Choosing an appropriate pacing strategy is important for good triathlon performance. In the Japan Student Triathlon Championship held in 2020, the men's category was divided into two groups, which was a different racing style from the previous races that all athletes start at the same time. It is highly likely that the performance level will vary as grouping was performed according to the competence of each player. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship of the total time and time of each leg between the superior performance group and the inferior performance group, as well as the difference in pacing during running in participants of the 2020 Japan University Triathlon Championship Watarase Competition, which was held under unconventional conditions. We analyzed 153 male athletes (Group A: 77; Group B: 76) who completed the race. The total race time, leg time, and average speed in each leg and its variation coefficient were evaluated based on the official results of the competition and footage recorded during the race. The results showed that the total time and leg time for each leg were significantly shorter in Group A compared to those in Group B (p < 0.05). In both groups, the Lap 4 run was significantly slower than those of Laps 1–3 (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the running speed to average speed ratio across all laps between the groups (p < 0.05). Thus, there was a difference in running speed between the groups, but no significant difference in pacing. The results of this study serve as basic data for examining superior pacing strategies, although further studies on a wide range of competition levels are necessary.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of lung volume and trigeminal nerve stimulation (TS) on diving responses in breath-hold divers (BHDs) and non-divers (NDs). METHODS: Eight BHDs and nine NDs performed four breath-hold trials at different lung volumes, with or without TS, and one trial of TS. Haemodynamic parameters and electrocardiograms were measured for each trial. RESULTS: During the TS trial, the total peripheral resistance increased more in BHDs. Breath-hold performed at total lung capacity showed a more pronounced decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output in BHDs. The decrease in heart rate and increase in total peripheral resistance were more pronounced in BHDs when breath-holding was performed with TS. CONCLUSION: The more pronounced diving response in BHDs was attributed to the greater increase in total peripheral resistance caused by TS. Furthermore, the lower stroke volume and cardiac output in BH performed at total lung capacity could also cause a more pronounced diving response in BHDs.

AbstractThe present study aimed to test the hypothesis that changes in the dermal tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and biomechanical properties of the skin would be correlated with the indicators related to dehydration. Ten healthy adult men were enrolled in three trials: no fluid intake (DEH), ad libitum fluid intake (AL-HYD), and programmed fluid intake (P-HYD) after exercise in a randomized crossover design. The participants performed a pedaling exercise at 60% heart rate reserve until 2% body mass loss. At 120 min after exercise, an incremental exercise test was carried out. Aerobic capacity, body composition, TDC, biomechanical properties of the skin (pliability, viscoelasticity, and total recovery), and indicators related to dehydration in the serum and urine were measured before and 120 min after exercise. Higher values of the pliability and viscoelasticity, and lower value of the total recovery on the hand were demonstrated in the P-HYD trial compared to the DEH trial (all P < 0.05). Changes in the TDC were significantly correlated with changes in body mass (P < 0.05), total body water (P < 0.05), serum osmolarity (P < 0.05), and hematocrit (P < 0.01). Changes in the biomechanical properties of the hand were significantly correlated with changes in body mass, hematocrit, and urine specific gravity (all P < 0.05). The present study showed that the changes in skin characteristics correlated with the body water and dehydration-associated indicators in the serum and urine, thus suggesting that skin characteristics may be useful in the assessment of dehydration.

<title>Abstract</title>Muscle atrophy occurs in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Specific molecular networks that govern protein synthesis and degradation play important roles in controlling muscle mass under diverse catabolic states. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were previously found to be regulators of protein synthesis and degradation, and their expressions in skeletal muscle were altered in muscle wasting conditions. However, functional roles of miRNAs in muscle atrophy are poorly understood. In this study, we generated tamoxifen-inducible <italic>Dicer</italic> knockout (iDicer KO) mice and subjected them to 2 weeks of single hindlimb denervation. The expression of <italic>Dicer</italic> mRNA was significantly reduced in muscle of the iDicer KO mice compared to that of WT mice. The loss of <italic>Dicer</italic> moderately reduced levels of muscle-enriched miRNAs, miR-1, miR-133a and miR-206 in both innervated and denervated muscles of the iDicer KO mice. We also found that the extent of denervation-induced muscle atrophy as well as changes of signaling molecules related to protein synthesis/degradation pathways in the iDicer KO mice were comparable to these in WT mice. Taken together, <italic>Dicer</italic> knockout in adult skeletal muscle did not affect denervation-induced muscle atrophy.

This study aimed to determine the effect of yoga stretching on salivary stress hormones and cardiac autonomic nervous system. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate changes in cardiac autonomic nervous system after yoga stretching. In this crossover design study, 10 adult men (age, 26.3 ± 2.5 years) without yoga experience participated in the rest and yoga trials for 90 min. Measurements were carried out before (pre), immediately (post), 60 min, and 120 min after rest or yoga stretching. Saliva samples were collected by chewing a sterile cotton ball at a frequency of 60 cycles per minute. Salivary cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. With the subjects in the sitting position, heart rate variability was measured using pulse analyzer plus for 150 seconds. As regards rate changes, salivary testosterone level tended to increase (p = 0.088), testosterone/cortisol ratio significantly increased (p < 0.05), and cortisol level significantly decreased (p < 0.05) at 120 min after yoga stretching. The square root of the mean-squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals and natural logarithm high-frequency component, which are indicators of parasympathetic nerve activity, increased at 60 min (p < 0.05) and 120 min (p < 0.05) in the yoga trial, respectively. In conclusion, yoga stretching can enhance parasympathetic nerve activity and improve stress hormones. Therefore, yoga stretching may be useful to compensate for physical inactivity and increase life expectancy in the general population.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in innate immunity in human skin. It is known that AMPs mainly function in the stratum corneum. Therefore, AMP concentrations in the stratum corneum need to be precisely measured to clarify functional and physiological importance of AMPs in cutaneous defence. Tape stripping (TS) is a well-established method by which components in the stratum corneum can be collected. However, the usefulness of the TS method for measuring AMP concentration in human skin remains unclear. Therefore, we compared it with another popular method, skin rinsing, which had been established as a method for measuring AMP concentration in human skin. When investigated on healthy medial forearm using RNase 7, which is one of the typical AMPs, as an index, there was a significant positive correlation between RNase 7 concentrations measured by the TS method at adjacent forearm sites, demonstrating the reproducibility of the TS method. Next, a significant positive correlation was detected in RNase 7 concentrations measured using the TS and the skin rinsing method, indicating that the TS method is comparable to the skin rinsing method. Thus, we speculate that the TS method is useful for measuring AMP concentration in human skin.

