Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity training with astaxanthin supplementation on adipokine levels, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity. Sixty-eight males with obesity were randomly stratified into four groups of seventeen subjects each: control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training plus supplement group (TSG). Participants underwent 12 weeks of treatment with astaxanthin or placebo (20 mg/d capsule daily). The training protocol consisted of 36 sessions of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), 60 min/sessions, and three sessions/week. Metabolic profiles, body composition, anthropometrical measurements, cardio-respiratory indices and adipokine [Cq1/TNF-related protein 9 and 2 (CTRP9 and CTRP2) levels, and growth differentiation factors 8 and 15 (GDF8 and GDF15)] were measured. There were significant differences for all indicators between the groups (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated that the levels of CTRP9, CTRP2, and GDF8 were different from CG (p < 0.05), although levels of GDF15 were similar to CG (p > 0.05). Levels of GDF8 were similar in the SG and TG groups (p > 0.05), with reductions of GDF15 levels in both training groups (p < 0.05). A total of 12 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation and exercise training decreased adipokines levels, body composition (weight, %fat), anthropometrical factors (BMI), and improved lipid and metabolic profiles. These benefits were greater for men with obesity in the TSG group.

Effects of Three Different Modes of Resistance Training on Appetite Hormones in Males With Obesity.

Purpose: This study explored the effect of three different modes of resistance training on appetite hormones [leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY)], cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity. Methods: Forty-four males with obesity (age: 27.5 ± 9.4 yrs.; mean weight: 93.2 ± 2.2 kg, body mass index: 32.9 ± 1.2 kg/m2) were randomized to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. All resistance training groups received 50 min of supervised training per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of training. Results: Plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, CCK, and PYY decreased significantly in all three different modalities of resistance training groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). GLP-1 increased significantly in both CRT and IRT groups compared to TRT and C groups (p < 0.05). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide decreased significantly in CRT and IRT groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels increased significantly in all resistance training groups compared to the C group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, CRT and IRT protocols had the greatest impact on appetite hormones compared to individuals who engaged in TRT or did not exercise (C).

Platelet activation and function in response to high intensity interval exercise and moderate continuous exercise in CABG and PCI patients.

BACKGROUND: The effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory markers and endothelial function have been extensively shown. However, the acute effect of HIIT on platelet activation and function in patients with recent revascularization is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of present study was to compare the responses of platelet activation (CD62P) and function (platelet aggregation) to high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate continuous exercise (MCE) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) patients. METHODS: Thirty patients who had CABG or PCI were randomly divided into HIIE, MCE and control groups. After determining the VO2peak, subjects in the MCE group carried out 30 min of continuous exercise at 60% of VO2peak, whereas, the subjects in HIIE group performed an interval protocol consisted of 8 repetitions of 2 min activity (running on treadmill) at 90% of VO2peak interspersed by 2 min of active recovery between repetitions at 30% of VO2peak .  Subjects in control group were seated and had no activity for the same period of time. Two blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise and were analyzed for markers of platelet activation and function. RESULTS: Data analyzes revealed that increases in platelet aggregation induced by ADP and corrected for increases in platelet count in response to MCE trial was significantly lower than HIIE group (P < 0.05). In addition, responses of CD62P to MCE trial was significantly lower compared to HIIE group (P < 0.05). Changes in plateletcrit and platelet distribution width were significantly different among the three trials where the PCT and PDW following the HIIE were higher than MCE. Platelet count increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 13% following HIIE trial. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of the present study it could be concluded that the risk of exercise-induced thrombosis is higher during HIIE than MCE in patients with recent revascularization.