The impact of exercise on depression: how moving makes your brain and body feel better.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to comprehensively explore and elucidate the intricate relationship between exercise and depression, and focused on the physiological mechanisms by which exercise influences the brain and body to alleviate depression symptoms. By accumulating the current research findings and neurobiological insights, this study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of exercise in the management and treatment of depression. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature by selecting relevant studies published up to October 2023. The search included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and review articles. Keywords such as "exercise," "depression," "neurobiology," "endocrinology," and "physiological mechanisms" were used to identify pertinent sources. RESULTS: Inflammation has been linked to depression and exercise has been shown to modulate the immune system. Regular exercise can (1) reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms associated with inflammation; (2) help in regulating circadian rhythms that are often disrupted in individuals with depression; and (3) improve sleep patterns, thus regulating mood and energy levels. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms by which exercise reduces depression levels are multifaceted and include both physiological and psychological factors. Exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters associated with a positive mood and feelings of well-being. Exercise improves sleep, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances self-esteem and social support. The implications of exercise as a treatment for depression are significant because depression is a common and debilitating mental health condition. Exercise is a low-cost, accessible, and effective treatment option that can be implemented in various settings such as primary care, mental health clinics, and community-based programs. Exercise can also be used as an adjunctive treatment along with medication and psychotherapy, which can enhance treatment outcomes.

Oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction: Potential therapeutic targets and therapies in peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the manifestation of atherosclerosis characterized by the accumulation of plaques in the arteries of the lower limbs. Interestingly, growing evidence suggests that the pathology of PAD is multifaceted and encompasses both vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunctions, which contributes to blunted physical capabilities and diminished quality of life. Importantly, it has been suggested that many of these pathological impairments may stem from blunted reduction-oxidation (redox) handling. Of note, in those with PAD, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) outweighs antioxidant capabilities resulting in oxidative damage, which may have systemic consequences. It has been suggested that antioxidant supplementation may be able to assist in handling ROS. However, the activation of various ROS production sites makes it difficult to determine the efficacy of these antioxidant supplements. Therefore, this review focuses on the common cellular mechanisms that facilitate ROS production and discusses how excessive ROS may impair vascular and skeletal muscle function in PAD. Furthermore, we provide insight for current and potential antioxidant therapies, specifically highlighting activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) - Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway as a potential pharmacological therapy to combat ROS accumulation and aid in vascular function, and physical performance in patients with PAD. Altogether, this review provides a better understanding of excessive ROS in the pathophysiology of PAD and enhances our perception of potential therapeutic targets that may improve vascular function, skeletal muscle function, walking capacity, and quality of life in patients with PAD.

Factors affecting weight management in overweight or obese diabetic patients: the 2018-2021 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

PURPOSE: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects approximately 422 million people worldwide and leads to the death of 1.5 million people every year. The prevalence of diabetes among the population aged 30 or older in Korea has steadily increased since 2018, reaching 16.7% in 2020, with one in six adults having diabetes. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting weight management in overweight or obese patients with diabetes (OOPD) in Korea using data from the 2018-2022 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Therefore, the goal of this study is to analyze weight perception and factors related to weight perception and to identify factors that influence weight loss efforts among OOPD in Korea. METHODS: Socioeconomic characteristics, disease morbidity, weight perception, and weight loss efforts were investigated in 950 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the overweight or obese patients with diabetes, 24.4% perceived their weight to be normal, with a higher proportion among men (29.6%) than among women (14.6%). Weight loss efforts were 5.11 times (95% CI: 3.02-8.66) higher in people with overweight perceptions than in those with normal weight perceptions. Additionally, the rate was 1.54 times (95% CI: 1.06 2.25) higher in people with dyslipidemia than in those without dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that weight management approaches for overweight or obese patients with diabetes should be designed individually based on weight perception and disease morbidity.

Physical exercise-intervention can be valuable therapy for COVID-19 confinement and post-COVID-19 periods.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic and its transition into an endemic phase have profoundly impacted physical health, well-being, mental health, education, and various aspects of society, including the economy and social networks. Home confinement, social distancing, and physical inactivity have exacerbated numerous health issues, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, depression, and poor sleep quality. A systematic review has revealed significant findings: Regular aerobic programs (such as cycling or walking at an intensity of 60-80% of HR max for 20-60 minutes per session, repeated 2-3 times a week) have proven effective in improving both physical and mental health, as well as immune function. This type of physical activity has been shown to increase immunological markers, including lymphocytes, leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while reducing low-grade inflammation. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess the impact of tailored exercise interventions on the physical and mental health of COVID-19 patients. Based on the results, we can establish exercise intervention strategies to mitigate the negative health consequences during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a search of the PubMed database from January 2020 to August 2023 using predefined search terms such as "COVID-19 and post-COVID-19," "exercise intervention and immunity," and "mental health." By examining references, we explored the links between exercise interventions and the mental and physical health of COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: A tailored, multifaceted exercise intervention should be developed and implemented to address the existing mental challenges and enhance mental health during both the pandemic and the post-COVID-19 periods. CONCLUSION: Breathing exercises and respiratory support techniques, including yoga, thoracic expansion exercises, airway clearance methods, and breathing control, are likely to be beneficial.