本研究では、エッセンシャルオイルを用いた香り刺激が安静時の口腔内免疫能および心理状態に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的とした。健康な成人男性16名を対象として、30分間の香り刺激の前後および30分後に口腔内免疫能、自律神経活動、心理ストレス指標を測定した。ベルガモット、ラベンダー、レモンの3種類のエッセンシャルオイルを用いて、噴霧量の強弱に分けた6試行とコントロール試行の合計7試行をランダム化クロスオーバーデザインにて実施した。その結果、ベルガモット「弱」試行にて、香り刺激の30分後に唾液中の分泌型免疫グロブリンA(secretory immunoglobulin A;SIgA)分泌速度の有意な増加がみられた。コルチゾール濃度については、ベルガモット「弱」試行、ベルガモット「強」試行、レモン「弱」試行において有意に低下することが確認された。また、いずれの試行においても心理状態は有意な改善を示し、特にレモン精油の香り刺激は総合的な気分状態を改善することが明らかとなった。したがって、ベルガモット精油は免疫機能とストレスホルモンに有益な効果を示し、総合的な気分状態の改善にはレモン精油が有効であることが示唆された。(著者抄録)

Protection against age-related immune suppression is important in elderly individuals. This study determined the effect of yoga on mucosal immune function and mental stress. Saliva samples were collected from 23 adult women (age: 60.4 ± 10.4 years) before and after 90 minutes of yoga stretching or rest to measure secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), cortisol, and testosterone. The SIgA concentration and secretion rate were significantly higher after yoga than before (p &lt
.05). The cortisol concentration and secretion rate were lower and testosterone secretion rate higher after yoga (p &lt
.05). Yoga stretching can reduce stress and enhance mucosal immune function in elderly women.

Background: No reports have evaluated the long-term trends of the prevalence of anemia in Universiade athletes using preparticipation medical examinations (PPMEs). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia among Japanese Universiade athletes, using longitudinal PPMEs. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, athletes with published data from official reports of the Japanese delegation of the summer Universiade games between 1977 and 2011 were included, as were similar-aged nonathletes with published health data, extracted from official national reports from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. PPME data and national health survey data included blood tests for anemia and the age of each participant. We compared the anemia prevalence in both groups using an unpaired t test. Results: Anemia prevalence among Universiade athletes decreased by 11.6% over the study period (13.3% in 1977 to 1.7% in 2011). Moreover, anemia prevalence between 1991 and 2011 in the total Universiade athlete population was significantly lower than that in the nonathletic population (mean ± standard deviation: 5.2 ± 2.9% vs 9.8 ± 1.5%, respectively
P =.025). In female Universiade athletes, anemia prevalence between 1977 and 1981 was higher than that in the nonathletic populations (48.1% vs 19.7%, respectively). However, in 2003, this value was lower than that in nonathletic female populations (8.5% vs 19.8%, respectively). Conclusions: A decrease in anemia prevalence in Japanese Universiade athletes was revealed with longitudinal PPMEs. Hematological parameters should be evaluated longitudinally in athletes to provide continuous performance support throughout the athlete's career.

1977〜2011年のユニバーシアード夏季大会の日本選手団の公式報告書をもとに、競技会参加前メディカルチェック(PPME)で発見される貧血の有病率について経年変化を調べた。貧血の有病率は1977年の13.3%から2011年の1.7%まで低下した。1991〜2011年の期間における選手の貧血有病(5.2±2.9%)は、非運動選手集団(9.8±1.5%)と比べて有意に低かった。1977〜1981年に女性選手の貧血有病率(48.1%)は非運動選手集団(19.7%)と比べて高かったが、2003年には逆転した(8.5%対19.8%)。PPMEの縦断研究によりユニバーシアード選手における貧血有病率の低下が認められた。

An intensive consecutive high-volume training camp may induce appetite loss in athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in stress and appetite responses in male power-trained athletes during an intensive training camp. The measurements at Day 2 and at the end of a 9-day intensive training camp (Camp1 and Camp2, respectively) were compared with those of the resting period (Rest) and the regular training period (Regular; n = 13). The stress state was assessed based on plasma cortisol level, salivary immunoglobulin A level, and a profile of mood states score. The sensation of appetite was assessed using visual analog scale scores, and fasting plasma acylated ghrelin, insulin, and glucose were measured. The cortisol concentrations were significantly higher at Camp2 (466.7 +/- 60.7 nmol . L-1) than at Rest (356.3 +/- 100.9 nmol .L-1; p = 0.002) or Regular (361.7 +/- 111.4 nmol . L-1; p = 0.003). Both prospective and actual food consumption significantly decreased at Camp2, and acylated ghrelin concentration was significantly lower at Camp1 (34.2 +/- 8.0 pg . m L-1) and Camp2 (32.0 +/- 8.7 pg . m L-1) than at Rest (47.2 +/- 11.2 pg . m L-1) or Regular (53.4 +/- 12.6 pg . m L-1). Furthermore, the change in acylated ghrelin level was negatively correlated with the change in cortisol concentration. This study's findings suggest that an early-phase physiological stress response may decrease the acylated ghrelin level in male power-trained athletes during an intensive training camp.

ロンドンオリンピックにおける31競技種目の代表選手294人と候補選手876人の視力測定と矯正方法について聞き取り調査を行った。視力は競技時と同様の矯正状態で片眼と両眼の遠方視力を測定した。その結果、1)競技群別の分析では、単眼視力・両眼視力・非矯正眼視力・矯正眼視力と矯正方法は競技群間で有意な差があった(p<0.05)。競技群で視力と視力矯正方法が違っていたのは、競技特性が関係していると考えられた。2)代表選手群と候補選手群の分析では、単眼視力・両眼視力・非矯正眼視力・矯正眼視力と矯正方法は代表選手群と候補選手群で有意な差があった(p<0.05)。代表選手群と候補選手群の視力と視力矯正方法が違っていたのは、代表選手群と候補選手群のスポーツ環境の違いによるものと考えられた。(著者抄録)

This study examined ageing and free-living daily physical activity effects on salivary human beta-defensin 2 (hBD2). A total of 168 healthy elderly and 26 healthy young volunteers underwent saliva sampling. Free-living step count, energy expenditure and activity durations at specific intensity levels (inactive, light, moderate and vigorous) were evaluated. The results show significantly lower salivary hBD2 secretion rates for elderly than for young participants (P&lt;0.05). Data from elderly participants were stratified by steps per day using quartiles (Q1-Q4) for distribution. Elderly in quartiles respectively showed step counts of 3145 +/- 129 in Q1, 5294 +/- 83 in Q2, 7001 +/- 86 in Q3 and 10,236 +/- 416 steps day(-1) in Q4. In elderly participants, significant differences were found in the mean step count, energy expenditure and activity duration with increasing pedometer-determined activity quartiles. hBD2 secretion rates were significantly higher for Q2, Q3 and Q4 than for Q1 (P&lt;0.05). Elderly participants in Q3 had the highest hBD2 secretion. In conclusion, these results suggest that moderate physical activity in daily living improves age-related impairment of oral immune function mediated by hBD2. For oral immune function enhancement and for prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in elderly people, we recommend accumulation of more than 7000 steps day(-1).

