Aspects of cognitive assessments and spectroscopic magnetic resonance imaging in people with chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review.

Extrahepatic manifestations are common in people with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Cognitive changes are pointed out, but the mechanisms are still uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze studies involving spectroscopic magnetic resonance in people infected with HCV, which also included cognitive tests. The research occurred in six databases (Directory of Open Access Journals, Lilacs, Medcaribe, Medline, Scielo and ScienceDirect) and the selection of studies was carried out in two stages: search for titles and abstracts, then reading of the full articles, excluding those that did not meet the eligibility criteria. 12,888 titles and abstracts were selected, but only 6 articles were included in the review. Impairments in attention, concentration, speed of information processing, memory, verbal fluency and executive functions were identified as well as an increase in the Cho/Cr and mI/Cr ratios and a reduction in the NAA/Cr ratio in some included studies. Longitudinal studies, with more homogeneous samples and methods, as well as with better controlled confounding factors, are necessary to adequately identify the effect of HCV on the brain.

Cytokines and Immune Cells Profile in Different Tissues of Rodents Induced by Environmental Enrichment: Systematic Review.

Environmental Enrichment (EE) is based on the promotion of socio-environmental stimuli, which mimic favorable environmental conditions for the practice of physical activity and health. The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate the influence of EE on pro-and anti-inflammatory immune parameters, but also in cell activation related to the innate and acquired immune responses in the brain and peripheral tissues in rodents. Three databases [PubMed (2209 articles), Scopus (1154 articles), and Science Direct (1040 articles)] were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review, independently, as they were identified by September 2021. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO. Of the 4417 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. In the brain, EE promoted a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In the blood, EE promoted a higher percentage of leukocytes, an increase in CD19+ B lymphocytes, and the proliferation of Natura Killer (NK cells). In the bone marrow, there was an increase in the number of CD27- and CD11b+ mature NK cells and a reduction in CD27- and CD11b+ immature Natural Killer cells. In conclusion, EE can be an immune modulation approach and plays a key role in the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, that have a pro-inflammatory response and immunosuppressive condition as part of their pathophysiology.

Does the enriched environment alter memory capacity in malnourished rats by modulating BDNF expression?

Environmental factors interfere in the neural plasticity processes. Among these, malnutrition in the early stages of life stands out as one of the main non-genetic factors that can interfere in the morphofunctional development of the nervous system. Furthermore, sensory stimulation from enriched environments (EE) also interferes with neural development. These two factors can modify areas related to memory and learning as the hippocampus, through mechanisms related to the gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The BDNF may interfere in synaptic plasticity processes, such as memory. In addition, these changes in early life may affect the functioning of the hippocampus during adulthood through mechanisms mediated by BDNF. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a literature review on the effects of early malnutrition on memory and the relationship between the underlying mechanisms of EE, BDNF gene expression, and memory. In addition, there are studies that demonstrate the effect of EE reversal on exposure to changes in the functioning of hippocampal malnutrition in adult rats that were prematurely malnourished. Thereby, evidence from the scientific literature suggests that the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of adult animals are influenced by malnutrition and EE, and these alterations may involve the participation of BDNF as a key regulator in memory processes in the adult animal hippocampus.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Neuroplasticity and Brain Function: A Systematic Review in Human and Animal Studies.

Background: Physical exercise (PE) has been associated with increase neuroplasticity, neurotrophic factors, and improvements in brain function. Objective: To evaluate the effects of different PE protocols on neuroplasticity components and brain function in a human and animal model. Methods: We conducted a systematic review process from November 2019 to January 2020 of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, LILACS, and Scopus. A keyword combination referring to PE and neuroplasticity was included as part of a more thorough search process. From an initial number of 20,782 original articles, after reading the titles and abstracts, twenty-one original articles were included. Two investigators evaluated the abstract, the data of the study, the design, the sample size, the participant characteristics, and the PE protocol. Results: PE increases neuroplasticity via neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, and NGF) and receptor (TrkB and P75NTR) production providing improvements in neuroplasticity, and cognitive function (learning and memory) in human and animal models. Conclusion: PE was effective for increasing the production of neurotrophic factors, cell growth, and proliferation, as well as for improving brain functionality.

