving reflex test. The participants were divided into tertiles based on the diving reflex indexes. The diving reflex indexes were the peak value of the R–R interval during the test (R–Rmax) and the relative difference between the baseline and peak response due to the test (R–Rchange). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes were obtained using logistic regression models while adjusting for sex, age, body fat percentage, family history of diabetes, smoking status, and drinking status, sleeping hours, energy intake, and peak oxygen uptake.Results: Forty-one participants had prediabetes (n=24) or diabetes (n=17). Using the lowest diving reflex indexes as reference, we calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the outcomes if interests. We found inverse relationships between R-Rmax and prediabetes and diabetes (P for trend = 0.104) as well as R-Rchange and diabetes (P for trend = 0.023).Conclusions: In this cross-sectional analysis, the data suggest diving reflex indexes, especially R-Rchange, may be related to the prevalence of diabetes.

Background: The improvement of performance and skill indices of volleyball players can affect their success rate. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation of varied doses on collegiate volleyball players’ specific performance and skills. Method: This research was a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study in which 15 male volleyball players aged 18 to 25 years participated voluntarily. Participants were randomly placed in three different conditions, including 3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight (C3), 6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight (C6), and a placebo (PLA) with a one-week wash-out period between exercise trials. The supplement was taken 60 min before each exercise session. Ball throwing, hand movement speed, agility, Sargent’s jump and handgrip, and attacking and serving skill tests were measured and analyzed to check the performance and skill of the volleyball players. Results: This study showed a significant increase in agility test in C6 compared with the PLA condition (p = 0.02). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in Sargent’s jump in C6 compared with PLA (p = 0.00) and C6 compared with the C3 condition (p = 0.00). Also, attacking skill significantly increased in C3 compared with PLA (p = 0.00) and C6 compared with the PLA condition (p = 0.00). In addition, there was a significant increase in serving skill for C6 compared with PLA (p = 0.00) and C3 (p = 0.00). However, there were no significant differences in hand movement speed (p = 0.06), left handgrip (p = 0.85), right handgrip (p = 0.47), or medicine ball throwing (p = 0.22) between the three conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggested that a higher dose of caffeine compared with a lower dose may be more effective in movements requiring lower-body explosive power and the ability to change direction. Also, according to the findings, it seems that caffeine can lead to the improvement of complex skills, such as serving and attacking in volleyball.

Sarcopenia has become a significant obstacle to healthy aging in older adults. Flavonoids may contribute to treating sarcopenia, and attenuate the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, however, their benefits in sarcopenic individuals remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of flavonoids on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in adults with sarcopenia based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review was conducted in conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The article search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science databases, and Google Scholar for the period until June 2023. RCTs that assessed the effects of flavonoids/flavonoids combined with other supplementation/flavonoid-rich supplementations on skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in adults diagnosed with sarcopenia before intervention were included. From the 309 articles found, a total of 6 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. RCTs evaluated the main outcomes of tea catechins, epicatechin, and isoflavones intervention. Skeletal muscle mass significantly increased in three studies, muscle strength significantly elevated in two studies, and physical performance significantly improved in two studies. The majority of studies (five in six) found at least one of the main outcomes is elevated by flavonoids intervention. Flavonoids may have a great potential to treat sarcopenia.

Background: Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds suggested to be effective in improving athlete recovery. However, the number of studies evaluating the effects of BRJ on recovery and muscle soreness (MS) indicators in female athletes is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of BRJ consumption on the performance recovery indicators and MS after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in female volleyball players. Methods: Twelve young female volleyball players were evaluated in this study. We utilized a randomized, cross-over, and double-blind design during two phases with a 30-day interval (wash-out). During each phase, EIMD was performed first, followed by BRJ or placebo (PLA) supplementation for two days (eight servings of 50 mL). Recovery monitoring of performance indicators and MS was performed after EIMD. The results of wall-sit, V sit and reach (VSFT), vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and thigh swelling (Sw-T) tests were recorded 48 h after EIMD. Also, the Perceived Muscle Soreness was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) 12 (MS-12 h), 24 (MS-24 h), and 48 (MS-48 h) hours after EIMD. Results: The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures of ANOVA at p < 0.05. Compared to PLA, BRJ supplementation improves wall-sit performance after EIMD (p < 0.05), while reducing Sw-T and perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between PLA and BRJ in VJH and VSFT performance after EIMD (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the consumption of BRJ in female volleyball players can be useful for improving some recovery indicators, such as muscle endurance, perceived muscle soreness, and tissue edema, after EIMD.

Abstract

DNA methylation‐based age estimators (DNAm ageing clocks) are currently one of the most promising biomarkers for predicting biological age. However, the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured directly by expiratory gas analysis, and DNAm ageing clocks are largely unknown. We investigated the relationships between CRF and the age‐adjusted value from the residuals of the regression of DNAm ageing clock to chronological age (DNAmAgeAcceleration: DNAmAgeAccel) and attempted to determine the relative contribution of CRF to DNAmAgeAccel in the presence of other lifestyle factors. DNA samples from 144 Japanese men aged 65–72 years were used to appraise first‐ (i.e., DNAmHorvath and DNAmHannum) and second‐ (i.e., DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and DNAmFitAge) generation DNAm ageing clocks. Various surveys and measurements were conducted, including physical fitness, body composition, blood biochemical parameters, nutrient intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, disease status, sleep status, and chronotype. Both oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (VO₂/kg at VT) and peak oxygen uptake (VO₂/kg at Peak) showed a significant negative correlation with GrimAgeAccel, even after adjustments for chronological age and smoking and drinking status. Notably, VO₂/kg at VT and VO₂/kg at Peak above the reference value were also associated with delayed GrimAgeAccel. Multiple regression analysis showed that calf circumference, serum triglyceride, carbohydrate intake, and smoking status, rather than CRF, contributed more to GrimAgeAccel and FitAgeAccel. In conclusion, although the contribution of CRF to GrimAgeAccel and FitAgeAccel is relatively low compared to lifestyle‐related factors such as smoking, the results suggest that the maintenance of CRF is associated with delayed biological ageing in older men.

Abstract

Although social jetlag (SJL) is generally considered a chronic condition, even acute SJL may have unfavorable effects on the cardiovascular system. We focused on the acute effects of SJL on morning blood pressure (BP) surge. This randomized crossover trial recruited 20 healthy men. In the SJL trial, participants delayed their bedtime by three hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Participants in the control (CON) trial implemented the same sleep-wake timing as on weekdays. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed to evaluate resting cardiovascular variables on Friday and Monday mornings, respectively. The ambulatory BP was automatically measured during the sleep and awake periods for 2 h after the participant woke up at night before pre- and post-intervention measurements. SJL (average mid-sleep time on weekends – average mid-sleep time on weekdays) occurred only in the SJL trial (SJL: 181 ± 24 min vs. CON: 8 ± 47 min). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and morning BP surge on Monday in the SJL trial were significantly higher than those on Friday in the SJL trial (cfPWV: P = 0.001, morning BP surge: P < 0.001), and those on Monday in the CON trial (cfPWV: P = 0.007; morning BP surge: P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between ΔcfPWV and Δmorning BP surge (R = 0.587, P = 0.004). These results suggest that even acute SJL augments morning BP surge. This phenomenon may correspond to increased central arterial stiffness.

State the details of Clinical Trials: Name: Effect of acute social jetlag on risk factors of lifestyle-related diseases. URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053204. Unique identifier: UMIN000046639. Registration date: 17/01/2022

Extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, are secreted by skeletal muscle tissues and may play a role in physiological adaptations induced by exercise. Endurance exercise changes the microRNA (miRNA) profile of circulating extracellular vesicles; however, the effects of resistance exercise are unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of resistance exercise as electrical pulse stimulation (EPS)-induced muscle contraction on the miRNA and mRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in mice using a comprehensive RNA sequencing-based approach. EPS-induced muscle contraction resulted in changes in the miRNA profile of circulating extracellular vesicles. In particular, 90 min after EPS-induced muscle contraction, a considerable increase in expression of muscle-specific microRNAs, such as miR-1, miR-133, and miR-206, was observed. Furthermore, we found that the expression of 208 mRNAs was considerably altered immediately after EPS-induced muscle contraction and that of 267 mRNAs changed considerably after 90 min. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that mRNA expression changes in circulating extracellular vesicles after EPS-induced muscle contraction promoted angiogenesis and regulated the immune response. Changes in the properties of circulating extracellular vesicles owing to muscle contraction may play an important role in resistance exercise-induced physiological adaptations.

Sulforaphane has several effects on the human body, including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antimicrobial and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we examined the effect of sulforaphane on several neutrophil functions: reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, degranulation, phagocytosis, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. We also examined the direct antioxidant effect of sulforaphane. First, we measured neutrophil ROS production induced by zymosan in whole blood in the presence of 0 to 560 µM sulforaphane. Second, we examined the direct antioxidant activity of sulforaphane using a HOCl removal test. In addition, inflammation-related proteins, including an azurophilic granule component, were measured by collecting supernatants following ROS measurements. Finally, neutrophils were isolated from blood, and phagocytosis and NET formation were measured. Sulforaphane reduced neutrophil ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner. The ability of sulforaphane to remove HOCl is stronger than that of ascorbic acid. Sulforaphane at 280 µM significantly reduced the release of myeloperoxidase from azurophilic granules, as well as that of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Sulforaphane also suppressed phagocytosis but did not affect NET formation. These results suggest that sulforaphane attenuates neutrophil ROS production, degranulation, and phagocytosis, but does not affect NET formation. Moreover, sulforaphane directly removes ROS, including HOCl.

Abstract

Background

A ketogenic diet (KD) induces nutritional ketosis (NS), benefits fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and favors moderate-intensity exercise capacity. The status that the body accommodates to produce and utilize ketone bodies (KB) and fatty acids as primary fuel sources is termed keto-adaptation. However, keto-adaptation requires time, while long-term KD also involves unfavored adverse effects. Exogenous ketone body (EKBs) administration has been introduced to elicit the advantages of NS. However, the direct use of EKBs fails to bring desired outcomes. We hypothesized that EKBs might only be effective during keto-adaptation.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 24) were divided into three groups: a control diet (Con, n = 8), a ketogenic diet (KD, n = 8), and a KD plus a ketone body (DL-β-Hydroxybutyric acid sodium salt, BHB) administration (KD+BHB, n = 8). After six weeks of KD administration, mice in the KD+BHB group receive BHB added into water bottles for another six weeks. Blood KB concentration is monitored throughout the experiment, while liver, gastrocnemius, and soleus mRNA are analyzed using RT-PCR.

Results

Both KD and KD+BHB induced and sustained NS and enhanced hepatic and muscular key genes regulating FAO. In addition, BHB administration upon keto-adaptation further increased circulating KB concentration and enhanced expressional levels of FAO-mediating genes (ACO, HADH, ACADM, andMLYCDin the gastrocnemius muscle;ACO, HADH, andMLYCDin the soleus muscle), and energy-regulating genes (PPARAandPPARG) in the liver and skeletal muscle compared to a KD.

Conclusion

Compared to KD alone, chronic administration of KBs upon keto-adaptation increased the expression of key genes that favor FAO or maintain energy homeostasis in the liver and skeletal muscle. Instead of directly using EKBs in non-keto-adapted individuals, it is encouraged to use EKBs upon keto-adaptation status to elicit their energy-utilizing effects.

Highlights

This is the first report to evaluate the metabolic effects using exogenous ketone bodies on keto-adapted individuals.

Administration of exogenous ketone body upon keto-adaptation furtherly increased circulating ketone bodies.

Administration of exogenous ketone body upon keto-adaptation individuals enhanced expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation and energy hemostasis.

A number of food components, such as polyphenols and phytonutrients, have immunomodulatory effects. Collagen has various bioactivities, such as antioxidative effects, the promotion of wound healing, and relieving symptoms of bone/joint disease. Collagen is digested into dipeptides and amino acids in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently absorbed. However, the difference in immunomodulatory effects between collagen-derived dipeptides and amino acids is unknown. To investigate such differences, we incubated M1 macrophages or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with collagen-derived dipeptides (hydroxyproline-glycine (Hyp-Gly) and proline-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp)) and amino acids (proline (Pro), hydroxyproline (Hyp), and glycine (Gly)). We first investigated the dose dependency of Hyp-Gly on cytokine secretion. Hyp-Gly modulates cytokine secretion from M1 macrophages at 100 µM, but not at 10 µM and 1 µM. We then compared immunomodulatory effects between dipeptides and mixtures of amino acids on M1 macrophages and PBMC. There was, however, no difference in cytokine secretion between dipeptides and their respective amino acids. We conclude that collagen-derived dipeptides and amino acids have immunomodulatory effects on M1-differentiated RAW264.7 cells and PBMC and that there is no difference in the immunomodulatory effects between dipeptides and amino acids.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared body compositional changes, including fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BF%), and fat-free mass (FFM), between different types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (cycling vs. overground running vs. treadmill running) as well as to a control (i.e., no exercise) condition. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of RCTs. Thirty-six RCTs lasting between 3 to 15 weeks were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. RCTs that examined the effect of HIIT type on FM, BF%, and FFM were sourced from online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 21 June 2022. HIIT (all modalities combined) induced a significant reduction in FM (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −1.86 kg, 95% CI: −2.55 to −1.18, p = 0.001) despite a medium between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 63.3, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed cycling and overground running reduced FM (WMD: −1.72 kg, 95% CI: −2.41 to −1.30, p = 0.001 and WMD: −4.25 kg, 95% CI: −5.90 to −2.61, p = 0.001, respectively); however, there was no change with treadmill running (WMD: −1.10 kg, 95% CI: −2.82 to 0.62, p = 0.210). There was a significant reduction in BF% with HIIT (all modalities combined) compared to control (WMD: −1.53%, 95% CI: −2.13, −0.92, p = 0.001). All forms of HIIT also decreased BF%; however, overground running induced the largest overall effect (WMD: −2.80%, 95% CI: −3.89 to −1.71, p = 0.001). All types of HIIT combined also induced an overall significant improvement in FFM (WMD: 0.51 kg, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.95, p = 0.025); however, only cycling interventions resulted in a significant increase in FFM compared to other exercise modalities (WMD: 0.63 kg, 95% CI: 0.17 to 1.09, p = 0.007). Additional subgroup analyses suggest that training for more than 8 weeks, at least 3 sessions per week, with work intervals less than 60 s duration and separated by ≤90 s active recovery are more effective for eliciting favorable body composition changes. Results from this meta-analysis demonstrate favorable body composition outcomes following HIIT (all modalities combined) with overall reductions in BF% and FM and improved FFM observed. Overall, cycling-based HIIT may confer the greatest effects on body composition due to its ability to reduce BF% and FM while increasing FFM.

Citrus nobiletin (NOB) and tangeretin (TAN) show protective effects against disease-related bone destruction. We achieved demethylation of NOB and TAN into 4′-demethylnobiletin (4′-DN) and 4′-demethyltangeretin (4′-DT) using enzyme-manufacturing methods. In this study, we examined the effects of 4′-DN and 4′-DT on in vitro osteoclast differentiation, and on in vivo osteoporotic bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. 4′-DN and 4′-DT clearly suppressed the osteoclast differentiation induced by interleukin IL-1 or RANKL treatment. 4′-DN and 4′-DT treatments resulted in higher inhibitory activity in osteoclasts in comparison to NOB or TAN treatments. RANKL induced the increased expression of its marker genes and the degradation of IκBα in osteoclasts, while these were perfectly attenuated by the treatment with 4′-MIX: a mixture of 4′-DN and 4′-DT. In an in silico docking analysis, 4′-DN and 4′-DT directly bound to the ATP-binding pocket of IKKβ for functional inhibition. Finally, the intraperitoneal administration of 4′-MIX significantly protected against bone loss in OVX mice. In conclusion, 4′-DN, 4′-DT and 4′-MIX inhibited the differentiation and function of bone-resorbing osteoclasts via suppression of the NF-κB pathway. Novel 4′-DN, 4′-DT and 4′-MIX are candidates for maintaining bone health, which may be applied in the prevention of metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Introduction

Psychological aspects of sport are key in maintaining athlete motivation and make a difference in competitive outcomes. Adjustments to training may be necessary according to athletes’ emotional state. Therefore, it is important to assess and quantify mood states throughout the season in team sports, including among soccer players. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) is a widely used questionnaire that assesses emotional states characterized by positive or negative feelings and can be administered repeatedly to assess changes in mood state. This review aims to assess and summarize the current literature on mood state variation in soccer players with a specific focus on training loads, training modalities, and competitive performance.

Methods

A literature search was systematically conducted and resulted in 156 records. After removing duplicates, items with irrelevant titles and abstracts were screened out, and full texts were then screened for relevance and compared with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining 37 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis.

Results

POMS scores were related to variability in training load, intensity of the training period, modality of training exercises, competitive performance and time of day in soccer players. Common recommendations include monitoring the mood state of soccer players during training sessions, matches, and throughout training periods to detect early signs of psychological disturbance and aid in optimizing high-level training performance.

Conclusion

The POMS allows for monitoring of players’ psychological state, providing coaches with data to aid in adjusting acute program variables according to players’ psychological states and improve performance. Results offer practical support for the use of a simple POMS measurement as part of an overall program to monitor the players’ psychological states. Results also highlight how training choices (i.e., load and exercise modality) and competitive performance are related to mood states (i.e., tension, anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, and vigor).

Background and Objectives: Combination therapy improves the effect of chemotherapy on tumor cells. Magnolol, used in treating gastrointestinal disorders, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. We investigated the synergistic effect of cisplatin and magnolol on the viability and maintenance of MKN-45 gastric cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The toxicity of magnolol and/or cisplatin was determined using the MTT technique. The trypan blue method was used to test magnolol and/or cisplatin’s effect on MKN-45 cell growth. Crystal violet staining was used to assess the treated cells’ tendency for colony formation. The expression of genes linked to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cell migration was examined using the qPCR method. Results: According to MTT data, using magnolol and/or cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability. The ability of the treated cells to proliferate and form colonies was also reduced considerably. Magnolol and/or cisplatin treatment resulted in a considerable elevation in Bax expression. However, the level of Bcl2 expression was dramatically reduced. p21 and p53 expression levels were significantly increased in the treated cells, while MMP-9 expression was significantly reduced. Conclusions: These findings show that magnolol has a remarkable anti-tumor effect on MKN-45 cells. In combination with cisplatin, magnolol may be utilized to overcome cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic abnormalities in women with normal-weight obesity (NWO) in comparison with lean, overweight, and obese women. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the assessment of cardiometabolic abnormalities of women with NWO compared to lean, overweight, and obese women. NWO was defined as a BMI < 25 kg.m−2 and a BFP higher than 30%. Anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic abnormality markers (fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), and liver enzymes were also examined. Results: Significant differences were observed in HDL concentrations between NWO, lean, and obese participants (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in FBG, insulin resistance, liver enzymes, or cholesterol between groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of the abnormal metabolic phenotype was higher in NWO compared to the lean group (4.0% and 24.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Women with type 2 and 3 obesity had abnormal metabolic profiles (60.9% and 73.9%, respectively) compared to NWO participants (p < 0.01). The NWO group had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities compared to the lean participants (p < 0.05), while the type 2 and 3 obese individuals had significantly higher incidences compared to the NWO group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Individuals with NWO had a significantly higher incidence of cardiometabolic abnormalities when compared to lean participants. These abnormalities strongly relate to BFP and waist circumferences.

Cellular senescence is greatly accelerated by telomere shortening, and the steps forward in human aging are strongly influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, whether DNA methylation (DNAm) is affected by exercise training, remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between physiological functions, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), vertical jump, working memory, telomere length (TL) assessed by RT-PCR, DNA methylation-based estimation of TL (DNAmTL), and DNA methylation-based biomarkers of aging of master rowers (N = 146) and sedentary subjects (N = 95), aged between 37 and 85 years. It was found that the TL inversely correlated with chronological age. We could not detect an association between telomere length and VO2max, vertical jump, and working memory by RT-PCR method, while these physiological test results showed a correlation with DNAmTL. DNAmGrimAge and DNAmPhenoAge acceleration were inversely associated with telomere length assessed by both methods. It appears that there are no strong beneficial effects of exercise or physiological fitness on telomere shortening, however, the degree of DNA methylation is associated with telomere length.

The benefits of physical exercise are well-known, but there are still many questions regarding COVID-19. Chow et al.’s 2022 study, titled Exerkines and Disease, showed that a special focus on exerkines can help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of physical exercise and disease. Exerkines are a group of promising molecules that may underlie the beneficial effects of physical exercise in diseases. The idea of exerkines is to understand the effects of physical exercise on diseases better. Exerkines have a high potential for the treatment of diseases and, considering that, there is still no study of the importance of exerkines on the most dangerous disease in the world in recent years, COVID-19. This raises the fundamental question of whether exerkines have the potential to manage COVID-19. Most of the studies focused on the general changes in physical exercise in patients with COVID-19, both during the illness and after discharge from the hospital, and did not investigate the basic differences. A unique look at the management of COVID-19 by exerkines, especially in obese and overweight women who experience high severity of COVID-19 and whose recovery period is long after discharge from the hospital, can help to understand the basic mechanisms. In this review, we explore the potential of exerkines in COVID-19 by practicing physical exercise to provide compelling practice recommendations with new insights.

Background

Considering that a high meat intake is directly associated with obesity, it is critical to address the relationship between consuming different types of meat with inflammation and metabolism in overweight and obese cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the association between red, white, and processed meat consumption with inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in overweight and obese women.

Methods

The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women. Dietary intake was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 147 items. The anthropometric measurements, serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers were measured by standard protocols. All associations were assessed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and linear regression models.

Results

In the adjusted model, it was established that higher intake of processed meat had a significant positive association with leptin levels (β: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.031;1.233, p = 0.015). Moreover, after considering the confounders, a significant positive association between processed meat and macrophage inflammatory protein (MCP-1) levels was observed (β: 0.304, 95% CI:0.100;1.596, p = 0.025). Positive significant associations between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β:0.020, 95% CI:0.000;0.050, P = 0.014) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (β:0.263, 95% CI:0.112;0.345, p = 0.053) and MCP-1 (β:0.490, 95% CI: 0.175;1.464, p = 0.071) levels with red meat were also shown; while there was a significant negative association between red meat and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: −0.016, 95% CI: −0.022, −0.001, p = 0.033). Furthermore, a significant negative association were established following confounding adjustment between Galectin-3 (Gal-3) (β: −0.110, 95% CI: −0.271;0.000, p = 0.044), MCP-1 (β: −1.933, 95% CI: −3.721;0.192, p = 0.022) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (β: −0.011, 95% CI: −0.020,0.000, p = 0.070) levels with high adherence of white meat intake. In contrast, a significant marginally positive association between PAI-1 levels and high adherence to white meat intake (β: −0.340, 95% CI: −0.751;0.050, p = 0.070) has been shown.

Conclusions

Higher red and processed meat consumption were positively associated with inflammatory and metabolic markers in overweight and obese women. In contrast, negative relationships between high adherence to white meat and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters were established. Further studies are needed to confirm the causality of these associations and potential mediating pathways.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week aerobic training (AT) and saffron supplementation on inflammation and metabolism in middle-aged obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Thirty-two obese women with T2DM were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 in all groups): saffron + training (ST), placebo + training (PT), saffron supplementation (SS), and placebo (P). The ST and PT groups performed eight weeks of aerobic training (AT) (three sessions/week at 60–75% HRmax). A daily dose of 400 mg saffron powder was consumed by the ST and SS groups for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken after 12 h of fasting, 48 h before the first AT session, 48 h and two weeks after the last AT session. Results: AT, saffron supplementation, and their combination affected body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum levels of insulin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.05). However, body weight, body fat percentage, and serum levels of glucose, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), irisin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed significant changes in the ST group only (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant difference was seen between all factors in post-training and follow-up in the ST group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Saffron supplementation at a dose of 400 mg/day, when combined with AT, could improve inflammation, metabolism, glycemic status, and lipid profile in T2DM patients, and these changes are sustainable at up to 2 weeks of detraining.

Context Research has shown IL-1α might play a role in the associations between the MH group and DII and DIL. Objective. We evaluated the association of inflammatory markers, IL-1α and TGF-β, with dietary insulin load and index in women with healthy and unhealthy obesity phenotypes. Materials and Methods. 228 obese/overweight women aged 18–48 years were included in this study. Biochemical factors were obtained from blood samples. Body composition, anthropometric measures, and physical activity assessments were performed. Dietary intakes, DII, and DIL were assessed. Results. Significant associations were observed between the MH group and the DII group (OR = 2.142, 95% CI = 1.421, 2.850, and p = 0.040), in which IL-1α may play a role. Discussion and Conclusion. Significant associations were observed between the MH group and DII. IL-1α might play a role in these associations.

Abstract

Exhaustive exercise is known to induce acute renal damage. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of macrophage depletion on exhaustive exercise-induced acute renal damage. Male C57BL/6 J mice were divided into four groups: sedentary with control liposome (n=8), sedentary with clodronate liposome (n=8), exhaustive exercise with control liposome (n=8), and exhaustive exercise with clodronate liposome (n=8). Mice were treated with clodronate liposomes or control liposomes intraperitoneally for 48 h before undergoing exhaustive exercise. Renal function and renal histology were tested at 24 h. The expression levels of kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 and inflammatory cytokines in kidney tissues were measured by quantitative RT-PCR, and KIM-1 concentration was semi-quantified by immunostaining. As a result, exhaustive exercise increased macrophage infiltration into the kidney. However, clodronate reduced it. Although exhaustive exercise resulted in an increase in KIM-1 mRNA expression levels and concentration, injection of clodronate liposome reduced it. In addition, TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were increased after exercise, but significantly reduced by clodronate. Clodronate liposome treatment also decreased the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the kidney after exhaustive exercise. These results suggest that macrophages play a critical role in increasing renal damage by regulating inflammation.

Abstract

Few studies have examined the association between coffee consumption and muscle mass; their results are conflicting. Therefore, we examined the association between coffee consumption and low muscle mass prevalence. We also performed an exploratory investigation of the potential effect modification by demographic, health status-related, and physical activity-related covariates. This cross-sectional study included 2085 adults aged 40–87 years. The frequency of coffee consumption was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Muscle mass was assessed as appendicular skeletal muscle mass/height² using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyser. We defined low muscle mass using cut-offs recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for low muscle mass prevalence were estimated using a logistic regression model. The prevalence of low muscle mass was 5.4% (n = 113). Compared with the lowest coffee consumption group (<1 cup/week), the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of low muscle mass prevalence were 0.62 (0.30, 1.29) for 1–3 cups/week, 0.53 (0.29, 0.96) for 4–6 cups/week or 1 cup/day, and 0.28 (0.15, 0.53) for ≥2 cups/day (P for trend <0.001). There were no significant interactions among the various covariates after Bonferroni correction. In conclusion, coffee consumption may be inversely associated with low muscle mass prevalence.

Exercise-induced fatigue is a multi-origin physical and mental phenomenon. Efforts to diminish the above predisposition may contribute to endurance, along with athletic well-being, while development of nutritional strategies to optimize condition and exercise performance are essential issues for athletes and trainers. Dietary amino acids are being discussed for their specific health-promoting properties beyond their role as building blocks of proteins. Glutamine, along with cysteine, are two kinds of amino acids that are reported extensively for their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and immune-regulation properties, and are promising in sport applications. In the present study, we designed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to examine effects of 7-day supplementation of cystine/glutamine mixture (Cys2/Gln) on self-reporting fatigue index (ratings of perceived exertion, RPE), energy metabolism, and inflammation. We also employed a C2C12 myotube model to examine the capacity of cystine for fatty acid utilization. Cys2/Gln supplementation alleviated fatigue by decreasing RPE and enhanced fatty acid oxidation during a 60 min endurance exercise in human trials, while cystine increased fatty acid utilization in C2C12 myotubes by enhancing mitochondrial respiration. In summary, Cys2/Gln supplementation exerts positive effects on ameliorating exercise-induced fatigue, mechanisms of which can be attributed to enhancement of fatty acid utilization.

(1) Background: Exercise exerts many neuroprotective effects in diabetes-induced brain disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on brain molecular changes and cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors in rats with type 2 diabetes. (2) Methods: Twenty-eight adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): control (C), exercise + control (C+EX), diabetes (DM), and diabetes + exercise (DM+EX). Diabetes was induced using a two-month high-fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) in the DM and DM+EX groups. After, the C+EX and DM+EX groups performed HIIT for eight weeks (five sessions per week, running at 80–100% of VMax, 4–10 intervals) on a motorized treadmill. Then, the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) were performed to evaluate anxiety-like behaviors. The Morris water maze (MWM) and shuttle box were used to assess cognitive function. The hippocampal levels of beta-amyloid and tau protein were also assessed using Western blot. (3) Results: The hippocampal levels of beta-amyloid and tau protein were increased in the DM group, but HIIT restored these changes. While diabetes led to a significant decrease in open arm time percentage (%OAT) and open arm enters percentage (%OAE) in the EPM, indicating anxiety-like behavior, HIIT restored them. In the OFT, grooming was decreased in diabetic rats, which was restored by HIIT. No significant difference between groups was seen in the latency time in the shuttle box or for learning and memory in the MWM. (4) Conclusions: HIIT-induced hippocampal molecular changes were associated with anxiety-like behavior improvement but not cognitive function in rats with type 2 diabetes.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE), extracted from KP, a member of the ginger family that grows in Thailand, has a good promotion effect on cellular energy metabolism and therefore has been used to enhance exercise performance and treatment of obesity in previous studies. However, the effect of single-dose administration of KPE on endurance capacity has not been thoroughly studied, and whether the positive effect of KPE on cellular energy metabolism can have a positive effect on exercise capacity in a single dose is unknown. In the present study, we used a mouse model to study the effects of acute KPE administration 1 h before exercise on endurance capacity and the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a single administration of KPE could affect endurance performance in mice and whether the effect was produced through a pro-cellular energy metabolic pathway. We found that a single administration of KPE (62.5 mg/kg·bodyweight) can significantly prolong the exercise time to exhaustion. By measuring the mRNA expression of Hk2, Slc2a4 (Glut4), Mct1, Ldh, Cd36, Cpt1β, Cpt2, Lpl, Pnpla2 (Atgl), Aco, Acadm (Mcad), Hadh, Acacb (Acc2), Mlycd (Mcd), Pparg, Ppargc1a (Pgc-1α), Tfam, Gp, Gs, Pfkm, Pck1 (Pepck), G6pc (G6pase), Cs, and Pfkl in skeletal muscle and liver, we found that acute high-concentration KPE administration significantly changed the soleus muscle gene expression levels (p < 0.05) related to lipid, lactate, and glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial function. In gastrocnemius muscle and liver, glycogen metabolism-related gene expression is significantly changed by a single-dose administration of KPE. These results suggest that KPE has the potential to improve endurance capacity by enhancing energy metabolism and substrate utilization in muscles and liver.

Abstract

Background

Although the negative relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) or muscular fitness and diabetes mellitus were respectively observed in many previous studies, there is still a lack of studies that include CRF and muscular fitness simultaneously. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the combination of CRF and muscular fitness and diabetes through a cross-sectional study. 

Methods

This study was part of WASEDA'S Health Study, a cohort study launched in 2014. We used a part of the baseline data collected for this study. Maximal exercise test using a cycle ergometer and leg extension power (LEP) test were respectively used to evaluate CRF and muscular fitness. Since LEP is affected by body weight, relative LEP (rLEP) which is LEP per body weight, was used as an index of muscular fitness. 796 men (56.5 ± 10.4 years old) who completed a medical examination and fitness tests, were divided into two groups based on CRF and rLEP, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was collected based on a self-reported questionnaire or blood test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of diabetes were obtained using logistic regression models while adjusting for age, body mass index, exercise habits, family history of diabetes, smoking habits, and drinking habits.

Results

55 (7%) participants had diabetes. Compared to participants with lower CRF or rLEP, the odds ratio (95% CIs) of diabetes in those with higher CRF or rLEP was 0.46 (0.21–0.98) or 0.34 (0.16–0.74), respectively. Furthermore, using the lower CRF and lower rLEP group as the reference, the odds ratio (95% CIs) for the lower CRF and higher rLEP group was 0.32 (0.12–0.88), and higher CRF and higher rLEP group was 0.21 (0.07–0.63), after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Conclusions

CRF and rLEP have independent and joint inverse associations with diabetes prevalence. In addition, participants with high CRF and high rLEP had a lower prevalence of diabetes compared to those with only high CRF or only high rLEP.