夏季と冬季のオリンピックとアジア大会65競技種目の代表および候補者3,243人の視力測定と競技時の矯正方法についての聞き取り調査を行った。視力は競技時と同様の矯正状態で片眼と両眼の遠方視力を測定した。その結果、1. 単眼視力1.0以上の者は82.0%、両眼視力1.0以上の者は92.6%だった。単眼視力と両眼視力は競技群間で有意な差があった(p<0.05)。単眼視力と両眼視力がともに1.0以上の割合がもっとも多いのは球技群、もっとも少なかったのは格闘技群だった。2. 視力非矯正眼の割合は64.9%で、割合がもっとも多いのはスピード群で、もっとも少ないのは標的群だった。視力非矯正眼の79.4%は1.0以上だった。3. 矯正視力の87.0%は1.0以上だった。視力矯正方法はコンタクトレンズが88.3%を占めてもっとも多く、競技群によって視力矯正方法に特徴があった。矯正方法は競技群間で有意な差があった(p<0.05)。(著者抄録)

This study examined changes in toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)-expressing monocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations in response to continuous intensive exercise training in athletes, as well as the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on these changes. Eighteen male elite kendo athletes in Japan were randomly assigned to a CoQ10-supplementation group (n = 9) or a placebo-supplementation group (n = 9) using a double-blind method. Subjects in the CoQ10 group took 300 mg CoQ10 per day for 20 days. Subjects in the placebo group took the same dosage of placebo. All subjects practiced kendo 5.5 h per day for 6 consecutive days during the study period. Blood samples were collected 2 weeks before training, on the first day (day 1), third day (day 3), and fifth day of training (day 5), and 1 week after the training period (post-training) to ascertain TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) monocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD28(+)/CD4(+), CD28(+)/CD8(+), and CD56(+)/CD3(-) cells) using flow cytometry analysis. The group x time interaction for TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells did not reach significance (p = 0.08). Within the CoQ10 group, the absolute number of TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells was significantly higher only at day 5. The placebo group showed a significant increase in the absolute number of TLR-4(+)/CD14(+) cells at day 3, day 5, and post-training (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant group x time interaction for any lymphocyte subpopulation. CD3(+), CD8(+), and CD56(+)/CD3(-) cells were significantly reduced at day 3 in both groups (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, CoQ10 supplementation might downregulate the increase of TLR-4-expressing monocytes in response to continuous strenuous exercise training in kendo athletes.

Objective: To investigate supplement use among Japanese elite athletes.
Design: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study using individual interviews during athletes' medical evaluations.
Setting: One to 5 months before the Olympic Games in 2012, London, United Kingdom.
Participants: Five hundred fifty-two Japanese athletes for the London Games, including candidates.
Independent Variables: Sex, sports, supplement category, and participation.
Main Outcome Measures: Whether athletes used supplements, what products were used, the frequency and purposes of use, and from what sources athletes received information on supplements.
Results: All 552 athletes were interviewed by pharmacists regarding supplement use and agreed to the survey. Of them, 452 (81.9%) used 1 or more supplement products in the year before the study; a total of 952 different products (mean = 1.7, SD = 1.4) were used. The most commonly used supplement was amino acids (310 athletes; 56.2%), and 358 (38.7%) of the total products were amino acids. Of the athletes, 241 (43.7%) took at least 1 supplement daily, and of the supplements, 457 (49.4%) were taken daily. The most common purpose for supplement use was recovery from fatigue-327 (59.2%) athletes chose this answer, and 486 (52.5%) products were used for this purpose. Finally, regarding athletes' information sources on supplements, coaches, managers, and trainers were the most frequent advisors (275 athletes, 49.8%; 466 products, 50.4%).
Conclusions: The results revealed widespread supplement use among Japanese elite athletes for the London Olympic Games. Education system was required not only for athletes but also for athletes' entourage, such as coaches, managers, trainers, and supplement companies.

本邦の女性トップアスリートの無月経、疲労骨折の発症率を競技別に明らかにし、無月経が疲労骨折のリスク因子となるか検討することを目的とした。2011年4月1日からの14ヵ月間に、当クリニックでメディカルチェックを受けた女性トップアスリート683名を対象とし、後方視的に検討を行った。683名中、無月経53名(7.8%)、疲労骨折78名(11.7%)で、新体操、体操、フィギュアスケート、陸上長距離で無月経が多く、疲労骨折は陸上長距離、新体操で多かった。また、無月経が疲労骨折のリスク因子となり、エストラジオール20pg/ml以下の無月経で疲労骨折の発症が有意に高い結果となった(p<0.05)。(著者抄録)

女性トップアスリート683名を対象とし、月経困難症、月経前症候群、コンディション調整目的での低用量ピル使用率を後方視的に検討し、今後の課題を見出すことを目的とした。継続的に低用量ピルを使用しているアスリートは14名(2.0%)で、月経困難症5名、月経不順3名、月経前症候群2名、月経周期調整2名、その他2名だった。また、コンディション調整目的での月経周期調整希望者231名(33.8%)に対し、低用量ピルを用いて継続的に月経周期調整を行っているアスリートは2名だった。月経随伴症状対策やコンディション調整での婦人科医への潜在的な需要はあり、今後、アスリートやスタッフに対し情報提供や教育・啓発活動が必要である。(著者抄録)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) intake and appropriate physical training on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in elderly adults with low physical fitness. Elderly adults with low physical fitness (daily step count below 3,500 steps) were divided into 2 groups: a b240 intake + exercise group (b240 group) and a placebo intake + exercise group (placebo group). Each subject continued intake of b240 or placebo and moderate-intensity resistance exercise for 12 weeks. Before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of intervention, each subject underwent saliva sampling. Before and after intervention, physical fitness tests and step count were measured. Our results showed that secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in 57 subjects during the b240/placebo intake period was significantly greater in the b240 group than in the placebo group (p&lt;0.05). There were no significant changes in physical fitness tests before and after intervention in the 2 groups. The daily amount of walking increased significantly after intervention in both groups (p&lt;0.05). These results suggest that in elderly adults with low physical activity and fitness, intake of b240 with appropriate physical exercise elevate salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus pentosus strain b240 (b240) intake and appropriate physical training on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in elderly adults with low physical fitness. Elderly adults with low physical fitness (daily step count below 3,500 steps) were divided into 2 groups: a b240 intake + exercise group (b240 group) and a placebo intake + exercise group (placebo group). Each subject continued intake of b240 or placebo and moderate-intensity resistance exercise for 12 weeks. Before and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of intervention, each subject underwent saliva sampling. Before and after intervention, physical fitness tests and step count were measured. Our results showed that secretory immunoglobulin A secretion in 57 subjects during the b240/placebo intake period was significantly greater in the b240 group than in the placebo group (p&lt;0.05). There were no significant changes in physical fitness tests before and after intervention in the 2 groups. The daily amount of walking increased significantly after intervention in both groups (p&lt;0.05). These results suggest that in elderly adults with low physical activity and fitness, intake of b240 with appropriate physical exercise elevate salivary secretory immunoglobulin A secretion.