Dietary intake in children and adolescents with food addiction: A systematic review.

Food addiction (FA) is characterized by behavioral changes related to the consumption of palatable foods, marked by dependence, impulsivity, and compulsion. Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to FA owing to their significant consumption of ultra-processed foods. This review aims to investigate the differences in dietary intake in pediatric populations with and without FA. We conducted a systematic literature review. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to July 2023. Potentially eligible studies were independently checked by two researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Of the 4868 articles identified, six studies were included. All the included studies had high methodological quality. High consumption of calories and fat was observed in children and adolescents with FA. A diet quality analysis showed that the consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugary drinks, sweets, and chips, was related to FA. Given these findings, we concluded that FA in childhood may be associated with higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher intake of macronutrients. Few studies have examined the relationship between FA and food intake in childhood, and more studies are required.

The impact of enriched environments on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents: a systematic review of environmental variability effects.

Introduction: The present review aimed to systematically summarize the impacts of environmental enrichment (EE) on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents exposed to normal and unfavorable environmental conditions. Methods: In this systematic review, four databases were used: PubMed (830 articles), Scopus (126 articles), Embase (127 articles), and Science Direct (794 articles). Eligibility criteria were applied based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study (PICOS) strategy to reduce the risk of bias. The searches were carried out by two independent researchers; in case of disagreement, a third participant was requested. After the selection and inclusion of articles, data related to sample characteristics and the EE protocol (time of exposure to EE, number of animals, and size of the environment) were extracted, as well as data related to brain tissues and biomarkers of oxidative balance, including carbonyls, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine, oxygen-reactive species, and glutathione (reduced/oxidized). Results: A total of 1,877 articles were found in the four databases, of which 16 studies were included in this systematic review. The results showed that different EE protocols were able to produce a global increase in antioxidant capacity, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, which are the main factors for the neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system (CNS) subjected to unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, it was possible to notice a slowdown in neural dysfunction associated with oxidative damage, especially in the prefrontal structure in mice. Discussion: In conclusion, EE protocols were determined to be valid tools for improving oxidative balance in the CNS. The global decrease in oxidative stress biomarkers indicates refinement in reactive oxygen species detoxification, triggering an improvement in the antioxidant network.

Physical Exercise Decreases Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Central and Peripheral Tissues of Rodents: A Systematic Review.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) affects many tissues and contributes to the development and severity of chronic diseases. In contrast, regular physical exercise (PE) has been considered a powerful tool to prevent and control several chronic diseases. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of different PE protocols on ER stress markers in central and peripheral tissues in rodents. The eligibility criteria were based on PICOS (population: rodents; intervention: physical exercise/physical training; control: animals that did not undergo training; outcomes: endoplasmic reticulum stress; studies: experimental). The PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, and Scielo databases were analyzed systematically. Quality assessment was performed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. The results were qualitatively synthesized. Initially, we obtained a total of 2.490 articles. After excluding duplicates, 30 studies were considered eligible. Sixteen studies were excluded for not meeting the eligibility criteria. Therefore, 14 articles were included. The PE protocol showed decreased levels/expression of markers of ER stress in the central and peripheral tissues of rodents. PE can decrease ER stress by reducing cellular stress in the cardiac, brain, and skeletal muscle tissues in rodents. However, robust PE protocols must be considered, including frequency, duration, and intensity, to optimize the PE benefits of counteracting ER stress and its associated conditions.

Impacts of different triathlon races on systemic cytokine profile and metabolic parameters in healthy individuals: a systematic review.

The present systematic review aimed to discuss the impacts of different triathlon protocols on the level of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as biomarkers related to the performance of healthy individuals. Four databases [PubMed (28 articles), Scopus (24 articles), Science Direct (200 articles), and SPORT Discus (1101 articles) were assessed. The eligibility criteria were applied, and the selected articles were used in the peer review, independently, as they were identified by March 2022. Of the 1359 articles found, 10 were included in this systematic review. Despite the difference in triathlon protocols, it was observed an increase in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4 and IL-10, and chemokines, such as IL-8 and MCP-1. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory serum levels increase after triathlon. Overall, the studies also reported enhancement in the serum levels of cortisol, creatine kinase, C reactive protein, Endothelial Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Myostatin, Lactate dehydrogenase, free fatty acids, and lactate dehydrogenase in triathlon athletes. This systematic review indicates that different triathlon race promotes an acute elevation of circulating cytokines and chemokines levels which return to standard levels after triathlon races. The findings of this systematic review demonstrate that the modulation of inflammatory parameters may be associated with an increase in metabolic indicators (CK, Cortisol, and LDH) after the end of different types of triathlon races.