The Ramadan fasting period (RFP) means abstaining from consuming food and/or beverages during certain hours of the day—from sunrise to sunset. Engaging in exercise and sports during the RFP leads to the lipolysis of adipose tissue and an increase in the breakdown of peripheral fat, leading to an increase in fat consumption. The effects of the RFP on functional, hematological, and metabolic parameters needs further study as existing studies have reported contradictory results. The differences in the results of various studies are due to the geographical characteristics of Muslim athletes, their specific diets, and their genetics, which explain these variations. In recent years, the attention of medical and sports researchers on the effects of the RFP and energy restrictions on bodily functions and athletic performance has increased significantly. Therefore, this brief article examines the effects of the RFP on the immune system, body composition, hematology, and the functionality of athletes during and after the RFP. We found that most sporting activities were performed during any time of the day without being affected by Ramadan fasting. Athletes were able to participate in their physical activities during fasting periods and saw few effects on their performance. Sleep and nutritional factors should be adjusted so that athletic performance is not impaired.

In order to maximize adaptations and to avoid nonfunctional overreaching syndrome or noncontact injury, coaches in high-performance sports must regularly monitor recovery before and after competitions/important training sessions and maintain well-being status. Therefore, quantifying and evaluating psychometric states of recovery during the season in sports teams such as soccer is important. Over the last years, there has been substantial growth in research related to psychometric states of recovery in soccer. The increase in research on this topic is coincident with the increase in popularity obtained by subjective monitoring of the pre-fatigue state of the players before each training sessions or match with a strong emphasis on the effects of well-being or recovery state. Among the subjective methods for players’ control, the Hooper index (HI) assesses the quality of sleep during the previous night, overall stress, fatigue, and delayed-onset muscle soreness. Additionally, the total quality of recovery (TQR) scale measures recovery status. The HI and TQR recorded before each training session or match were affected by the variability of training load (TL) and influenced the physical and technical performances, and the affective aspects of soccer players. Researchers have recommended wellness monitoring soccer players’ psychometric state of recovery before each training session or match in order to detect early signs of fatigue and optimize high-level training performance. This method allows for better detecting signs of individual fatigue and allows coaches to adapt and readjust the TL, and avoid physical and technical gaps in order to improve the performance of soccer players.

Abstract

DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and the newly developed DNAmFitAge are DNA methylation (DNAm) based biomarkers that reflect the individual aging process. Furthermore, physical fitness is known to relate to the aging process, but its relationship to the gut microbiome has not yet been studied. Here, we examine the relationship among physical fitness, DNAm based biomarkers, and the microbiome in adults aged 33-88 with a wide range of physical fitness (including athletes with long-term training history). Higher levels of VO2max (ρ=0.2, p=6.4E-4, r=0.19, p=1.2E-3), Jumpmax p=0.11, p=5.5E-2, r=0.13 p= 2.8E-2), Gripmax (=ρ=0.17, p=3.5E-3, r=0.16, p=5.6E-3), and HDL levels (ρ=0.18, p=1.95E-3, r=0.19, p=1.1E-3) are associated with better verbal short term memory. In addition, verbal short term memory is associated with decelerated aging assessed with the new DNAm biomarker FitAgeAcceleration (ρ: −0.18, p=0.0017). DNAmFitAge is able to distinguish high fitness individuals from low/medium fitness individuals better than existing DNAm biomarkers and estimates a younger biological age in the high fit males and females (1.5 and 2.0 years younger, respectively). The microbiomal pathways are associated with VO2max, redox balance, and DNAmPhenoAge. PhenoAge Acceleration is influenced by pyruvate producing microbiomal pathways, where higher activity of these pathways lead to suppressed PhenoAge acceleration. Our research shows that regular physical exercise contributes to observable physiological, methylation, and microbiota differences which are beneficial to the aging process. DNAmFitAge emerged as a biological marker of the quality of life.

Abstract

Recent meta-analytic work indicated that guar gum supplementation might improve lipid profile markers in different populations. However, critical methodological limitations such as the use of some unreliable data and the lack of inclusion of several relevant studies, and the scarcity in assessments of regression and dose-specific effects make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the meta-analysis. Therefore, current evidence regarding the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review, meta-regression, and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglyceride [TG], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) in adults. Relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases (from inception to September 2021). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Pooled analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that guar gum supplementation led to significant reductions in TC (WMD: -19.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: -26.18, -12.49, p<0.001) and LDL (WMD: -16.19 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.54, -6.83, p=0.001). However, there was no effect on TG and HDL among adults in comparison with control group. Our outcomes suggest that guar gum supplementation lowers TC and LDL in adults. Future large RCTs on various populations are needed to show further beneficial effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.

Background and Objectives: The virus SARS-CoV2, which causes COVID-19, affects the endocrine system. This study investigated serum concentrations of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in 53 outpatients infected with SARS-CoV2 and 53 non-infected matched participants in Khuzestan Province, Iran. We also examined the possible association of clinical symptoms progression and disease severity with serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4. Materials and Methods: A checklist was applied to collect demographic and clinical data. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis of serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4. Clinical symptoms of the infected outpatients were monitored weekly for 28 days. Results: Our results indicated that, as the severity of the disease increased, the respiratory and pulse rates raised significantly. Additionally, disease severity was significantly different between genders. Specifically, 79.5% of the asymptomatic/mild, and 38.5% of moderate outpatients were men. We also found significantly lower serum T3 but higher T4 in infected outpatients, compared with controls. However, serum TSH did not significantly differ between the two groups. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis revealed no relationship between clinical symptoms progression and disease severity with serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4 in our study population. Additionally, GEE analysis showed that the odds ratio of neurological symptoms among women was 2.5 times that of men, the odds ratio of neurological symptoms in illiterates was 10 times higher than that of those without a high-school diploma, and the chance of developing pulmonary symptoms in those without high-school diploma was about 21 times higher than illiterates. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that infected outpatients had significantly lower serum T3 but higher T4 than non-infected participants. There was no relation between symptom progression and disease severity with serum concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4, but educational status and sex significantly affected the chance of neurological and pulmonary symptoms occurring over 28 days. Our results may be used to develop potential therapies to treat COVID-19 disease.

Background: The impairment of limb function and disability are among the most im portant consequences of stroke. To date, however, little research has been done on the early reha bilitation trial (ERT) after stroke in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ERT neuromuscular protocol on motor function soon after hemiparetic stroke. The sample included twelve hemiparetic patients (54.3 ± 15.4 years old) with ischemic stroke (n = 7 control, n = 5 intervention patients). ERTwas started as early as possible after stroke and included passive range of motion exercises, resistance training, assisted standing up, and active exercises of the healthy side of the body, in addition to encouraging voluntary contraction of affected limbs as much as possible. The rehabilitation was progressive and took 3 months, 6 days per week, 2–3 h per session. Fu gle-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Box and Blocks test (BBT) and Timed up and go (TUG) assessments were conducted. There was a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group com pared to control: FMA lower limbs (p = 0.001), total motor function (p = 0.002), but no significant difference in FMA upper limb between groups (p = 0.51). The analysis of data related to BBT showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.3). However, TUG test showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.004). The most important finding of this study was to spend enough time in training sessions and provide adequate rest time for each person. Our results showed that ERT was associated with improved motor function but not with the upper limbs. This provides a basis for a definitive trial.

New severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, Omicron, contains 32 mutations that have caused a high incidence of breakthrough infections or re-infections. These mutations have reduced vaccine protection against Omicron and other new emerging variants. This highlights the need to find effective treatment, which is suggested to be stem cell-based therapy. Stem cells could support respiratory epithelial cells and they could restore alveolar bioenergetics. In addition, they can increase the secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines. However, after transplantation, cell survival and growth rate are low because of an inappropriate microenvironment, and stem cells face ischemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the transplantation niche which reduces the cells’ survival and growth. Exercise-training can upregulate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic defense mechanisms and increase growth signaling, thereby improving transplanted cells’ survival and growth. Hence, using athletes’ stem cells may increase stem-cell therapy outcomes in Omicron-affected patients.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review to find if aerobic exercise compared to no exercise or any other intervention affects brain plasticity among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Searches were conducted in the Scopus, SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. The included studies were randomized control trials (RCTs) written in English comprising individuals with MCI that evaluated the effects of aerobic training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), brain structures, or brain activity. The quality of trials was evaluated using the PEDro scale for RCTs. Twelve studies with medium to high quality were included, of which five studies focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (four articles reported elevation and one article reported no changes in BDNF levels following the aerobic exercise), two studies focused on brain structures (both reported increases in hippocampus volume following the aerobic exercise), and five studies focused on brain activity (four articles reported positive changes, and one article reported no changes in brain activity following the aerobic exercise). Research regarding the effects of aerobic training on brain plasticity in people with MCI is in its infancy. Still, aerobic exercise seems to be a promising therapy in people with MCI.

Research over the past few decades has focused on the use of functional ingredients such as an active lifestyle and proper diet as a treatment for many diseases in the world. Recent studies have shown a variety of health benefits for red beets and their active ingredients such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood pressure and fat reduction, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity effects. This review article examines the effects of exercise and red beet consumption and the effective mechanisms of these two interventions on cellular and molecular pathways in prostate cancer. However, there is a significant relationship between an active lifestyle and proper diet with the incidence of cancer, and the use of these natural interventions for cancer patients in the treatment protocol of avoidance patients. Furthermore, this review article attempts to examine the role and effect of exercise and beetroot nutrition on prostate cancer and provide evidence of the appropriate effects of using natural interventions to prevent, reduce, and even treat cancer in stages. In addition, we examine the molecular mechanisms of the effectiveness of exercise and beetroot consumption. Finally, the use of natural interventions such as exercising and eating beets due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, due to the lack or low level of side effects, can be considered an important intervention for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Background: Monitoring physical freshness is essential in assessing athletes’ conditions during training periods, training sessions, or competitions. To date, no single physical freshness scale has been successfully validated against training load variables and widely used scales measuring different facets of physical freshness. Objective: In this study, we develop and test the practical utility of a perceived physical freshness (RPF) scale to monitor the condition of the athletes and to prevent excessive fatigue and insufficient recovery during training sessions or competitions. Methods: Sixteen professional male soccer players (mean ± SD age 26 ± 4 years) were enrolled. Training load (TL), monotony, strain, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness), total quality recovery (TQR) and RPF were determined each day for two weeks of training, including a week intensified training (IW) and a week taper (TW). The validity of the RPF scale was assessed by measuring the level of agreement of a player’s perceived physical freshness relative to their TL variables, recovery state and well-being indices during each training phase (IW and TW) and during the overall training period (TP). Results: RPF increased during the TW compared to IW (ES = 2.31, p < 0.001, large). For the TP, IW and TW, weekly RPF was related to weekly TL (r = −0.81, r = −0.80, r = −0.69, respectively), well-being (r = −0.91, r = −0.82, r = −0.84, respectively) and TQR (r = 0.76, r = 0.91, r = 0.52, respectively), all p < 0.01. For the TP, IW and TW, daily RPF was related to TL (r = −0.75, r = −0.66, r = −0.70, respectively), well-being (r = −0.84, r = −0.81, r = −0.78, respectively) and TQR (r = 0.82, r = 0.81, r = 0.75, respectively), all p < 0.01. Conclusions: RPF was effective for evaluating the professional soccer players’ physical freshness and may be a strategy for coaches to monitor the physical, psycho-physiological, and psychometric state of the players before training session or matches.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease characterized by plaque formation and neuroinflammation. The plaques can present in various locations, causing a variety of clinical symptoms in patients with MS. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is also associated with systemic inflammation and a cytokine storm which can cause plaque formation in several areas of the brain. These concurring events could exacerbate the disease burden of MS. We review the neuro-invasive properties of SARS-CoV-2 and the possible pathways for the entry of the virus into the central nervous system (CNS). Complications due to this viral infection are similar to those occurring in patients with MS. Conditions related to MS which make patients more susceptible to viral infection include inflammatory status, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, function of CNS cells, and plaque formation. There are also psychoneurological and mood disorders associated with both MS and COVID-19 infections. Finally, we discuss the effects of exercise on peripheral and central inflammation, BBB integrity, glia and neural cells, and remyelination. We conclude that moderate exercise training prior or after infection with SARS-CoV-2 can produce health benefits in patients with MS patients, including reduced mortality and improved physical and mental health of patients with MS.

This study examined the effects of 8-week combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training (combined training) on the performance fitness in male U17 handball players. Participants were randomly divided between experimental (E; n = 15; age: 16.5 ± 0.4 years) and control (C; n = 13; age: 16.7 ± 0.3 years) groups. The E group performed combined training (4 workshops) twice a week over 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 35 min. The C maintained regular in-season training. Before and after the combined training, both groups underwent repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m and 30m), change of direction test (Modified change-of-direction T-test (T-half)), vertical jump (squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), counter-movement jump with aimed arms (CMJA)), horizontal jump (five-jump test (5JT)), strength (1-RM half squat), and 20-meter shuttle run. Group x time interaction showed significant increases on sprint performance ( p < 0.01, 8.6%; p < 0.001, 7.3%; p < 0.05, 6.9%; and p < 0.01, 8.9% over distances of 5m, 10m, 20m and 30m respectively) in E relative to C. The T-half also showed significant gains for E ( p < 0.05, 6.8%), as did vertical jumping ( p < 0.01, 32.7%; p < 0.001, 32.6% and p < 0.001, 23% for SJ, CMJ and CMJA respectively) and horizontal jumping ( p < 0.05, 13.3%) compared to C. Moreover, there were significant improvements of RSA and 20 m shuttle run in E compared to C. However, there were no significant differences in 1-RM half squat between groups. We conclude that the allocation of short periods of a combined training is effective in enhancing performance fitness and thus can be commended to male U17 Handball participants as a potentially useful component of their training.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a multicomponent exercise training program on motor function and biochemical markers in patients with Alzheimer’s-type dementia. Twenty patients with Alzheimer disease, divided into the intervention group (IG; aged 84 ± 3.1 years) and the control group (CG; aged 86 ± 2.6 years) were included in this study. The intervention group was enrolled into an exercise training program for three months (two sessions of 60 min per week). The CG was instructed to follow their daily rhythm of life (e.g., rest, reading) without a physical training program. After 3 months of participation in a multicomponent exercise program, gait speed, balance and walking parameters were all improved in the intervention group as measured with the Berg Balance Scale, the Tinetti test, the 6-min walking test and the timed up and go test (p < 0.05 for all; percentage range of improvements: 3.17% to 53.40%), except the walking while talking test, and biochemical parameters were not affected (p > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that exercise improves postural control, aerobic capacity and mobility functions in patients with Alzheimer disease. Physical exercise is a safe and effective method for treating physical disorders in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and can easily be integrated in various programs for the management of Alzheimer disease.

The antioxidant system can be critical in reducing exacerbated inflammation in COVID-19. This study compared the antioxidant and inflammatory responses between COVID-19 outpatients and seemingly healthy individuals. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 COVID-19 outpatients and 53 healthy individuals as controls. The serum concentrations of amyloid A (SAA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured and compared between COVID-19 patients and controls using the independent sample t-test before and after controlling for dietary supplement use. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression model, limited to COVID-19 patients, was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of disease symptoms on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the disease onset. Serum concentrations of SOD (p ≤ 0.001) and GPx (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in controls before adjustment for dietary supplement use. GPx remained significantly higher among COVID-19 patients than in controls after adjustment for all dietary supplements (p = 0.005). Moreover, serum concentrations of GPx (p = 0.003), SOD (p = 0.022), and TAC (p = 0.028) remained significantly higher among COVID-19 patients than in controls after adjustment for vitamin D supplementation. This study showed higher GPx in COVID-19 outpatients than in controls after adjustment for dietary supplement use. Moreover, elevated SOD, GPx, and TAC concentrations were shown in COVID-19 outpatients compared to controls after adjusting for vitamin D supplementation. These results may provide a useful therapeutic target for treating oxidative stress in COVID-19 disease, which may help ameliorate the pandemic.

This study investigated the short-term effects of low-fat chocolate milk (LFCM) consumption on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and performance in female badminton players. Seven female badminton players (23 ± 1 years; height: 163.8 ± 4.1 cm; body mass: 58.7 ± 0.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 week of LFCM (500 mL) or placebo (water, 500 mL) consumption in a crossover design. Participants consumed LFCM or water immediately after each training session during the 1-week intervention. Performance variables (aerobic power, anaerobic power, agility, explosive power, and maximum handgrip strength) were assessed at two separate time points: pre and post-intervention (after 1 week). In addition, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess DOMS before, immediately after, and at 24 and 48 h after each training session. There were significant time effects for aerobic power, upper body explosive power, minimum anaerobic power, and time to exhaustion (TTE), which significantly increased after LFCM consumption (p < 0.05). Moreover, relative and maximum lower body power significantly (p < 0.05) increased, while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) as well as DOMS in lower extremity muscles immediately after exercise significantly decreased after LFCM consumption compared to placebo (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in maximum anaerobic power, agility, and maximum handgrip strength (p > 0.05). LFCM, as a post-exercise beverage, may help speed recovery in female badminton players leading to increased aerobic, anaerobic, and strength performance indices, increased TTE, and decreased muscle soreness and RPE.

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of different temperatures of protein-containing drink after exercise on subsequent gastric motility and energy intake in healthy young men. Twelve healthy young men completed three, 1-d trials in a random order. In all trials, the subjects ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 80% of maximum heart rate. In exercise + cold drink (2°C) and exercise + hot drink (60°C) trials, the subjects consumed 300 ml of protein-containing drink (0·34 MJ) at 2°C or 60°C over a 5-min period after exercise. In the exercise (i.e. no preload) trial, the subjects sat on a chair for 5 min after exercise. Then, the subjects sat on a chair for 30 min to measure their gastric motility with an ultrasound imaging system in all trials. Thereafter, the subjects consumed a test meal until they felt comfortably full. Energy intake in the exercise + hot drink trial was 14 % and 15 % higher than the exercise (P = 0·046, 95% CI 4·010, 482·538) trial and exercise + cold drink (P = 0·001, 95% CI 160·089, 517·111) trial, respectively. The frequency of the gastric contractions in the exercise + hot drink trial was higher than the exercise (P = 0·023) trial and exercise + cold drink (P = 0·007) trial. The total frequency of gastric contractions was positively related to energy intake (r = 0·386, P = 0·022). These findings demonstrate that consuming protein-containing drink after exercise at 60°C increases energy intake and that this increase may be related to the modulation of the gastric motility.

This study examined the effects of a resistance-type high-intensity interval training (RHIIT) matched with the lowest velocity that elicited O_2peak (100% vO_2peak) in well-trained kayak sprint athletes. Responses in cardiac structure and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, anaerobic power, exercise performance, muscular strength, and hormonal adaptations were examined. Male kayakers (n = 24, age: 27 ± 4 years) were randomly assigned to one of three 8-wk conditions (N = 8): (RHIIT) resistance training using one-armed cable row at 100% vO_2peak; paddling-based HIIT (PHIIT) six sets of paddling at 100% vO_2peak; or controls (CON) who performed six sessions including 1-h on-water paddling/sessions at 70–80% maximum HR per week. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in O_2peak, vO_2peak, maximal cardiac output, resting stroke volume, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, 500-m paddling performance were seen pre- to post-training in all groups. Change in O_2peak in response to PHIIT was significantly greater (p = 0.03) compared to CON. Also, 500-m paddling performance changes in response to PHIIT and RHIIT were greater (p = 0.02, 0.05, respectively) than that of CON. Compared with pre-training, PHIIT and RHIIT resulted in significant increases in peak and average power output, maximal stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, ejection fraction, total testosterone, testosterone/cortisol ratio, and 1,000-m paddling performance. Also, the change in 1,000-m paddling performance in response to PHIIT was significantly greater (p = 0.02) compared to that of CON. Moreover, maximum strength was significantly enhanced in response to RHIIT pre- to post-training (p < 0.05). Overall, RHIIT and PHIIT similarly improve cardiac structure and hemodynamics, physiological adaptations, and performance of well-trained kayak sprint athletes. Also, RHIIT enhances cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength simultaneously.

The effects of exercise on kidney function have been studied for more than three decades. One of the most common health issues among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a lack of physical activity, which leads to a low exercise capacity in these patients. The majority of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients do not exercise at all. At each stage of dialysis, patients lose 10–12 g of their amino acids through blood sampling. Dialysis also leads to increased cortisol and circadian rhythm sleep disorders in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Studies have also reported higher C-reactive protein levels in HD patients, which causes arterial stiffness. Exercise has a variety of health benefits in these patients, including improved blood pressure control, better sleep, higher physical function, and reduced anxiety and depression. On the other hand, it should be noted that intense exercise has the potential to progress KD, especially when conducted in hot weather with dehydration. This review aimed to investigate the effects of different types of exercise on kidney disease and provide exercise guidelines. In conclusion, moderate-intensity and long-term exercise (for at least a 6-month period), with consideration of the principles of exercise (individualization, intensity, time, etc.), can be used as an adjunctive treatment strategy in patients undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, has caused unprecedented global social and economic impacts and many deaths. Many risk factors have been identified in the progression of COVID-19 to severe and critical stages, and it is shown that the coronavirus appears more severely in people with cancer. Pro-inflammatory status and weakened immune system due to cancer-related treatments can be determinants in the immune system’s response to the coronavirus in these patients. Higher physical activity levels are associated with lower hospitalization rates and mortality in COVID-19. Also, regular exercise training can improve immune system responses, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve psychological parameters in cancer patients. The interactive effects of nutritional supplements on immune responses and anti-inflammatory status have been shown in some studies. The purpose of this perspective article was to investigate the interaction between dietary supplementation and regular physical exercise in controlling risk factors associated with coronavirus in cancer patients. In addition to appropriate dietary habits, some nutritional supplements, especially vitamin D, have been shown to improve the immune system’s response against COVID-19 and cancer. Using lifestyle strategies such as regular physical activity and intake of functional compounds as supplements can be effective in treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival in cancer patients. We proposed that combining dietary supplements and exercise training in cancer patients can boost immune responses against COVID-19 and probably improve vaccine responses. Angiotensin (ANG)-(1-7) Mas receptor axis can probably activate following exercise training and vitamin D combination. And can prevent pulmonary injury, hematological alterations, and hyperinflammatory state in COVID-19.

Millions of people worldwide are infected with COVID-19, and COVID-19 survivors have been found to suffer from functional disabilities and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is a matter of concern because COVID-19 is still not over. Because reinfection is still possible in COVID-19 survivors, decreased physical function and increased stress and anxiety can lower immune function. However, the optimal exercise intensity and volume appear to remain unknown. Therefore, the current systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance or aerobic exercises in post-COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. We conducted searches in the Scopus, SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. Studies that met the following criteria were included: (i) English language, (ii) patients with COVID-19 involved with resistance or aerobic exercise programs after hospital discharge. Out of 381 studies reviewed, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence shows that exercise programs composed of resistance exercise (e.g., 1–2 sets of 8–10 repetitions at 30–80% of 1RM) along with aerobic exercise (e.g., 5 to 30 min at moderate intensity) may improve the functional capacity and quality of life (reduce stress and mental disorders) in post-COVID-19 patients. In addition, only one study reported reinfection of three subjects involved with the exercise program, suggesting that exercise programs may be feasible for the rehabilitation of the patients. A meta-analysis was not conducted because the included studies have methodological heterogeneities, and they did not examine a control group. Consequently, the results should be generalized with caution.

Elite athletes use high-intensity training to maintain their fitness level. However, intense training can harm the immune system, making athletes suspectable to COVID-19 and negatively affecting their performance. In addition, the diet of athletes should be appreciated more as it is another influencer of the immune system, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. The other important issue elite athletes face currently is vaccination and its possible intervention with their training. The present study attempts to discuss the impact of different training intensities, nutritional strategies, and vaccination on the immune system function in elite athletes. To this end, Scopus, ISC, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 1988 to 2021 using the related keywords. The results of our review showed that although high-intensity exercise can suppress the immune system, elite athletes should not stop training in the time of infection but use low- and moderate-intensity training. Moderate-intensity exercise can improve immune function and maintain physical fitness. In addition, it is also better for athletes not to undertake high-intensity training at the time of vaccination, but instead perform moderate to low-intensity training. Furthermore, nutritional strategies can be employed to improve immune function during high-intensity training periods.

Abstract

Purpose

Although acute prolonged strenuous exercise has been shown to increase markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage, little is known regarding the efficacy of nutritional supplement interventions on the attenuation of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. This study addressed the effects of oral amino acid supplementation on markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage in response to exercise.

Methods

Sixteen active men aged 22.7 ± 2.6 years (mean ± standard deviation) completed placebo or cystine and glutamine supplementation trials in random order. Participants received either a placebo or cystine and glutamine supplements, three times a day for 5 days, separated by a 2-week washout period. On day 6, participants took their designated supplements 30 min before running at a speed corresponding to 75% of maximal oxygen uptake for 1 h, followed by a 4-h rest period. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, 30 min post-exercise, and 1, 2 and 4 h post-exercise on day 6. The plasma lactulose to mannitol ratio (L:M) and plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) were used as markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage, respectively.

Results

Plasma L:M (linear mixed model, coefficient ± standard error: − 0.011 ± 0.004, P = 0.0090) and changes (i.e., from pre-exercise) in plasma I-FABP (linear mixed model, − 195.3 ± 65.7 coefficient ± standard error (pg/mL), P = 0.0035) were lower in the cystine and glutamine supplementation trial than in the placebo trial.

Conclusion

Oral cystine and glutamine supplementation attenuated the markers of gastrointestinal permeability and damage after 1 h of strenuous running in young men.

Trial registration number

UMIN000026008.

Date of registration

13 December 2018.

Although many studies have reported that a posteriori dietary pattern is associated with metabolic health, there is little evidence of an association between dietary patterns and different metabolic phenotypes. The present study aimed to examine the association between major dietary patterns and different metabolic phenotypes (metabolically healthy non-obese [MHNO], metabolically unhealthy non-obese [MUNO], metabolically healthy obese [MHO], and metabolically unhealthy obese [MUO]) in middle-aged and elderly Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,170 Japanese adults aged ≥40 years. The four different metabolic phenotypes were determined based on the presence of obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. The major dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis based on energy-adjusted food intake. Two dietary patterns were identified: the healthy dietary pattern, which was characterized by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, soy products, mushrooms, seaweeds, and fish; and the alcohol dietary pattern, which was characterized by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish. The healthy dietary pattern was associated with the MHNO and MHO phenotypes (MUNO and MUO as reference groups, respectively), and the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) in the highest quartile of healthy dietary pattern score with the lowest quartile as the reference category were 2.10 (1.40–3.15) and 1.86 (1.06–3.25), respectively. Conversely, the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the MHNO and MHO phenotypes, while the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in the highest quartile of the alcohol dietary pattern score with the lowest quartile as the reference category were 0.63 (0.42–0.94) and 0.45 (0.26–0.76), respectively. There were no significant interactions between sex and healthy/alcohol dietary patterns in the prevalence of the MHNO and MHO phenotypes. In conclusion, the present study's findings suggest that major dietary patterns are associated with different metabolic phenotypes in middle-aged and elderly Japanese adults. These findings provide useful evidence for maintaining metabolic health through diet regardless of obesity status.

Our study examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and spirulina supplementation on the humoral immunity, cardio-respiratory fitness, and body composition of overweight and obese women. Thirty sedentary women (height: 161.7 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 75.8 ± 8.4 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 28.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, age: 25.1 ± 6.7 years) were divided into three groups: placebo with HIIT group, spirulina group (SG), or combined group (CG). Exercise groups performed HIIT for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week and four to seven repetitions in each session of 30 s running and 30 s walking; the intensity was established at 90% of the maximum heart rate. Supplementation groups received 6 g of spirulina powder per day. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 8 weeks to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). There was a significant group-by-time interaction for fat free mass (FFM; p = 0.001, f = 8.52, ηp2 = 0.39) and IgA (p = 0.036, f = 3.86, ηp2 = 0.22). The post hoc analysis revealed that CG reduced FFM significantly (p = 0.012, g = −0.55) after training. CG and SG showed significantly greater IgA concentrations after 8 weeks (p = 0.02, g = 0.70 and p = 0.001, g = 0.34, respectively). We conclude that spirulina supplementation with HIIT affects the body composition (lower FFM) but also boosts IgA, which plays an important role in the immune system.

Abstract

Study aim: It is generally accepted that methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant which copies functions of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and emits dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Frequent abuse of methamphetamine damages dopaminergic and serotonergic nerve endings at different sites of brain and also increases the anxiety and depression. Exercise seems to reverse physiological and neurological damages due to previous MA dependents and help to reduce anxiety and depression in this population. The aim is to determine the effect of exercise training on neurotransmitters and rate of depression and anxiety in chronic methamphetamine abusers based on a literature review.

Materials and methods: The present study investigated published articles in five computerized databases including Magiran, Google scholars, SID, PubMed and Scopus from 2011 until 2020. The searched keywords included sports, neurotransmitter, methamphetamine, depression, anxiety and treatment. The obtained results were described using texts, table and figure.

Results: According to the results, physical activity and exercise significantly increased blood serotonin and dopamine levels and significantly decreased the depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: Different evidences suggested that physical activity and exercise as positive responses and adaptations might influence on circulatory levels of two neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) in methamphetamine addicts, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve preparation in previous MA dependents. In the rehabilitation period, the overall improvement in previous MA dependents might significantly increase. Exercise training can improve the physical and mental state of people addicted to methamphetamine as a non-drug therapy to promote health. However, more research is necessary to support this conclusion.

We performed a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the association between UPF consumption and adult mortality risk. A systematic search was conducted using ISI Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus electronic databases from inception to August 2021. Data were extracted from seven cohort studies (totaling 207,291 adults from four countries). Using a random-effects model, hazard ratios (HR) of pooled outcomes were estimated. Our results showed that UPF consumption was related to an enhanced risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.30; I2 = 21.9%; p < 0.001), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-cause mortality (HR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.63; I2 = 0.0%; p < 0.001), and heart-cause mortality (HR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.50, 1.85; I2 = 0.0%; p = 0.022), but not cancer-cause mortality. Furthermore, our findings revealed that each 10% increase in UPF consumption in daily calorie intake was associated with a 15% higher risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.21; I2 = 0.0%; p < 0.001). The dose–response analysis revealed a positive linear association between UPF consumption and all-cause mortality (Pnonlinearity = 0.879, Pdose–response = p < 0.001), CVDs-cause mortality (Pnonlinearity = 0.868, Pdose–response = p < 0.001), and heart-cause mortality (Pnonlinearity = 0.774, Pdose–response = p < 0.001). It seems that higher consumption of UPF is significantly associated with an enhanced risk of adult mortality. Despite this, further experimental studies are necessary to draw a more definite conclusion.

Although exercise-induced humoral factors known as exerkines benefit systemic health, the role of most exerkines has not been investigated. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a representative chemokine whose circulating concentrations increase after exercise, and it is one of the exerkines. MCP-1 is a ligand for CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), which is expressed on monocytes, macrophages, and muscle cells. However, there is no information on the role of CCR2 signaling in exercise. Therefore, to investigate the research question, we administrated CCR2 antagonist or PBS to mice to inhibit CCR2 signaling before and after exercise. Our results showed that CCR2 signaling inhibition promoted exercise-induced macrophage infiltration and inflammation 24 h after exercise in muscle. CCR2 signaling inhibition also exacerbated exercise-induced inflammation immediately after exercise in muscle. However, neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress had no contribution to exercise-induced inflammation by CCR2 signaling inhibition. CCR2 signaling inhibition also exacerbated exercise-induced inflammation immediately after exercise in kidney, liver, and adipose tissues. To summarize, pharmacological inhibition of CCR2 signaling exacerbated exercise-induced inflammation independently of neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress.

Free radicals are reactive products that have multiple effects on the human body. Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants manage the overproduction of free radicals. However, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant factors causes oxidative stress. Exercise and physical activity are factors that increase oxidative stress and disrupts the body’s homeostasis. Intensity and duration of training, training characteristics, and fitness level can have positive or negative effects on oxidative stress. Green tea consumption is recommended for the prevention of a variety of diseases, health maintenance, and weight loss. The effectiveness of green tea is primarily due to the presence of catechins and polyphenols, specifically (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties based on clinical and animal studies. This review investigates the effect of green tea exercise and their interactive effects on free radicals and sports improvement.