Yoga stretching can be done comfortably and easily by beginners and older adults to compensate for lack of exercise or poor health maintenance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of yoga stretching on mucosal immune functions, primarily human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2) in saliva.
Fifteen healthy adults (age, 60.4 +/- A 8.0 years) participated in the study. Participants rested for 90 min on the first day and performed yoga for 90 min on the second day. Measurements were carried out before and after rest or yoga. Saliva samples were collected by chewing a sterile cotton at a frequency of 60 cycles per min. Salivary HBD-2 concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
HBD-2 concentration after yoga stretching (165.4 +/- A 127.1 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that before yoga stretching (84.1 +/- A 63.4 pg/mL; p &lt; 0.01). HBD-2 expression rate after yoga stretching (232.8 +/- A 192.9 pg/min) was significantly higher than that before yoga stretching (110.7 +/- A 96.8 pg/min; p &lt; 0.01). HBD-2 concentration (p &lt; 0.05) and HBD-2 expression rate (p &lt; 0.01) at post on the second day (yoga) was significantly higher than that on the first day (rest). POMS score of anger-hostility was lower after yoga than before.
Yoga stretching for 90 min can increase salivary HBD-2 expression in older adults. Therefore, yoga stretching might be useful for older adults and athletes to maintain their health.

Eda, N, Shimizu, K, Suzuki, S, Tanabe, Y, Lee, E, and Akama, T. Altered secretory immunoglobulin A on skin surface after intensive exercise. J Strength Cond Res 27(9): 2581-2587, 2013The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity endurance exercise on skin immunity by estimating secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and staphylococci on skin surface. Seven healthy adult men (age, 22.3 +/- 2.0 years) performed bicycle exercise at 75% HRmax for 60 minutes from 2030 to 2130 hours. Secretory immunoglobulin A was obtained from 1 ml extraction liquids stirred with the microtube homogenizer in the open end of a polypropylene tube for 60 seconds. Secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Staphylococci were harvested by pressed agar-based media against skin surface. Skin surface samples were collected from the chest and the forearm on the first day at 2030 hours (before rest, A1), 2130 hours (after rest, A2), and 2230 hours (after showering, A3); the next morning at 0700 hours (A4); on the second day at 2030 hours (before exercise, B1), 2130 hours (after exercise, B2), and 2230 hours (after showering, B3); and the next morning at 0700 hours (B4). Secretory immunoglobulin A concentration on the forearm was significantly lower at B2 (p &lt; 0.05) and B3 (p &lt; 0.05) than that at B1 and that on the chest at B1 tended to be higher compared with B2 (p = 0.084) and B3 (p = 0.075). The number of staphylococci was significantly higher at B2 than that at B1 (p &lt; 0.01) and B4 (p &lt; 0.01) on the forearm. We conclude that high-intensity endurance exercise might depress immune function and enhance infectious risk on skin surface. Coaches should encourage their athletes to take a shower and change into clean clothes immediately after sports activities and athletes should maintain a clean skin surface to decrease the infectious risk on skin surface.

運動誘発性気管支喘息、気道過敏性を含む気管支喘息の有病率は一般人のみならず、アスリートにおいても増加している。先行研究で報告されている諸外国のトップアスリートの気管支喘息の有病率は、その検出する方法が統一されているものではないが、自施設における日本のトップアスリートの喘息有病率と比較して高い。アスリートのパフォーマンスやドーピング違反の視点から、トップアスリートに関わるスポーツドクターにとって正確な日本のトップアスリートの喘息有病率をしることは、非常に重要なことである。この論文の目的は喘息診断のためにどのような呼吸機能検査を適応するのか、そして日本のトップアスリートの喘息有病率がどの程度であるかを示すことである。喘息に関する質問表とスパイロメトリ検査をスクリーニング検査として北京オリンピック出場選手(候補選手を含む)482名全員に行った。気道可逆性テストおよびメサコリンや運動による誘発性テストも適宜行った。気道可逆性テストおよび誘発性テストで陽性になったのは6.2%(482名中30名)、無症状にも関わらず喘息と診断されたのは3.5%(482名中17名)であった。最終的に検査の結果やアスリートの希望により喘息の治療が施されたアスリートは12.4%(482名中60名)であった。この論文はスパイロメトリ検査をスクリーニング検査として施行し、客観的な検査を用いて日本オリンピックアスリートの喘息を診断した最初の報告である。この方法によって最終的に得られた日本のトップアスリートの喘息有病率は報告されている諸外国の有病率と相違ないものであった。(著者抄録)

For athletes, preventing infectious disease on skin is important. Examination measurement of epidermal barriers could provide valuable information on the risk of skin infections. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high-intensity endurance exercise on epidermal barriers. Six healthy adult males (age; 22.3 +/- 1.6 years) performed bicycle exercise at 75%HRmax for 60 min from 18:30 to 19:30. Skin surface samples were measured 18:30 (pre), 19:30 (post), 20:30 (60 min), and 21:30 (120 min). Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2) concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SIgA concentration at pre was significantly higher than at post, 60 min and 120 min (p &lt; 0.05). HBD-2 concentration at post and 120 min was significantly higher than at pre (p &lt; 0.05). Moisture content of the stratum corneum was significantly higher at post than at pre, 60 min, and 120 min (p &lt; 0.05). On the chest, moisture content of the stratum corneum was significantly lower at 120 min than at pre (p &lt; 0.05). The number of staphylococci was significantly higher at post than at pre (p &lt; 0.05), and tended to be higher at 60 min than at pre on the chest (p = 0.08). High-intensity endurance exercise might depress the immune barrier and physical barrier and enhance the risk of skin infection. On the other hand, the biochemical barrier increases after exercise, and our findings suggest that this barrier might supplement the compromised function of other skin barriers.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of supplement use among young elite Japanese athletes.
Design: Survey study.
Setting: 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Singapore.
Participants: Data were collected from individual interviews during medical evaluations of 75 athletes selected for the Japanese national team.
Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures included the use of supplements, products used, frequency of use, purpose of use, and relationships between supplement use and athlete attitudes toward a balanced diet.
Results: All 75 athletes agreed to participate in this study, and individual interviews by pharmacists made it possible to collect complete answers from all athletes. Of these athletes, 47 (62.7%) used 1 or more supplement products (average number of products used, 1.1 +/- 1.3). The most popular supplement was amino acids, which were used by 33 athletes (44.0%). Of the supplements used, 28 (32.6%) were taken every day, whereas 28 (32.6%) were used only on special occasions. Moreover, 34 of the supplement products (39.5%) were taken to enhance recovery from fatigue, whereas 19 (22.1%) were used to improve athletic performance. Statistical analysis suggested that there was no significant relationship between supplement use and attitudes toward a balanced diet.
Conclusions: The results revealed widespread supplement use among young elite athletes in the Japanese national team for the Singapore Youth Olympic Games in 2010. Moreover, these athletes apparently used supplements without considering the effects of their normal diets.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of supplement use among young elite Japanese athletes.
Design: Survey study.
Setting: 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Singapore.
Participants: Data were collected from individual interviews during medical evaluations of 75 athletes selected for the Japanese national team.
Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures included the use of supplements, products used, frequency of use, purpose of use, and relationships between supplement use and athlete attitudes toward a balanced diet.
Results: All 75 athletes agreed to participate in this study, and individual interviews by pharmacists made it possible to collect complete answers from all athletes. Of these athletes, 47 (62.7%) used 1 or more supplement products (average number of products used, 1.1 +/- 1.3). The most popular supplement was amino acids, which were used by 33 athletes (44.0%). Of the supplements used, 28 (32.6%) were taken every day, whereas 28 (32.6%) were used only on special occasions. Moreover, 34 of the supplement products (39.5%) were taken to enhance recovery from fatigue, whereas 19 (22.1%) were used to improve athletic performance. Statistical analysis suggested that there was no significant relationship between supplement use and attitudes toward a balanced diet.
Conclusions: The results revealed widespread supplement use among young elite athletes in the Japanese national team for the Singapore Youth Olympic Games in 2010. Moreover, these athletes apparently used supplements without considering the effects of their normal diets.