Xenophagy as a Strategy for Mycobacterium leprae Elimination during Type 1 or Type 2 Leprosy Reactions: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium leprae is an intracellular bacillus that causes leprosy, a neglected disease that affects macrophages and Schwann cells. Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory responses to mycobacterial antigens, classified as type1 (T1R), a predominant cellular immune response, or type2 (T2R), a humoral phenomenon, leading to a high number of bacilli in infected cells and nerve structures. Xenophagy is a type of selective autophagy that targets intracellular bacteria for lysosomal degradation; however, its immune mechanisms during leprosy reactions are still unclear. This review summarizes the relationship between the autophagic process and M. leprae elimination during leprosy reactions. METHODS: Three databases, PubMed/Medline (n = 91), Scopus (n = 73), and ScienceDirect (n = 124), were searched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for independent peer reviewers in August 2023. RESULTS: From a total of 288 studies retrieved, eight were included. In multibacillary (MB) patients who progressed to T1R, xenophagy blockade and increased inflammasome activation were observed, with IL-1ß secretion before the reactional episode occurrence. On the other hand, recent data actually observed increased IL-15 levels before the reaction began, as well as IFN-γ production and xenophagy induction. CONCLUSION: Our search results showed a dichotomy in the T1R development and their relationship with xenophagy. No T2R studies were found.

Corrigendum: Impact of vitamin D on cognitive functions in healthy individuals: A systematic review in randomized controlled clinical trials.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.987203.].

Acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on peak torque and 5000 m running performance: a randomized controlled trial.

The benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on brain function, cognitive response, and motor ability are well described in scientific literature. Nevertheless, the effects of tDCS on athletes' performance remain unclear. To compare the acute effects of tDCS on the running performance of 5000 m (m) runners. Eighteen athletes were randomized into Anodal (n = 9) groups that received tDCS for 20 min and 2 mA, and Sham (n = 9), in the motor cortex region (M1). Running time in 5000 m, speed, perceived exertion (RPE), internal load and peak torque (Pt) were evaluated. The Shapiro-Wilk test followed by a paired Student's t-test was used to compare Pt and total time to complete the run between the groups. The running time and speed of the Anodal group (p = 0.02; 95% CI 0.11-2.32; d = 1.24) was lower than the Sham group (p = 0.02, 95% CI 0.05-2.20; d = 1.15). However, no difference was found in Pt (p = 0.70; 95% CI - 0.75 to 1.11; d = 0.18), RPE (p = 0.23; 95% CI - 1.55 to 0.39; d = 0.60) and internal charge (p = 0.73; 95% CI - 0.77 to 1.09; d = 0.17). Our data indicate that tDCS can acutely optimize the time and speed of 5000 m runners. However, no alterations were found for Pt and RPE.

Post-activation performance enhancement effect of drop jump on long jump performance during competition.

Drop jump is widely used in training sessions, aiming for chronic effects on long jump performance. However, the acute effect of drop jump on long jump performance through its use as a Conditioning Activity (CA) has not been explored. The objective of this study was to verify the Post-activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) responses induced by successive Drop Jumps (DJ) on competitive long jump performance. Eleven male jumpers (19.0 ± 2.0 years; 178.0 ± 9.0 cm; 73.1 ± 8.9 kg; and personal record 5.78 ± 0.44 m) volunteered for participation. The athletes performed 5 drop jumps 2 min (1'45-2'15 min) before the second, and fourth attempt during official competition of state level, the attempts without the use of CA were considered controls. The performance of the second (5.63 ± 0.43 m), third (5.65 ± 0.46, g = 0.24) and fourth (5.71 ± 0.34 m) jumps performed after activation were higher than the first (5.54 ± 0.45 m) in the control condition, p = 0.02, and p = 0.01 respectively. Differences were also found in the take-off vertical velocity of the jump between the fourth (1.55 ± 0.21) and the first jump (1.30 ± 0.40), p = 0.006. Jump performance showed positive correlation with approach velocity, r = 0.731, vertical take-off velocity, r = 0.412, and take-off duration, r = 0.508. The mean performance in jumping post-activation (5.67 ± 0.38 m) was higher than that without the use of previous CA (5.59 ± 0.44 m), p = 0.02, g = 0.19. The use of DJs as a CA prior to the long jump promotes improvements in the performance of the jump, which can be explained by the increase in the take-off vertical velocity in the athletes.