Dietary supplements are widely used as a nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance and achieve faster recovery in sports and exercise. Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is caused by mechanical stress and subsequent inflammatory responses including reactive oxygen species and cytokine production. Therefore, dietary supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have the potential to prevent and reduce muscle damage and symptoms characterized by loss of muscle strength and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, only a few supplements are considered to be effective at present. This review focuses on the effects of dietary supplements derived from phytochemicals and listed in the International Olympic Committee consensus statement on muscle damage evaluated by blood myofiber damage markers, muscle soreness, performance, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In this review, the effects of dietary supplements are also discussed in terms of study design (i.e., parallel and crossover studies), exercise model, and such subject characteristics as physical fitness level. Future perspectives and considerations for the use of dietary supplements to alleviate EIMD and DOMS are also discussed.

This article focuses on how nutrition may help prevent and/or assist with recovery from the harmful effects of strenuous acute exercise and physical training (decreased immunity, organ injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fatigue), with a focus on nutritional supplements. First, the effects of ketogenic diets on metabolism and inflammation are considered. Second, the effects of various supplements on immune function are discussed, including antioxidant defense modulators (vitamin C, sulforaphane, taheebo), and inflammation reducers (colostrum and hyperimmunized milk). Third, how 3-hydroxy-3-methyl butyrate monohydrate (HMB) may offset muscle damage is reviewed. Fourth and finally, the relationship between exercise, nutrition and COVID-19 infection is briefly mentioned. While additional verification of the safety and efficacy of these supplements is still necessary, current evidence suggests that these supplements have potential applications for health promotion and disease prevention among athletes and more diverse populations.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus (CoV) named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2, it has a strong interaction with the renin angiotensin system (RAS). Experimental studies have shown that the higher levels of ACE2 or increasing ACE2/ACE1 ratio improve COVID-19 outcomes through lowering inflammation and death. Aerobic moderate intensity physical exercise fights off infections by two mechanisms, the inhibition of ACE/Ang II/AT1-R pathway and the stimulation of ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis. Exercise can also activate the anti-inflammatory response so that it can be a potential therapeutic strategy against COVID-19. Here, we summarize and focus the relation among COVID-19, RAS, and immune system and describe the potential effect of aerobic moderate intensity physical exercise against CoV as a useful complementary tool for providing immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, which is a novel intervention that requires further investigation.

Background: We aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week total-body resistance exercise (TRX) suspension training intervention combined with taurine supplementation on body composition, blood glucose, and lipid markers in T2D females. Methods: Forty T2D middle-aged females (age: 53 ± 5 years, body mass = 84.3 ± 5.1 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups, TRX suspension training + placebo (TP; n = 10), TRX suspension training + taurine supplementation (TT; n = 10), taurine supplementation (T; n = 10), or control (C; n = 10). Body composition (body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP)), blood glucose (fasting blood sugar (FBS)), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin, and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid markers (low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC)) were evaluated prior to and after interventions. Results: All three interventions significantly decreased body mass, BMI, and BFP with no changes between them for body mass and BMI; however, BFP changes in the TT group were significantly greater than all other groups. FBS was significantly reduced in TP and TT. Insulin concentrations’ decrement were significantly greater in all experimental groups compared to C; however, no between group differences were observed between TT, TP, and T. In regards to HOMA-IR, decreases in TT were significantly greater than all other groups TG, HbA1c, and LDL were reduced following all interventions. HDL values significantly increased only in the TT group, while TC significantly decreased in TP and TT groups. Changes in HbA1c, TG, HDL, and TC were significantly greater in the TT compared to all other groups. Conclusions: TRX training improved glycemic and lipid profiles, while taurine supplementation alone failed to show hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Notably, the synergic effects of TRX training and taurine supplementation were shown in HbA1c, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, HDL, and BFP changes. Our outcomes suggest that TRX training + taurine supplementation may be an effective adjuvant therapy in individuals with T2D.

It is well-established that green tea supplementation has antioxidant properties. However, whether green tea supplementation leads to oxidative stress reduction remains unclear, as clinical investigations on this subject have yielded inconsistent outcomes. Consequently, we aimed to determine the effects of green tea supplementation on oxidative stress in adults. A systematic search of English language publications up to 21 August 2021 was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Science, utilizing pertinent keywords. These searches included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the relationship between green tea supplementation, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in adults. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Meta-regression and non-linear dose-response analyses were performed to investigate the association between the dosage of green tea (mg/day) and the duration of the intervention (weeks) with pooled effect size. Sixteen RCTs with seventeen arms including 760 participants met the inclusion criteria. Our results indicated that green tea supplementation had significant effects on TAC (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.20 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.30, p < 0.001) and significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 98.6%, p < 0.001), which was largely related to gender and body mass index (BMI). Subgroup analysis in TAC identified a significant relationship except with low dose supplementation and obese individuals. No relationship between MDA and green tea supplementation was observed in any subgroups; however, meta-regression analysis revealed a linear inverse association between the dosage and significant change in MDA (r = −2117.18, p = 0.017). Our outcomes suggest that green tea supplementation improves TAC and affects MDA based on the dose of the intervention in adults. Future RCTs with longer durations are needed to expand our findings.

Research has shown that both dark chocolate and exercise training may have favorable effects on antioxidant function in obese cohorts. However, their combined effect has not been established. We assessed the influences of six weeks of dark chocolate consumption combined with jump rope exercise on antioxidant markers in adolescent boys with obesity. Fifty adolescent boys with obesity (age = 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned into one of four groups; jump rope exercise + white chocolate consumption (JW; n = 13), jump rope exercise + dark chocolate consumption (JD; n = 13), dark chocolate consumption (DC; n = 12), or control (C; n = 12). Two participants dropped out of the study. Participants in JW and JD groups performed jump rope exercise three times per week for six weeks. Participants in the DC and JD groups consumed 30 g of dark chocolate containing 83% of cocoa during the same period. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated prior to and after the interventions. All 3 intervention groups noted significant (p < 0.01) increases in serum concentrations of TAC, SOD, and GPx from baseline to post-test. In contrast, all intervention groups showed significantly reduced serum concentrations of TBARS from pre- to post-test (p ≤ 0.01). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed that post-test serum concentrations of TAC in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.010), and JW (p < 0.001) groups. In addition, post-test serum concentrations of SOD in the JD group were significantly greater than C group (p = 0.001). Post-test serum concentrations of GPx in the JD group were significantly greater than C (p < 0.001), DC (p = 0.021), and JW (p = 0.032) groups. The post-test serum concentrations of TBARS in the JD group was significantly lower than C (p < 0.001). No other significant between-group differences were observed. The current study provides evidence that dark chocolate consumption in combination with jump rope exercise is more efficient in improving antioxidant capacity than dark chocolate consumption or jump rope exercise alone among obese adolescent boys.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strongly reactive chemical entities that include oxygen regulated by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. ROS contribute significantly to cell homeostasis in the heart by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and excitation-contraction coupling. When ROS generation surpasses the ability of the antioxidant defense mechanisms to buffer them, oxidative stress develops, resulting in cellular and molecular disorders and eventually in heart failure. Oxidative stress is a critical factor in developing hypoxia- and ischemia-reperfusion-related cardiovascular disorders. This article aimed to discuss the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases such as hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses on the various clinical events and oxidative stress associated with cardiovascular pathophysiology, highlighting the benefits of new experimental treatments such as creatine supplementation, omega-3 fatty acids, microRNAs, and antioxidant supplements in addition to physical exercise

One of the essential injuries caused by moderate to high-intensity and short-duration physical activities is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging various body tissues such as skeletal muscle (SM). However, ROS is easily controlled by antioxidant defense systems during low to moderate intensity and long-term exercises. In stressful situations, antioxidant supplements are recommended to prevent ROS damage. We examined the response of SM to ROS generation during exercise using an antioxidant supplement treatment strategy in this study. The findings of this review research are paradoxical due to variances in antioxidant supplements dose and duration, intensity, length, frequency, types of exercise activities, and, in general, the lack of a regular exercise and nutrition strategy. As such, further research in this area is still being felt.

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of oral high-dose genistein (GE) administration on exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and tissue damage. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into control group (Con; sedentary/0.5% CMC-Na), GE administrated group (GE; sedentary/GE dosed), exercise group (Ex; exercise/0.5% CMC-Na), or GE administrated plus exercise group (GE + Ex; exercise/GE dosed), mice in the GE and GE + Ex group were given GE orally at the dose of 200 mg/kg weight. Results: Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, liver interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression levels and skeletal muscle IL-6, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and HO-1 gene expression levels increased immediately after exhaustive exercise. GE supplementation increased liver protein carbonyl concentrations. On the other hand, GE supplementation significantly decreased SOD1, CAT gene expression levels in the liver and Nrf2, and HO-1 gene expression levels in the skeletal muscles. Conclusions: Acute exercise induced organ damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in skeletal muscles and the liver. However, a single dose of GE supplementation before exercise did not lead to favorable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in this study.

Vitamin D and zinc are important components of nutritional immunity. This study compared the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and zinc in COVID-19 outpatients with those of potentially non-infected participants. The association of clinical symptoms with vitamin D and zinc status was also examined. A checklist and laboratory examination were applied to collect data in a cross-sectional study conducted on 53 infected outpatients with COVID-19 and 53 potentially non-infected participants. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D were not significantly lower in patients with moderate illness (19 ± 12 ng/mL) than patients with asymptomatic or mild illness (29 ± 18 ng/mL), with a trend noted for a lower serum concentration of 25(OH)D in moderate than asymptomatic or mild illness patients (p = 0.054). Infected patients (101 ± 18 µg/dL) showed a lower serum concentration of zinc than potentially non-infected participants (114 ± 13 µg/dL) (p = 0.01). Patients with normal (odds ratio (OR), 0.19; p ≤ 0.001) and insufficient (OR, 0.3; p = 0.007) vitamin D status at the second to seventh days of disease had decreased OR of general symptoms compared to patients with vitamin D deficiency. This study revealed the importance of 25(OH)D measurement to predict the progression of general and pulmonary symptoms and showed that infected patients had significantly lower zinc concentrations than potentially non-infected participants.

(1) Background: Observational studies have established that vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D) concentrations are the major factors affecting the bioavailability of 25(OH)D. It has also been shown that poor 25(OH)D bioavailability elevates the risk of obesity and its related cardio-metabolic disorders. However, the relationship between 25(OH)D and DBP concentrations with cardio-metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese cohorts has not been established. Consequently, we evaluated the association between DBP and 25(OH)D concentrations with lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), and body composition in overweight and obese women. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 236 overweight and obese women, DBP and 25(OH)D concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Lipid profile and BP were assessed by an auto-analyzer and digital BP monitor, respectively. The associations were examined by multivariate logistic regression. (3) Results: The indicated showed an inverse relationship between DBP and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.010) concentrations (where individuals with higher DBP had lower HDL) which, after adjusting for possible cofounders, remained significant (p = 0.006). Moreover, DBP concentration was positively associated with fat mass index (FMI) after adjustment (p = 0.022). No significant relationships were observed among 25(OH)D and target variables. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, lower concentrations of HDL and higher values of FMI are associated with higher concentrations of DBP in overweight and obese women. These findings present novel awareness regarding the association of DBP with some metabolic and body composition variables in overweight and obese women. However, a two-way causal relationship between DBP and target variables should be considered.

Background: Chronic inflammation associated with breast cancer (BC) poses a major challenge in care management and may be ameliorated by physical activity. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on inflammatory markers, body composition, and physical fitness in BC survivors (BCS). Methods: Forty BCS (age = 57 ± 1 years; body mass [BM] = 74.8 ± 1.5 kg; VO2peak = 20.8 ± 2.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomly assigned to three groups: HIIT (n = 15), MICT (n = 15), or control (CON; n = 15). The intervention groups (HIIT and MICT) performed their respective exercise protocols on a cycle ergometer 3 days/week for 12 weeks while the CON group maintained their current lifestyle. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included body composition (BM, fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM)), physical fitness (VO2peak, lower body strength (LBS), upper body strength (UBS)), and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), leptin, and adiponectin. Results: Both intervention groups significantly (p < 0.05) decreased BM (HIIT = −1.8 kg, MICT = −0.91 kg), FM (HIIT = −0.81 kg, MICT = −0.18 kg), TNF-α (HIIT = −1.84 pg/mL, MICT = −0.99 pg/mL), IL-6 (HIIT = −0.71 pg/mL, MICT = −0.36 pg/mL), leptin (HIIT = −0.35 pg/mL, MICT = −0.16 pg/mL) and increased VO2peak (HIIT = 0.95 mL·kg−1·min−1, MICT = 0.67 mL·kg−1·min−1), LBS (HIIT = 2.84 kg, MICT = 1.53 kg), UBS (HIIT = 0.53 kg, MICT = 0.53 kg), IL-10 (HIIT = 0.63 pg/mL, MICT = 0.38 pg/mL), and adiponectin (HIIT = 0.23 ng/mL, MICT = 0.1 ng/mL) compared to baseline. The changes in BM, FM, TNF-α, leptin, and LBS were significantly greater in HIIT compared to all other groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that compared to the often-recommended MICT, HIIT may be a more beneficial exercise therapy for the improvement of inflammation, body composition and LBS in BCS; and consequently, merits long-term study

Background: The favorable influences of saffron supplementation on metabolic diseases have previously been shown. We aimed to assess the effects of saffron supplementation on blood pressure in adults. Methods: A systematic search was performed in Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane library databases to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effect of saffron supplementation on blood pressure in adults up to March 2021. The primary search yielded 182 publications, of which eight RCTs were eligible. Results: Our results showed that saffron supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0.65 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.18, p = 0.006) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: −1.23 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.64 to −0.81, p < 0.001). Moreover, saffron supplementation reduced DBP in a non-linear fashion, based on duration (r = −2.45, p-nonlinearity = 0.008). Conclusions: Saffron supplementation may significantly improve both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. It should be noted that the hypotensive effects of saffron supplementation were small and may not reach clinical importance.

Marine sponge-associated bacteria are known as bio-active compound produce. We have constructed metagenome libraries of the bacteria and developed a metagenomic screening approach. Activity-based screening successfully identified novel genes and novel enzymes; however, the efficiency was only in 1 out of 104 clones. Therefore, in this study, we thought that bioinformatics could help to reduce screening efforts, and combined activity-based screening with database search. Neutrophils play an important role for the immune system to recognize excreted bacterial by-products as chemotactic factors and are recruited to infection sites to kill pathogens via phagocytosis. These excreted by-products are considered critical triggers that engage the immune system to mount a defense against infection, and identifying these factors may guide developments in medicine and diagnostics. We focused on genes encoding amino acid ligase and peptide synthetase and selected from an in-house sponge metagenome database. Cell-free culture medium of each was used in a neutrophil chemiluminescence assay in luminol reaction. The clone showing maximum activity had a genomic sequence expected to produce a molecule like a phospho-N-acetylmuramyl pentapeptide by the metagenome fragment analysis.

Background: The aim of this clinical study was to reveal the relationship between body dehydration and oral mucosa moisture measured by the use of a capacitance sensor for oral epithelial moisture. Methods: The following clinical parameters were recorded from each one of 19 athletes in a one-week period of high-intensity exercise at the U-23 Triathlon Training Camp in summer and winter; body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, subjective oral thirst, and subjective throat thirst (within 30 min after waking and before breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on Day2 and Day6). Results: There were no significant differences in the mean values of body weight, urine specific gravity, oral mucosa moisture, oral thirst, and throat thirst between Day2 and Day6 in both measurements in summer and winter. The oral mucosa moisture had a moderate negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p < 0.05, r = −0.45). Conclusions: This study suggests that oral mucosal moisture determined using an oral moisture-checking device could be a potential index for assessing dehydration during sports activities.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the intragroup differences in weekly training monotony (TM) and training strain (TS) between starter and non-starter male professional soccer players at accelerometry based variables throughout the periods of a season. TM and TS of different accelerations and decelerations zones for twenty-one players were followed for forty-eight weeks. Regardless of group, players obtained the highest mean TM (starters = 3.3 ± 0.6, non-starters = 2.2 ± 1.1, in arbitrary unit, AU) and TS (starters = 1288.9 ± 265.2, non-starters = 765.4 ± 547.5, AU) scores in the pre-season for accelerations at Zone 1 (<2 m/s2). The results also indicated that both groups exhibited similar TM and TS scores in accelerations at Zones 2 (2 to 4 m/s2) and 3 (>4 m/s2) across the entire season. While the starters showed the highest TM and TS scores at deceleration Zone 1 (<−2 m/s2) in the end-season, the non-starters exhibited the highest scores at the deceleration Zone 1 in pre-season. It seems that in pre-season, coaches applied higher levels of training with greater emphasis on deceleration for non-starters. This tendency was reduced over time for non-starters, while starters presented higher values of deceleration Zone 1. These results highlight the variations in TM and TS across the different periods of a full season according to match starting status among professional soccer players, and the results suggest that non-starter players should receive higher levels of load to compensate for non-participation in matches throughout a soccer season.

<title>Abstract</title>
The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,171 men and women aged ≥40 years who were alumni of a Japanese university. To identify dietary patterns, a principal component analysis was performed based on the energy-adjusted food intake estimated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified, the second of which was named the alcohol dietary pattern and was characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish. This alcohol dietary pattern was associated with reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of high LDL-C for the lowest through highest quartile of alcohol dietary pattern score were 1.00 (reference), 0.83 (0.64–1.08), 0.84 (0.64–1.10), and 0.68 (0.49– 0.94), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in women, whereas it was positively associated with high triglyceride levels in men. In conclusion, the alcohol dietary pattern, characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken, and fish, was associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This finding provides useful information for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia by modifying the diet.

Background: There is a growing interest in the considerable benefits of dietary supplementations, such as folic acid, on the glycemic profile. We aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers in adults. Methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of folic acid supplementation on glycemic control markers published up to March 2021 were detected by searching online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and ISI web of science, using a combination of related keywords. Mean change and standard deviation (SD) of the outcome measures were used to estimate the mean difference between the intervention and control groups at follow-up. Meta-regression and non-linear dose-response analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between pooled effect size and folic acid dosage (mg/day) and duration of the intervention (week). From 1814 detected studies, twenty-four studies reported fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as an outcome measure. Results: Results revealed significant reductions in FBG (weighted mean difference (WMD): −2.17 mg/dL, 95% CI: −3.69, −0.65, p = 0.005), fasting insulin (WMD: −1.63 pmol/L, 95% CI: −2.53, −0.73, p &lt; 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.70, −0.09, p = 0.011) following folic acid supplementation. No significant effect was detected for HbA1C (WMD: −0.27%, 95% CI: −0.73, 0.18, p = 0.246). The dose-response analysis showed that folic acid supplementation significantly changed HOMA-IR (r = −1.30, p-nonlinearity = 0.045) in non-linear fashion. However, meta-regression analysis did not indicate a linear relationship between dose, duration, and absolute changes in FBG, HOMA-IR, and fasting insulin concentrations. Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces some markers of glycemic control in adults. These reductions were small, which may limit clinical applications for adults with type II diabetes. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

It has been theorized that folic acid supplementation improves inflammation. However, its proven effects on inflammatory markers are unclear as clinical studies on this topic have produced inconsistent results. To bridge this knowledge gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation on serum concentrations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Methods: To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search up to April 2021 was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. A fix or random-effects model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Twelve RCTs were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that serum concentrations of CRP (WMD: −0.59 mg/L, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.33, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly reduced following folic acid supplementation compared to placebo, but did not affect serum concentrations of IL-6 (WMD: −0.12, 95% CI −0.95 to 0.72 pg/mL, p = 0.780) or TNF-α (WMD: −0.18, 95% CI −0.86 to 0.49 pg/mL, p = 0.594). The dose–response analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between an elevated dosage of folic acid supplementation and lower CRP concentrations (p = 0.002). Conclusions: We found that folic acid supplementation may improve inflammation by attenuating serum concentrations of CRP but without significant effects on IL-6 and TNF-α. Future RCTs including a larger number of participants and more diverse populations are needed to confirm and expand our findings.

Previous studies have indicated that curcumin supplementation may be beneficial for cardiometabolic health; however, current evidence regarding the effects of its nanorange formulations, popularly known as “nano-curcumin”, remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of nano-curcumin supplementation on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI web of science were systematically searched up to May 2021 using relevant keywords. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models, and subgroup analysis was performed to explore variations by dose and baseline risk profiles. According to the results of this study, nano-curcumin supplementation was associated with improvements in the glycemic profile by decreasing fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: −18.14 mg/dL; 95% CI: −29.31 to −6.97; p = 0.001), insulin (WMD: −1.21 mg/dL; 95% CI: −1.43 to −1.00; p &lt; 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −0.28 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.23; p &lt; 0.001). Interestingly, nano-curcumin supplementation resulted in increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD: 5.77 mg/dL; 95% CI: 2.90 to 8.64; p &lt; 0.001). In terms of other lipid profile markers (triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), subgroup analyses showed that nano-curcumin supplementation had more favorable effects on lipid profiles in individuals with dyslipidemia at baseline. Nano-curcumin supplementation also showed favorable anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: −1.29 mg/L; 95% CI: −2.15 to −0.44; p = 0.003) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: −2.78 mg/dL; 95% CI: −3.76 to −1.79; p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, our results showed the hypotensive effect of nano-curcumin, evidenced by a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that nano-curcumin supplementation may decline cardiovascular disease risk by improving glycemic and lipid profiles, inflammation, and SBP. Future large-scale investigations with longer durations are needed to expand on our findings.

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis is now present in more than 200 countries. It started in December 2019 and has, so far, led to more than 149, 470,968 cases, 3,152,121 deaths, and 127,133,013 survivors recovered by 28 April 2021. COVID-19 has a high morbidity, and mortality of 2%, on average, whereas most people are treated after a period of time. Some people who recover from COVID-19 are left with 20 to 30% decreased lung function. In this context, exercise focused on skeletal muscle with minimal lung involvement could potentially play an important role. Regular exercise protects against diseases associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This long-term effect of exercise may be ascribed to the anti-inflammatory response elicited by an acute bout of exercise, which is partly mediated by muscle-derived myokines. The isometric training system seems to have this feature, because this system is involved with the skeletal muscle as the target tissue. However, no studies have examined the effect of exercise on the treatment and recovery of COVID-19, and, more importantly, “muscle–lung cross-talk” as a mechanism for COVID-19 treatment. It is suggested that this theoretical construct be examined by researchers.

Previous studies have not investigated the determinants of resting oxidative stress, including physical fitness, as it relates to redox regulation. The present study therefore was aimed at identifying lifestyle and biological factors that determine resting oxidative stress, including objectively measured physical fitness. In 873 middle-aged and elderly men and women, age and anthropometric parameters, lifestyle-related parameters, medication and supplementation status, physical fitness, biochemical parameters, and nutritional intake status, as well as three plasma oxidative stress markers: protein carbonyl (PC), F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoP), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were surveyed and measured. The determinants of PC, F2-IsoP, and TBARS in all participants were investigated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. In PC, age (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M1">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mo>−</mo>
<mn>0.11</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.002</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), leg extension power (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M3">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mo>−</mo>
<mn>0.12</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M4">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.008</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), BMI (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M5">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.12</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M6">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.004</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), and HDL-C (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M7">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.08</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M8">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.040</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>) were included in the regression model (adjusted <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M9">
<msup>
<mrow>
<mi>R</mi>
</mrow>
<mrow>
<mn>2</mn>
</mrow>
</msup>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.018</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>). In the F2-IsoP, smoking status (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M10">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.07</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M11">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.060</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), BMI (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M12">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.07</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M13">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.054</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), and HbA1c (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M14">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mo>−</mo>
<mn>0.06</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M15">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.089</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>) were included in the regression model (adjusted <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M16">
<msup>
<mrow>
<mi>R</mi>
</mrow>
<mrow>
<mn>2</mn>
</mrow>
</msup>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.006</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>). In TBARS, glucose (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M17">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.18</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M18">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>&lt;</mo>
<mn>0.001</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), CRF (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M19">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.16</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M20">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>&lt;</mo>
<mn>0.001</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), age (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M21">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.15</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M22">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>&lt;</mo>
<mn>0.001</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), TG (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M23">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.11</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M24">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.001</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), antioxidant supplementation (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M25">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.10</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M26">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.002</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>), and HbA1c (<inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M27">
<mi>β</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mo>−</mo>
<mn>0.13</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>, <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M28">
<mi>P</mi>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.004</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>) were included in the regression model (adjusted <inline-formula>
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M29">
<msup>
<mrow>
<mi>R</mi>
</mrow>
<mrow>
<mn>2</mn>
</mrow>
</msup>
<mo>=</mo>
<mn>0.071</mn>
</math>
</inline-formula>). In conclusion, the present study showed that age, anthropometric index, lifestyle-related parameters, medication and supplementation status, objectively measured physical fitness, biochemical parameters, and nutritional intake status explain less than 10% of oxidative stress at rest.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease that is easily transmitted and which is called an acute respiratory syndrome. With the spread of the coronavirus around the world and its epidemic among humans, we are losing many humans. The long process of treatment in hospitalized patients who are receiving intensive care and medication is associated with physical weakness. It has been suggested that lifelong exercise can create a safe margin for a person that allows them to avoid becoming infected with the virus. The current study was conducted to assess the effects of low-intensity exercise and breathing exercises on cardiorespiratory responses and physical status in an overweight 20-year-old woman infected with COVID-19. The patient was referred to Hazrat Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Rafsanjan. The patient had initial symptoms of coronavirus including weakness, shortness of breath, fever, and chills, and the initial tests confirmed that the person was infected with the coronavirus. Although COVID-19 reduces respiration and blood oxygen and severely reduces movement and physical activity, low-intensity rehabilitation and breathing exercises along with medication can improve blood oxygen status, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and hand power status in patients and possibly speeding up the healing process. The results of the present study show that low-intensity exercise and breathing exercises in patients with COVID-19, whose disease severity is mild to moderate, can be performed safely under the supervision of their physicians to prevent the disease process.

(1) Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of folic acid supplementation on oxidative stress markers. (2) Methods: Online database including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched up to January 2021, to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which examined the effect of folic acid supplementation on markers of oxidative stress. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of RCTs. (3) Results: Among the initial 2322 studies that were identified from electronic databases search, 13 studies involving 1013 participants were eligible. Pooled effect size from 13 studies indicated that folic acid supplementation elicits a significant rise in serum concentrations of glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 219.01 umol/L, 95% CI 59.30 to 378.71, p = 0.007) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 91.70 umol/L, 95% CI 40.52 to 142.88, p &lt; 0.001) but has no effect on serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) (WMD: 2.61 umol/L, 95% CI −3.48 to 8.72, p = 0.400). In addition, folic acid supplementation significantly reduced serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: −0.13 umol/L, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.02, p = 0.020). (4) Conclusions: This meta-analysis study suggests that folic acid supplementation may significantly improve markers within the antioxidative defense system by increasing serum concentrations of GSH and TAC and decreasing serum concentrations of MDA.

Strenuous exercise induces organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. To prevent exercise-induced organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress, rehydrating may be an effective strategy. In the present study, we aimed to examine whether beverage intake after exhaustive exercise to recover from dehydration prevents such disorders. Thirteen male volunteers performed incremental cycling exercise until exhaustion. Immediately after exercise, the subjects drank an electrolyte containing water (rehydrate trial: REH) or did not drink any beverage (control trial: CON). Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately (Post), 1 h and 2 h after exercise. Urine samples were also collected before (Pre) and 2 h after exercise. We measured biomarkers of organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress in blood and urine. Biomarkers of muscle, renal and intestinal damage and inflammation increased in the blood and urine after exercise. However, changes in biomarkers of organ damage and inflammation did not differ between trials (p &gt; 0.05). The biomarker of oxidative stress, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in plasma, showed different changes between trials (p = 0.027). One hour after exercise, plasma TBARS concentration in REH had a higher trend than that in CON (p = 0.052), but there were no significant differences between Pre and the other time points in each trial. These results suggest that beverage intake after exercise does not attenuate exercise-induced organ damage, inflammation or oxidative stress in healthy males. However, rehydration restores exercise-induced oxidative stress more quickly.

Obesity has become a worldwide health problem over the past three decades. During obesity, metabolic dysfunction of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a key factor increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A variety of diet approaches have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of obesity. The low-protein high-fat diet (LPHF) is a special kind of high-fat diet, characterized by the intake of a low amount of protein, while compared to typical high-fat diet, may induce weight loss and browning of WAT. Physical activity is another effective intervention to treat obesity by reducing WAT mass, inducing browning of WAT. In order to determine whether an LPHF, along with exercise enhanced body weight loss and body fat loss as well as the synergistic effect of an LPHF and exercise on energy expenditure in a mice model, we combined a 10-week LPHF with an 8-week forced treadmill training. Meanwhile, a traditional high-fat diet (HPHF) containing the same fat and relatively more protein was introduced as a comparison. In the current study, we further analyzed energy metabolism-related gene expression, plasma biomarkers, and related physiological changes. When comparing to HPHF, which induced a dramatic increase in body weight and WAT weight, the LPHF led to considerable loss of body weight and WAT, without muscle mass and strength decline, while it exhibited a risk of liver and pancreas damage. The mechanism underlying the LPHF-induced loss of body weight and WAT may be attributed to the synergistically upregulated expression of Ucp1 in WAT and Fgf21 in the liver, which may enhance energy expenditure. The 8-week training did not further enhance weight loss and increased plasma biomarkers of muscle damage when combined with LPHF. Furthermore, LPHF reduced the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in adipose tissues, muscle tissues, and liver. Our results indicated that an LPHF has potential for obesity treatment, while the physiological condition should be monitored during application.

One of the leading causes of obesity associated with oxidative stress (OS) is excessive consumption of nutrients, especially fast-foods, and a sedentary lifestyle, characterized by the ample accumulation of lipid in adipose tissue (AT). When the body needs energy, the lipid is broken down into glycerol (G) and free fatty acids (FFA) during the lipolysis process and transferred to various tissues in the body. Materials secreted from AT, especially adipocytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), are impressive in causing inflammation and OS of AT. There are several ways to improve obesity, but researchers have highly regarded the use of antioxidant supplements due to their neutralizing properties in removing ROS. In this review, we have examined the AT response to OS to antioxidant supplements focusing on animal studies. The results are inconsistent due to differences in the study duration and diversity in animals (strain, age, and sex). Therefore, there is a need for different studies, especially in humans.

Pain is one of the major problems in haemodialysis patients. Regular resistance exercise (RE), as an effective lifestyle modification, may play a role in reducing pain through changes in blood pressure (BP). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of RE training on pain, BP, and heart rate. In a randomised controlled trial, eighteen sedentary women completed the study in RE (n=10) or control (n=8) groups. In the exercise group, the patients had a circuit RE program in non-dialysis days, two times a week, for six weeks. The RE protocol consisted of six exercises performing with 10 repetitions at 50-60% of 1-repetition maximum. Resting and intradialytic pain threshold (algometer using a 1 kg pressure load), BP, and heart rate were measured 48 h before and after the intervention. There were no significant differences from pre- to post-intervention, or between the groups regarding pain threshold, systolic and diastolic BP, and heart rate at rest and during the haemodialysis process (P&gt;0.05). Although the 6-week low-intensity RE training in non-dialysis days was safe for chronic haemodialysis women, it could not change resting and intradialytic pain and hemodynamic measures.

Exercise can ameliorate cardiovascular dysfunctions in the diabetes condition, but its precise molecular mechanisms have not been entirely understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of endurance training on expression of angiogenesis-related genes in cardiac tissue of diabetic rats. Thirty adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (N = 10) including diabetic training (DT), sedentary diabetes (SD), and sedentary healthy (SH), in which diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Endurance training (ET) with moderate-intensity was performed on a motorized treadmill for six weeks. Training duration and treadmill speed were increased during five weeks, but they were kept constant at the final week, and slope was zero at all stages. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to measure the expression of myocyte enhancer factor-2C (MEF2C), histone deacetylase-4 (HDAC4) and Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in cardiac tissues of the rats. Our results demonstrated that six weeks of ET increased gene expression of MEF2C significantly (p &lt; 0.05), and caused a significant reduction in HDAC4 and CaMKII gene expression in the DT rats compared to the SD rats (p &lt; 0.05). We concluded that moderate-intensity ET could play a critical role in ameliorating cardiovascular dysfunction in a diabetes condition by regulating the expression of some angiogenesis-related genes in cardiac tissues.