Shimizu, K, Suzuki, N, Nakamura, M, Aizawa, K, Imai, T, Suzuki, S, Eda, N, Hanaoka, Y, Nakao, K, Suzuki, N, Mesaki, N, Kono, I, and Akama, T. Mucosal immune function comparison between amenorrheic and eumenorrheic distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1402-1406, 2012-This study examined the effects of amenorrhea on mucosal immune function and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in elite female distance runners. Based on their menstrual cycles during the prior year, 21 elite, collegiate, female distance runners were designated as eumenorrheic runners (ERs; n = 8; 19.9 +/- 0.8 years) or amenorrheic runners (ARs; n = 13; 20.0 +/- 0.3 years). Resting saliva and blood samples were collected in the morning. The secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Serum 17 beta-estradiol concentrations and serum progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Subjects reported the appearance of URTI symptoms (sore throat, headache, runny nose, coughing, or fever), if any, during the prior month. The serum estradiol concentration and salivary SIgA secretion rate were significantly lower for ARs than for ERs (p &lt; 0.05). Serum progesterone concentration was not significantly different between groups. Higher frequencies of headache, runny nose, coughing, and fever were observed in ARs than in ERs. Results show that athletic amenorrhea with low estrogen might accelerate downregulation of mucosal immune function in athletes and enhance susceptibility to infection.

Shimizu, K, Suzuki, N, Nakamura, M, Aizawa, K, Imai, T, Suzuki, S, Eda, N, Hanaoka, Y, Nakao, K, Suzuki, N, Mesaki, N, Kono, I, and Akama, T. Mucosal immune function comparison between amenorrheic and eumenorrheic distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1402-1406, 2012-This study examined the effects of amenorrhea on mucosal immune function and susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in elite female distance runners. Based on their menstrual cycles during the prior year, 21 elite, collegiate, female distance runners were designated as eumenorrheic runners (ERs; n = 8; 19.9 +/- 0.8 years) or amenorrheic runners (ARs; n = 13; 20.0 +/- 0.3 years). Resting saliva and blood samples were collected in the morning. The secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Serum 17 beta-estradiol concentrations and serum progesterone concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay. Subjects reported the appearance of URTI symptoms (sore throat, headache, runny nose, coughing, or fever), if any, during the prior month. The serum estradiol concentration and salivary SIgA secretion rate were significantly lower for ARs than for ERs (p &lt; 0.05). Serum progesterone concentration was not significantly different between groups. Higher frequencies of headache, runny nose, coughing, and fever were observed in ARs than in ERs. Results show that athletic amenorrhea with low estrogen might accelerate downregulation of mucosal immune function in athletes and enhance susceptibility to infection.

Shimizu, K, Suzuki, N, Imai, T, Aizawa, K, Nanba, H, Hanaoka, Y, Kuno, S, Mesaki, N, Kono, I, and Akama, T. Monocyte and T-cell responses to exercise training in elderly subjects. J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2565-2572, 2011-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on age-related impairment of immune parameters related to T-cell activation in elderly individuals. Twenty-four elderly subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 3 men, 9 women; age 61-76 years) or a nonexercise control group (CON: 4 men, 8 women; age 62-79 years). Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 2 d.wk(-1) for 12 weeks. The training session included stretching and endurance exercise (10 minutes), resistance training comprised leg extension, leg press, hip abduction, and hip adduction using exercise machine and each subject&apos;s body weight. Subjects in CON maintained their normal physical activity levels during the study period. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. Samples were measured for the numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes, and for CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD28(+) CD4(+), CD28(+) CD8(+), TRL-4(+) CD14(+), and CD80(+)CD14(+) cells. The number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells did not change after 12 weeks in either EXC or CON. The number of CD28(+)CD8(+) cells increased significantly after training in EXC (p &lt;= 0.05), although CON showed no significant change. In the EXC group, CD80(+)CD14(+) cell counts were significantly higher after training (p &lt;= 0.05), but the TLR-4(+)CD14(+) cell counts were unchanged. In the CON group, no significant alteration existed in TLR-4(+)CD14(+) and CD80(+)CD14(+) cell numbers. In conclusion, exercise training in elderly people is associated with increased CD28-expressing Tc cells and CD80-expressing monocytes. Therefore, exercise training might upregulate monocyte and T-cell-mediated immunity in elderly people.

国立スポーツ科学センターを受診したトップアスリートを対象に、気道可逆性試験におけるサルブタモール追加吸入の有用性に関して検討した。スパイロメトリーで1秒率が85%以下であったトップアスリートのうち、同意の得られた145名に対し気道可逆性試験を行った。20分後さらにサルブタモールの追加吸入を行い、各々1秒量を測定したところ、初回吸入で14名が12%以上の1秒量改善を認め、追加吸入後には新たに17名の選手が12%以上の1秒量改善を認めた。気道可逆性試験におけるサルブタモール追加吸入は、喘息を誘発し得る気道過敏性検査を行い難いトップアスリートの喘息診断において有用であることが示唆された。(著者抄録)

Shimizu, K, Aizawa, K, Suzuki, N, Masuchi, K, Okada, H, Akimoto, T, Mesaki, N, and Akama, T. Influences of weight loss on monocytes and T-cell subpopulations in male judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(7): 1943-1950, 2011-The purpose of this study was to examine weight loss effects on immune function in judo athletes. Six elite male Japanese judo athletes (20.3 +/- 0.4 years) were enrolled in this study. They completed usual weight loss programs during 2 weeks preceding an actual competition. Subjects noted the appearance of upper-respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms during the study period. Blood samples were obtained at 40 (baseline period: BL) and 3 (weight loss period: WL) days before and 1 day after the competition (AC). The CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD56(+)CD3(-), CD28(+)CD4(+), CD28(+)CD8(+), and Toll-like-receptor-4(+) (TLR-4) CD14(+) cells were counted by using flow cytometer analysis. The 6 subjects reported 1 headache, 3 runny nose conditions, and 1 coughing instance during the WL. The CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD28(+)CD4(+) cell counts were significantly lower at WL than at BL (p &lt;= 0.05); they reverted to the baseline value at AC. The TLR-4(+)CD14(+) cells were significantly fewer at WL (p &lt;= 0.05); they remained fewer than they had been at BL, even at AC. These results suggest that 2 weeks of weight loss before a competition can impair cell-mediated immune function and induce high susceptibility to URTI in judo athletes. Coaches, support staff, and athletes should monitor athletes&apos; weight loss, hydration status, appearance of URTI symptoms, and immunocompetence such as lymphocytes and monocytes to prevent the physical condition from becoming worse.

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.