The impact of supervised physical exercise on chemokines and cytokines in recovered COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induces a high release of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, leading to severe systemic disorders. Further, evidence has shown that recovered COVID-19 patients still have some symptoms and disorders from COVID-19. Physical exercise can have many health benefits. It is known to be a potent regulator of the immune system, which includes frequency, intensity, duration, and supervised by a professional. Given the confinement and social isolation or hospitalization of COVID-19 patients, the population became sedentary or opted for physical exercise at home, assuming the guarantee of the beneficial effects of physical exercise and reducing exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supervised exercise protocol and a home-based unsupervised exercise protocol on chemokine and cytokine serum levels in recovered COVID-19 patients. This study was a prospective, parallel, two-arm clinical trial. Twenty-four patients who had moderate to severe COVID-19 concluded the intervention protocols of this study. Participants were submitted to either supervised exercise protocol at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco or home-based unsupervised exercise for 12 weeks. We analyzed serum levels of chemokines (CXCL8/IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL10/IP-10) and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). Before the interventions, no significant differences were observed in the serum levels of chemokines and cytokines between the supervised and home-based unsupervised exercise groups. The CXCL8/IL-8 (p = 0.04), CCL2/MCP-1 (p = 0.03), and IFN-γ (p = 0.004) levels decreased after 12 weeks of supervised exercise. In parallel, an increase in IL-2 (p = 0.02), IL-6 (p = 0.03), IL-4 (p = 0.006), and IL-10 (p = 0.04) was observed after the supervised protocol compared to pre-intervention levels. No significant differences in all the chemokines and cytokines were found after 12 weeks of the home-based unsupervised exercise protocol. Given the results, the present study observed that supervised exercise was able to modulate the immune response in individuals with post-COVID-19, suggesting that supervised exercise can mitigate the inflammatory process associated with COVID-19 and its disorders. Clinical trial registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7z3kxjk, identifier U1111-1272-4730.

Sarcopenia in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Background: Sarcopenia is related to morbidity and mortality in non-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease (ND-CKD) patients; however, the pathophysiology of sarcopenia remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in ND-CKD individuals. Methods: We cross-sectionally evaluated 139 prevalent ND-CKD patients attending our outpatient clinic at Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco, between April and October 2019. Patients older than 18 years old and at G3-G5 CKD stages were included. Hand grip strength, Muscle Mass appendicular Index, and Gait Speed (GS) were defined by the standards of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 guideline. Results: Sarcopenia prevalence was 20.9% and severe sarcopenia 2.9%. Sarcopenic were mostly found in elderly ones (64.8 ± 13.5 years vs. 54.9 ± 12.8 years, p < 0.001), revealing lower body mass index [26.1 (6.8) vs. 28.6 (6.2), p = 0.023], lower phase angle (PhA) [4.50 (1.10) vs. 5.60 (1.20), p < 0.001] and lower GS [1.00 (0.50) vs. 1.40 (0.4), p < 0.001]. They also presented lower serum creatinine levels [2.40 (1.50) vs. 3.0 (1.8), p = 0.032], lower Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio [72.60 (1008.30) vs. 342.30 (1172.1), p = 0.039] and Hemoglobin levels [11.45 (1.8) vs. 12.60 (2.40), p = 0.003], and higher levels of C-reactive protein [0.2 (0.80) vs. 0.03 (0.3), p = 0.045] compared to non-sarcopenic. Under Poisson Multivariate Model, PhA [Relative precision (RP): 0.364, Confidence Interval (CI) (95%):0.259-0.511, p < 0.001], Interleukin six (IL-6) [RP: 1.006, CI (95%):1.001-1.01, p = 0.02] and serum creatinine levels [RP: 0.788, CI (95%): 0.641-0.969, p = 0.024] were associated with sarcopenia. Conclusions: Sarcopenia predominance was identified in our ND-CKD population, and was associated with lower PhA values, higher IL-6 levels, and lower serum creatinine levels.