Icing is still one of the most common treatments to acute skeletal muscle damage in sports medicine. However, previous studies using rodents reported the detrimental effect of icing on muscle regeneration following injury. This study aimed to elucidate the critical factors governing the impairment of muscle regeneration by icing with a murine model of eccentric contraction-induced muscle damage by electrical stimulation. Because of icing after muscle injury, the infiltration of polynuclear and mononuclear cells into necrotic muscle fibers was retarded and attenuated, leading to the persistent presence of necrotic cellular debris. These phenomena coincided with the delayed emergence and sustained accumulation of Pax7⁺ myogenic cells within the regenerating area. Additionally, due to icing, delayed and/or sustained infiltration of M1 macrophages was noted in accordance with the perturbed expression patterns of inflammation-related factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). The key myogenic regulatory factors (i.e., MyoD and myogenin) involved in the activation/proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells were not altered by icing during the regenerative process. A detailed analysis of regenerating myofibers by size distribution at day 14 after muscle damage showed that the ratio of small regenerating fibers to total regenerating fibers was higher in icing-treated animals than in untreated animals. These findings suggest that icing following muscle damage blunts the efficiency of muscle regeneration by perturbing the removal of necrotic myofibers and phenotypic dynamics of macrophages rather than affecting myogenic factors.

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their elimination by antioxidant mechanisms. ROS degrade biogenic substances such as deoxyribonucleic acid, lipids, and proteins, which in turn may lead to oxidative tissue damage. One of the physiological conditions currently associated with enhanced oxidative stress is exercise. Although a period of intense training may cause oxidative damage to muscle fibers, regular exercise helps increase the cells’ ability to reduce the ROS over-accumulation. Regular moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to increase antioxidant defense. Endogenous antioxidants cannot completely prevent oxidative damage under the physiological and pathological conditions (intense exercise and exercise at altitude). These conditions may disturb the endogenous antioxidant balance and increase oxidative stress. In this case, the use of antioxidant supplements such as creatine can have positive effects on the antioxidant system. Creatine is made up of two essential amino acids, arginine and methionine, and one non-essential amino acid, glycine. The exact action mechanism of creatine as an antioxidant is not known. However, it has been shown to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the capability to eliminate ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). It seems that the antioxidant effects of creatine may be due to various mechanisms such as its indirect (i.e., increased or normalized cell energy status) and direct (i.e., maintaining mitochondrial integrity) mechanisms. Creatine supplement consumption may have a synergistic effect with training, but the intensity and duration of training can play an important role in the antioxidant activity. In this study, the researchers attempted to review the literature on the effects of creatine supplementation and physical exercise on oxidative stress.

Trends relating to specific diets and lifestyle factors like physical (in) activity have formed in recent times [...]

The low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) is a dietary approach characterized by the intake of high amounts of fat, a balanced amount of protein, and low carbohydrates, which is insufficient for metabolic demands. Previous studies have shown that an LCKD alone may contribute to fatty acid oxidation capacity, along with endurance. In the present study, we combined a 10-week LCKD with an 8-week forced treadmill running program to determine whether training in conjunction with LCKD enhanced fatty acid oxidation capacity, as well as whether the maximal exercise capacity would be affected by an LCKD or training in a mice model. We found that the lipid pool and fatty acid oxidation capacity were both enhanced following the 10-week LCKD. Further, key fatty acid oxidation related genes were upregulated. In contrast, the 8-week training regimen had no effect on fatty acid and ketone body oxidation. Key genes involved in carbohydrate utilization were downregulated in the LCKD groups. However, the improved fatty acid oxidation capacity did not translate into an enhanced maximal exercise capacity. In summary, while favoring the fatty acid oxidation system, an LCKD, alone or combined with training, had no beneficial effects in our intensive exercise-evaluation model. Therefore, an LCKD may be promising to improve endurance in low- to moderate-intensity exercise, and may not be an optimal choice for those partaking in high-intensity exercise.

Acute intense exercise causes significant oxidative stress and consequently an increase in total antioxidant capacity; however, the mechanisms and combined effects of intense exercise and smoking on oxidative stress among active and non-active smokers are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute intense exercise on antioxidant enzyme activity responses in active and non-active individuals exposed to cigarette smoke. The study included 40 subjects who were equally classified as: smokers that did exercise (SE), smokers that did not do exercise (SnE), non-smokers that did exercise (NSE), and non-smokers that did not do exercise (NSnE). The adjusted Astrand test was used to exhaust the subjects. Salivary enzymes of peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured, by spectrophotometry methods, at 3 different time points: pre-test (TP1), post-test (TP2), and one hour after finishing the test (TP3). Significant (p &lt; 0.05) group x time interactions were found for the three enzymes. Salivary POX, CAT and SOD increased in all groups from TP1 to TP2 and decreased from TP2 to TP3. Only the NSE showed a significant difference between TP1 to TP3 in POX and SOD by +0.011 ± 0.007 and +0.075 ± 0.020 (U/mL), respectively. The NSE showed significantly higher activity of POX, CAT and SOD in TP2 compared to the other groups. Furthermore, NSE and NSnE had higher activity of POX, CAT and SOD in TP1 and TP3 (p &lt; 0.05) compared with SE and SnE. Only in the NSnE, were no differences observed in CAT compared with SE and SnE in TP3. These results showed that the antioxidant activity at rest and in the recovery time after the acute intense exercise was lower in SE and SnE compared with NSE and NSnE, suggesting that smoking habit may reduce the ameliorating effect of regular physical activity on acute exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Fasting is one of the religious rituals of Muslims worldwide who refrain from eating foods and liquids every year during Ramadan. This year (2020), Ramadan is very different from previous years due to the outbreak of a terrible microscopic giant called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic COVID-19 has made Ramadan very important this year because the virus has infected millions of people around the world and killed thousands, especially people with immunodeficiency. In dealing with COVID-19, maintaining good hygiene and supporting the immune system are effective, preventive approaches. Moderate exercise training and proper nutrition are the most important factors to support immune function. Lack of facilities, poor health and many traditions that lead to public community gatherings have made many Islamic countries susceptible to this dangerous virus. In such an unprecedented situation, there are many Muslims who doubt whether they can fast or not. Therefore, the proposal of usable exercise programs and effective nutritional strategies is imperative. In this study, we will look at the proposed health effects of fasting and its impact on the immune system, the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on resting values and responses of immunological/antioxidant biomarkers in elite and recreational athletes, together with the important health, nutrition, and exercise advice that fasting people need to follow in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Moderate-intensity exercise is considered to enhance immune function and to be useful for preventing acute upper respiratory infections and similar conditions. Many people practice low-intensity short-duration exercise with the expectation of a beneficial effect on immunocompetency. However, it is difficult to affirm the existence of definite evidence of such a benefit. In this article, we discuss the effects of low-intensity short-duration exercise on cell-mediated immunity, and contrast them to the effects of high-intensity and long-duration exercise. Whereas high-intensity exercise induces inflammation and reduces cell-mediated immune system function, low-intensity exercise does not appear to have a large effect on either inflammation or cell-mediated immune function. Low-intensity exercises such as walking and yoga, which are helpful to relieve stress, cannot be considered as harmful to the immune system. Although yoga was shown to impose fewer restrictions on breathing and physical strain, the evidence that yoga enhances cell-mediated immunity remains insufficient. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine the exercise mode that may be most effective for improvement of immune functions.

Strenuous exercise induces organ damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Currently, to monitor or investigate physiological conditions, blood biomarkers are frequently used. However, blood sampling is perceived to be an invasive method and may induce stress. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a non-invasive assessment method that reflects physiological conditions. In the present study, we aimed to search for useful biomarkers of organ damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone turnover in urine following exercise. Ten male runners participated in this study and performed a 3000-m time trial. We measured biomarkers in urine collected before and immediately after exercise. Renal damage markers such as urea protein, albumin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), and an intestinal damage marker, intestine-fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), increased following exercise (p &lt; 0.05). However, a muscle damage marker, titin N-terminal fragments, did not change (p &gt; 0.05). Inflammation-related factors (IRFs), such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, complement (C) 5a, myeloperoxidase (MPO), calprotectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), increased whereas IRFs such as IL-4 and IL-10 decreased following exercise (p &lt; 0.05). IRFs such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12p40, and interferon (IFN)-γ did not change (p &gt; 0.05). Oxidative stress markers, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitrotyrosine, did not change following exercise (p &gt; 0.05) whereas 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Bone resorption markers, such as cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), did not change following exercise (p &gt; 0.05). These results suggest that organ damage markers and IRFs in urine have the potential to act as non-invasive indicators to evaluate the effects of exercise on organ functions.

<title>Abstract</title>Discovery of blood biomarkers to evaluate exercise-induced muscle damage have attracted many researchers and coaches. This study aimed to determine changes in circulating myomesin 3 fragments as a novel biomarker for exercise-induced muscle damage. Nine healthy males performed 10 sets of 40 repetitions of one-leg calf-raise exercise by the load corresponding to the half of their body weight. Muscle symptoms were evaluated by a visual analog scale (VAS). Blood samples were collected before and 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-exercise. Plasma myomesin 3 fragments levels were significantly increased at 96 h after the eccentric exercise. The myomesin 3 fragments levels were correlated with other biomarkers of muscle damage and the muscle symptoms. These results suggest that the circulating myomesin 3 fragments levels are potential biomarkers reflecting eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Accumulation of toxic metals in infants/children is of serious concern worldwide, from the viewpoint of their harmful effects on the normal growth and development. This metallomics study investigates the extent of toxic metal burdens in infants/children and the relationship to those in their mothers for 77 child/mother pair subjects. For mercury, its geometric mean concentration in infants/children was of similar level to that in their mothers, and a high-significant close correlation was observed between infants/children and their mothers (β = 0.758, r = 0.539, p &lt; 0.0001). A significant but less intimate mother/child relationship was observed for arsenic (β = 0.301, r = 0.433), lead (β = 0.444, r = 0.471) and aluminum (β = 0.379, r = 0.451). Remarkably, the burden levels of lead, cadmium and aluminum in infants/children were approximately three times higher than those in their mothers (p &lt; 0.0001), and the burden levels in some individuals were several tens of times higher than in the mothers. In contrast, some essential metal levels such as zinc, magnesium and calcium in infants/children were significantly lower than those in their mothers, and 29 individuals (37.7%) in the child subjects were estimated to be zinc-deficient. In addition, significant inverse correlations were observed between zinc and lead (r = −0.267, p = 0.019), and magnesium and arsenic (r = −0.514, p &lt; 0.0001). These findings suggest that these toxic metal burdens and essential metal deficiencies in infants/children are of serious concern for their neurodevelopment, indicating that the early assessment and intervention are crucial. It is expected that larger epidemiological and intervention studies will provide a reasonable and essential pathway for intervention of neurodevelopment disorders.

<title>Abstract</title>An evolutionarily conserved mechanism, use of non-optimal codons, slows ribosomes during translation to allow proper folding of nascent polypeptides. However, until now, it was unknown whether any eukaryote-specific mechanisms exist for this purpose. Here, we propose that miRNAs slow translating ribosomes to prevent protein misfolding, with little negative effect on protein abundance. To prove this, we bioinformatically analyze ribosome profiling and miRNA binding sites and biochemically confirm that miRNA deficiency causes severe misfolding, which is rescued by slowing translating ribosomes. We demonstrate that non-cleaving shRNAs, targeting regions where elongation rates become faster in miRNA-deficient cells, improve protein folding with minimal effects on protein abundance. These results reveal broader functionality of miRNAs and a previously unknown mechanism to prevent protein misfolding.

<sec><title>One Sentence Summary</title>Eukaryote use of miRNAs prevents protein misfolding in a target-specific manner.

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This study aimed to examine differences between sexes in thermoregulatory responses and exercise time after ice slurry ingestion in a hot environment. Twenty-four healthy adults (male n = 12, body weight (BW) = 65.8 ± 10.3; female n = 12, BW = 58.2 ± 10.0) ingested 7.5 g/kg of either ice slurry at −1 °C (ICE) or control water at 20 °C (CON) before cycling at 55%VO max in a hot environment (controlled at 38 °C, 40% relative humidity). Rectal (Tre) and skin (Tsk) temperature, heart rate, sweat rate, respiratory gases, ratings of thermal sensation (TS), thermal comfort (TC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Ice slurry did not improve exercise time in both sexes despite Tre was significantly lower in ICE than CON in both sexes. Tre, Tsk, HR, sweat rate and TS did not differ between sexes. TC and RPE in ICE were significantly higher during exercise in males than in females. In conclusion, there were no sex differences in the effects of pre-cooling with ice slurry ingestion; however, pre-cooling with ice slurry may be more effective in mitigating ratings of TC and RPE in females than males. 2

The relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measurements not confounded by adiposity and the prevalence of pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are not well known. Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations of visceral fat (VF) and CRF with the prevalence of pre-DM/DM among Japanese adults. The study included 970 individuals (327 women and 643 men) who were 40-87 years old and had complete health examinations, abdominal fat area, and fitness data from WASEDA'S Health Study during 2015-2018. The VF area was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. CRF was measured using a cycle ergometer and was defined as VO2peak divided by fat free mass. The pre-DM/DM was identified based on the questionnaire and fasting blood tests. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prevalence of pre-DM/DM were calculated. Seventy-three participants had pre-DM and 48 participants had DM. Compared to the low VF group, the high VF group had a higher prevalence of pre-DM/DM (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.18-2.96), although no significant relationship was observed between CRF and pre-DM/DM prevalence (P for trend = 0.239). The sub-group analyses also revealed no significant relationship between CRF and pre-DM/DM prevalence in the low VF group (P for trend = 0.979), although CRF values were inversely related to the prevalence of pre-DM/DM in the high VF group (P for trend = 0.024). Although CRF was not independently related to the prevalence of pre-DM/DM after adjusting for adiposity, higher VF values were related to a higher prevalence of pre-DM/DM. In addition, CRF levels were inversely associated with the prevalence of pre-DM/DM only among high VF individuals.

Excessive release of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress (OS) are triggering factors in the onset of chronic diseases. One of the factors that can ensure health in humans is regular physical activity. This type of activity can enhance immune function and dramatically prevent the spread of the cytokine response and OS. However, if physical activity is done intensely at irregular intervals, it is not only unhealthy but can also lead to muscle damage, OS, and inflammation. In this review, the response of cytokines and OS to exercise is described. In addition, it is focused predominantly on the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated from muscle metabolism and damage during exercise and on the modulatory effects of antioxidant supplements. Furthermore, the influence of factors such as age, sex, and type of exercise protocol (volume, duration, and intensity of training) is analyzed. The effect of antioxidant supplements on improving OS and inflammatory cytokines is somewhat ambiguous. More research is needed to understand this issue, considering in greater detail factors such as level of training, health status, age, sex, disease, and type of exercise protocol.

The prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS), which is also known as ghalyan, shisha or hookah, is increasing rapidly around the world, especially among youth. Growing interest in this form of tobacco smoking can be traced, in part, to the use of flavored tobacco products, social acceptability as a safer option than cigarettes, and its consideration as a relaxation method or entertainment. However, there is a well-established association between WTS and oxidative stress that causes irreversible chronic pathological conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory problems, as well as different types of cancers, and thus increases the risk of mortality. Clearly, induction of inflammation status through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn leads to oxidative stress and harm to lipids, DNA, and proteins, is the most plausible mechanism to explain the potential harmful effects of WTS. Unlike WTS, well-designed exercise training programs increase ROS to the extent that it is beneficial to the body. In this study, we aimed to review available evidence on the impact of exercise training on oxidative stress and inflammation status. We also summarize the effect of acute and chronic WTS on different exercise capacities.

We studied the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on gut hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and ghrelin) in males with obesity. Thirty sedentary males were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (EG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The EG group completed their Ramadan fasting rituals (30 days), whereas the CG continued with their normal daily habits. Blood samples were collected at four time points: 24 h before the start of Ramadan (T0), on the 15th day of Ramadan (T1), the day after the end of Ramadan (T2) and 21 days after Ramadan (T3). There were significant pre-to-post improvements for leptin (p = 0.01, d = 1.52), GLP-1 (p = 0.022, d = 0.75), PYY (p = 0.031, d = 0.69) and CCK (p = 0.027, d = 0.81) in the EG, with no interaction effect for ghrelin (p = 0.74; d = 0.008). No significant changes (p &gt; 0.05) occurred in plasma volume variations (ΔPV) after RIF in both EG (−0.03 ± 0.01%) and CG (0.06 ± 0.07%). RIF represents an effective strategy to modify appetite-regulating hormones, leading to improved body composition indices and reduced obesity.

BACKGROUND: Preceding exercise enhances fat metabolism during subsequent endurance exercise. However, it is unknown which type of exercise most enhances fat metabolism during subsequent exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of preceding resistance or endurance exercise on fat metabolism during subsequent endurance exercise and to compare the effect with that without a preceding exercise.METHODS: Nine male subjects performed the following trials: 1) endurance exercise (E trial), 2) endurance exercise preceded by resistance exercise (R+E trial), and 3) endurance exercise preceded by endurance exercise (E+E trial). There was a 20-min break after the preceding exercise. Subsequent endurance exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer at 80% of the individual ventilatory threshold. Blood and exhaled gas were analyzed respectively.RESULTS: The R+E and E+E trials showed a significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and a higher amount of fat oxidation during endurance exercise than those in the E trial (P<0.05). Furthermore, the E+E trial showed a significantly lower RER (0.86 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.84 +/- 0.02) and a significantly higher amount of fat oxidation (0.38 +/- 0.05 g/min vs. 0.44 +/- 0.08 g/min) than those in the R+E trial.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that fat oxidation during subsequent endurance exercise was enhanced when a preceding exercise was performed and that endurance exercise as a preceding exercise enhanced fat oxidation more than resistance exercise did.

Cruciferous vegetables hold a myriad of bioactive molecules that are renowned for possessing unique medicinal benefits. Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of the potential nutraceuticals contained within cruciferous vegetables that is useful for improving health and diseased conditions. The objective of this review is to discuss the mechanistic role for SFN in preventing oxidative stress, fatigue, and inflammation. Direct and indirect research evidence is reported to identify the nontoxic dose of SFN for human trials, and effectiveness of SFN to attenuate inflammation and/or oxidative stress. SFN treatment modulates redox balance via activating redox regulator nuclear factor E2 factor-related factor (Nrf2). SFN may play a crucial role in altering the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway (an intricate response to many stimuli or stress), which induces Nrf2 target gene activation to reduce oxidative stress. In addition, SFN reduces inflammation by suppressing centrally involved inflammatory regulator nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which in turn downregulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators. Exercise may induce a significant range of fatigue, inflammation, oxidative stress, and/or organ damage due to producing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines. SFN may play an effective role in preventing such damage via inducing phase 2 enzymes, activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway or suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In this review, we summarize the integrative role of SFN in preventing fatigue, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and briefly introduce the history of cruciferous vegetables and the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of SFN reported in previous research. To date, very limited research has been conducted on SFN’s effectiveness in improving exercise endurance or performance. Therefore, more research needs to be carried out to determine the effectiveness of SFN in the field of exercise and lifestyle factors.

Phytonutrients are widely recognized for providing protective human health benefits. Among the phytonutrients, epidemiological and experimental studies show that dietary organosulfur compounds (OSC) play a significant role in preventing various human pathological progressions, including chronic inflammation, by decreasing inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-17, which are all typical hallmarks of inflammation. Evidence supports OSC in reducing the expression of these markers, thereby attenuating chronic inflammatory processes. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a key regulating factor during inflammation, and novel evidence shows that OSC downregulates this transcriptional factor, thus contributing to the anti-inflammatory response. In vitro and in vivo studies show that inflammation is mechanistically linked with acute and chronic pathological conditions including cancer, diabetes, obesity, neural dysfunction, etc. Furthermore, a considerable number of experiments have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory properties of OSC occur in a dose-dependent manner. These experiments also highlight indirect mechanisms as well as potent co-functions for protective roles as antioxidants, and in providing chemoprotection and neuroprotection. In this brief review, we provided an overview of the anti-inflammatory effects of OSC and elucidated probable mechanisms that are associated with inflammation and chronic disorders.

Objectives: Muscle damage symptoms induced by unaccustomed eccentric contraction exercise can be reduced by repeating the experience several times. This phenomenon is termed the repeated bout effect. Although traditional biochemical markers require invasive blood sampling, biochemical measurements have recently been developed that can be non-invasively performed using urinary titin N-terminal fragment (UTF). However, it is unclear whether UTF can reflect the repeated bout effect. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify whether UTF decreased with the repeated bout effect. Design: This study compared changes in muscle damage markers between bouts of exercise performed for the first and second time. Methods: Eight young men performed 30 eccentric exercises of the elbow flexor on the first day of the first week (Bout 1). A second bout of eccentric exercises, same as the first, was performed 2 weeks later, (Bout 2). The dependent variables were muscle soreness (SOR), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), range of motion (ROM), creatine kinase (CK), and UTF. All dependent variables were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. Results: No significant difference was observed in workload or peak torque between the first and second exercise bouts. SOR as well as CK and UTF were significantly lower and ROM and MVIC were significantly higher in Bout 2 in comparison to Bout 1. Conclusions: These results suggest that UTF sensitively reflects the repeated bout effect and exercise-induced muscle damage can be non-invasively measured.

Exhaustive exercise induces systemic inflammatory responses, which are associated with exercise-induced tissue/organ damage, but the sources and triggers are not fully understood. Herein, the basics of inflammatory mediator cytokines and research findings on the effects of exercise on systemic inflammation are introduced. Subsequently, the association between inflammatory responses and tissue damage is examined in exercised and overloaded skeletal muscle and other internal organs. Furthermore, an overview of the interactions between oxidative stress and inflammatory mediator cytokines is provided. Particularly, the transcriptional regulation of redox signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines is described, as the activation of the master regulatory factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is involved directly or indirectly in controlling pro-inflammatory genes and antioxidant enzymes expression, whilst nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) regulates the pro-inflammatory gene expression. Additionally, preventive countermeasures against the pathogenesis along with the possibility of interventions such as direct and indirect antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are described. The aim of this review is to give an overview of studies on the systematic inflammatory responses to exercise, including our own group as well as others. Moreover, the challenges and future directions in understanding the role of exercise and functional foods in relation to inflammation and oxidative stress are discussed.

Prolonged strenuous exercise may induce inflammation, cause changes in gastrointestinal permeability, and lead to other unfavorable biological changes and diseases. Nutritional approaches have been used to prevent exercise-induced inflammatory responses and gastrointestinal disorders. Hyperimmunized milk, obtained by immunizing cows against specific antigens, promotes the development of immunity against pathogens, promotes anti-inflammatory effects, and protects intestinal function. Immune protein (IMP) is a concentrated product of hyperimmunized milk and is a more promising means of supplementation to protect against acute infections and inflammation. To determine whether IMP has protective properties against exercise-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammation, we examined biochemical markers, intestinal damage markers, and pro-/anti-inflammatory profiles of young male runners using a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over design. Urine samples were collected and used for measurements of creatinine, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, osmotic pressure, and specific gravity. Titin was measured as a muscle damage marker. Further, urine concentrations of complement 5a, calprotectin, fractalkine, myeloperoxidase, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We demonstrated that urine osmotic pressure, urine specific gravity, I-FABP, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α were reduced by 8 weeks of IMP supplementation, indicating that IMP may have potential in preventing strenuous exercise-induced renal dysfunction, increased intestinal permeability, and inflammation. Thus, IMP supplementation may be a feasible nutritional approach for the prevention of unfavorable exercise-induced symptoms.

We aimed to compare the urinary titin N-terminal fragment (UTF) concentration after concentric and eccentric exercise and to clarify the specific response of UTF to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Nine healthy young men performed 30 concentric elbow flexion exercises with maximum effort, rested for at least eight weeks, and performed eccentric exercises at the same workload using the same arm. Changes in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle soreness (SOR), range of motion (ROM), serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, and UTF concentrations were recorded before and after for six consecutive days after exercise. There was no significant difference in workload during exercise between the two exercise types. However, serum CK activity increased after eccentric exercise (p < 0.05). Additionally, MVIC, SOR, ROM, and UTF concentration were significantly higher after eccentric exercise than after concentric exercise (p < 0.05). Although workload was the same, the UTF concentration greatly increased after eccentric exercise. Based on these results, we suggest that UTF can be a non-invasive and highly specific biomarker of EIMD.

Regular exercise is beneficial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but the beneficial effects are lost in the case of acute exhaustive exercise; this causes significant inflammation, oxidative stress along with organ damage. Recently, sulforaphane (SFN), an indirect antioxidant, has drawn special attention for its potential protective effect against inflammation and oxidative stress. However, no studies have been performed regarding acute exhaustive exercise-induced organ damage in association with SFN administration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SFN on acute exhaustive exercise-induced organ damage and the mechanisms involved. To perform the study, we divided mice into four groups: Control, SFN, exercise, and SFN plus exercise. The SFN group was administered orally (50 mg/kg body wt) 2 h before the running test. We measured plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and acute exhaustive exercise significantly increased these biomarkers. In addition, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, were significantly increased in the liver of exercise group. However, the SFN plus exercise group showed a significant reduction in the expression of cytokines and blood biomarkers of tissue damage or cell death. Furthermore, we measured mRNA expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and antioxidant defense enzymes expression, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) in the liver. The expression of all these biomarkers was significantly upregulated in the SFN plus exercise group. Collectively, SFN may protect the liver from exhaustive exercise-induced inflammation via inducing antioxidant defense response through the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal transduction pathway.

PURPOSE: Although immediate pre-meal water ingestion has been shown to reduce energy intake in healthy young men, no studies are available regarding potential mechanisms underlying the effect of energy intake in response to different temperatures of pre-meal water ingestion. This study examined the effects of consuming different temperatures of water on gastric motility and energy intake in healthy young men. METHODS: Eleven young men were completed three, 1-day trials in a random order. Subjects visited the laboratory after a 10-h overnight fast and consumed 500 mL of water at 2 °C, 37 °C, or 60 °C in 5 min. Then, subjects sat on a chair over 1 h to measure the cross-sectional gastric antral area and gastric contractions using the ultrasound imaging systems. Thereafter, subjects consumed a test meal until they felt completely full. Energy intake was calculated from the amount of food consumed. RESULTS: Energy intake in the 2 °C (6.7 ± 1.8 MJ) trial was 19% and 26% lower than the 37 °C (7.9 ± 2.3 MJ, p = 0.039) and 60 °C (8.5 ± 3.2 MJ, p = 0.025) trials, respectively. The frequency of the gastric contractions after 1-h consuming water was lowered in the 2 °C trial than the 60 °C trial (trial-time interaction, p = 0.020). The frequency of gastric contractions was positively related to energy intake (r = 0.365, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that consuming water at 2 °C reduces energy intake and this reduction may be related to the modulation of the gastric motility.

Pre-meal drink ingestion is an effective method of controlling energy intake in humans. However, no studies have addressed the influence of differences in the volume of drink intake on gastric motility and energy intake. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of differences in the volume of drink intake before a meal on subsequent gastric motility and energy intake in healthy young men. Twelve men completed two, one-day trials in a random order. Subjects visited the laboratory after a 10-h overnight fast and consumed the nutrient drink (0.84 MJ) in either 100 mL or 600 mL quantities over a 5-min period. Then, the subjects sat on a chair for over 2 h to measure their cross-sectional gastric antral areas and gastric contractions with an ultrasound imaging system. Thereafter, the subjects consumed a test meal until they felt completely full. Energy intake was calculated from the amount of food consumed. Energy intake in the 600 mL trial was 12% higher than the 100 mL trial (5.1 ± 1.3 vs. 4.6 ± 1.4 MJ, P = 0.046). The antral area (P = 0.046) and the frequency of the gastric contraction (P = 0.001) over 2 h after consuming the nutrient drink were higher in the 600 mL trial than the 100 mL trial. These findings demonstrated that consumption of a 600 mL nutrient drink increased energy intake. The modulation of gastric motility might have some effects on energy intake.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acacia polyphenol (AP) supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in mouse liver and skeletal muscle. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver and skeletal muscle levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and levels of skeletal muscle protein carbonyls increased immediately after exhaustive exercise. Exhaustive exercise also decreased liver glutathione (GSH). These results suggest that the exhaustive exercise used in this study induced tissue damage and oxidative stress. Contrary to our expectations, AP supplementation increased plasma AST and alanine aminotransferase activities, liver levels of TBARS, and protein carbonyls. Furthermore, AP supplementation decreased glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver. On the other hand, AP supplementation decreased TBARS levels in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that oral high-dose AP administration decreased oxidative stress in skeletal muscle but induced oxidative stress in the liver and increased hepatotoxicity.

Postpubescent females may have negative mood or premenstrual syndrome during the menstrual cycle; with the emotional and physical symptoms interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about the relationship of dietary behaviors and dietary antioxidant intake with negative mood or premenstrual syndrome in university students in China; so we explored the relationship between negative mood and dietary behavior in female university students during the three menstrual cycle phases. Random sampling was used to enroll 88 individuals from a university in Guangzhou; China in the study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. During the menstrual phase, tea, black coffee and carbonated beverage intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low score group (p &lt; 0.05). Likewise; during the premenstrual phase, fresh fruit (banana and red Chinese dates) intake was higher in the group with a high negative affect scale score than in the low-score group (p &lt; 0.05). The logistic regression analysis results showed that negative mood was positively associated with tea, coffee, and carbonated beverage intake during the menstrual phase (β = 0.21, p = 0.0453, odds ratio = 1.23), and negative mood was positively associated with banana and red Chinese dates intake during the premenstrual phase (β = 0.59, p = 0.0172, odds ratio = 1.81). Our results suggest that negative mood may be associated with diet and specific food in university postpubescent females.

This study examined the relationship between a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and micronutrient intake adequacy based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2015 (DRIs-J 2015) in men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1418 men and 795 women aged 40-87 years, who participated in the Waseda Alumni's Sports, Exercise, Daily Activity, Sedentariness, and Health Study. Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 52 food and beverage items, which were assessed by a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Micronutrient intakes were quantified using the dietary reference intakes score (DRIs-score) for 21 micronutrients (based on DRIs-J 2015). The healthy dietary pattern score was significantly and positively correlated with the intakes of all 21 micronutrients used for constructing the DRIs-score in men and in women (each, p < 0.001). In both sexes, the healthy dietary pattern scores were strongly and positively associated with DRIs-scores (in men: ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001; in women: ρ = 0.868, p < 0.001), and the DRIs-scores reached a plateau around the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern score. These results indicate that a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with adequate micronutrient intakes based on the DRIs-J 2015 in both men and women.

MicroRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNAs that repress gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Previous studies have reported that the expression of miR-23, miR-27, and miR-24, driven from two miR-23-27-24 clusters, is altered by various pathophysiological conditions. However, their functions in skeletal muscle have not been clarified. To define the roles of the miR-23-27-24 clusters in skeletal muscle, we generated double-knockout (dKO) mice muscle-specifically lacking the miR-23-27-24 clusters. The dKO mice were viable and showed normal growth. The contractile and metabolic features of the muscles, represented by the expression of the myosin heavy chain and the oxidative markers PGC1-alpha and COX IV, were not altered in the dKO mice compared with wild-type mice. The dKO mice showed increased cross-sectional areas of the oxidative fibers. However, this dKO did not induce functional changes in the muscles. The dKO mice also showed normal adaptation to voluntary wheel running for 4 weeks, including the glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber type switch, and increases in mitochondrial markers, succinate dehydrogenase activity, and angiogenesis. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the miR-23-27-24 clusters have subtle effects on skeletal muscle development and endurance-exercise-induced muscle adaptation.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of peptide hormone use on oxidative stress and antioxidant responses to a single session of resistance exercise in male bodybuilders. Forty-five male bodybuilders were divided into three groups: bodybuilders using growth hormone for at least 1 year (i.e., 3 to 4 times in the year) (GH-user, n = 15), bodybuilders using insulin-like growth factor-1 for at least 1 year (i.e., 3 to 4 times in the year) (IGF-1-user, n = 15), and peptide hormone-free bodybuilders (Non-user, n = 15). The heavy resistance exercise protocol consisted of five sets with 80% of one repetition maximum for six exercises. Blood samples were obtained pre and post heavy resistance exercise (HRE) in order to evaluate changes in oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO)) and antioxidant biomarkers (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutamate (GLU)) level. All the experimental groups showed increases in MDA (p = 0.038), NO (p = 0.028), GPx (p = 0.012), and GLU (p = 0.003) concentrations after resistance exercise. For 8-OHdG, the Non-user and IGF-1-user groups indicated increases at post-exercise (p = 0.001), without any significant changes in the GH-user group (p = 0.87). In addition, the changes in serum GPx and GLU levels were greater for the GH-user group than the Non-user and IGF-1-user groups (p = 0.001). In conclusion, HRE induced significant increases in 8-OHdG (except to GH-user group), MDA, NO, GPx, and GLU levels with greater changes in GPx and GLU for the GH-user group.