【目的】第25回ユニバーシアード大会（ベオグラード2009）が平成21年7月1日～12日に12競技203種目にて開催された。本大会は大学生が参加する総合国際大会であり、選手村を設けて運営され、選手村の中で世界各国の競技者と国際交流し競技活動する大会である。今回、筆者は本部医務班にアスレティックトレーナーとして帯同する機会を得た。本大会での活動報告および国際大会において理学療法士がアスレティックトレーナーとして果たす役割について考察する。<BR>【方法】日本選手団本部医務班は財団法人日本オリンピック委員会情報・医・科学専門委員会医学サポート部会（以下、医学サポート部会）に所属する医師3名（内科医2名、整形外科医1名）およびアスレティックトレーナー1名（理学療法士）で編成された。筆者は先発隊として内科医1名と伴に6月25日に出国し、選手村へ入村、医務室設営および村内の環境確認を実施し、またPoliclinicを訪問しチーフドクターおよび理学療法士と事前打合せを行った。本大会における帯同トレーナーは18名（本部1名、8競技団体17名）であり、トレーナー帯同のない競技は4競技団体であった。メディカルスタッフの帯同がない競技については、本部医務班スタッフで調整し試合会場へ入りメディカルサポートを実施した。本部医務室の開設時間は7時半～23時としたが、トレーナー活動は主に試合前後の時間帯であり、日中の試合時間帯に試合会場内で活動を行った。トレーナー活動は6月26日から7月11日まで16日間実施した。<BR>【説明と同意】本発表を行うにあたり医学サポート部会へ発表の主旨を説明し同意を得た。<BR>【結果】トレーナーが対応した競技者は35名（42部位）で選手総数265名のうち13％の利用があり、述べ利用者数は185件であった。利用者内訳は性別では男子16名、女子19名。競技別ではトレーナーが帯同している競技では10名（5％）、帯同がない競技では25名（36％）の利用があった。部位別では腰背部10件、足関節8件、大腿部7件、肩関節5件、膝関節4件、その他8件であった。大会期間中に発生した急性外傷のうちアスレティックトレーナーが対応したのは4件であり、右足関節捻挫1件、股関節部打撲1件、突き指1件、左ハムストリング肉離れ1件であった。その他は入村以前からの症状が残存しているものや慢性外傷、長時間のフライトによるコンディショニング不良であった。本大会における渡航は成田空港よりミュンヘン国際空港を経由しベオグラード・ニコラ・テスラ国際空港まで合計約14時間のフライトであった。入村前に受傷し患部の症状は軽減していたが、移動中に腫脹および疼痛が増悪、関節可動域制限が生じ来室した競技者が5件（足関節内反捻挫4件、膝外側半月板損傷術後1件）あった。なお今回はマンパワーに限りがあり本部医師とも相談のうえ、リコンディショニングや明らかなコンディショニング不良にのみ対応し、マッサージのみを希望する競技者の受け入れは行わなかった。<BR>【考察】本大会において本部医務班はメディカルスタッフ帯同がない競技団体へのサポートを積極的に行い、また本部医務室だけではなく練習および試合会場へも移動してメディカルサポートを実施した。大会期間中に急性外傷を発症し本部医務室を来室し理学療法を施行した競技者は4件であり、医師と監督との協議の結果、すべての競技者は競技活動を続行した。急性外傷を有した競技者が競技活動を継続する際には患部の症状増悪や再受傷、二次的損傷を防ぐための万全の対応策が必要である。また外傷が完治していない部位や後遺症を有する部位に対して、一時的に痛みを軽減させる治療を希望し医務室を来館する競技者もあった。これらの競技者へは適切な評価に基づいた医学的判断と運動学的知識に基づいたスポーツ動作への理解により対応策が講じることが必要である。特に本大会は大学生が参加する国際大会であり、競技者育成の観点から、その場凌ぎのコンディショニングは行わずに評価と理学療法を施行した。本大会に帯同し競技者が国際大会でパフォーマンスを十分に発揮できる日常的なメディカルサポート体制構築の必要性を感じた。<BR>【理学療法学研究としての意義】国際大会の場で理学療法の対象となるスポーツ外傷および障害についてデータ収集し、競技者が十分なパフォーマンスを発揮するための理学療法を構築するための基礎的データとする。<BR>

We aimed to develop a valid model of immunosuppression induced by intense exercise in rats. Rats were divided into three groups. In the rest (Rest) group, saliva was collected from resting rats on 4 consecutive days. In the exercise (Ex) group, rats ran on a treadmill untill exhaustion (exercise time: 60.0 +/- 3.7 min), and their saliva was collected before and after exercise; the salivary glands were removed after exercise. In the control (Con) group, saliva collection and gland removal were also performed, but the rats did not exercise. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentrations in saliva and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) mRNA expression in the glands were measured. There was no significant change in SIgA concentration in the Rest group over 4 days. In the Ex group, SIgA concentration decreased significantly after exercise compared with before, whereas there was no significant change in the Con group. The expression of pIgR mRNA was significantly lower in the Ex group post-exercise than in the Con group. Our procedure for saliva collection appeared suitable, and the exercise-induced SIgA suppression was probably caused by a decline in pIgR mRNA expression. We propose to use this reproducible and reliable rat model of exercise-induced SIgA suppression in future studies.

CD28 molecule expression on the surface of T cells plays a critical role in up-regulation of various cytokines synthesis and T-helper (Th) cell proliferation and differentiation. However aging induces a decrease in CD28 expression and unbalance of Th1/Th2, leading to impairment of Th-cell mediated immune function. The purpose of this study was to assess the affects of moderate exercise training on CD28 expression and the balance of Th1/Th2 cells in elderly people. Forty-eight elderly subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 13 males, 15 females; aged 61-76) or a non-exercise control group (CON: 7 males, 13 females; aged 62-79). Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 5-days a week for 6 months. Meanwhile, subjects in CON maintained their normal physical activity levels during the study period. Blood samples were collected before and after the training period. Samples were measured for the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes, as well as for CD3(+), CD4(+), CD28(+)CD4(+), IFN-gamma(+)CD4(+), IL-4(+)CD4(+) cells. The number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD3+ cells did not change after 6 months in both EXC and CON. The number of CD4(+) and CD28(+)CD4(+) cells significantly increased after the training in EXC (P &lt; 0.05), while CON did not show significant changes. In the EXC group, IFN-gamma(+)CD4(+) cell numbers were significantly higher following the training (P &lt; 0.05), but the number of IL-4(+)CD4(+) cells was not changed. In the CON group, there were no significant alterations in IFN-gamma(+)CD4(+) and IL-4(+)CD4(+) cell numbers. In conclusion, moderate exercise training in the elderly is associated with improvement of expression of CD28 on Th cells and Th1/Th2 balances. Therefore, exercise training could up-regulate Th cell-mediated immune functions and be helpful for a decrease in the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases in elderly people.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to assess the relationship in elderly subjects between free-living daily physical activity and mucosal immunity, especially salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). Methods: Elderly volunteers (114 men and 170 women) aged 71.3 +/- 0.3 yr (range: 65-86 yr) participated in this study. Resting saliva samples were collected in the morning. Saliva samples stimulated by chewing a sterile cotton ball at a frequency of 60/60 s were collected. The SIgA concentration was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated. Free-living step count (steps per day), energy expenditure (kJ(.)kg(-1)-d(-1)), and activity durations (min(.)d(-1)) at specific intensity levels (inactive, light, moderate, and vigorous) were evaluated using an electric pedometer. The data obtained were stratified by pedometer-determined steps per day using quartiles (Q1-Q4) for distribution. Results: Elderly in quartiles showed step counts of 2962 94, 5118 62, 6832 59, and 9951 264 steps per day. Significant differences were found in the mean step count (P &lt; 0.0001), energy expenditure (P &lt; 0.0001), and activity duration (P &lt; 0.0001) with increasing pedometer-determined activity quartiles. Both SIgA concentration and SIgA-secretion rate were significantly higher for Q3 than for Q1 (P &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, saliva flow rates showed no significant differences across quartiles. Conclusion: These results suggest that a free-living daily physical activity level of approximately 7000 steps per day might be regarded as a moderate daily physical activity target for elderly people to improve mucosal immune function.