Changes in Cytokines Concentration Following Long-Distance Running: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Long-distance running is an exhausting effort for the whole organism. Prolonged aerobic exercise induces changes in inflammatory markers. However, predicting muscle damage in response has limitations in terms of selecting biomarkers used to measure inflammatory status. The present study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles focusing in ultra-marathon, marathon, and half-marathon and levels of cytokines. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, resulting in the inclusion of 76 articles. IL-6 was highlighted, evaluated in 62 studies and show increase in the standard mean difference (SMD): half-marathon (SMD -1.36; IC 95%: -1.82, -0.89, Ch2:0.58; tau2:0.00; p < 0.0001), marathon (SMD -6.81; IC 95%: -9.26, -4.37; Ch2:481.37 tau2:11.88; p < 0.0001) and ultra-marathon (SMD -8.00 IC 95%: -10.47, -5.53; Ch2:328.40; tau2:14.19; p < 0.0001). In contrast meta-regression analysis did not show relationship to the running distance (p = 0.864). The meta-analysis evidenced increase in the concentration of IL-1ra (p < 0.0001), IL-1B (p < 0.0001), IL-8 (p < 0.0001), IL-10 (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001). Reduction in IL-2 (p < 0.0001) and INF-y (p < 0.03) and no change in the IL-4 (p < 0.56). The number of studies evaluating the effect of adipokines was limited, however Leptin and Resistin were recurrent. The effects of an acute bout of prolonged aerobic exercise will protect against chronic systemic inflammation. The time to return to baseline values showed a substantial and dose-dependent relationship with run volume. The concentration of IL-6 was robustly studied and the marathon running was the most explored. Network of endocrine interactions in which circulating factors, released in extreme exercises, interplay through inter-organ crosstalk and physiologic changes were expressed. The running volume variability was able to modulate compounds that play a fundamental role in the maintenance of homeostasis and cell signaling.

Impact of vitamin D on cognitive functions in healthy individuals: A systematic review in randomized controlled clinical trials.

Various functions in the central nervous system, such as growth, development, and cognition can be influenced by vitamins and minerals, which are capable of helping to maintain brain health and function throughout life. Cognition is understood as the aspects related to knowledge, learning, and understanding, as well as the ability to develop these functions. A possible association between low levels of vit D and deficit in the performance of cognitive functions in healthy humans or with some pathological condition is discussed. Because of this, the present systematic review analyzed only randomized clinical trials carried out in healthy non-athlete adults about intellectual and/or mental processes involving cognitive functions to identify whether these individuals with different levels of vit D are capable of interfering with the performance of the cognitive function. To do so, we adopted the PRISMA method criteria and registered it in the PROSPERO database. The search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycINFO, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 2,167 records were identified. The 5 most frequent cognitive domains in the selected studies were: processing speed, attention, verbal learning/memory, executive function, and general cognitive functions. We found that there are positive changes in the following domains: verbal memory and verbal working memory, learning memory, attention, executive function, and also cognitive function in general. We highlight the following suggestions for improvements that vitamin D supplementation may promote in the cognitive domains of healthy adults: a) low doses between 400 and 600 IU/d seem to be more effective when compared to doses between 2,400 and 5,000 IU/d and b) food fortification and enrichment with vit D, need further studies, as they seem to be more or as effective as synthetic supplementation. We evident that there is a need for trials that evaluate the control of vit D levels for healthy adult individuals is important, as they have the potential to minimize health problems, especially those involved in the reduction of cognitive abilities. Thus, the development of more clinical trials to obtain satisfactory answers on this topic needs to be encouraged. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021262413.