Inflammation is an essential part for the general or innate immune defenses to defend against tissue damage and accelerate the curing process by providing protection against pathogens. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate that has potential properties against inflammation, along with other protective functions. The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism of its protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in Raw 264.7 macrophages. Here, we compared LPS-challenged macrophages with or without SFN pretreatment. Macrophages were pre-incubated for 6 h with a wide range of concentrations of SFN (0 to 50 µM), and then treated with LPS for 24 h. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration and gene expression of different inflammatory mediators, i.e., interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β, were measured. SFN neither directly reacted with cytokines, nor with NO. To understand the mechanisms, we performed analyses of the expression of regulatory enzyme inducible nitic oxide synthase (iNOS), the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and its enzyme heme-oxygenase (HO)-1. Our results revealed that LPS increased significantly the expression of inflammatory cytokines and concentration of NO in non-treated cells. SFN was able to prevent the expression of NO and cytokines through regulating inflammatory enzyme iNOS and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal transduction pathway.

Chemokines are critical mediators of angiogenesis in several physiological and pathological conditions; however, a potential role for muscle-derived chemokines in exercise-stimulated angiogenesis in skeletal muscle remains poorly understood. Here, we postulated that the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12: CXCL12), shown to promote neovascularization in several organs, contributes to angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. We found that CXCL12 is abundantly expressed in capillary-rich oxidative soleus and exercise-trained plantaris muscles. CXCL12 mRNA and protein were also abundantly expressed in muscle-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α transgenic mice, which have a high proportion of oxidative muscle fibers and capillaries when compared with wild-type littermates. We then generated CXCL12 muscle-specific knockout mice but observed normal baseline capillary density and normal angiogenesis in these mice when they were exercise trained. To get further insight into a potential CXCL12 role in a myofiber-endothelial cell crosstalk, we first mechanically stretched C2C12 myotubes, a model known to induce stretch-related chemokine release, and observed increased CXCL12 mRNA and protein. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to conditioned medium from cyclically stretched C2C12 myotubes displayed increased proliferation, which was dependent on CXCL12-mediated signaling through the CXCR4 receptor. However, HUVEC migration and tube formation were unaltered under these conditions. Collectively, our findings indicate that increased muscle contractile activity enhances CXCL12 production and release from muscle, potentially contributing to endothelial cell proliferation. However, redundant signals from other angiogenic factors are likely sufficient to sustain normal endothelial cell migration and tube formation activity, thereby preserving baseline capillary density and exercise training-mediated angiogenesis in muscles lacking CXCL12.

Waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking is a public health problem with similar or even stronger effects than cigarette smoking. Although it appears to be associated with extensive oxidative stress, there is a limited number of studies on the oxidative effects of WPT smoking in stressful conditions. We, therefore, compared the responses of salivary flow rate (SFR), uric acid (UA) concentration, and peroxidase (POX) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) activities between WPT smokers and non-smokers following a bout of exhaustive aerobic exercise (AE). Twenty-three sedentary young women (age: 22.95 ± 2.83 years) participated in this study, including 11 smokers (7.00 ± 1.41 uses/week) and 12 non-smokers. All participants were required to perform the Bruce protocol treadmill test at an initial gradient of 10% at 1.7 mph, with increases of these parameters every 3 min until exhaustion. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before, immediately after, and 1 hour after AE. WPT smokers showed lower SFR compared with non-smokers at all time points (p &lt; 0.05). In comparison to WPT smokers, a larger increase in POX activity (approximately 23% vs 14%; p = 0.009) and a smaller decline in DPPH activity (approximately −8% vs −15%; p = 0.004) were found in non-smokers compared with WPT smokers. While these changes were slowly compensated within 1 hour after exhaustion, the activity of both markers was different from the pre-exercise values (p &lt; 0.001). There was also a trend for UA concentration in non-smokers to be higher during the recovery period, with no significant difference between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). It seems that WPT smoking is associated with negative effects on important human antioxidants and a diminished antioxidative response following acute exercise.

Background and objectives: Aroma therapy is a complementary therapy using essential oils diluted with carrier oils. Jojoba oils have been widely used as carrier oils. However, limited information is available regarding their effects on blood biochemical parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transdermal administration of jojoba oil on blood biochemical parameters in mice. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male hairless mice were randomly divided into naïve control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, mice were topically administered 4 μL of jojoba oil, per gram of body weight, on the dorsa 30 min before euthanasia. Thereafter, serum biochemical parameters were assayed, and gene expression was analyzed in various tissues via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased significantly 30 min after topical application of jojoba oil (p &lt; 0.05). Atgl was significantly upregulated in the liver (p &lt; 0.05), and Atgl upregulation in the liver was positively correlated with serum NEFA levels (r = 0.592, p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, a trend of decreasing fatty acid trafficking-related gene (FABPpm, FATP-1, FATP-3, and FATP-4) expression in the skin after topical application of jojoba oil (p = 0.067, 0.074, 0.076, and 0.082, respectively) was observed. Conclusions: Serum NEFA levels were elevated 30 min after transdermal administration of jojoba oil. The mechanisms of elevated serum NEFA levels might be related to both enhanced lipolysis in the liver and reduced fatty acid trafficking in the skin.

Studies have shown that diet and nutrition play significant roles in the prevention of depression and its clinical treatment. The present review aims to provide a clear understanding of the associations between diet patterns, specific foods, nutrients such as antioxidants, and depression. As a result, balanced dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and certain foods such as fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits have been associated with a lower risk of depression or depressive symptoms, while high-fat Western diets and sugar-sweetened beverages have been associated with higher risk of depression or depressive symptoms. Dietary antioxidants such as green tea polyphenols or isoflavonoid intake have been negatively associated with depression or depressive symptoms. It is concluded that diet patterns, specific foods, and antioxidants play important roles in the prevention and clinical treatment of depression.

Background: Carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation during exercise attenuates exercise-induced increases in plasma Interleukin (IL)-6 concentration. However, the effects of CHO supplementation on muscle IL-6 production during endurance exercise is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CHO supplementation on muscle IL-6 production during endurance exercise with a special focus on the IL-6 producing cells. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups—sedentary with water ingestion group as the control (Con; n = 10), exercise with water ingestion group (Ex; n = 10), and exercise with 6% glucose ingestion group (Ex + glucose; n = 10). The Ex and Ex + glucose groups completed 3 h of treadmill running (24 m/min, 7% incline) and were sacrificed immediately after exercise. Results: The exercise-induced increases of plasma IL-6 concentration and gastrocnemius IL-6 gene expression were attenuated by glucose ingestion. However, the increases of soleus IL-6 gene expression and gastrocnemius and soleus IL-6 protein expression were not attenuated by glucose ingestion. Furthermore, we observed that macrophages that infiltrated muscle produce IL-6 and glucose ingestion attenuated the infiltration of IL-6-producing macrophages. Conclusion: This study revealed that infiltrating macrophages may be one type of IL-6-producing cells during endurance exercise, and the infiltration of these cells in muscle was attenuated by glucose ingestion. However, the effects of glucose ingestion on muscle IL-6 production were limited.

Reduced levels of physical activity in people’s daily lives cause the development of metabolic syndromes or age-related disorders. Chronic inflammation is now understood to be an underlying pathological condition in which inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages infiltrate into fat and other tissues and accumulate when people become obese due to overeating and/or physical inactivity. Pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines that are secreted in excess from inflammatory cells will not only lead to the development of arteriosclerosis when they chronically affect blood vessels but also bring tissue degeneration and/or dysfunction to various organs. Chronic inflammation is also involved in sarcopenia that brings hypofunction in the elderly, dementia, osteoporosis, or cancer and negatively affects many chronic diseases and people’s healthy life expectancy. In this paper, outlines of such studies are introduced in terms of homeostatic inflammation, which occurs chronically due to the innate immune system and its abnormalities, while focusing on the efficacy of exercise from aspects of immunology and oxidative stress. The preventative effects of functional food ingredients in combination with exercise are also introduced and described. The challenges and future directions in understanding the role of exercise in the control of chronic inflammation are discussed.

Exercise and inflammation induce multi-faceted physiological responses in their own right, let alone when considered together [...]

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players. Materials and Methods: Ten elite and novice chess players were recruited to participate in this study as volunteers. The subjects performed a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity. Before and after each chess match, blood samples were drawn to analyze changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Results: After each chess match, both the elite and novice groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations. The elite group also showed significantly greater changes in BDNF and IGF-1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the novice group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity is effective for elevating BDNF and IGF-1 levels, and that their elevation in elite players seems to be more pronounced than those in novice players.

[Purpose] Little is known about the effectiveness of daily physical activity on depression biomarkers in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the effects of increased daily physical activity for 8 weeks on depression biomarkers in postmenopausal women. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-eight postmenopausal females were randomly assigned into a control or an active group and were asked to wear a uniaxial accelerometer for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the end of the intervention. During the intervention, the active group was asked to increase their physical activity level above their usual lifestyle whereas those in the control group maintained their daily lifestyle. [Results] After the 8-week intervention, the step counts of the participants in the active group increased. The serum concentration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin increased significantly in the active group, but not in the control group, as compared with baseline values. The serum concentration of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites and biological antioxidant potential did not change after the intervention in either group. [Conclusion] These findings may suggest that promotion of daily physical activity in postmenopausal women has a positive impact on depression without any change in oxidative stress.

A ketogenic diet (KD) could induce nutritional ketosis. Over time, the body will acclimate to use ketone bodies as a primary fuel to achieve keto-adaptation. Keto-adaptation may provide a consistent and fast energy supply, thus improving exercise performance and capacity. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, a KD may contribute to muscle health, thus preventing exercise-induced fatigue and damage. Given the solid basis of its potential to improve exercise capacity, numerous investigations into KD and exercise have been carried out in recent years. This narrative review aims to summarize recent research about the potential of a KD as a nutritional approach during endurance exercise, focusing on endurance capacity, recovery from fatigue, and the prevention of exhaustive exercise-induced muscle and organ damage.

Beta-cryptoxanthin (β-cry) is a typical carotenoid found abundantly in fruit and vegetables such as the Japanese mandarin orange, persimmon, papaya, paprika, and carrot, and exerts various biological activities (e.g., antioxidant effects). We previously reported that β-cry suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoclast differentiation via the inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E2 production in gingival fibroblasts and restored the alveolar bone loss in a mouse model for periodontitis in vivo. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of β-cry on osteoclast differentiation. In mouse calvarial organ cultures, LPS-induced bone resorption was suppressed by β-cry. In osteoblasts, β-cry inhibited PGE2 production via the downregulation of the LPS-induced mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and membrane-bound PGE synthase (mPGES)-1, which are PGE synthesis-related enzymes, leading to the suppression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA transcriptional activation. In an in vitro assay, β-cry directly suppressed the activity of the inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK) β, and adding ATP canceled this IKKβ inhibition. Molecular docking simulation further suggested that β-cry binds to the ATP-binding pocket of IKKβ. In Raw264.7 cells, β-cry suppressed RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. The molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of β-cry in LPS-induced bone resorption may involve the ATP-competing inhibition of IKK activity, resulting in the suppression of NF-κB signaling.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dietary patterns and abdominal obesity among middle-aged and elderly Japanese people, using both waist circumference (WC) and visceral fat (VF) as indices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 829 adults (534 men and 295 women), 40 to 79 y of age, who participated in the Waseda Alumni's Sports, Exercise, Daily Activity, Sedentariness and Health Study (WASEDA'S Health Study). Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis. VF was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. To examine the associations of each dietary pattern with WC and VF, we calculated multivariate-adjusted means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of WC and VF for the tertile of each dietary pattern score. RESULTS: Two main dietary patterns were identified: "healthy Japanese" and "seafood and alcohol." The healthy Japanese dietary pattern score was inversely associated with WC and VF in men only. WC measurements were 84.9 cm (95% CI, 83.7-86.1), 83.9 cm (95% CI, 82.7-85.1), and 82.4 cm (95% CI, 81.2-83.6); Ptrend = 0.006, and VF measurements were 94.0 cm2 (95% CI, 85.6-102.4), 89.4 cm2 (95% CI, 81.1-97.7), and 80.4 cm2 (95% CI, 72.5-88.4); Ptrend = 0.027 for the lowest through the highest tertile of healthy Japanese dietary pattern scores in men. The seafood and alcohol dietary pattern was not associated with WC and VF. CONCLUSION: The healthy Japanese dietary pattern was negatively associated with WC and VF in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men.

【目的】運動開始30〜45分前の糖質摂取は、運動開始直後に急激な血糖値の低下を生じさせる。一方、糖質摂取後に安静状態を保った場合に比べ、血糖値がどの程度低下するのかは明らかでない。本研究では、運動誘発性の血糖値の低下が、糖質摂取後に安静状態を保った場合に比べてどの程度であるのか、実際のスポーツ現場に近い状況である朝食摂取条件下にて検討した。【方法】男子大学生15名に対し、実験開始3時間前に朝食を摂取させた状態で、運動試行、安静試行の2試行を行わせた。運動試行では、150gの糖質を摂取してから30分間安静状態を保った後、最大酸素摂取量の75%の強度で60分間自転車運動を行った。安静試行では、糖質摂取後に90分間安静状態を維持した。それぞれの試行において採血を行い、血糖値を測定した。【結果】運動試行では、運動開始15分後に急激に血糖値が低下し、安静試行に比べて28±29mg/dl低い値を示した。また、安静試行から運動試行への血糖低下量が大きい被験者は、血糖低下量が小さい被験者に比べて、最大酸素摂取量が有意に高い値を示した。【結論】朝食摂取条件下においても、糖質摂取後に運動を行うことで、同量の糖質を摂取して安静状態を保った場合に比べて、約30mg/dl程度の血糖値の低下が生じることが明らかとなった。また、血糖低下量が大きい被験者では、最大酸素摂取量が高い傾向が認められた。(著者抄録)

Exercise training is considered an effective way to prevent age-related skeletal muscle loss. However, the molecular mechanism has not been clarified. Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been controversially considered a regulator of skeletal muscle aging. In this study, we examined whether GDF11 is associated with skeletal muscle aging and the effects of exercise training on age-related skeletal muscle loss. First, we observed that Gdf11 mRNA and protein expression levels in young (5-month-old, n = 6) and aged (22-to 26-month-old, n = 5) mice were not significantly different. Aged mice were then divided into sedentary (n = 5) and exercise (n = 6) groups. The exercise group performed moderate-intensity treadmill running for 6 weeks. Treadmill exercise training increased Gdf11 mRNA expression in the soleus muscle, but its protein expression was not altered. In contrast, the GDF11 level in the plantaris muscle was not changed at either the mRNA or protein level. Collectively, our data demonstrate that GDF11 levels do not change during aging, and that treadmill exercise training increased Gdf11 mRNA expression in a predominantly slow-twitch muscle.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive pathological remodeling of the arteries and one of its hallmarks is the presence of chronic inflammation. Notably, there is an increased proportion and activation state of specific monocyte subsets in systemic blood circulation. Monocyte subsets have distinct contributions to the formation, progression, and destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque. Strong clinical and epidemiological studies show that regular aerobic exercise mitigates the progression of cardiovascular disease. In fact, aerobic fitness is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular mortality in adults, independent of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Acute bouts and chronic exercise training modulate monocyte behavior, ranging from their recruitment from the bone marrow or marginal pool, to tissue margination and functional changes in cytokine and chemokine production. Such modulation could reflect a potential mechanism for the cardio-protective effect of exercise on atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge of monocyte subsets and highlights what is known about their responses to exercise.

Adjusting dietary fat intake is reported to affect mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and thus may enhance exercise capacity. However, a high-fat diet where carbohydrate intake is not limited enough also makes it difficult for athletes to maintain weight, and may fail to force the body to utilize fat. As such, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, ketogenic diet (KD) may be viable. We have previously reported that an eight-week KD enhances exercise capacity, and suggested the mechanism to be enhanced lipolysis and ketolysis. In the present study, we investigated how an eight-week KD alters mRNA expression during fatty acid mobilization, FAO and ketolysis. We found that an eight-week KD may remodel the lipid metabolism profile, thus contributing to influence exercise capacity. We also found that ketolysis, lipolysis and FAO adaptations may contribute to enhanced exhaustive exercise performance. Along with enhanced FAO capacity during exhaustive exercise, a KD may also alter IL-6 synthesis and secretion profile, thus contribute to fatty acid mobilization, ketolysis, lipolysis and preventing muscle damage. Both the lipid metabolism response and IL-6 secretion appeared to be muscle fiber specific. Taken together, the previous and present results reveal that an eight-week KD may enhance exercise performance by up-regulating ketolysis and FAO ability. Therefore, a KD may have the potential to prevent muscle damage by altering IL-6 secretion profile, indicating that a KD may be a promising dietary approach in endurance athletes, sports, and for injury prevention.

β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a bioactive metabolite formed from the breakdown of the branched-chain amino acid, leucine. Given the popularity of HMB supplements among different athletes, specifically, those who participate in regular resistance training, this review was performed to summarize current literature on some aspects of HMB supplementation that have received less attention. Because of the small number of published studies, it has not been possible to conclude the exact effects of HMB on cardiovascular parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Thus, the interpretation of outcomes should be taken cautiously. However, the data presented here suggest that acute HMB supplementation may attenuate the pro-inflammatory response following an intense bout of resistance exercise in athletes. Also, the available findings collectively indicate that chronic HMB consumption with resistance training does not improve cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress markers greater than resistance training alone. Taken together, there is clearly a need for further well-designed, long-term studies to support these findings and determine whether HMB supplementation affects the adaptations induced by resistance training associated with the body’s inflammatory condition, antioxidative defense system, and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.

Physical inactivity gives rise to numerous diseases and organismal dysfunctions, particularly those related to aging. Musculoskeletal disorders including muscle atrophy, which can result from a sedentary lifestyle, aggravate locomotive malfunction and evoke a vicious circle leading to severe functional disruptions of vital organs such as the brain and cardiovascular system. Although the significance of physical activity is evident, molecular mechanisms behind its beneficial effects are poorly understood. Here, we show that massage-like mechanical interventions modulate immobilization-induced pro-inflammatory responses of macrophages in situ and alleviate muscle atrophy. Local cyclical compression (LCC) on mouse calves, which generates intramuscular pressure waves with amplitude of 50 mmHg, partially restores the myofiber thickness and contracting forces of calf muscles that are decreased by hindlimb immobilization. LCC tempers the increase in the number of cells expressing pro-inflammatory proteins, tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), including macrophages in situ. The reversing effect of LCC on immobilization-induced thinning of myofibers is almost completely nullified when macrophages recruited from circulating blood are depleted by administration of clodronate liposomes. Furthermore, application of pulsatile fluid shear stress, but not hydrostatic pressure, reduces the expression of MCP-1 in macrophages in vitro. Together with the LCC-induced movement of intramuscular interstitial fluid detected by µCT analysis, these results suggest that mechanical modulation of macrophage function is involved in physical inactivity-induced muscle atrophy and inflammation. Our findings uncover the implication of mechanosensory function of macrophages in disuse muscle atrophy, thereby opening a new path to develop a novel therapeutic strategy utilizing mechanical interventions.

Endurance capacity is important for maintenance of quality of life as well as performance of endurance athletes. In order to improve endurance, intake of nutritional supplements as well as exercise training is also important. Indeed, polyphenolic extracts from plants are known to improve endurance capacity via increase of fatty acid utilization, mitochondrial biogenesis or inhibition of oxidative stress. Taheebo, the extract obtained from inner bark of Tabebuia avellanedae has been reported to have beneficial effects for treatment of inflammation, oxidative stress and obesity. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of polyphenol fraction of taheebo (taheebo polyphenol; TP) on endurance capacity of mice. Single dose administration of TP significantly increased running time until exhaustion. Acute TP administration increased blood glucose and muscle glycogen levels (p < 0.05) through alteration on expression level of genes involved with glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, TP administration decreased exercise-induced increase of protein carbonyls in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that TP administration improve endurance capacity via up-regulation of skeletal muscle glycogen levels and maintenance of blood glucose by acceleration of gluconeogenesis as well as inhibition of exercise-induced oxidative stress. Single administration of TP also increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and gene expression level of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) but did not change the marker of mitochondrial biogenesis.

A low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional approach ensuring that the body utilizes lipids. In our previous study, we found that an eight-week ketogenic high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet increased the capacity of endurance exercise in mice without aggravated muscle injury, despite the decrease of absolute muscle volume. The potential mechanism is most possibly to be enhanced capacity to mobilize and utilize fat. In the present study, we investigated whether a ketogenic diet influences post-exercise recovery by measuring blood biomarkers, muscle and liver oxidative state as well as fatigue recovery 24 h post exercise by employing an open-field locomotion test. Several biochemistry markers indicating exercise-induced injury after exhaustive exercise were improved by KD, followed by a 24-h rest with free feed access, including lactate. No aggravated hepatic oxidative damage was observed, whereas muscular oxidative stress was increased by KD. Accelerated recovery induced by exhaustive exercise was also observed from blood biomarkers of injury. For fatigue recovery, lactate concentration, a marker often employed as exhaustion index was lowered by KD, whereas an open field test showed that KD application contributed to increased locomotion after exhaustive exercise, followed by a 24-h rest. These results suggest that KD has the potential to be used as a fatigue-preventing and/or recovery-promoting diet approach in endurance athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of neutrophil dynamics and function in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and the effect of molecular hydrogen (H₂) intake on these parameters. Nine healthy and active young men performed H₂ and placebo bath trial in a crossover design. They carried out downhill running (-8% slope) for 30 min at a speed corresponding to 75~85% of peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). Subsequently, they repeated bathing for 20 min per day for one week. Degree of muscle soreness (visual analogue scale: VAS), peripheral leukocyte counts, neutrophil dynamics and function, muscle damage, and inflammation markers were measured. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 concentration was significantly correlated with peripheral neutrophil count, VAS, and serum creatine kinase activity, respectively, after downhill running. Peripheral neutrophil count and serum myoglobin concentration were also significantly correlated. Conversely, there were no effects of H₂ bath. These results suggest that IL-6 may be involved in the mobilization of neutrophils into the peripheral blood and subsequent EIMD and DOMS after downhill running; however, it is not likely that H₂ bath is effective for the inflammatory process that was centered on neutrophils after downhill running.

BACKGROUND: Aging is known to be associated with increased risk of lipid disorders related to the development of type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence revealed that change of lipid molecule species in blood is associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, changes in lipid molecular species induced by aging are still unknown. We assessed the effects of age on the serum levels of lipid molecular species as determined by lipidomics analysis. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from ten elderly men (71.7 ± 0.5 years old) and women (70.2 ± 1.0 years old), ten young men (23.9 ± 0.4 years old), and women (23.9 ± 0.7 years old). Serum levels of lipid molecular species were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based lipidomics analysis. RESULTS: Our mass spectrometry analysis revealed increases in the levels of multiple triacylglycerol molecular species in the serum of elderly men and women. Moreover, serum levels of total ester-linked phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were increased by aging. In contrast, serum levels of specific ether-linked PC and PE molecular species were lower in elderly individuals than in young individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding indicates that specific lipid molecular species, such as ether- and ester- linked phospholipids, may be selectively altered by aging.

PURPOSE: It remains unclear whether rehydration restores retinal blood flow reduced by exhaustive exercise. We investigated the effect of fluid intake on retinal blood flow after exhaustive exercise. METHODS: Blood flow in the inferior (ITRA) and superior temporal retinal arterioles (STRA) was measured before and after incremental cycling exercise until exhaustion in 13 healthy males. After the exercise, the subjects rested without drinking (control condition: CON) or with drinking an electrolyte containing water (rehydrate condition: REH) and were followed up for a period of 120 min. To assess the hydration state, the body mass was measured, and venous blood samples were collected and plasma volume (PV) was calculated. RESULTS: Body mass decreased in CON after the trial [- 1.1 ± 0.1% (mean ± SE), p < 0.05]. PV was lower in CON than in REH during recovery. The ITRA and STRA blood flows decreased immediately after exercise from the resting baseline (ITRA; - 23 ± 4% in REH and - 30 ± 4% in CON, p < 0.05). The ITRA blood flow recovered baseline level at 15 min of recovery in REH (- 9 ± 3%, p = 0.5), but it remained reduced in CON (-14 ± 3%, p < 0.05). The STRA blood flow was higher in REH than in CON at 15 min (2 ± 3 vs. - 5 ± 3%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the reduction in retinal blood flow induced by exhaustive exercise can be recovered early by rehydration.

The inflammatory response of macrophages is involved in pathogenesis of lifestyle-related diseases. Green tea consumption reduces the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenols of green tea including gallic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in vitro. The macrophage cell line RAW264 cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of polyphenols (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and EGCG) for 4 h, and were stimulated with LPS for 45 min, 2 h and 24 h. After 24 h LPS challenge, cell lysates and supernatants were harvested. The protein concentration of whole cell lysate was used for determination of cell growth/viability by the BCA assay. The production of TNF-? and IL-6 was measured by ELISA. The total expression and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was detected by Western blotting. Our results showed that the total protein content of cells was decreased after LPS challenge, while this effect was attenuated when cells were pre-treated with 10 ?M gallic acid and EGCG. Pre-treatment with 1 and 10 ?M EGCG and (-)-catechin significantly decreased the production of TNF-? and IL-6. Furthermore, pre-treatment with 10 ?M gallic acid significantly reduced the production of TNF-? and IL-6. Pre-treatment with 10 ?M (+)-catechin, (-)-catechin, (-) epicatechin, and EGCG enhanced the expression and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK after stimulation with LPS for 45 min and 2 h. By contrast, pre-treatment with gallic acid did not affect the production and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. These results demonstrated that polyphenols with pyrogallol-type structures in green tea attenuate the activation of macrophages.

We aimed to examine the effects of ingestion of different amounts of carbohydrate (CHO) after endurance exercise on neutrophil count, circulating cytokine levels, and the markers of neutrophil activation and muscle damage. Nine participants completed three separate experimental trials consisting of 1 h of cycling exercise at 70% V · O₂ max, followed by ingestion of 1.2 g CHO·kg body mass-1·h-1 (HCHO trial), 0.2 g CHO·kg body mass-1·h-1 (LCHO trial), or placebo (PLA trial) during the 2 h recovery phase in random order. Circulating glucose, insulin, and cytokine levels, blood cell counts, and the markers of neutrophil activation and muscle damage were measured. The concentrations of plasma glucose and serum insulin at 1 h after exercise were higher in the HCHO trial than in the LCHO and PLA trials. Although there were significant main effects of time on several variables, including neutrophil count, cytokine levels, and the markers of neutrophil activation and muscle damage, significant time × trial interactions were not observed for any variables. These results suggest that CHO ingestion after endurance exercise does not enhance exercise-induced increase in circulating neutrophil and cytokine levels and markers of neutrophil activation and muscle damage, regardless of the amount of CHO ingested.

Strenuous exercise induces such inflammatory responses as leukocytosis (neutrophilia) and symptoms as delayed-onset muscle soreness and swelling. However, the association between inflammatory mediator cytokines and oxidative stress is not fully delineated. Herein, in addition to basic background information on cytokines, research findings on exertional effects on cytokine release and the underlying mechanisms and triggers are introduced. Then, the associations among cytokine responses, oxidative stress, and tissue damage are described not only in overloaded skeletal muscle, but also in other internal organs. Furthermore, we introduce preventive countermeasures against the exhaustive exercise-induced pathogenesis together with the possibility of antioxidant interventions.

[This corrects the article on p. 63 in vol. 4, PMID: 29312947.].

Current fueling tactics for endurance exercise encourage athletes to ingest a high carbohydrate diet. However, athletes are not generally encouraged to use fat, the largest energy reserve in the human body. A low carbohydrate, high fat ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional approach ensuring that the body utilizes lipids. Although KD has been associated with weight-loss, enhanced fat utilization in muscle and other beneficial effects, there is currently no clear proof whether it could lead to performance advantage. To evaluate the effects of KD on endurance exercise capacity, we studied the performance of mice subjected to a running model after consuming KD for eight weeks. Weight dropped dramatically in KD-feeding mice, even though they ate more calories. KD-feeding mice showed enhanced running time without aggravated muscle injury. Blood biochemistry and correlation analysis indicated the potential mechanism is likely to be a keto-adaptation enhanced capacity to transport and metabolize fat. KD also showed a potential preventive effect on organ injury caused by acute exercise, although KD failed to exert protection from muscle injury. Ultimately, KD may contribute to prolonged exercise capacity.

Aim of study: Taheebo polyphenols (TP) are water extracts of Tabebuia spp. (Bignoniaceae), taken from the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellanedae tree, used extensively as folk medicine in Central and South America. Some anti-inflammatory drugs act by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-1 enzymes. COX-2 syntheses prostaglandin (PG) E2, which is a species of endogenous pain-producing substance, whereas COX-1 acts as a house-keeping enzyme. Inhibiting both COX-1 and -2 simultaneously can have side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and renal dysfunction. Some polyphenols have been reported for its selective inhibiting activity toward COX-2 expression. Our study aimed to demonstrate the potential and mechanisms of TP as an anti-inflammation action without the side effects of COX-1 inhibition. Materials and methods: Free fatty acid-stimulated macrophage cell lines were employed to mimic macrophage behaviors during lifestyle-related diseases such as atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA. Griess assay was used to measure the production of nitric oxide (NO). ELISA was used to measure PG E2 production. Molecular docking was adopted to analyze the interactions between compounds from T. avellanedae and COX-2. Results: TP significantly suppressed the production of NO production, blocked the mRNA expression of iNOS, and COX-2 in both cell lines, blocked the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in the murine cell line. However, there was no inhibitory effect on COX-1. Molecular docking result indicated that the inhibitory effects of TP on COX-2 and PGE2 could be attributed to acteoside, which is the main compound of TP that could bind to the catalytic zone of COX-2. After the interaction, catalytic ability of COX-2 is possibly inhibited, followed by which PGE2 production is attenuated. COX inhibitor screening assay showed TP as a selective inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effects of TP can possibly regulate macrophages due to the targeted inhibition of COX-2 activity, without affecting COX-1 activity with other anti-inflammatory effects including suppression of iNOS and inflammatory cytokines. As such, TP is potentially useful in prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related disease by attenuating inflammation caused by macrophages infiltration.

Background: -Hydroxy--methylbutyrate-free acid (HMB-FA) has been ingested prior to exercise to reduce muscle damage, however the effects of HMB-FA supplementation on hormonal, strength and power adaptation are unclear. Methods: Sixteen healthy men were matched and randomized into two groups and performed six-week resistance training while supplementing with either HMB-FA or placebo (3 g per day). The subjects were evaluated for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and leg press and vertical jump (VJ) prior to and after training intervention. In addition, blood samples were obtained before and after resistance training to evaluate resting growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone (TEST), cortisol (CORT), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses. The HMB-FA supplementation group showed greater gains compared with the placebo group in peak power (effect size ES = 0.26 vs. 0.01) and 1RM leg press (ES = 1.52 vs. 0.96). In addition, the HMB-FA supplementation group indicated greater decrements in ACTH and CORT responses to training in comparison to the placebo group (p &lt; 0.05). Likewise, in GH (ES = 1.41 vs. 0.12) and IGF-1 (ES = 0.83 vs. 0.41), the HMB-FA indicated greater training effects when compared with the placebo group. Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the potential anabolic benefits associated with HMB-FA supplementation.

Many studies have attempted to determine the associations between blood biomarkers and exercise-induced muscle damage. However, poor correlations between the changes in biomarker levels and the magnitude of muscle symptoms have been reported. Recent advances in proteomic tools offer a strategy for the comprehensive analysis of protein expression, which can be used to identify biomarkers. Here, we used a proteomic analysis to identify urinary proteins that appear in response to a calf-raise exercise, including repetitive eccentric muscle contractions, and found that a titin (also known as connectin) N-terminal fragment molecule appears in the urine after eccentric exercise. We measured the titin fragment in urine samples from nine individuals before and after eccentric exercise using a newly-established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and found that the titin fragment excretion rate increased 96 h after the exercise (5.1 to 77.6 pg/min, p &lt; 0.01). The changes in the titin fragment excretion rate were correlated strongly with blood markers of muscle damage and with muscle symptoms. These findings suggest that the urinary titin fragment is potentially a noninvasive biomarker of muscle damage.