The influence of age and gender on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in response to moderate exercise training was studied in 158 elderly subjects, Subjects were assigned to an exercise training group (EXC: 51 males, 74 females) or a non-exercise control group (CON: 11 males, 22 females). The subjects in each group were separated into four age-gender subgroups (60-69-yr-old males, over 70-yr-old males, 60-69-yr-old females, over 70-yr-old females) and compared by age and gender Subjects in EXC participated in exercise sessions 5-days a week for 6 months. Saliva samples were collected both before and after the study period. The SIgA secretion rates were significantly increased after training (p < 0.05) in all the age-gender subgroups of EXC (60-69 males: 41%, over 70 males: 55%, 60-69 females: 40%, over 70 females: 38%); no age- or gender-related differences were observed. On the other hand, none of the age-gender subgroups of CON showed significant changes in the SIgA secretion rate; also, there were no age- or gender-related differences. In conclusion, enhancement of mucosal immune function following regular moderate exercise training occurs in elderlies in their 60s and over 70 years, and in both, males and females.

The immune function declines in efficiency with advancing age, making the elderly less resistant to pathogenic microorganisms. The effects of walking exercise training (five 30-min walking sessions/week at 80% VT) on salivary secretory IgA (SIgA) and plasma lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in elderly subjects. Thirty sedentary, elderly subjects (8 men, 22 women; age 66.7±7.4 years) performed walking exercise for 3 months. Aerobic power, body composition, and immune function were examined before (Pre) and after training (3 months). Salivary SIgA flow rate were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry. SIgA flow rate significantly increased at 3 months, especially in 64-year-olds and under (U-64), 65∼85-year-olds (65-85), and female elderly subjects. Number of total lymphocytes, NK cell, and memory-Th cell significantly decreased at 3 months. We conclude that 3 months of walking provides enhancement of mucosal immune function in elderly subjects, although it is not associated with an improvement in lymphocytes.

Background: The immune system declines in efficiency with advancing age, making the elderly less resistant to pathogenic microorganisms. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a common illness. Recent studies have shown that suppression of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is associated with increased incidence of URTL
Objective: To assess the effect of exercise on salivary SIgA in elderly subjects.
Methods: Forty five elderly subjects (18 men, 27 women; mean (SD) age 64.9 (8.4) years) performed both 60 minute resistance and 60 minute moderate endurance training a week for 12 months. Saliva samples were obtained before training, and at four and 12 months during the training period. Salivary SIgA concentrations were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the SIgA secretion rate was calculated.
Results: SlgA concentrations before training, and at four and 12 months during training were 24.7 (14.4), 27.2 (14.2), and 33.8 (18.5) mug/ml respectively. SIgA secretion rates were 29.5 (26.0), 33.8 (27.2) and 46.5 (35.1) mug/min respectively. The results indicate that both the concentration and secretion rate of SlgA significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased during 12 months of exercise in these elderly subjects.
Conclusion: Regular moderate exercise seems to enhance mucosal immune function in elderly subjects.

Infection is the major cause of health impairment in elderly persons. Immune function declines with age. In order to keep the elderly in good health, it is necessary to control the age-associated decline of their immune function. Components of a non-specific immune system arc neutrophils, macrophages and NK cells. A specific immune system is composed of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. T lymphocytes differentiate in the thymus. Age-associated atrophy of the thymus causes a decline in T lymphocyte function. It is essential in aging of the immune system. B lymphocytes produce immunoglobulin to act as antibodies. With aging, abnormal antibodies such as autoantibodies and monoclonal immunoglobulin increase, and the number of normal antibodies compared to foreign antigens decrease. Exercise influences the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, and immune system. Moderate exercise enhances immune function, and severe exercise causes immune function decline. Immune function declines after a severe single bout of exercise, and an &ldquo;open window&rdquo; of infections occurs. Appropriate exercise training may improve immune function. Recently, it was shown that exercise training for one year increased the contents of secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva in elderly persons. This result suggests that long-term exercise training improves immune function in elderly persons.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in leukocyte migration from the circulation and intervention at sites of inflammation. We investigated the effects of various types of exercise on circulating levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in normal healthy male adults. Plasma concentrations of sICAM-1 were measured before and after bicycle ergometer exercise at intensity of 80% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (16 min), 42 km endurance running and 30-min downhill running at intensity of ventilation threshold (VT). The plasma sICAM-1 level increased 1 day after the endurance running (12%) and downhill running (14%), but not after ergometer exercise. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations also increased 1 day after running. Our data suggest that exercise associated with muscle damage and/or inflammation results in increased levels of plasma sICAM-1. The physiological significance of post-exercise high plasma sICAM-1 levels is not clear at this stage, but changes in plasma sICAM-1 may reflect the status of the immune system.

PURPOSE: We examined the levels of autoantibodies against prethrombin-1 and fragment-1 in pregnant women to determine the type of autoantibodies that were associated with severe, preeclampsia or spontaneous abortion.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We measured autoantibodies bound to prethrombin-1, prethromhin-1, and fragment-1 by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 12 healthy nonpregnant women, 36 women with normal pregnancies, 28 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, and 19 pregnant women who subsequently had spontaneous abortion.
RESULTS: Plasma samples in 10 (36%) of the 28 women with severe preeclampsia and 11 (58%) of the 19 women with spontaneous abortion were positive for antiprothrombin antibodies as compared with 3 (9%) of the 36 women with normal pregnancies. AU II of the positive samples from women who had spontaneous abortions were positive for antiprethrombin-1 antibody, but only 1 was positive for antifragment-1 antibody. The mean ( +/- SD) titer of antiprethrombin-1 1 antibodies in patients with spontaneous abortion (36 +/- 9 U) was higher than that in women with normal pregnancies (10 +/- 4 U; P &lt; 0.01). Antiprethrombin-1 antibody was detected in only 28 women with severe preeclampsia, whereas all 10 women with antiprethrombin antibodies were positive for antifragment-1 antibody. The antifragment-1 antibody titer in patients with severe pre eclampsia (49 +/- 15 U) was higher than in women with normal pregnancies(l3 +/- 6 U, P &lt;0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong and specific association between various types of antiprothrombin antibodies with severe preeclampsia and spontaneous abortion. (C)2001 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.

Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis (PFA) is a rare paraneoplastic rheumatic syndrome characterized by flexion contractures of both hands and thickening of palmar fascia. Several reports have suggested that this syndrome is a tumor-associated autoimmune disorder. We report a 44-year-old Japanese man who presented with flexion contractures of both hands associated with thickening of palmar fascia and polyarthritis. These clinical pictures were suggestive of PFA associated with occult neoplasm. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination revealed advanced gastric cancer. Resection of the cancer resulted in a gradual resolution of palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis. This clinical course suggests an underlying tumor-related immunologic process in this syndrome.

Objective. To examine the relationship between serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Methods. Twenty-four patients with SSc who had at least 2 sets of pulmonary function tests (PFT) at intervals of more than one year were eligible. Multiple linear regression models were constructed for prediction of the annualized rates of change of forced vital capacity (FVC), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco), and DLco per unit alveolar volume (K-co).
Results. The rates of change of FVC and K-co correlated with the annualized rate of change of IgG (p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively), and the rate of change of DLco correlated with the serum IgM level at the first PFT (p = 0.020) and with the annualized rate of change of IgG (p = 0.007).
Conclusion. The rates of change of serum Ig levels are associated with those of pulmonary function in SSc. Use of this model may assist investigation of pulmonary involvement.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a cytokine that was originally identified as natural killer cell stimulatory factor. It induces the activity of T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and exhibits strong anti-tumor activity. In this study, we studied the effects of brief anaerobic maximal exercise on circulating levels of IL-12. Six healthy males [mean (SD) 25.2 (2.6) years] performed a modified Wingate test exercise (resistance 0.075 kg/kg of body mass). The exercise consisted of five bouts of maximal cycling for 10 s, with rest intervals of 50 s between them. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, 30 min after, 60 min after and 120 min after the exercise. Plasma concentrations of IL-12 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were corrected for hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements. Plasma concentrations of IL-12 averaged [mean (SD)] 234.2 (40.9) pg/ml before, 305.2 (62.1) pg/ml immediately after, 202.8 (24.2) pg/ml 30 min after, 239.7 (35.1) pg/ml 60 min after, and 199.6 (49.2) pg/ml 120 min after the exercise. We showed that plasma concentrations of IL-12 increased significantly immediately after brief anaerobic maximal cycle ergometer exercise (P &lt; 0.01).

Objective. Some investigators have reported that anti-prothrombin autoantibodies (aPT) in lupus anticoagulant positive sera were detectable by ELISA. Discrepancies in aPT ELISA were observed by some investigators. To clarify this situation, we tested the binding of aPT positive sera to purified prothrombin under various conditions. Methods. We performed aPT ELISA under different conditions. The variables we tested were: ELISA plate (untreated or gamma irradiated polystyrene plates), buffer (phosphate buffered saline or Tris buffered saline), detergent (presence or absence of Tween-20), and antigen condition (intact or fragmented prothrombin). Results. Anti-PT from patients with lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome were similarly bound to prothrombin with both buffers. Addition of Tween-20 to the buffer increased reactivity in the irradiated plate assay, but decreased reactivity in the untreated plate assay. Reactivities in 90% of lupus sera were decreased by the use of fragmented prothrombin. In contrast, the reactivity of serum from a healthy subject was remarkably increased by antigen fragmentation. Conclusion. The discrepant ELISA results in measurement of aPT in the various reports may have been due to the use of detergent in the buffer and condition of the prothrombin used as antigen. In our experiments the best ELISA condition for measurement of aPT was achieved using buffer with Tween-20 detergent, with prothrombin directly coated onto irradiated polystyrene plates.

Autoantibodies against prothrombin, including lupus anticoagulant antibodies (LAC), have been identified in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). To identify the epitopes of LAC in patients with SLE and APS, we analyzed B cell epitopes of anti-prothrombin Abs. Prothrombin was purified from fresh plasma samples from healthy subjects, and fragmented by thrombin. Two fragments (prethrombin-1, 50 kDa, and fragment-1, 22 kDa) were separated and used for further experiments. The two fragments were coated on irradiated plate and the binding activities of sera from 13 patients with anti-prothrombin Abs (SLE, 7; APS, 4; SLE + APS, 2) were determined by using ELISA. The assay was conducted under the following conditions: use of irradiated plates, and TBS containing Tween-20. We detected two types of anti-prothrombin Abs. The first was anti-prethrombin-1 (n = 5) while the other was Ab against fragment-1 (n = 8). There were no patients with Abs that showed binding activities to both fragments. A higher proportion of patients with thrombosis were positive for anti-prethrombin-1 Abs (80%) than for anti-fragment-1 Abs (25%). Two patients with anti-prethrombin-1 Ab were positive for LAC and negative for anti-cardiolipin-beta(2) glycoprotein I antibody (aCL-beta(2)GPI). Our results strongly support the notion that both prethrombin-1 and fragment-1 on prothrombin molecule are B cell epitopes.

Most kendo players have gone through a traditional form of training, called Kangeiko. Kangeiko is a high intersity training camp carried out during the cold early mornings of winter. The aim of Kangeiko is to cultivate the mind and improve the physical fitness of the kendo players. In this study, we examined the changes in nocturnal urinary catecholamines excretion, aerobic fitness, and subjective condition during kangeiko in kendo. Training in Kangeiko was performed for about two hours from 5: 00 to 7: 00 am., and Kangeiko was continued for ten days in January in 1995. Training program during Kangeiko consisted of Kirikaeshi and Kakarigeiko for 30-40minutes, and Gokakugeiko for about 30minutes by interval training form. We measured nocturnal urinary catecholamines (dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline) excretion in five female college kendo players throughout Kangeiko, and evaluated their aerobic fitness before and the 3rd day after Kangeiko using multistage fitness test. Resting blood creatine kinase (CK) activity was measured before training on the first,6th, and 10th days of Kangeiko, and the 3rd day after Kangeiko. Each players kept recording their subjective condition, such as fatigue, muscle soreness etc., using 7-point rating scale from 1 (very bad) to 7 (very well) throughout Kangeiko. Nocturnal urinary catecholamines excretion were increased on the 3rd and/or 8th days of Kangeiko, but with no significance. Aerobic fitness fell the 3rd day after Kangeiko. There were significant correlations between changes in nocturnal urinary catecholamines excretion and aerobic fitness. Subjective condition was significantly decreased throughout Kangeiko. In most of the players, some of subjective condition became worse with the changes in nocturnal urinary catecholamines excretion. Compared with the first day of Kangeiko, resting blood CK activities were significantly increased on the 6th and 10th days of Kangeiko, indicated that repetition of high intensity training during Kangeiko produced remarkable disruption of muscle tissue. Change in basal sympathetic activity induced by extreme physical and mindful stress during Kangeiko might cause changes in aerobic fitness and subjective condition of the kendo players. Training program should be designed in consideration of individual differences in those stress during Kangeiko, as well as adequate health care.