Effects of aerobic exercise training in oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis markers on prefrontal cortex in obese mice.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of Aerobic Physical Training (AET) on the mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative balance in the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) of leptin deficiency-induced obese mice (ob/ob mice). METHODS: Then, the mice were submitted to an 8-week protocol of aerobic physical training (AET) at moderate intensity (60% of the maximum running speed). In the oxidative stress, we analyzed Malonaldehyde (MDA) and Carbonyls, the enzymatic activity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione S Transferase (GST), non-enzymatic antioxidant system: reduced glutathione (GSH), and Total thiols. Additionally, we evaluated the gene expression of PGC-1α SIRT-1, and ATP5A related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. RESULTS: In our study, we did not observe a significant difference in MDA (p = 0.2855), Carbonyl's (p = 0.2246), SOD (p = 0.1595), and CAT (p = 0.6882) activity. However, the activity of GST (p = 0.04), the levels of GSH (p = 0.001), and Thiols (p = 0.02) were increased after 8 weeks of AET. Additionally, there were high levels of PGC-1α (p = 0.01), SIRT-1 (p = 0.009), and ATP5A (p = 0.01) gene expression after AET in comparison with the sedentary group. CONCLUSIONS: AET for eight weeks can improve antioxidant defense and increase the expression of PGC-1α, SIRT-1, and ATP5A in PFC of ob/ob mice.

Acute Neuromuscular, Physiological and Performance Responses After Strength Training in Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Strength training (ST) is commonly used to improve muscle strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations and is recommended combined with runner training. It is possible that the acute effects of the strength training session lead to deleterious effects in the subsequent running. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to verify the acute effects of ST session on the neuromuscular, physiological and performance variables of runners. METHODS: Studies evaluating running performance after resistance exercise in runners in the PubMed and Scopus databases were selected. From 6532 initial references, 19 were selected for qualitative analysis and 13 for meta-analysis. The variables of peak torque (PT), creatine kinase (CK), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), countermovement jump (CMJ), ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), lactate (La) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. RESULTS: The methodological quality of the included studies was considered reasonable; the meta-analysis indicated that the variables PT (p = 0.003), DOMS (p < 0.0001), CK (p < 0.0001), RPE (p < 0.0001) had a deleterious effect for the experimental group; for CMJ, VE, VO2, La, FC there was no difference. By qualitative synthesis, running performance showed a reduction in speed for the experimental group in two studies and in all that assessed time to exhaustion. CONCLUSION: The evidence indicated that acute strength training was associated with a decrease in PT, increases in DOMS, CK, RPE and had a low impact on the acute responses of CMJ, VE, VO2, La, HR and submaximal running sessions.

The Relevance of a Physical Active Lifestyle and Physical Fitness on Immune Defense: Mitigating Disease Burden, With Focus on COVID-19 Consequences.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a fast spreading virus leading to the development of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Severe and critical cases are characterized by damage to the respiratory system, endothelial inflammation, and multiple organ failure triggered by an excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, culminating in the high number of deaths all over the world. Sedentarism induces worse, continuous, and progressive consequences to health. On the other hand, physical activity provides benefits to health and improves low-grade systemic inflammation. The aim of this review is to elucidate the effects of physical activity in physical fitness, immune defense, and its contribution to mitigate the severe inflammatory response mediated by SARS-CoV-2. Physical exercise is an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this sense, studies have shown that acute physical exercise induces the production of myokines that are secreted in tissues and into the bloodstream, supporting its systemic modulatory effect. Therefore, maintaining physical activity influence balance the immune system and increases immune vigilance, and also might promote potent effects against the consequences of infectious diseases and chronic diseases associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. Protocols to maintain exercise practice are suggested and have been strongly established, such as home-based exercise (HBE) and outdoor-based exercise (OBE). In this regard, HBE might help to reduce levels of physical inactivity, bed rest, and sitting time, impacting on adherence to physical activity, promoting all the benefits related to exercise, and attracting patients in different stages of treatment for COVID-19. In parallel, OBE must improve health, but also prevent and mitigate COVID-19 severe outcomes in all populations. In conclusion, HBE or OBE models can be a potent strategy to mitigate the progress of infection, and a coadjutant therapy for COVID-19 at all ages and different chronic conditions.