Corylin is a main compound isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae). A variety of pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-proliferation, and anti-inflammatory properties of corylin have been reported. Nevertheless, the effect of corylin in microbial infection and sepsis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of corylin. Our experimental results demonstrated that corylin inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-6 and NO by both LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and LPS-activated murine peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, corylin suppressed the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2, reduced the production of PGE2 and HMGB1, blocked the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to cytosol, and decreased the phosphorylation of MAPKs in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells as well as suppressed the activity of NF-κB in LPS-activated J-Blue cells. In addition, the administration of corylin reduced the production of NO and TNF-α, decreased LPS-induced liver damage markers (AST and ALT) and kidney damage markers (BUN and CRE), attenuated infiltration of inflammatory cells and tissue damage of lung, liver and kidney, and enhanced the survival rate of LPS-challenged mice. Taken together, these results show the anti-inflammatory properties of corylin on LPS-induced inflammation and sepsis. Corylin could potentially be a novel anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug candidate in the treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

Cold water immersion and active recovery are common post-exercise recovery treatments. However, little is known about whether these treatments influence inflammation and cellular stress in human skeletal muscle after exercise. We compared the effects of cold water immersion versus active recovery on inflammatory cells, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophins and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in skeletal muscle after intense resistance exercise. Nine active men performed unilateral lower-body resistance exercise on separate days, at least 1 week apart. On one day, they immersed their lower body in cold water (10 degrees C) for 10 min after exercise. On the other day, they cycled at a low intensity for 10 min after exercise. Muscle biopsies were collected from the exercised leg before, 2, 24 and 48 h after exercise in both trials. Exercise increased intramuscular neutrophil and macrophage counts, MAC1 and CD163 mRNA expression (P &lt; 0.05). Exercise also increased IL1 beta, TNF, IL6, CCL2, CCL4, CXCL2, IL8 and LIF mRNA expression (P &lt; 0.05). As evidence of hyperalgesia, the expression of NGF and GDNF mRNA increased after exercise (P &lt; 0.05). The cytosolic protein content of alpha B-crystallin and HSP70 decreased after exercise (P &lt; 0.05). This response was accompanied by increases in the cytoskeletal protein content of alpha B-crystallin and the percentage of type II fibres stained for alpha B-crystallin. Changes in inflammatory cells, cytokines, neurotrophins and HSPs did not differ significantly between the recovery treatments. These findings indicate that cold water immersion is no more effective than active recovery for reducing inflammation or cellular stress in muscle after a bout of resistance exercise.

Aloe, a polyphenolic anthranoid-containing Aloe vera leaves, is a Chinese medicine and a popular dietary supplement worldwide. In in vivo situations, polyphenolic anthranoids are extensively broken down into glucuronides and sulfate metabolites by the gut and the liver. The anti-inflammatory potential of aloe metabolites has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe metabolites from in vitro (lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages) and ex vivo (LPS-activated peritoneal macrophages) to in vivo (LPS-induced septic mice). The production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-12) and NO was determined by ELISA and Griess reagents, respectively. The expression levels of iNOS and MAPKs were analyzed by Western blot. Our results showed that aloe metabolites inhibited the expression of iNOS, decreased the production of TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-12, and NO, and suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs by LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, aloe metabolites reduced the production of NO, TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-12 by murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, aloe administration significantly reduced the NO level and exhibited protective effects against sepsis-related death in LPS-induced septic mice. These results suggest that aloe metabolites exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, and that these effects were associated with the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, aloe could be considered an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis.

Sleep disorder is a risk factor for several systemic inflammation-related diseases and there are extensive data showing that schizophrenia is associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This study investigated the associations between sleep quality and inflammatory markers in patients with schizophrenia, which has not been examined before. Sleep quality (total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, total activity counts, wake after sleep onset, number of awakening, and average length of awakening) was measured using actigraphy in 199 schizophrenia inpatients. The state of inflammation was measured using blood concentration of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils, together with neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The results showed that total sleep time was negatively associated with NLR and PLR, and sleep efficiency was negatively associated with neutrophil counts and NLR. Sleep onset latency, total activity counts, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakening were positively associated with WBC and neutrophil counts. The average length of awakening was positively associated with NLR and PLR. This is the first report to suggest that improving sleep quality may modulate the state of inflammation in patients with schizophrenia.

Introduction: Disuse-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is a serious concern; however, there is not an effective mouse model to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. We developed a noninvasive atrophy model in mice. Methods: After the ankle joints of mice were bandaged into a bilateral plantar flexed position, either bilateral or unilateral hindlimbs were immobilized by wrapping in bonsai steel wire. Results: After 3, 5, or 10 days of immobilization of the hip, knee, and ankle, the weight of the soleus and plantaris muscles decreased significantly in both bilateral and unilateral immobilization. MAFbx/atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA was found to have significantly increased in both muscles, consistent with disuse-induced atrophy. Notably, the procedure did not result in either edema or necrosis in the fixed hindlimbs. Conclusions: This method allows repeated, direct access to the immobilized muscle, making it a useful procedure for concurrent application and assessment of various therapeutic interventions.

Purpose The infiltration of macrophages in skeletal muscle during exhaustive exercise promotes inflammation, myofiber lesion, and muscle injury. Although neutrophils upregulate macrophage infiltration in skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of neutrophils in promoting muscle injury after exhaustive exercise remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of preexercise neutrophil depletion with antineutrophil antibody treatment on muscle injury, inflammation, and macrophage infiltration after exhaustive exercise.
Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups, namely, sedentary with control antibody (n = 10), sedentary with antineutrophil antibody (n = 10), exhaustive exercise with control antibody (n = 10), and exhaustive exercise with antineutrophil antibody (n = 10). The mice were given intraperitoneal injection of the antineutrophil antibody (anti-Ly-6G, clone 1A8) or the control antibody (anti-Ly-6G, clone 2A3), and remained inactive or performed exhaustive exercise on a treadmill 48 h after the injection. Twenty-four hours after the exhaustive exercise, the gastrocnemius muscles were removed for histological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages was evaluated with Ly-6G and F4/80 immunohistochemistry staining procedures. Muscle fiber injury was detected based on the number of IgG staining fiber. The mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were evaluated with real-time reverse transcription PCR.
Results Exhaustive exercise increased neutrophil infiltration into the gastrocnemius muscle substantially by 3.1-fold and caused muscle injury, but these effects were markedly suppressed by preexercise treatment with antineutrophil antibody (neutrophil infiltration, 0.42-fold, and muscle injury, 0.18-fold). Treatment with antineutrophil antibody also decreased macrophage infiltration (0.44-fold) and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor- (0.55-fold) and interleukin-6 (0.51-fold) in the skeletal muscle after exhaustive exercise.
Conclusion These results suggest that neutrophils contribute to exacerbating muscle injury by regulating inflammation through the induction of macrophage infiltration.

Regular exercise has systemic beneficial effects, including the promotion of brain function. The adaptive response to regular exercise involves the up-regulation of the enzymatic antioxidant system and modulation of oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important regulators of cell signaling. Exercise, via intensity-dependent modulation of metabolism and/or directly activated ROS generating enzymes, regulates the cellular redox state of the brain. ROS are also involved in the self-renewal and differentiation of neuronal stem cells and the exercise-mediated neurogenesis could be partly associated with ROS production. Exercise has strong effects on the immune system and readily alters the production of cytokines. Certain cytokines, especially IL-6, IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-18 and IFN gamma, are actively involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Cytokines can also contribute to ROS production. ROS-mediated alteration of lipids, protein, and DNA could directly affect brain function, while exercise modulates the accumulation of oxidative damage. Oxidative alteration of macromolecules can activate signaling processes, membrane remodeling, and gene transcription. The well known neuroprotective effects of exercise are partly due to redox-associated adaptation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive hormones are likely to be involved in thermoregulation through body fluid dynamics. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle and water consumption on physiological responses to prolonged exercise at moderate intensity in hot conditions.
METHODS: Eight healthy young women with regular menstrual cycles performed cycling exercise for 90 minutes at 50% VO2peak intensity during the low progesterone (LP) level phase and high progesterone (HP) level phase, with or without water consumption, under hot conditions (30 degrees C, 50% relative humidity). For the water consumption trials, subjects ingested water equivalent to the loss in body weight that occurred in the earlier non-consumption trial. For all four trials, rectal temperature, cardiorespiratory responses, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured.
RESULTS: Throughout the 90-minute exercise period, rectal temperatures during HP were higher than during LP by an average of 0.4 degrees C in the non-consumption trial (P&lt; 0.01) and 0.2 degrees C in the water consumption trial (P&lt; 0.05). During exercise, water consumption affected the changes in rectal temperature and heat rate (HR) during HP, but it did not exert these effects during LP. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between estradiol levels and rectal temperature during LP.
CONCLUSIONS: During prolonged exercise at moderate intensity under hot conditions, water consumption is likely to be useful for suppressing the associated increase in body temperature and HR, particularly during HP, whereas estradiol appears to be useful for suppressing the increase in rectal temperature during LP.

Exhaustive exercise promotes muscle injury, including myofiber lesions; however, its exact mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that macrophage depletion by pretreatment with clodronate liposomes alters muscle injury and inflammation following exhaustive exercise. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: rest plus control liposome (n=8), rest plus clodronate liposome (n=8), exhaustive exercise plus control liposome (n=8), and exhaustive exercise plus clodronate liposome (n=8). Mice were treated with clodronate liposome or control liposome for 48 h before undergoing exhaustive exercise on a treadmill. Twenty-four hours after exhaustive exercise, the gastrocnemius muscles were removed for histological and PCR analyses. Exhaustive exercise increased the number of macrophages in the muscle; however, clodronate liposome treatment reduced this infiltration. Although exhaustive exercise resulted in an increase in injured myofibers, clodronate liposome treatment following exhaustive exercise reduced the injured myofibers. Clodronate liposome treatment also decreased the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the skeletal muscle after exhaustive exercise. These results suggest that macrophages play a critical role in increasing muscle injury by regulating inflammation.

Exercise dynamically changes skeletal muscle protein synthesis to respond and adapt to the external and internal stimuli. Many studies have focused on overall protein synthesis to understand how exercise regulates the muscular adaptation. However, despite the probability that each gene transcript may have its own unique translational characteristics and would be differentially regulated at translational level, little attention has been paid to how exercise affects translational regulation of individual genes at a genome-wide scale. Here, we conducted a genome-wide translational analysis using ribosome profiling to investigate the effect of a single bout of treadmill running (20 m/min for 60 min) on mouse gastrocnemius. Global translational profiles largely differed from those in transcription even at a basal resting condition as well as immediately after exercise. As for individual gene, Slc25a25 (Solute carrier family 25, member 25), localized in mitochondrial inner membrane and maintaining ATP homeostasis and endurance performance, showed significant up-regulation at translational level. However, multiple regression analysis suggests that Slc25a25 protein degradation may also have a role in mediating Slc25a25 protein abundance in the basal and early stages after acute endurance exercise.

Several studies have reported that molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a therapeutic medical gas owing to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known about effects of H2 on exercise-induced oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weekly hydrogen bathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Nine healthy and active young men participated in this study, and each subject performed hydrogen bathing trial and placebo bathing trial in a crossover design. The subjects performed downhill running (8 % decline) at 75 % peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) for 30 min, and each subjects conducted hydrogen or placebo bathing for 20 min, respectively, 1-6 days after downhill running. Before and after exercise, we measured visual analogue scale (VAS) and collected blood samples (Pre-and 5 min, 60 min after the end of bathing, 1day, 2days, 3days, 7days after downhill running). Blood sample analyses include creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17a (IL-17a) and lactate concentrations. Weekly hydrogen bathing had no effects of exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage. On the other hand, hydrogen bathing significantly reduced DOMS (VAS) 1 and 2days after downhill running (p=0.033). These findings suggest that hydrogen bath after downhill exercise can be effective for reduction of DOMS.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial to athletes performing high-intensity exercise. This study investigated the effects of carbohydrate and green tea coingestion on sprint cycling performance and associated oxidative stress and immunoendocrine responses to exercise. In a crossover design, 9 well-trained male cyclists completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of 100-m uphill sprint cycling while ingesting green tea and carbohydrate (TEA) (22 mg/kg body mass catechins, 6 mg/kg body mass caffeine, 230 mg/kg glucose, and 110 mg/kg fructose) or carbohydrate only (CHO) (230 mg/kg body mass glucose and 110 mg/kg body mass fructose) during each 10-min recovery period between sets. Blood samples were collected before exercise, 10 min after exercise, and 14 h after exercise. There was no effect of acute TEA ingestion on cycling sprint performance (p = 0.29), although TEA maintained postexercise testosterone and lymphocyte concentrations, which decreased significantly in the CHO group (p &lt; 0.001). While there was a trend for lower postexercise neutrophil count with TEA (p = 0.05), there were no significant differences between TEA and CHO for circulating cytokines (p &gt; 0.20), markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity (p &gt; 0.17), adiponectin concentration (p = 0.60), or muscle damage markers (p &gt; 0.64). While acute green tea ingestion prevents the postexercise decrease in testosterone and lymphocytes, it does not appear to benefit cycling sprint performance or reduce markers of oxidation and inflammation when compared with carbohydrate alone.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of vitamin C supplementation on low-intensity prolonged exercise training-induced changes of metabolic and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: a control group, exercise training group, vitamin C supplemented group, and vitamin C supplemented exercise training group. Rats in the vitamin C supplemented groups were given vitamin C (500 mg/kg/day). The vitamin C supplemented animals were given vitamin C in their drinking water during a 2-week pretraining period. The rats in the vitamin C supplemented groups were administered vitamin C with a feeding needle 1h before each training session in the training period. Rats in the exercise training groups swam without a load for 6 h in two 3 h bouts, separated by 45 min of rest. The rats performed the training once a day for 10 days. Vitamin C supplementation attenuated oxidative stress and increased glutathione level and catalase activity. Exercise training increased citrate synthase and hexokinase activities. However, vitamin C did not change these enzyme activities. These results suggest that vitamin C does not prevent the training-induced activation of metabolic enzymes, but attenuates oxidative stress via induction of antioxidants in skeletal muscle.

The innate immune system is associated with the development of local inflammation. Neutrophils play an essential role in the development of the adipose tissue (AT) inflammation associated with obesity by producing elastase, which can promote the activation and infiltration of macrophages. Exercise training attenuates AT inflammation via suppression of macrophage infiltration. However, the mechanisms driving this phenomenon remains to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the effects of exercise training on the infiltration of neutrophils and elastase expression in an obese mouse model. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one of three groups that either received a normal diet (ND) plus sedentary activity (n = 15), a high-fat diet (HFD) plus sedentary activity (n = 15), or a HFD plus exercise training (n = 15). Mice were fed the ND or HFD from the age of 4 weeks until 20 weeks. Mice in the exercise group ran on a treadmill for 60 min/day, 5 days/week over the same experimental period. Mice fed with the HFD had increased content of macrophages in the AT and increased inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels, which were reduced by exercise training. Similarly, AT from the HFD sedentary mice contained more neutrophils than AT from the ND mice, and the amount of neutrophils in this tissue in HFD-fed mice was lowered by exercise training. The mRNA levels of neutrophil elastase in AT were lower in the HFD exercise-trained mice than those in the HFD sedentary mice. These results suggest that exercise training plays a critical role in reducing macrophage infiltration and AT inflammation by regulating the infiltration of neutrophils.

Purpose
To compare the effects of endurance exercise performed in the morning and evening on inflammatory cytokine responses in young men.
Methods
Fourteen healthy male participants aged 24.3 +/- 0.8 years (mean +/- standard error) performed endurance exercise in the morning (0900-1000 h) on one day and then in the evening (1700-1800 h) on another day with an interval of at least 1 week between each trial. In both the morning and evening trials, the participants walked for 60 minutes at approximately 60% of the maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2max)) on a treadmill. Blood samples were collected to determine hormones and inflammatory cytokines at pre-exercise, immediately post exercise, and 2 h post exercise.
Results
Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and adrenaline concentrations were significantly higher immediately after exercise in the evening trial than in the morning trial (P &lt; 0.01, both). Serum free fatty acids concentrations were significantly higher in the evening trial than in the morning trial at 2 h after exercise (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the levels of IL-6 immediately post-exercise and free fatty acids 2 h post-exercise in the evening (r = 0.68, P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the effect of acute endurance exercise in the evening enhances the plasma IL-6 and adrenaline concentrations compared to that in the morning. In addition, IL-6 was involved in increasing free fatty acids, suggesting that the evening is more effective for exercise-induced lipolysis compared with the morning.

Purpose: To assess the effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on muscle hardness and evaluate the relationship between muscle hardness and muscle damage indicators.
Methods: Seven men (mean 25.3 years; 172.7 cm; 66.8 kg) performed the single-leg ankle plantar flexion exercise involving both concentric and eccentric contractions (10 sets of 40 repetitions). The hardness of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) was evaluated using ultrasound real-time tissue elastography before, from day 1 to 4, and day 7 after exercise. The strain ratio between the MG and a reference material was calculated. Simultaneously, we evaluated the magnetic resonance T2 value (an index of edema) of the triceps surae, the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and calf muscle soreness. Serum creatine kinase activity was assessed before, 2 and 4 h, and from day 1 to 4 after exercise.
Results: The MG showed lower strain ratio, indicating increased muscle hardness, on day 4 post-exercise (P &lt; 0.01) and higher T2 values on days 1-7 post-exercise (P &lt; 0.01) relative to each pre-exercise value. The ankle dorsiflexion ROM was lower on days 2-4 post-exercise (P &lt; 0.01). The serum creatine kinase markedly increased on days 3 and 4 post-exercise (not significant). The degree of muscle soreness among the post-exercise time points was similar. The decreased strain ratio did not correlate with the increased T2, the decreased joint ROM or muscle soreness.
Conclusion: Muscle hardness increased after strenuous resistance exercise, but the change was not related with muscle edema, decreased joint ROM, or muscle soreness resulting from muscle damage.

Background: Sedentary behavior, which includes sitting and TV viewing, has been identified as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Breaking sedentary behavior improves metabolic health such as postprandial glycaemia and insulinemia. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. Objectives: Here, we examined whether breaking sitting by standing and acute exercise reduces postprandial oxidative stress. Patient and Methods: Fifteen participants performed 3 trials (sitting, standing, and exercise), each lasting 2 days, in a randomised order. On day one of sitting trial, participants sat in a chair. For the standing trial, the participants stood 6 times, for a 45-minute period each time. For the exercise trial, the participants walked or ran at approximately 60% of age-predicted maximum heart rate for 30 minutes. On day two of each trial, participants rested and consumed the standardised breakfast and lunch. Blood samples were collected in the morning and afternoon on day one, and fasting and at 2, 4, and 6 hours postprandially on day two. Results: The concentrations of serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) measured at 4 hours (P = 0.064) and 6 hours (P = 0.071) tended to be higher than that in the fasting state in the sitting trial, but not standing and exercise trial (two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), trial × time interaction, P = 0.006). Conclusions: Our results indicate the importance of reducing sitting time for improving postprandial oxidative stress status.

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a 12 kDa protein that is induced by oxidative stress, scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulates chemotaxis. Furthermore it is thought to play a protective role in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury Complement 5a (C5a) is a chemotactic factor of neutrophils and is produced after ischemia/reperfusion injury in the kidney. Both TRX and C5a increase after endurance exercise. Therefore, it may be possible that TRX has an association with C5a in renal disorders and/or renal protection caused by endurance exercise. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships among the changes of urine levels of TRX, C5a and acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia/repetfusion, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress following intensive endurance exercise. Also, we applied a newly-developed measurement system of neutrophil migratory activity and ROS-production by use of ex vivo hydrogel methodology with an extracellular matrix to investigate the mechanisms of muscle damage. Fourteen male triathletes participated in a duathlon race consisting of 5 km of running, 40 km of cycling and 5 km of running were recruited to the study Venous blood and urine samples were collected before. immediately following, 1.5 It and 3 It after the race. Plasma, serum and urine were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, a free radical analytical system, and the ex vivo neutrophil functional measurement system. These data were analyzed by assigning participants to damaged and minor-damage groups by the presence and absence of renal tubular epithelial cells in the urinary sediments. We found strong associations among urinary TRX C5a. interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-8. IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1. From the data it might be inferred that urinary TRX, MCP-1 and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were associated with renal tubular injury. Furthermore. TRX may be influenced by levels of IL-10, regulate chemotactic activity of C5a and IL-8, and control inflammatory progress by C5a and In the longer duration group (minor-damage group), circulating neutrophil count, plasma concentration of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and serum concentration of myoglobin were markedly increased. In the higher intensity group (damaged group), neutrophil activation and degranulation of MPO might be inhibited, because not only was ROS production observed to be higher. hut also antioxidant capacity and an inflammatory cytokines were increased. Critically, the newly-developed ex vivo methodology corroborated the neutrophil activation levels in the two groups of participants.

Cytokines are important mediators of various aspects of health and disease, including appetite, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy Over the past decade or so, considerable attention has focused on the potentiallar regular exercise to counteract a range of disease states by modulating cylokine production. Exercise stimulates moderate to large increases in the circulating concentrations of interleukin IL-8, IL-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist. granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and smaller increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chentotactic protein-I, IL-1 beta, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; IL-12p35/p40 and IL-15. Although many of these cytokines are also expressed in skeletal muscle, not all are released from skeletal muscle into the circulation during exercise. Conversely some cytokines that are present in the circulation are not expressed in skeletal muscle after exercise. The reasons for these discrepant cytokine responses to exercise are unclear In this review, we address these uncertainties by summarizing the capacity of skeletal muscle cells to produce cytokines, analyzing other potential cellular sources of circulating cytokines during exercise. and discussing the soluble factors and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cytokine synthesis (e.g., RNA-binding proteins, micaoRNAs, suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins, soluble receptors).

Elevated postprandial hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and CVD. Green tea catechin possesses antidiabetic properties and antioxidant capacity. In the present study, we examined the acute and continuous effects of ingestion of catechin-rich green tea on postprandial hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in healthy postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned into the placebo (P, n 11) or green tea (GT, n 11) group. The GT group consumed a catechin-rich green tea (catechins 615 mg/350 ml) beverage per d for 4 weeks. The P group consumed a placebo (catechins 92 mg/350 ml) beverage per d for 4 weeks. At baseline and after 4 weeks, participants of each group consumed their designated beverages with breakfast and consumed lunch 3 h after breakfast. Venous blood samples were collected in the fasted state (0 h) and at 2, 4 and 6 h after breakfast. Postprandial glucose concentrations were 3% lower in the GT group than in the P group (three-factor ANOVA, group x time interaction, P&lt;0.05). Serum concentrations of the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites increased after meals (P&lt;0.05), but no effect of catechin-rich green tea intake was observed. Conversely, serum postprandial thioredoxin concentrations were 5% higher in the GT group than in the P group (three-factor ANOVA, group x time interaction, P&lt;0.05). These findings indicate that an acute ingestion of catechin-rich green tea has beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and redox homeostasis in postmenopausal women.

Although numerous sources of evidence show that regular physical activity is beneficial to health, most individuals do not engage in a sufficient amount of physical activity to meet the guidelines set out by expert panels. In addition, the minimum amount of physical activity associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk markers is not clear in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week walking program involving an exercise volume below the current minimum physical activity recommendation on cardiovascular disease risk markers in older adults. The participants were recruited from the following two groups separately: a walking group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). In the walking group, participants walked 30 to 60 minutes per session on 2 days per week for 12 weeks (average walking time, 49.4 +/- 8.8 min/session). Plasma oxidised low-density lipoprotein concentrations tended to be lower than baseline values in the walking group after 12 weeks (paired t-test, p = 0.127). The ratio of oxidised low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower than the baseline ratio in the walking group after 12 weeks (paired t-test, p = 0.035). Resting systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower than baseline values in the walking group after 12 weeks (paired t-tests, p = 0.002, p < 0.0005, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that a 12-week walking program comprising a low volume of physical activity confers a benefit to cardiovascular-related health in older adults.

Background: Sex hormones are known to regulate some responses during exercise. Evaluation of the differences in exercise response with regard to menstrual cycle will help understand the menstrual cycle phase specific adaptations to exercise and athletic performance.Methods: We investigated the effects of menstrual cycle phase and carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion on immune response during endurance exercise at 30 degrees C. Six healthy women completed 4 trials comprising 90 min of cycling at 50% peak aerobic power ((V) over dotO(2peak)) and a high intensity time trial performance test (POST). They ingested a placebo- or CHO-containing beverage during the trials, which were performed during both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. In all trials, thermoregulatory, cardiorespiratory, and immune responses were measured during exercise and after POST.Results: Although the thermoregulatory responses differed between the menstrual cycle phases, the cardiorespiratory responses were not different. After placebo ingestion, leukocyte concentration (cells/mu L) at POST (15.9 x 10(3)) in the luteal phase was significantly higher than that in the follicular phase (12.9 x 10(3)). The rise in leukocyte concentration was attenuated upon CHO ingestion, and the difference between menstrual cycle phases disappeared. A significant positive correlation was found between leukocyte concentration and serum free fatty acid concentrations. Interleukin-6, calprotectin, and myeloperoxidase concentrations significantly increased at POST in all trials, but no significant differences were observed between menstrual cycle phase or beverage type. Concentrations of other cytokines did not change during exercise in any of the 4 trials. Menstrual cycle phase and beverage type had no significant effect on the POST outcome. Thus, differences in leukocyte mobilization between menstrual cycle phases could result from the effect of sex hormones on substrate utilization.Conclusions: The menstrual cycle affected circulating leukocyte concentrations during endurance exercise with POST when a placebo was ingested. Therefore, we recommend ingesting CHO beverages to attenuate immune disturbances, especially in the luteal phase, even though they are unlikely to enhance test performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans. 10 male participants, ages 26.8 +/- 2.0 years (mean +/- SE), completed 3 trials in a random order: (1) placebo (control), (2) single (only before exercise) and (3) double (before and immediately after exercise) curcumin supplementation trials. Each participant received oral administration of 90 mg of curcumin or the placebo 2 h before exercise and immediately after exercise. Each participant walked or ran at 65 % of (V) over dotO(2max) on a treadmill for 60 min. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately after exercise and 2 h after exercise. The concentrations of serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites measured immediately after exercise were significantly higher than pre-exercise values in the placebo trial (308.8 +/- 12.9 U. CARR, P &lt; 0.05), but not in the single (259.9 +/- 17.1 U. CARR) or double (273.6 +/- 19.7 U. CARR) curcumin supplementation trials. Serum biological antioxidant potential concentrations measured immediately after exercise were significantly elevated in the single and double curcumin supplementation trials compared with pre-exercise values (P &lt; 0.05). These findings indicate that curcumin supplementation can attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress by increasing blood antioxidant capacity.

Chronic stress is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, which is a chief process in the development of cardiovascular disease. Increased circulating levels of corticosterone have been documented in several animal models of chronic stress. However, it remains to be established whether corticosterone is sufficient to exacerbate atherosclerosis. To test this hypothesis, apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice were fed a high-fat diet for 13 weeks with exposure to either corticosterone or vehicle in the drinking water (CORT and Con). Corticosterone treatment significantly increased atherosclerotic plaque area at the aortic root. Such exacerbation of atherosclerosis was accompanied by significantly lower levels of circulating white blood cells and serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and significantly elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) in CORT mice when compared to Con mice. These findings demonstrate that corticosterone is sufficient to exacerbate atherosclerosis in vivo despite its anti-inflammatory properties and that this marked pro-atherogenic phenotype is primarily associated with increased dyslipidaemia. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

We investigated physiological responses and changes in circulating immune cells following exercise in cold and thermoneutral conditions. Participants were short track skaters (n=9) who were acclimatized to cold conditions, and inline skaters (n=10) who were not acclimatized. All skaters were young, and skating at a recreational level three days per week for at least one year. Using a cross-over design, study variables were measured during 60 min of submaximal cycling (65% VO(2)max) in cold (ambient temperature: 5 +/- 1 degrees C, relative humidity: 41 +/- 9%) and thermoneutral conditions (ambient temperature: 21 +/- 1 degrees C, relative humidity: 35 +/- 5%). Heart rate, blood lactate and tympanic temperature were measured at rest, during exercise and recovery. Plasma cortisol, calprotectin and circulating blood cell numbers were measured before and after 60 min of cold or thermoneutral conditions, and during recovery from exercise. Heart rate was lower in both groups during exercise in cold versus thermoneutral conditions (P&lt;0.05). The increase in total leukocytes during recovery was primarily due to an increase in neutrophils in both groups. The cold-acclimatized group activated neutrophils after exercise in cold exposure, whereas the non-acclimatized group activated lymphocyte and cortisol after exercise in cold exposure. Lymphocyte subsets significantly changed in both groups over time during recovery as compared to rest. Immediately after exercise in both groups, CD16+ and CD69+ cells were elevated compared to rest or before exercise in both conditions. Acclimatization to exercise in the cold does not appear to influence exercise-induced immune changes in cold conditions, with the possible exception of neutrophils, lymphocytes and cortisol concentration.

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of green tea consumption on selected salivary defense proteins, antibacterial capacity and anti-oxidation activity in taekwondo (TKD) athletes, following intensive training. Twenty-two TKD athletes performed a 2-hr TKD training session. After training, participants ingested green tea (T, caffeine 6 mg/kg and catechins 22 mg/kg) or an equal volume of water (W). Saliva samples were collected at three time points: before training (BT-T; BT-W), immediately after training (AT-T; AT-W), and 30 min after drinking green tea or water (Rec-T; Rec-W). Salivary total protein, immunoglobulin A (SIgA), lactoferrin, a-amylase activity, free radical scavenger activity (FRSA) and antibacterial capacity were measured. Salivary total protein, lactoferrin, SIgA concentrations and a-amylase activity increased significantly immediately after intensive TKD training. After tea drinking and 30 min rest, a-amylase activity and the ratio of a-amylase to total protein were significantly higher than before and after training. In addition, salivary antibacterial capacity was not affected by intense training, but green tea consumption after training enhanced salivary antibacterial capacity. Additionally, we observed that salivary FRSA was markedly suppressed immediately after training and quickly returned to pre-exercise values, regardless of which fluid was consumed. Our results show that green tea consumption significantly enhances the activity of a-amylase and salivary antibacterial capacity.

It is widely recognized that exercise has an important role in inflammation regulation. To understand inflammatory mechanisms, extensive studies on the transcriptome and proteome have been conducted. However, interpreting these results is difficult, partly due to technical difficulties that impose some restriction on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of measurements. Here we first mention some limitations of studies involving large scale proteomics and high-throughput transcriptomics and further introduce a newly developed genome-wide translational analysis which may overcome some of the limitations and discover novel cellular dynamics. We then show preliminary results obtained by conducting a genome-wide translational analysis of the early inflammatory response of macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and discuss the potential to identin) novel factors by employing a genome-wide translational analysis.

This investigation determined whether existing muscle damage markers and organ damage markers respond to an acute eccentric exercise protocol and are associated with affected muscle symptoms. Nine healthy-young men completed one-leg calf-raise exercise with their right leg on a force plate. They performed 10 sets of 40 repetitions of exercise at 0.5 Hz with a load corresponding to half of their body weight, with 3 mm rest between sets. The tenderness of medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and soleus, and the ankle active range of motion (ROM) were assessed before, immediately after, 24 h and 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 168 h after exercise. Blood and urine were collected pre-exercise and 2 h, 4 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post-exercise. Serum was analyzed for creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aldolase (ALD) activities. We also determined hearttype fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), intestinal-type fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, nerve growth factor (NGF), soluble-Endothelial (sE)-selectin, s-Leukocyte (L)-selectin, 5Platelets (P)-selectin, and 8-isoprostane in plasma and urine. The tenderness of proximal and middle gastrocnemius increased significantly 72 h (p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.01) after exercise. Ankle active ROM in dorsal flexion decreased significantly 48 h (p&lt; 0.05) and 72 h (p&lt;0.01) after exercise. CK and ALD activities significantly increased at 72 h (p&lt;0.05) and remained elevated at 96 h (p&lt; 0.01) postexercise compared to pre-exercise values. Also, ALD which showed relatively lower interindividual variability was significantly correlated with tenderness of middle gastrocnemius at 72 h. LDH activity significantly increased 96 h postexercise (p&lt; 0.01), whereas the increase in AST and ALT activities 96 h post-exercise was not significantly different from pre-exercise values. There were no significant changes in FABPs, NGAL, IL-17A, IL-23, NGF, selectins and 8-isoprostanes in plasma and urine. In conclusion, calf-raise exercise induced severe local muscle damage symptoms which were accompanied by increases in both serum CK and ALD activities, but we could not detect any changes in examined markers of organ damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Further research is needed to determine other more sensitive biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Downhill running causes muscle damage, and induces oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction. Recently, it is shown that curcumin possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. Interestingly, curcumin reduces inflammatory cytokine concentrations in skeletal muscle after downhill running of mice. However, it is not known whether curcumin affects oxidative stress after downhill running-induced muscle damage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on oxidative stress following downhill running induced-muscle damage. We also investigated whether curcumin affects macrophage infiltration via chemokines such as MCP-1 and CXCL14. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups; rest, rest plus curcumin, downhill running, or downhill running plus curcumin. Downhill running mice ran at 22 m/min, -15% grade on the treadmill for 150 min. Curcumin (3 mg) was administered in oral administration immediately after downhill running. Hydrogen peroxide concentration and NADPH-oxidase mRNA expression in the downhill running mice were significantly higher than those in the rest mice, but these variables were significantly attenuated by curcumin administration in downhill running mice. In addition, mRNA expression levels of MCP-1, CXCL14 and F4/80 reflecting presence of macrophages in the downhill running mice were significantly higher than those in the rest mice. However, MCP-1 and F4/80 mRNA expression levels were significantly attenuated by curcumin administration in downhill running mice. Curcumin may attenuate oxidative stress following downhill running-induced muscle damage. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tissue fibrosis, such as that which occurs in obesity, is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. Although regular exercise reduces adipose tissue inflammation, the mechanisms regulating the effects of exercise on adipose tissue fibrosis are unclear. This study aimed to clarify whether exercise training attenuates adipose tissue fibrosis with consequent reduction of extracellular matrix including collagens. Male C57BL/6J (4-week old) mice were randomly assigned to four groups that received a normal diet (ND) plus sedentary (n = 8), an ND plus exercise training (n = 8), a high-fat diet (HFD) plus sedentary (n = 12), and an HFD plus exercise training (n = 12). Mice were fed the ND or HFD from 4 to 20 weeks of age. The exercise groups were trained on a motorized treadmill for 60 min/day, 5 times/week over the same period. Histological hepatic fibrosis detected by Sirius red and alpha-smooth muscle actin staining were attenuated in HFD exercise mice compared with HFD sedentary mice. mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-beta and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1, major regulators of tissue fibrosis, were increased in HFD sedentary mice but were attenuated in HFD exercise mice. Similarly, adipose tissue from the HFD sedentary mice contained higher macrophages than adipose tissue from the ND mice, and this was also lowered by exercise training. These findings suggest that exercise training may be effective for attenuating adipose tissue inflammation in obesity. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aim. The aim of this pilot investigation was to examine the influence of bovine colostrum protein concentrate (CPC) supplementation on salivary hormones, salivary IgA and heart rate variability over consecutive days of competitive cycling. Methods. Ten highly-trained male road cyclists (mean±SEM
age=22.2±4.7 yr
mass=70.5±4.5 kg
VO2max=72. 9±3.8 mL.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to a control (N.=6, 10g whey protein concentrate/day) or bovine CPC group (N.=4, 10 g bovine CPC/day). Cyclists provided a baseline saliva sample before commencing eight weeks of supplementation, and competing in a five day cycle race. Cyclists provided saliva samples and measured heart rate variability (HRV) each day of the race. Saliva samples were analysed for cortisol, testosterone and IgA concentrations. Results. Bovine CPC supplementation was associated with increased morning cortisol concentration on the first day of racing when compared to the control group (P=0.004) and significantly prevented a decrease in testosterone concentration over the race period (P≤0.05). Across the race period parasympathetic indices of HRV were elevated in the bovine CPC group and reduced in the control group (P≤0.05), while there were no significant differences in salivary IgA between groups. Conclusion. Bovine CPC supplementation maintained salivary testosterone concentration and modulated autonomic activity over consecutive days of competitive cycling. This pilot study provides justification to explore the effects of bovine CPC on recovery in endurance athletes further.

Oxidative stress increases with advancing age and is a mediator of several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Moreover, postmenopausal women have a lower estrogen concentration, which is associated with elevated oxidative stress. However, there is no definitive evidence regarding the relationship between daily physical activity and oxidative stress status in older adults, including postmenopausal women. Twenty- nine adults (age, 70.1 ± 1.0 years, mean ± SE; 12 women and 17 men) were examined in this cross-sectional study. Prior to blood collection, the participants were asked to wear a uniaxial accelerometer for 4 consecutive weeks to determine their level of physical activity. After a 48-h period of physical activity avoidance and a 10-h overnight fast, venous blood samples were obtained from each participant. Fasting plasma derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of oxidative stress markers were negatively correlated with the amount of physical activity in women (d-ROMs; r = -0.708, p = 0.002) (MDA; r = -0.549, p = 0.028), but not in men. Fasting plasma biological antioxidant potential of antioxidant capacity marker was positively correlated with the amount of physical activity in women (BAP; r = 0.657, p = 0.006) (GSH; r = 0.549, p = 0.028), but not in men. Moreover, superoxide dismutase activity of antioxidant capacity marker was positively correlated with the amount of physical activity in men (r = 0.627, p = 0.039), but not in women. There were no associations between physical activity and other oxidative stress markers (reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione peroxidise, thioredoxin). These findings suggest that regular physical activity may have a protective effect against oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity, especially in postmenopausal women. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

We investigated the effects of two carbohydrate-based sports drinks on fluid intake and immunoendocrine responses to cycling. Six well-trained male cyclists completed trials on three separate days that involved cycling at 60% V(O) over dot(2peak) for 90 min in hot conditions (28.1 +/- 1.5 degrees C and 52.6 +/- 3.1% relative humidity). During each trial, the subjects consumed ad libitum (1) an isotonic sports drink (osmolality 317 mOsm/kg), (2) a hypotonic sports drink (osmolality 193 mOsm/kg) or (3) plain water. The cyclists consumed significantly (p&lt;0.05) more of the isotonic drink (1.23 +/- 0.35 L) and hypotonic drink (1.44 +/- 0.55 L) compared with water (0.73 +/- 0.26 L). Compared with water ( 0.96 +/- 0.26 kg), body mass decreased significantly less after consuming the hypotonic drink (-0.50 +/- 0.38 kg) but not the isotonic drink (-0.51 +/- 0.41 kg). Blood glucose concentration was significantly higher at the end of the isotonic and hypotonic drink trials compared with the water trial. Neutrophil count and the plasma concentrations of catecholamines, interleukin 6 (IL-6), myeloperoxidase, calprotectin and myoglobin increased significantly during all three trials. IL-6 and calprotectin were significantly lower following the hypotonic drink trial compared with the water trial. In conclusion, hypotonic sports drinks are appealing for athletes to drink during exercise, and may help to offset fluid losses and attenuate some inflammatory responses to exercise.

Background: Both exercise and vitamin E supplementation have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults, and when combined there is evidence suggesting that they act synergistically. The currently recommended amount of exercise for older adults is 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise; however, the minimum amount of exercise necessary to achieve health benefits is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of participation in a low-volume walking exercise programme (i.e. 90 min/week) combined with daily vitamin E supplementation on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in older adults. Methods. The participants were recruited from the following four groups separately: 1) control (CG, n = 14), 2) vitamin E supplementation (SG, n = 10), 3) walking (WG, n = 7), or 4) walking + supplementation (WSG, n = 7). In the CG, participants were advised to maintain their normal lifestyle during the study. Participants in both the SG and WSG received 450 IU (300 mg) /day of α-tocopherol for 12 weeks. The exercise programme for the WG and WSG consisted of two 30-60 minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks (average walking time was 44.5 ± 1.6 min/session). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: Delta plasma oxidised LDL concentrations did not differ among four groups (One-factor ANOVA, P = 0.116). However, negative delta plasma TBARS, a marker of oxidative damage, concentrations were observed in the WG, WSG and SG relative to the CG at the end of the study period (One-factor ANOVA, P = 0.001; post hoc tests; CG compared with WG, WSG and SG, P = 0.005; P = 0.021; P = 0.024, respectively). Conclusion: These findings suggest that a low-volume of physical activity and/or vitamin E supplementation may be an effective intervention strategy for reducing TBARS concentrations of older adults. Trial registration. UMIN000008304. © 2013 Park et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-volume exercise training (100 min/week) on oxidative stress and neutrophils activation markers in older adults. Twenty-eight older adults (age range 65-78 years) were assigned into control (n = 14) or exercise (n = 14) groups. The exercise program consisted of walking 30-60 min/session, 2 days each week for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken before starting the sessions (baseline) and when they ended. Fasting plasma and serum oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured using commercial kits. Cell surface expression of adhesion molecules on circulating leukocytes (CD66b and CD62L) was determined using flow cytometry. The concentrations of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites tended to be lower than the baseline values only in the exercise group (P = 0.05). The biological antioxidant potential, thioredoxin concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased only in the exercise group (P < 0.05 for all). While CD66b expression tended to decrease only in the exercise group, CD62L expression significantly increased (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that exercise training below the current recommended level of at least 150 min/week attenuates basal oxidative stress and neutrophil activation in older adults. Thus, our findings may encourage more people to incorporate a small amount of physical activity into their lives. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

We examined the effects of polyphenols on migratory activity of neutrophils into the hydrogel and their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Origonol and lychee polyphenol were diluted to medium in wide-range concentrations. Each solution was added on hydrogel, and the mixture of blood and luminol was layered on it in each tube. The ROS production was measured by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, whereas the cell count in the hydrogel was quantified as migratory activity of neutrophils. The migratory activity of neutrophils was not affected, whereas ROS production of neutrophils was significantly decreased above 100 μg/ml, but increased below the concentration.<br>

It has been well known that protein level is estimated by the expression level of its mRNA. However, it is also argued that correlation between mRNA abundance and protein levels is weaker than previously thought. Recently a newly developed technique called ribosome profiling has drawn attention as a drastic countermeasure to improve the weak correlation. Here it is discussed that weak association of protein and mRNA levels seen in genome-wide analysis of gene expression such as microarray is attributable to post-transcriptional regulation including translational inhibition. This review further discusses how these issues are resolved by ribosome profiling and also addresses a possibility of biomarker discovery derived from this technique.<br>

:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-volume exercise training (90 min/wk) and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women. The participants were non-randomly assigned the following four groups: control (C, n=8), vitamin E (S, n=8), exercise (Ex, n=6), or vitamin E and exercise (S+Ex, n=7). The S and S+Ex groups were instructed to take vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 300 mg/d) capsules for 12 wk. The exercise program of Ex and S+Ex groups consisted of walking for a 30-60 min/session 2 d per week for 12 wk. The serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites concentrations were significantly decreased in the Ex, and S+Ex groups after 12 wk compared with the baseline values (three-factor ANOVA, an interaction between exercise and time, p&lt;0.05). Conversely, serum biological antioxidant potential concentrations in the S and Ex groups were significantly higher at 12 wk than at the baseline, but not in the S+Ex group (three-factor ANOVA, an interaction between supplementation, exercise and time, p&lt;0.05). Plasma thioredoxin concentrations in the S, Ex, and S+Ex groups were significantly higher at 12 wk than at the baseline values (th

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-volume exercise training (90 min/wk) and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress markers in postmenopausal women. The participants were non-randomly assigned the following four groups: control (C, n=8), vitamin E (S, n=8), exercise (Ex, n=6), or vitamin E and exercise (S+Ex, n=7). The S and S+Ex groups were instructed to take vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 300 mg/d) capsules for 12 wk. The exercise program of Ex and S+Ex groups consisted of walking for a 30-60 min/session 2 d per week for 12 wk. The serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites concentrations were significantly decreased in the Ex, and S+Ex groups after 12 wk compared with the baseline values (three-factor ANOVA, an interaction between exercise and time, p<0.05). Conversely, serum biological antioxidant potential concentrations in the S and Ex groups were significantly higher at 12 wk than at the baseline, but not in the S+Ex group (three-factor ANOVA, an interaction between supplementation, exercise and time, p<0.05). Plasma thioredoxin concentrations in the S, Ex, and S+Ex groups were significantly higher at 12 wk than at the baseline values (three-factor ANOVA, interactions between exercise and time, and between supplementation, exercise and time, p<0.05). Our findings suggest that low-volume physical activity may improve resting oxidative stress status in postmenopausal women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one night of sleep deprivation on maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test. Ten healthy young males underwent two 2-day control and sleep deprivation trials. Participants were allowed normal sleep from 2300 to 0700 for the control trial, whereas they were required to stay awake for 34 h during the sleep deprivation trial. At 1700 on day 2, participants performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill; this allowed us to determine maximal oxygen uptake and maximal fat oxidation. Before and immediately after the graded exercise test, blood samples were collected in order to measure glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, and triglyceride concentrations. Plasma glucose concentrations were significantly higher in the sleep deprivation trial than in the control trial before the graded exercise test. Serum insulin and free fatty acid concentrations were not significantly different between the two trials. Serum triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the sleep deprivation trial than in the control trial. The maximal fat oxidation rate, oxygen uptake, and heart rate at maximal fat oxidation intensity, during the graded exercise test, were not significantly different between the two trials. These findings suggest that maximal fat oxidation during graded exercise is unaffected by one night of sleep deprivation.

Obesity is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as type II diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which in turn have been attributed to the chronic inflammation in visceral adipose tissue and liver. The innate immune system via macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes is related to development of chronic inflammation. Exercise has anti-inflammatory effects and may prevent the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. To elucidate mechanisms of chronic inflammation improvement and/or prevention in the local tissue due to exercise is important to ensure development of effective exercise therapy. This review provides information to elucidate the molecular mechanisms from the perspective of immune regulation on the improvement of chronic inflammation due to exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle damage and inflammatory responses to eccentric exercise and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Nine healthy males performed one-leg calf-raise exercise with their right leg on a force plate. They performed 10 sets of 40 repetitions of exercise at 0.5 Hz by the load corresponding to the half of their body weight, with a rest for 3 min between sets. DOMS was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Blood and urine samples were collected before and 2, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise. Blood samples were analyzed for leucocyte differential counts and neutrophil functions (migratory activity and oxidative burst activity). We also determined a serum marker of muscle damage, myoglobin (Mb), and plasma and urinary prostaglandin E2 as an algesic substance. As for the inflammatory mediators, plasma and urine were analyzed for cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor), leucocyte activation markers (calprotectin and myeloperoxidase), and neutrophil chemotactic factor complement 5a. All subjects reported muscle soreness on subsequent days and VAS peaked at 72 h after exercise. Serum Mb concentration significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 72 h after exercise as compared with the pre-exercise values which was correlated with the increases in VAS at 72 h (r = 0.73, p < 0.05). Circulating neutrophil count and migratory activity increased significantly (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively) at 4 h after exercise, whereas there were no significant changes in the other plasma and urinary inflammatory mediators. These results suggest that neutrophils can be mobilized into the circulation and migrate to the muscle tissue several hours after the eccentric exercise. There were also positive correlations between the exercise-induced increases in neutrophil migratory activity at 4 h and the increases in Mb at 48 h (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that neutrophil mobilization and migration after exercise may be involved in the muscle damage and inflammatory processes.

It has been consistently shown that circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and IL-10 increase remarkably following endurance exercise longer than 2 h such as marathon and triathlon races. However, no studies have compared changes in the plasma and urinary levels of these cytokines after endurance exercise, including the recovery period. In the present study, we investigated kinetic changes in the urinary excretion of cytokines following endurance exercise up to 3 h after exercise to evaluate the magnitude of change in comparison to the plasma levels and to explore the possible biological significance and the mechanisms of cytokine dynamics following exercise. Fourteen male athletes participated in a duathlon race consisting of 5 km of running, 40 km of cycling, and 5 km of running. Venous blood and urine samples were collected before, immediately after, 1.5 h and 3 h after the race. Plasma and urine were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Plasma concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 increased significantly after the race, whereas tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma did not change significantly. Urinary concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and MCP-1 increased significantly after the race. When the urine concentrations were adjusted by creatinine concentration, urine volume and sampling time, the increases of IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-gamma and MCP-1 were evident and these were notably present in urine of the stressed athletes suffering from renal tubular epithelial damage. The present study provides new evidence that the kinetics and magnitude of changes in urinary cytokine concentrations differ from plasma cytokine concentrations following endurance exercise, especially, in the recovery period several hours after exercise, and that the damaged kidney might be responsible at least in part for the kinetics of some cytokines. Urinary cytokines may be sensitive biomarkers of the impact of exhaustive exercise workload on renal damage and inflammation in the recovery period after endurance exercise.

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) and following studies reporting that miRNAs are stably present in the circulation, paved the way for possible use of miRNAs as biomarkers. Identification of circulating miRNAs that are functional upon delivery to the recipient cells, suggests miRNAs play roles in cell-to-cell communication as well as hormones and cytokines. This review provides a basic understanding of miRNAs and the current understanding of circulating miRNA as biomarkers and focuses on their putative roles and regulation under stressed conditions including physical exercise.<br>

Objective: The overproduction of reactive oxygen species leads to oxidative stress, which is related to lifestyle-related disease and cancer. Although antioxidants are considered as one of the countermeasures to oxidative stress, it is necessary to develop the assessment methodology for the antioxidant capacity which is closer to the inner body conditions. In this study, we examined antioxidant actions of plant extracts by using newly-developed neutrophil activity measurement system.<br> Method: Lemon verbena, Green tea, Camellia japonica and Antiallerge^® were used as plant extracts, and were diluted to medium in wide-range concentrations. Each solution was added on modified Mebiol Gel^® (hydrogel), and the mixture of blood and luminol were set onto the hydrogel in each tube. The amount of reactive oxygen species were measured by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, whereas the cell count in the hydrogel was quantified as migratory activity of neutrophils.<br> Result: Lemon verbena and Green tea significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas Camellia japonica and Antiallerge^® did not. The migratory activity of neutrophils was not affected by those plant extracts. Also, damaged cells were not detected.<br> Conclusion: It was suggested that Lemon verbena and Green tea scavenged reactive oxygen species without causing cell death of neutrophils. This new method for measuring neutrophil activities can be applied not only for assessing the status of inflammation and oxidative stress but also as the screening system for predicting the effectiveness of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances.<br>

BACKGROUND/AIM: Oxidative stress in cancer patients has been demonstrated to be partly mediated by neutrophils. Although it is reported that natural antioxidants, such as green tea extract, reduce oxidative stress, there is limited evidence of their effects in cancer patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of green tea extract on reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils from cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from eighteen patients with advanced cancer. Green tea extract was added to the blood samples with luminol on Mebiol gel, and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was measured to monitor the production of reactive oxygen species from migrated neutrophils into the gel, at 37°C. RESULTS: Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was significantly down-regulated in the presence of green tea extract in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the antioxidant effect of green tea extract on reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils, which may be effective in reducing oxidative stress in cancer patients.

Background: Although the systemic inflammatory condition can be confirmed in cancer patients, the pathophysiological importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by neutrophils has not yet been defined. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients with inoperable, chemoresistant and radioresistant cancer were enrolled in this Study. At least 4 weeks prior to sampling, the patients were free from antitumor treatments. Control samples were also obtained from a healthy donor (39-year-old male). Peripheral blood samples were set 150 mu l each on the 2 ml tube with 50 mu l Mebiol Gel, and the production of ROS from neutrophils was detected by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LmCL) in a kinetic mode at 30-minute intervals for 2.5 hours with a luminometer at 37 degrees C. Results: Each point, peak value and sum of values of LmCL in the patient group was statistically higher than those in the healthy donor. There were no differences in LmCL according to performance status (PS), type of cancer, age, or gender in cancer patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that ROS produced by neutrophils universally reflects the systemic inflammatory condition in cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three different intensities of exercise on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. Eight healthy male subjects performed three different intensities of exercise for 20 minutes: (1) 70% anaerobic threshold (AT) (light intensity, LI), (2) 100% AT (moderate intensity, MI), and (3) 130% AT (high intensity, HI) on a cycle ergometer. A control (C) trial was conducted under resting conditions. Blood samples were taken pre-exercise, immediately and 30 min after exercise. In the HI trial only, the concentrations of plasma derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) were significantly higher immediately (P<0.01) and 30 min after exercise (P<0.05) than at pre-exercise. Furthermore, plasma trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity was significantly higher immediately after exercise in the HI trial (P<0.01). And, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was significantly higher immediately after exercise than at pre-exercise in the MI (P<0.05) and HI trials (P<0.01). These data suggest that 20 min of pedaling exercise above the AT level may increase ROS production, while endogenous enzyme activity (especially GPX activity) or non-enzymatic antioxidants may modulate exercise-induced ROS generation. Thus, exercise under the AT level induces very little oxidative stress damage in young people.

The synergistic stimulating effect of combined intake of carbohydrate and protein on plasma insulin concentration has been reported previously. However, it remains unclear whether the amount of protein ingested after exercise affects the concentrations of plasma insulin and amino acids. This study of trained men compared the effects of post-exercise co-ingestion of carbohydrate plus different amounts of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) with carbohydrate alone on (1) blood biochemical parameters of carbohydrate metabolism during the post-exercise phase, and (2) endurance performance. Eight trained men exercised continuously for 70 min. Immediately after exercise and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min later, the participants received supplements containing: (1) 17.5 g carbohydrate, (2) 3.0 g WPHs and 17.5 g carbohydrate (L-WPH), or (3) 8.0 g WPHs and 17.5 g carbohydrate (H-WPH). After a 2-h recovery period, the participants performed an endurance performance test. The concentrations of blood glucose were lower and plasma insulin significantly higher in the H-WPH trial compared with the carbohydrate trial. The concentrations of plasma amino acids were increased in a dose-dependent manner following ingestion of different amounts of WPHs with carbohydrate. Endurance performance was not significantly different between the three trials. Co-ingestion of carbohydrate and H-WPH was more effective than ingestion of carbohydrate alone for stimulating insulin secretion and increasing the availability of plasma amino acids. These results suggest that plasma concentrations of amino acids during the recovery period are determined by the amount of dietary protein ingested, and that it is necessary to increase the concentration of plasma amino acids above a certain level to stimulate insulin secretion.

Muscle atrophy is caused by accelerated protein degradation and occurs in many pathological states. Two muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, MAFbx/atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger 1 (MuRF1), are prominently induced during muscle atrophy and mediate atrophy-associated protein degradation. Blocking the expression of these two ubiquitin ligases provides protection against muscle atrophy. Here we report that miR-23a suppresses the translation of both MAFbx/atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in a 3'-UTR-dependent manner. Ectopic expression of miR-23a is sufficient to protect muscles from atrophy in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, miR-23a transgenic mice showed resistance against glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. These data suggest that suppression of multiple regulators by a single miRNA can have significant consequences in adult tissues.

Epidemiological studies suggest that highly trained athletes are more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) compared with the general population. Upper respiratory symptoms (URS) often appear as either primary invasion of pathogenic organisms and/or reactivation of latent viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between EBV reactivation and the appearance of URS during intensive training in collegiate rugby football players. We evaluated EBV-DNA expression in saliva and examined the relationship between onset of URS and daily changes in EBV-DNA as well as secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels among 32 male collegiate rugby football players during a 1-month training camp. The EBV-DNA expression tended to be higher in subjects who exhibited sore throat (p = 0.07) and cough (p = 0.18) than that of those who had no symptoms, although their differences were not significant. The SIgA level was significantly lower 1 day before the EBV-DNA expression (p &lt; 0.05). The number of URS increased along with the EBV-DNA expression and decrease of SIgA levels. These results suggest that the appearance of URS is associated with reactivation of EBV and reduction of SIgA during training.

AIM:Oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. However, it remains unclear whether oxidised LDL concentrations differ with the physical activity status in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the amount of physical activity and oxidised LDL in older adults.;METHODS:Twenty-seven older adults (aged 69.9 ± 4.3 years, mean ± SD.; 16 female and 11 male) were analysed in the cross-sectional design. Prior to blood collection, participants were asked to wear an uniaxial accelerometer for 4 consecutive weeks to determine the physical activity status. After a 48-h period of physical activity avoidance and a 10-h overnight fast, fasting venous blood samples were obtained from each participant.;RESULTS:Fasting plasma oxidised LDL concentrations and plasma monocyte chemoattractant pro-tein-1 concentrations were negatively correlated with the amount of physical activity (r=-0.409, p=0.034; r=-0.385, p=0.047, respectively).;CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates that regular physical activity may play a protective role in the oxidation of LDL in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of moderate-intensity endurance exercise on reactive oxygen species production and leukocyte activation markers in young and middle-aged persons. Blood samples were collected before and after the jogging of 10 km. Although cytokines recruiting and priming neutrophils and monocytes were released into the circulation and functional after the jogging of 10 km, reactive oxygen metabolites-derived compounds (d-ROMs) were not significantly increased. It was indicated that chemokines and leukocyte activation markers at rest were increased with aging, and that might be accompanied by the higher level of d-ROMs in the elderly.<br>

We analyzed the relation between subjective fatigue by hard exercise and stress hormone and cytokine data. The subjects are eight healthy men who had exercise experience. In this experiment, hard exercise was carried out in the first place. After two-hour rest, a performance test was carried out. The blood test was conducted 4 times (before exercise, after exercise, rest, and a performance test). Subjective fatigue was indicated using visual analogue scale (VAS). After the hard exercise and performance test, VAS increased and showed the significant difference. Lactic acid, adrenaline, noradrenaline, growth hormone, IL-6, and IL-8 increased after each exercise and showed the significant difference. Subjective fatigue and the value of lactic acid, and IL-6 showed significant positive correlations. These results suggest that lactic acid, and IL-6 may become an index of fatigue in this exertion model.<br>

Completion of an Ironman triathlon results in muscle damage, indicated by reductions in muscle function and muscle soreness. However, the time course of recovery from this damage has received little attention. The purpose of this case study was to examine the time course of changes in blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation, muscle function, muscle soreness, and economy of motion following an Ironman event. An experienced well-trained male triathlete aged 35 years completed the Western Australian Ironman triathlon in 11 h 38 min 41 s (winner's time: 8 h 3 min 56 s). Before and on several occasions in the 15 days after the event, the participant performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion, running economy test at 12 km center dot h-1 (2% incline), maximal isometric knee flexion and extension at 90 degrees knee flexion, and maximal squat and countermovement jumps. Venous blood samples and muscle soreness were also assessed. Maximal oxygen consumption, efficiency of motion, maximal muscle strength, and jump performance were all markedly reduced (4.5-54%) following the event, but returned to baseline within 15, 8, 2, and 8 days following the event, respectively. Muscle soreness and blood markers peaked 2-24 h after the race but returned to baseline within 8 days. In conclusion, although the Ironman triathlon induces marked muscle damage, a trained triathlete recovered almost completely within approximately one week, without the use of any therapeutic interventions after the event.

Purpose: Recent studies suggest that exchange of macrophage phenotype (M1/M2) in adipose tissue is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity. M1 macrophages enhance a chronic inflammatory state in adipose tissues, whereas M2 macrophages inhibit it. Although exercise training might inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in adipose tissue, it remains unclear whether exercise training affects the phenotypic switch of macrophage polarization in adipose tissue. Therefore, we investigated the effect of exercise training on the macrophage phenotypic switch in adipose tissue in high-fat-induced obese mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups; normal diet (ND) control (n=7), ND exercise (n=7), high-fat-diet (HFD) control (n=12), and HFD exercise (n=12) groups. All exercised mice ran on a treadmill at 12-20 m/min for 60 min/day for 16 weeks. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, F4/80, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, CXCL14, inter-cellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular-cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)- I, CD11c, CD163 and toll-like receptor (TLR)4 mRNA expressions in adipose tissue were evaluated by real time-RT-PCR. Results: In HFD mice, exercise training did not induce loss of body or adipose tissue mass, exercise training nevertheless markedly inhibited TNF-alpha and F4/80 mRNA expression in adipose tissue. The exercise training attenuated HFD-induced increase in ICAM-I mRNA expression, but not MCP-1, CXCL14 and VCAM-1 mRNA expressions. In addition, increased CD11c mRNA expression, which is a M1 macrophage specific marker, with HFD treatment was attenuated by exercise training. In contrast, although the mRNA expression of CD163, a M2 macrophage specific marker, in adipose tissue was significantly decreased by HFD, the exercise training significantly increased its expression. Also, the higher mRNA expression of TLR4, which induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production after fatty acid recognition, was strongly inhibited by the exercise training in HFD mice. Conclusion: Exercise training might induce the phenotypic switching from M1 macrophage to M2 macrophage in obese adipose tissue besides inhibiting M1 macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. Therefore, chronic exercise might contribute to inhibit inflammation in adipose tissue via down regulation of TLR4.

This study examined the effects of maintaining euhydration by ingesting fluids with or without carbohydrate on subjective responses of untrained men during prolonged exercise in a hot environment. Six healthy untrained subjects completed 90 min of cycling exercises at 55% maximal oxygen consumption (V(O2max)) in a hot environment (temperature: 28 degrees C. humidity: 50%) under three different experimental conditions. During the first trial. subjects did not ingest fluids during exercise (dehydration (DH) trial). In the second and third trials, subjects received mineral water (MW) and hypotonic fluid containing carbohydrate (HF), respectively, in amounts equaling their weight loss in the DH trial. At the end of exercise, the overall rating of perceived exertion (RPE-O) was lower in the MW and HF trials than in the DH trial (14.3+/-1.0 and 13.7+/-0.6 vs 17.7+/-1.0. p&lt;0.05. respectively). RPE-cardiovascular and RPE-legs were lower at the end of exercise in the HF trial compared with the DH trial. V(O2), heart rate (HR), and rectal temperature increased during exercise in the three trials. At the end of exercise, the drift in V(O2) was lower in the MW and HF trials than in the DH trial (304+/-41 and 339+/-40 vs 458+/-33 mL, p&lt;0.05. respectively). HR at the end of exercise in the HF trial was lower than in the DH. trial (158+/-5 vs 173+/-7 bpm. p&lt;0.05). These results suggest that maintaining euhydration during prolonged exercise in untrained men could attenuate RPE-O and that hypotonic electrolyte-carbohydrate solution could attenuate RPE-legs during exercise.

Aim. The authors hypothesized that inconsistent SIgA response to exercise is caused by the different adaptative status of subjects to a cold environment. The purposes of the study were to examine whether moderate-intense exercise in a cold environment decreases SIgA and whether adaptation to a cold environment has any effect on SIgA.
Methods. Young male skaters, short track (N=9) and inline (N=10), participated in this study. All subjects cycled for 60 min at 65% (V) over dot(2max) in cold (ambient temperature: 5+/-1 degrees C, relative humidity 41+/-9%) and thermoneutral (ambient temperature: 21+/-1 degrees C, relative humidity 35+/-5%) conditions. Saliva samples were collected as follows: before and after 1 hour of environmental exposure; immediately, 30-min, 60-min and 120-min after the exercise.
Results and conclusion. Salivary SIgA and saliva flow rate decreased after the exercise in both groups only in thermoneutral conditions. The SIgA secretion rate did not decrease after moderate-high intensity exercise in a cold environment, and the SIgA response to exercise was not affected by the different adaptative status of subjects to the cold environment.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body composition and risk factors of lifestyle-related diseases between young and older male rowers and sedentary controls. Healthy males aged 19-73 years participated in the study, and were divided into four groups: 26 young rowers, 24 senior rowers, 23 young sedentary controls, and 22 senior sedentary controls. Total and regional lean soft tissue, fat mass, and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The HDL-cholesterol of senior rowers (67.4 +/- 13.4 mg . dl(-1)) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of senior sedentary controls (59.2 +/- 11.9 mg . dl(-1)), while HDL-cholesterol was similar in senior rowers and young rowers (66.1 +/- 10.8 mg . dl(-1)). Arm, leg, and trunk lean soft tissue mass were significantly higher in senior rowers (5.6 +/- 0.6 kg, 18.2 +/- 1.8 kg, and 27.3 +/- 3.2 kg respectively) than in senior sedentary controls (5.1 +/- 0.4 kg, 16.3 +/- 1.4 kg, and 24.6 +/- 1.7 kg respectively; P < 0.05). Bone mineral density was also significantly higher in senior rowers than in senior sedentary controls (ribs, lumbar spine, and pelvic segments; P < 0.05). We conclude that age-related increases in the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, are attenuated in male rowers. These results suggest that regular rowing exercise may have a positive influence in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in older Japanese people.

The effects of increased training (IT) load on plasma concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), proinflammatory cytokines, and anti-LPS antibodies during exercise in the heat were investigated in 18 male runners, who performed 14 days of normal training (NT) or 14 days of 20% IT load in 2 equal groups. Before (trial 1) and after (trial 2) the training intervention, all subjects ran at 70% maximum oxygen uptake on a treadmill under hot (35 degrees C) and humid (similar to 40%) conditions, until core temperature reached 39.5 degrees C or volitional exhaustion. Venous blood samples were drawn before, after, and 1.5 h after exercise. Plasma LPS concentration after exercise increased by 71% (trial 1, p &lt; 0.05) and 21% (trial 2) in the NT group and by 92% (trial 1, p &lt; 0.01) and 199% (trial 2, p &lt; 0.01) in the IT group. Postintervention plasma LPS concentration was 35% lower before exercise (p &lt; 0.05) and 47% lower during recovery (p &lt; 0.01) in the IT than in the NT group. Anti-LPS IgM concentration during recovery was 35% lower in the IT than in the NT group (p &lt; 0.05). Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha concentrations after exercise (IL-6, 3-7 times, p &lt; 0.01, and TNF-alpha, 33%, p &lt; 0.01) and during recovery (IL-6, 2-4 times, p &lt; 0.05, and TNF-alpha, 30%, p &lt; 0.01) were higher than at rest within each group. These data suggest that a short-term tolerable increase in training load may protect against developing endotoxemia during exercise in the heat.

Objective.-Considering the adverse effects of exercise-induced cortisol secretion on health in athletes, it is important to determine the environmental and individual factors that contribute to the variations in exercise-induced cortisol secretion. In this study, the effects of cold environment exposure and cold acclimatization on exercise-induced salivary cortisol responses were investigated. Methods.-Short track skaters (n = 11), who usually practice under cold conditions, and inline skaters (n = 11), who usually practice under room temperature conditions, participated in a randomized crossover study. All participants cycled for 60 minutes at 65% V̇o2 max under cold (ambient temperature: 5 ± 1°C, relative humidity 41% ± 9%) and room temperature (ambient temperature: 21 ± 1°C, relative humidity 35% ± 5%) conditions. The participants had a 120-minute bed rest recovery phase at room temperature after both exercise bouts. Cortisol levels were measured in saliva samples collected pre-exercise and postexercise at 1 minute, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes. Results.-Both short track and inline skaters exhibited clear cortisol responses to exercise under cold and room temperature conditions. The magnitude of the cortisol response, however, was different between skaters and conditions. The inline skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions than under room temperature conditions (7.6 nmol/L and 4.2 nmol/L, respectively). However, the short track skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions compared to room temperature conditions (8.7 nmol/L and 5.4 nmol/L, respectively). Conclusions.-The effects of cold environment exposure on exercise-induced cortisol response were different between skaters who usually practice under cold or room temperature conditions. These results can be interpreted as acclimatization to either cold or room temperature conditions attenuating the cortisol response, suggesting that acclimatization may be beneficial in reducing the exercise-induced cortisol response. © 2009 Wilderness Medical Society.

We investigated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion in response to acute psychosocial stress and the relations of DHEA secretion to cortisol secretion, cardiovascular activity, and negative mood changes. Thirty-three male students (mean age 22.6 years) were subjected to the psychosocial stress test "Trier Social Stress Test" (TSST), in which the participants were asked to deliver a speech and perform a mental arithmetic task in front of two audiences. Collections of saliva, measurements of blood pressure and heart rate, and assessments of negative mood by visual analog scales were conducted before, during, and after TSST. Acute psychosocial stress significantly increased salivary DHEA level by an average of 60% immediately after TSST. The peak of DHEA concentration preceded that of cortisol concentration by about 10 min. DHEA response was moderately correlated to cortisol response (r = .34, rs = .49) but not to cardiovascular response. Lower DHEA level and elevated cortisol/DHEA ratio during TSST were significantly and moderately correlated with increased negative mood during and after TSST. These results indicated that an acute increase in DHEA concentration under stressful situations might be partly mediated by the activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and could have some significance in the improvement of negative mood. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and its ligand, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL2), are crucial for the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to sites of inflammation. We conducted a series of experiments to investigate the relationship between stress, monocyte CCR2 expression and migration activity. First, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from untrained subjects (n = 8) and measured CCR2 expression on CD14(+) monocytes cultured with cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Second, we collected PBMC from the subjects before and after they cycled for 60 min at 70% peak O-2 uptake (V-O2peak), and measured alterations in CCR2 expression on monocytes following exercise. Third, we cultured PBMC with serum obtained before and after exercise and the glucocorticoid antagonist RU-486 to determine the effect of cortisol on CCR2 expression in vitro. Last, we measured the ability of PBMC treated with serum or cortisol to migrate through membrane filters in response to CCL2. Cortisol (but not epinephrine or norepinephrine) increased CCR2 expression on monocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exercise did not influence CCR2 expression on PBMC, whereas incubation of PBMC with post-exercise serum significantly increased CCR2 expression. Both cortisol and post-exercise serum increased the migration of PBMC toward CCL2. The increase in CCR2 expression on PBMC following stimulation with cortisol and serum was blocked by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-486. In conclusion, cortisol released during exercise increased monocyte CCR2 expression and migration activity in vitro. These alterations may influence inflammation and regeneration of damaged tissue after acute stress. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO; sucrose) ingestion and environmental heat on the development of fatigue and the distribution of power output during a 16.1-km cycling time trial. Ten male cyclists ((V) over dot O-2max = 61.7 +/- 5.0 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), mean +/- SD) performed four 90-min constant-pace cycling trials at 80% of second ventilatory threshold (220 +/- 12 W). Trials were conducted in temperate (18.1 +/- 0.4 degrees C) or hot (32.2 +/- 0.7 degrees C) conditions during which subjects ingested either CHO (0.96 g.kg(-1).h(-1)) or placebo (PLA) gels. All trials were followed by a 16.1-km time trial. Before and immediately after exercise, percent muscle activation was determined using superimposed electrical stimulation. Power output, integrated electromyography (iEMG) of vastus lateralis, rectal temperature, and skin temperature were recorded throughout the trial. Percent muscle activation significantly declined during the CHO and PLA trials in hot (6.0 and 6.9%, respectively) but not temperate conditions (1.9 and 2.2%, respectively). The decline in power output during the first 6 km was significantly greater during exercise in the heat. iEMG correlated significantly with power output during the CHO trials in hot and temperate conditions (r = 0.93 and 0.73; P &lt; 0.05) but not during either PLA trial. In conclusion, cyclists tended to self-select an aggressive pacing strategy (initial high intensity) in the heat.

We investigated the influence of rectal temperature on the immune system during and after exercise. Ten well-trained male cyclists completed exercise trials (90 min cycling at 60% (V) over dotO(max) + 16.1 - km time trial) on three separate occasions: once in 18 degrees C and twice in 32 degrees C. Twenty minutes after the trials in 32 degrees C, the cyclists sat for - 20 min in cold water (14 degrees C) on one occasion, whereas on another occasion they sat at room temperature. Rectal temperature increased significantly during cycling in both conditions, and was significantly higher after cycling in 32 degrees C than in 18 degrees C (P &lt; 0.05). Leukocyte counts increased significantly during cycling but did not differ between the conditions. The concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10, plasma catecholamines, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, myeloperoxidase and calprotectin increased significantly following cycling in both conditions. The concentrations of serum IL-8 (25%), IL-10 (120%), IL-1 receptor antagonist (70%), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (17%), plasma myeloperoxidase (26%) and norepinephrine (130%) were significantly higher after cycling in 32 degrees C than in 18 degrees C. During recovery from exercise in 32 degrees C, rectal temperature was significantly lower in response to sitting in cold water than at room temperature. However, immune changes during 90 min of recovery did not differ significantly between sitting in cold water and at room temperature. The greater rise in rectal temperature during exercise in 32 degrees C increased the concentrations of serum IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ra, TNF-alpha and plasma myeloperoxidase, whereas the greater decline in rectal temperature during cold water immersion after exercise did not affect immune responses.

To test the effect of a cold condition on metabolic substrate and possible development of muscle injuries, short track skaters (n=9) and inline skaters (n=10) took rest and submaximal cycled (65% VO^^・_2max) in cold (ambient temperature: 5±1℃, relative humidity: 41±8%) and warm conditions (ambient temperature: 21±1℃, relative humidity: 35±5%), for 60min, each. Blood glucose (BG), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), and total cholesterol (TC) were determined to investigate the effect on energy metabolism. To estimate possible muscle injury in the cold condition, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and myoglobin (Mb) were also measured. TG and FFA levels were increased during exercise in the cold condition, but were unaffected by the difference of skaters. Of the myocellular enzymes, CK was significantly higher during the transition from submaximal exercise to recovery phase in a short track skater compared with inline skater group, indicating a higher physical strain. Additionally, the level of Mb in the inline skater group significantly elevated during recovery phase in the cold compared with in the warm condition. It is concluded that exercise caused stress that was dependent on the ambient temperature. Therefore, exercise in the cold condition altered the circulating level of energy substrate and increased muscle injuries.

We investigated whether cold acclimation leads to increased activity of the antioxidant defense enzymes and muscle injury. Comparisons were between short track skaters (n=6) and inline skaters (n=6) during rest and at submaximal cycling (65% VO_2max) in cold (ambient temperature: 5±1℃, relative humidity: 41±8%) and warm conditions (ambient temperature: 21±1℃, relative humidity: 35±5%), during 60min, respectively, and during the recovery phase. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx), reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric substance acid (TBARS), serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), plasma myoglobin (Mb) and cortisol were determined. Activities of CAT and GSHpx and the level of GSH and TBARS in erythrocyte and the level of LDH in serum were elevated in cold acclimated subjects. We suggested that the compensatory increase in antioxidative defense enzymes resulting from long-term cold exposure may reflect the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and muscle injury at this environment acclimation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of the salivary cortisol immunoassay kits that were manufactured by DRG International, Inc., Salimetrics, LLC., and IBL Hamburg, which were widely used in neuroendocrine research. Correlations between plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations and between enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and luminescence immunoassay (LIA) were investigated.<br> Methods: Saliva and plasma samples were collected in eight participants who took part in the study of the exercise stress testing. In total, forty salivary cortisol samples were assayed by means of the three salivary cortisol immunoassay kits. Plasma cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA kit (IBL).<br> Results: Salivary cortisol concentrations measured by the three immunoassay kits were significantly and highly correlated with plasma cortisol concentrations (r ≥ .863). Scattergrams also indicated that exponential curve well explained the relationship between salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations (r ≥ .925). Salivary cortisol concentrations measured by LIA (IBL) was correlated with salivary cortisol concentrations measured by ELISA (DRG and Salimetrics: r=.943 and .985, respectively). Values of cortisol concentration measured by ELISA (DRG) were higher than those by ELISA (Salimetrics) and LIA (IBL).<br> Conclusion: Salivary cortisol concentrations that were measured by the three immunoassay kits reflected the variations of plasma cortisol concentration. Differences in immunoassay methods (ELISA and LIA) did not influence the values of cortisol concentration. These findings indicated that it is possible to assess stress by measuring salivary cortisol without the need for blood sampling.<br>

An objective assessment of stress is needed to manage stress and prevent the development of stress-related diseases such as depression and coronary heart disease. In this paper, we discussed the possibility of applying saliva to an assessment of stress. We illustrated the procedures for collecting and analyzing saliva, and reviewed the relationships of acute, chronic, psychological, or physical stress to seven salivary substances: Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Testosterone, Chromogranin A, 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyglycol, α-Amylase, and Secretory Immunoglobulin A. Considering unique characteristics of each salivary substance and purposes of the study or the non-invasive assessment, salivary substances should be selected for the assessment of stress.<br>

Interest in the relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress has increased dramatically in recent years, not only within the clinical setting but also in the fields of exercise biochemistry and immunology. Inflammation and oxidative stress share a common role in the etiology of a variety Of Chronic diseases. During exercise, inflammation and oxidative stress are linked via muscle metabolism and muscle damage. Because oxidative stress and inflammation have traditionally been associated with fatigue and impaired recovery from exercise, research has focused on nutritional strategies aimed at reducing these effects. In this review, we have evaluated the findings of studies involving antioxidant supplementation on alterations in markers of inflammation (e.g., cytokines, C-reactive protein and cortisol). This review focuses predominantly on the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated from muscle metabolism and muscle damage during exercise and on the modulatory effects of antioxidant supplements. Furthermore, we have analyzed the influence of factors such as the dose, timing, supplementation period and bioavailability of antioxidant nutrients. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Granulysin is a cytolytic granule protein released by natural killer cells and activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The influence of exercise training on circulating granulysin concentration is unknown, as is the relationship between granulysin concentration, natural killer cell number and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. We examined changes in plasma granulysin concentration, natural killer cell number and cytotoxicity following acute exercise and different training loads. Fifteen highly trained male cyclists completed a baseline 40-km cycle time trial (TT(40)1) followed by five weeks of normal training and a repeat time trial (TT(40)2). The cyclists then completed four days of high intensity training followed by another time trial (TT(40)3) on day five. Following one final week of normal training cyclists completed another time trial (TT(40)4). Fasting venous blood was collected before and after each time trial to determine granulysin concentration, natural killer cell number and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Granulysin concentration increased significantly after each time trial (P&lt;0.001). Pre-exercise granulysin concentration for TT(40)3 was significantly lower than pre-exercise concentration for TT(40)1 (-20.3 +/- 7.5%, P&lt;0.026), TT(40)2 (-16.7 +/- 4.3%, P&lt;0.003) and TT(40)4 (-21 +/- 4.2%, P&lt;0.001). Circulating natural killer cell numbers also increased significantly post-exercise for each time trial (P&lt;0.001), however there was no significant difference across TT40 (P&gt;0.05). Exercise did not significantly alter natural killer cell cytotoxicity on a per cell basis, and there were no significant differences between the four time trials. In conclusion, plasma granulysin concentration increases following moderate duration, strenuous exercise and is decreased in response to a short-term period of intensified training.

We investigated the effects of an Ironman triathlon race on markers of muscle damage, inflammation and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Nine well-trained male triathletes (mean +/- SD age 34 +/- 5 years; VO2peak 66.4 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) participated in the 2004 Western Australia Ironman triathlon race (3.8 km swim, 180 km cycle, 42.2 km run). We assessed jump height, muscle strength and soreness, and collected venous blood samples 2 days before the race, within 30 min and 14-20 h after the race. Plasma samples were analysed for muscle proteins, acute phase proteins, cytokines, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and clinical biochemical variables related to dehydration, haemolysis, liver and renal functions. Muscular strength and jump height decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) after the race, whereas muscle soreness and the plasma concentrations of muscle proteins increased. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6 and IL-10, and HSP70 increased markedly after the race, while IL-12p40 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were also elevated. IL-4, IL-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha did not change significantly, despite elevated C-reactive protein and serum amyloid protein A on the day after the race. Plasma creatinine, uric acid and total bilirubin concentrations and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity also changed after the race. In conclusion, despite evidence of muscle damage and an acute phase response after the race, the pro-inflammatory cytokine response was minimal and anti-inflammatory cytokines were induced. HSP70 is released into the circulation as a function of exercise duration.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of exercise intensity and exercise-induced muscle damage on changes in anti-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Nine well-trained male runners completed three different exercise trials on separate occasions: ( 1) level treadmill running at 60% VO2max (moderate-intensity trial) for 60 min; (2) level treadmill running at 85% VO2max (high-intensity trial) for 60 min; (3) downhill treadmill running ( - 10% gradient) at 60% VO2 max (downhill running trial) for 45 min. Blood was sampled before, immediately after and 1 h after exercise. Plasma was analyzed for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-13, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), prostaglandin E-2, leukotriene B-4 and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The plasma concentrations of IL-1ra, IL-12p40, MCP-1 and HSP70 increased significantly (P&lt; 0.05) after all three trials. Plasma prostaglandin E-2 concentration increased significantly after the downhill running and high-intensity trials, while plasma IL-10 concentration increased significantly only after the high-intensity trial. IL-4 and leukotriene B4 did not increase significantly after exercise. Plasma IL-1ra and IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher ( P&lt; 0.05) after the high-intensity trial than after both the moderate-intensity and downhill running trials. Therefore, following exercise up to 1 h duration, exercise intensity appears to have a greater effect on anti-inflammatory cytokine production than exercise-induced muscle damage.

Introduction: Unaccustomed eccentric exercise often results in muscle damage and neutrophil activation. We examined changes in plasma cytokines stress hormones, creatine kinase activity and myoglobin concentration, neutrophil surface receptor expression, degranulation. and the capacity of neutrophils to generate reactive oxygen species in response to in vitro stimulation after downhill running. Methods: Ten well-trained male runners ran downhill on a treadmill at a gradient of - 10% for 45 min at 60% VO2max.. Blood was sampled immediately before (PRE) and after (POST), 1 h (1 h POST), and 24 h (24 h POST) after exercise. Results: At POST, there were significant increases (P &LT; 0.01) in neutrophil count (32%), plasma interleukin (IL)-6 concentration (460%), myoglobin (Mb) concentration (1100%), and creatine kinase (CK) activity (40%). At 1 h POST, there were further increases above preexercise values for neutrophil count (85%), plasma Mb levels (1800%), and CK activity (56%), and plasma IL-6 concentration remained above preexercise values (410%) (P &LT; 0.01). At 24 h POST, neutrophil counts and plasma IL-6 levels had returned to baseline, whereas plasma Mb concentration (100%) and CK activity (420%) were elevated above preexercise values (P &LT; 0.01). There were no significant changes in neutrophil receptor expression, degranulation and respiratory burst activity, and plasma IL-8 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor concentrations at any time after exercise. Neutrophil count correlated with plasma Mb concentration at POST (r = 0.64, P &LT; 0.05), and with plasma CK activity at POST (r = 0.83, P &LT; 0.01) and I h POST (r = 0.78, P &LT; 0.01). Conclusion: Neutrophil activation remains unchanged after downhill running in well-trained runners, despite increases in plasma markers of muscle damage.

Eccentric exercise commonly results in muscle damage. The primary sequence of events leading to exercise-induced muscle damage is believed to involve initial mechanical disruption of sarcomeres, followed by impaired excitation-contraction coupling and calcium signaling, and finally, activation of calcium-sensitive degradation pathways. Muscle damage is characterized by ultrastructural changes to muscle architecture, increased muscle proteins and enzymes in the bloodstream, loss of muscular strength and range of motion and muscle soreness. The inflammatory response to exercise-induced muscle damage is characterized by leukocyte infiltration and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines within damaged muscle tissue, systemic release of leukocytes and cytokines, in addition to alterations in leukocyte receptor expression and functional activity. Current evidence suggests that inflammatory responses to muscle damage are dependent on the type of eccentric exercise, previous eccentric loading (repeated bouts), age and gender. Circulating neutrophil counts and systemic cytokine responses are greater after eccentric exercise using a large muscle mass (e.g. downhill running, eccentric cycling) than after other types of eccentric exercise involving a smaller muscle mass. After an initial bout of eccentric exercise, circulating leukocyte counts and cell surface receptor expression are attenuated. Leukocyte and cytokine responses to eccentric exercise are impaired in elderly individuals, while cellular infiltration into skeletal muscle is greater in human females than males after eccentric exercise. Whether alterations in intracellular calcium homeostasis influence inflammatory responses to muscle damage is uncertain. Furthermore, the effects of antioxidant supplements are variable, and the limited data available indicates that anti-inflammatory drugs largely have no influence on inflammatory responses to eccentric exercise. In this review, we compare local versus systemic inflammatory responses, and discuss some of the possible mechanisms regulating the inflammatory responses to exercise-induced muscle damage in humans.

Intense exercise stimulates the systemic release of a variety of factors that alter neutrophil surface receptor expression and functional activity. These alterations may influence resistance to infection after intense exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of exercise intensity on neutrophil receptor expression, degranulation (measured by plasma and intracellular myeloperoxidase concentrations), and respiratory burst activity. Ten well-trained male runners ran on a treadmill for 60 min at 60% [moderate-intensity exercise (MI)] and 85% maximal oxygen consumption [high-intensity exercise (HI)]. Blood was drawn immediately before and after exercise and at 1 h postexercise. Immediately after HI, the expression of the neutrophil receptor CD 16 was significantly below preexercise values (P &lt; 0.01), whereas MI significantly reduced CD35 expression below preexercise values (P &lt; 0.05). One hour after exercise at both intensities, there was a significant decline in CD llb expression (P &lt; 0.05) and a further decrease in CD16 expression compared with preexercise values (P &lt; 0.01). CD16 expression was lower 1 h after HI than I h after MI (P &lt; 0.01). Immediately after HI, intracellular myeloperoxidase concentration was less than preexercise values (P &lt; 0.01), whereas plasma myeloperoxidase concentration was greater (P &lt; 0.01), indicating that HI stimulated neutrophil degranulation. Plasma myeloperoxidase concentration was higher immediately after HI than after MI (P &lt; 0.01). Neutrophil respiratory burst activity increased after HI (P &lt; 0.01). In summary, both MI and HI reduced neutrophil surface receptor expression. Although CD16 expression was reduced to a greater extent after III, this reduction did not impair neutrophil degranulation and respiratory burst activity.

It is generally accepted that moderate physical activity can improve immune functions and potentially reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases and cancer. There is accumulating evidence to show that moderate physical activity can enhance the activities of T cells, natural killer cells and macrophages, cytokine productivity and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G and salivary IgA levels. In contrast, however, exhaustive exercise causes the systemic release of immunosuppressive stress hormones and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and temporarily causes a decrease in circulating lymphocyte counts and the reduction in activities of T cells and natural killer cells and salivary IgA levels. Consequently, these negative alterations in immune function and cytokine imbalance may enhance host susceptibility to infections and promote allergic disposition. Although exercise-induced mobilization and activation of phagocytic cells such as neutrophils and monocytes can result in muscular, vascular and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress due to the production of reactive oxygen species, these deleterious responses may be attenuated by the appropriate use of antioxidants and nutritional supplements. This review presents the findings from recent studies in the field of exercise immunology, and offers some insight into how these findings may be applied in the broad realm of preventive, complementary and alternative medicine.<br>

Neutrophils produce free radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which assist in the clearance of damaged host tissue. Tissue damage may occur during exercise due to muscle damage, thermal stress and ischaemia/reperfusion. When produced in excess, neutrophil-derived ROS may overwhelm the body's endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms, and this can lead to oxidative stress. There is increasing evidence for links between oxidative.stress and a variety of pathological disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases and post-ischaemic organ injury. A small number of studies have investigated whether there is a link between neutrophil activation and oxidative stress during exercise. In this review, we have summarised the findings of these studies. Exercise promotes the release of neutrophils into the circulation, and some evidence suggests that neutrophils mobilised after exercise have an enhanced capacity to generate some forms of ROS when stimulated in vitro. Neutrophil activation during exercise may challenge endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms, but does not appear to increase lipid markers of oxidative stress to any significant degree, at least in the circulation. Antioxidant supplements such as N-acetylcysteine are effective at attenuating increases in the capacity of neutrophils to generate ROS when stimulated in vitro, whereas vitamin E reduces tissue infiltration of neutrophils during exercise. Free radicals generated during intense exercise may lead to DNA damage in leukocytes, but it is unknown if this damage is the result of neutrophil activation. Exercise enhances the expression of inducible haem (heme)-oxygenase (HO-1) in neutrophils after exercise, however, it is uncertain whether oxidative stress is the stimulus for this response.

Purpose: To investigate whether cytokines and neutrophils mediate exercise-related pathogenesis, we examined their responses and possible association after exhaustive exercise. Methods: Plasma and urine samples were obtained from 10 male runners before and after a 42.195-km marathon race. Major cytokines and neutrophil activation markers [myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lactoferrin (LTF)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Functional modulation of standard neutrophils and monocytes by plasma was determined in vitro on their luminol-dependent chemiluminescence responses. Results: The race induced peripheral neutrophilia accompanied by an increase in band neutrophils and monocytosis. Plasma MPO and LTF concentrations increased significantly by 1.8 and 1.4 times after the race. There was a greater increase in urine concentrations of MPO and LTF, 12.3 and 3.5 times after exercise, respectively, suggesting that neutrophil activation occurred and that renal clearance exceeded the increase in plasma concentrations. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage CSF (M-CSF), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) increased significantly after the race, and urine IL-beta, IL-6, G-CSF, M-CSF, and MCP-1 increased significantly. The plasma IL-6 responses correlated with the increases of band neutrophil count (r = 0.860, P &lt; 0.01), suggesting IL-6-mediated bone marrow release of neutrophils. Furthermore, the increases in urine MPO concentration were correlated with increases in urine IL-6 (r = 0.868, P &lt; 0.01) and G-CSF (r = 0.875, P &lt; 0.01), suggesting that these cytokines promoted neutrophil activation in vivo. However, in vitro preincubation of neutrophils and monocytes with postexercise plasma could not cause priming responses, possibly because of the exercise-induced enhancement of plasma antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Although many cytokines recruiting and priming neutrophils and monocytes were secreted and functional after exhaustive exercise, overwhelming antioxidant and anti inflammatory defenses were induced, preventing exercise-induced oxidative stress.

It is known that interleukin (IL)-12 p70 promotes the differentiation of type-1 helper T (Th1) cells, which produce type-1 cytokines such as IL-2 and interferon (IFN), thereby supporting cellular immunity, whereas IL-12 p40 acts as an antagonist of IL-12 p70. In contrast, IL-4 and IL-6 promote the differentiation of Th2 cells, which produce type-2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, induce humoral immunity and are involved in allergic reactions. Exhaustive exercise causes the suppression of T lymphocyte activity while asthmatic and allergic diseases are subclinically more prevalent in athletes. One of the mechanisms behind these observations might be a lower type-1 and higher type-2 cytokine balance, which we previously demonstrated to occur after exhaustive exercise. In the present study, we investigated the type-1/type-2 cytokine balance by measuring plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IFN-gamma with microparticle-based flow cytometric technology. IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-12 p40 and p70 were measured separately, also by ELISA. Plasma IL-12 p40 concentration rose significantly after maximal exercise and to an even greater extent after a marathon race. Conversely, plasma IL-12 p70 could not be detected even using two different assays. The marathon race caused a marked increase in the plasma concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10. Their responses were correlated (r=0.78, p&lt;0.01), indicating that IL-6 is an inducer of IL-10, and may partly induce the type-1 &lt; type-2 cytokine balance. With the exception of one study involving maximal exercise, other studies have failed to show any change in circulating IL-12 concentration with exercise. The present study demonstrated that IL-12 p40 was present in excess of p70 especially after exercise. This may be one of the mechanisms behind several phenomena including cellular immunosuppression, an increase in the relative proportion of type-2 cytokines following exhaustive exercise, and the higher incidence of infections and allergic disorders in regularly exercising endurance athletes.

We investigated whether there is a break point of creatine kinase (CK) release after daily endurance exercise and whether CK response depends on individual physical characteristics. Fifteen healthy young men performed 90 min of bicycle exercise for 3 consecutive days. Body composition, properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM), and aerobic and anaerobic capacities were estimated before the test. Blood samples were obtained 22 times during the experimental period. Endurance exercise significantly elevated serum CK from 3 h after the first exercise session (P &lt; 0.05) and gradually increased thereafter. Subjects were classified into two groups according to their peak CK values: high responders (HR; &gt;500 IU/l of CK) and low responders (LR; &lt;300 IU/l of CK). Peak CK values during the experimental period correlated (P &lt; 0.01) with workload/cross-sectional area of the QFM (r = 0.658), workload/volume of the QFM (r = 0.648), and knee extensor strength/body mass (r = -0.634); however, the HR and LR groups were separated in each variable. Thus the break point of CK release after endurance exercise under these conditions is 300-500 IU/l, two or three times higher than in the resting condition, and is associated with properties of the QFM.

We examined the hypothesis that the short, intensive exercise-induced increase in circulating neutrophil counts is affected by the interaction between the endocrine and immune systems. Twelve male winter-sports athletes underwent a maximal exercise test on a treadmill. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after (Post), and 1 h (Post 1 h) and 2 h (Post 2 h) after the exercise. The neutrophil counts increased significantly at Post 1 h (P &lt; 0.05) and remained significantly high even at Post 2 h (P &lt; 0.05), showing a leftward shift. Plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increased at Post (P &lt; 0.05), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased at Post 1 h (P &lt; 0.05). Plasma G-CSF at Post significantly correlated with the numbers of both neutrophils and stab cells at Post 1 h (P &lt; 0.05). Plasma IL-6 at Post 1 h levels also correlated significantly with the number of neutrophils at Post 2 h (P &lt; 0.05). The increase in the levels of plasma G-CSF and IL-6 after intensive exercise may play a role in the mobilization of neutrophils into the circulatory system.

We studied changes in serum opsonic activity (SOA) in male judoists who were engaged in active weight reduction. Serum immunoglobulins, complements and SOA, measured by neutrophil-associated chemiluminescence responses. were investigated 20 days, 7 days and I day before a competition and 5 days after the competition, In addition, muscle strength and anaerobic work capacity, as well as body composition, were also determined. A dietary survey was conducted daily during the observation period, Body weight decreased by 4.2 kg over 19 days. SOA significantly decreased 5 days alter the competition. as well as the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins. complements and total proteins. These trends were noted in the marked weight reduction group (i.e. reduction weight of body fat/body fat weight before weight reduction greater than or equal to25%() more than the slight reduction group (&lt;25%). Depressed SOA was closely correlated with the decreased concentrations of intmunoglobulins and complements. These results suggest that the decrease in immunoglobulins and complements following weight reduction is associated with reduced SOA, which might cause susceptibility to infections. This study demonstrated that such immunosuppression appeared in the recovery period after the competition rather than immediately before the competition. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons. Ltd.

It has been documented that strenuous exercise not only induces pyrogenesis but also elicits mobilization and functional augmentation of neutrophils and monocytes whereas it suppresses cellular immunity leading to increased susceptibility to infections. As mediators Of these phenomena, cytokines released into the circulation have been a recent focus of attention. Indeed, there are as many as one hundred original reports concerning exercise and cytokines, and half of them have been published in rapid succession from 2000, resulting in a tremendous accumulation of new knowledge within such a short term.
The first aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize previous studies on systemic cytokine kinetics following exercise, with a special focus on reproducibility and quantitative comparison in human studies using specific immunoassays. Although tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta have traditionally been understood to be the main inducer cytokines of acute phase reactions, the majority of studies have shown that the circulating concentration of these cytokines is either unchanged following exercise, or exhibits relatively small, delayed increments. Plasma interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-gamma do not appear to change following exercise, whereas IL-2 decreases after endurance exercise. The small changes of these proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines could well be mediated by anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6 and IL-10 and cytokine inhibitors (cortisol, prostaglandin E-2 and soluble receptors against TNF and IL-2), which are known to increase markedly in the circulation following endurance exercise. Moreover it has been recently demonstrated that endurance exercise induces systemic release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage CSF (M-CSF), IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1).
Although the majority of available data have been obtained following prolonged exercise, it remains to be elucidated whether short-duration intensive exercise also causes rapid systemic cytokine release. In addition, there have been few studies that have simultaneously compared the extent of each cytokine response to exercise from a wider perspective. The second aim of this study was to examine possible changes of not only plasma but also urine concentrations of a broad spectrum of cytokines (16 kinds) following maximal exercise, including the time course of recovery. Although plasma TNF-alpha could not be detected throughout, it was present in urine 2 It after exercise. Plasma IL-1 beta rose significantly 2 h after exercise, but plasma IL-1ra increased more rapidly and markedly than IL-1 beta, thus IL-1 bioactivity should be blocked at least in the circulation. Although there was only a trend toward increased plasma IL-6 concentrations after exercise, urine IL-6 rose significantly I h after exercise, indicating that IL-6 was released systemically but eliminated rapidly into the urine. Furthermore, it is shown for the first time that plasma and urine IL-4 concentrations were significantly elevated 2 h after exercise. Therefore, it is possible that anti-inflammatory cytokines might be released into the circulation as a regulatory mode of the cytokine network for adaptation against systemic inflammatory stress. Additionally, we have demonstrated that plasma concentrations of G-CSF granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF), M-CSF IL-8 and MCP-1 increased immediately after short-duration exercise and that the urine concentrations of these cytokines were much more pronounced than the changes observed in plasma.
In conclusion, cytokines that are considered to induce systemic bioactivity following exercise are not only anti-inflammatory cytokines but also colony-stimulating factors and chemokines, which were secreted in an earlier phase of exercise without the kinetic involvement of traditional proinflammatory cytokines. Although the wider physiological and pathological implications are still not clearly understood, these cytokine kinetics may partly explain suppressed cell-mediated immunity and increased allergic reactions derived from a lower type-1 to type-2 cytokine ratio, along with mobilization and functional augmentation of neutrophils and monocytes. The sources and stimuli of cytokine production are not fully elucidated at present, but several hypotheses based on recent experimental evidence are discussed in this review herein.