Association between serum creatinine levels and pulmonary function of Korean adults: the 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PURPOSE: Research on the interaction between renal and lung functions has been conducted; however, studies on the general adult population are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum creatinine levels and pulmonary function in Korean adults. METHODS: From the 2016-2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we recruited 11,380 participants who were 40 years or older for this study. Serum creatinine levels were divided into three groups: low, normal, and high. Pulmonary function was divided into three groups: normal, restrictive, and obstructive. The odds ratios for abnormal pulmonary function patterns were calculated using weighted multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The odds ratios were 0.97 for low vs. normal (0.40-2.33) and 2.00 for high vs. normal (1.18-3.38) for the restrictive pattern, and 0.12 for low vs. normal (0.02-0.49) and 1.74 for high vs. normal (0.90-3.35) for the obstructive pattern after being adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, total energy, and total proteins. CONCLUSION: High serum creatinine levels were associated with an increased odds ratio for restrictive and obstructive pulmonary function patterns. The odds ratio of the restrictive pattern was higher than that of the obstructive pattern. Screening for abnormal pulmonary function in individuals with high serum creatinine levels may be useful to ensure that there is no abnormal pulmonary function before the onset of potential pulmonary problems. Thus, this study highlights the relationship between renal and pulmonary function using serum creatine levels, which can be easily tested in the primary medical environment of the general population.

The Relationship between Changes in GRIT, Taekwondo Ability, and Academic Achievement of University Students Majoring in Science and Engineering and Participating in Taekwondo Class.

GRIT, which was conceptualized by the American psychologist Duckworth, was designed by grouping growth (G), resilience (R), intrinsic motivation (I), and tenacity (T), which means continuing to be patient and put in effort to achieve goals without being frustrated by adversity or failures experienced in the process of striving toward one's goals. The purpose of this study was to determine GRIT changes caused by participation of students majoring in science and engineering in taekwondo class. Effects of taekwondo ability on GRIT and academic achievement were also examined to determine structural relationships among taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement. We selected a total of 305 students (204 participants and 101 non-participants) as research subjects and conducted a GRIT (preliminary) measurement. After one-year of taekwondo class, we collected and statistically processed the data of GRIT (post) measurement, taekwondo ability, and academic achievement of the participants. Reliability analysis, technical statistics, paired sample t-test, correlation analysis, and path analysis were performed. Changes in the GRIT values of the participants were found to be greater than those of non-participants. It was also found that taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement had significant correlations with each other. Finally, it was found that the higher the taekwondo ability, the higher the academic achievement and the higher the GRIT. Moreover, the higher the GRIT, the higher the academic achievement. Taekwondo training increased the GRIT values of participants. In addition, the taekwondo ability had positive effects on GRIT and academic achievement. GRIT also had a positive effect on academic achievement. Thus, there were structural relationships among taekwondo ability, GRIT, and academic achievement.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Fermented Oyster-Derived Lactate on Exercise Endurance Indicators in Mice.

Exogenous lactate administration has more recently been investigated for its various prophylactic effects. Lactate derived from potential functional foods, such as fermented oyster extract (FO), may emerge as a practical and effective method of consuming exogenous lactate. The current study endeavored to ascertain whether the lactate derived from FO may act on muscle cell biology, and to what extent this may translate into physical fitness improvements. We examined the effects of FO in vitro and in vivo, on mouse C2C12 cells and exercise performance indicators in mice, respectively. In vitro, biochemical analysis was carried out to determine the effects of FO on lactate content and muscle cell energy metabolism, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activity. Western blot analysis was also utilized to measure the protein expression of total adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK (Thr172), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in response to FO administration. Three experimental groups were formed: a positive control (PC) treated with 1% horse serum, FO10 treated with 10 µg/mL and FO50 treated with 50 µg/mL. In vivo, the effects of FO supplementation on exercise endurance were measured using the Rota-rod test, and Western blot analysis measured myosin heavy-chain 2 (MYH2) to assess skeletal muscle growth, alongside p-AMPK, total-AMPK, PGC-1α, cytochrome C and UCP3 protein expression. Biochemical analysis was also performed on muscle tissue to measure the changes in concentration of liver lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glycogen and citrate. Five groups (n = 10/per group) consisted of a control group (CON), exercise group (Ex), positive control treated with Ex and 500 mg/kg Taurine (Ex-Tau), Ex and 100 mg/kg FO supplementation (Ex-FO100) and Ex and 200 mg/kg FO supplementation (Ex-FO200) orally administered over the 4-week experimental period.FO50 significantly increased PGC-1α expression (p < 0.001), whereas both FO10 and FO50 increased the expression of p-AMPK (p < 0.001), in C2C12 muscle cells, showing increased signaling important for mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis. Muscle lactate levels were also significantly increased following FO10 (p < 0.05) and FO50 (p < 0.001). In vivo, muscle protein expression of p-AMPK (p < 0.05) and PGC-1α were increased, corroborating our in vitro results. Cytochrome C also significantly increased following FO200 intake. These results suggest that the effects of FO supplementation may manifest in a dose-response manner. FO administration, in vitro, and supplementation, in vivo, both demonstrate a potential for improvements in mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, and even for potentiating the adaptive effects of endurance exercise. Mechanistically, lactate may be an important molecule in explaining the aforementioned positive effects of FO.

The Relationship between Flourishing and Depression in Children in the U.S. Using a Socioecological Perspective.

Children's flourishing is likely to be associated with achieving a positive mental and physical quality of life, which is considered as an important factor for helping children to overcome psychological adversity during the critical stage of emotional development. This study examined the relationships between children's flourishing and childhood depression. This was a cross-sectional study using the 2011-2012 National Children's Health Survey in the U.S. The conceptual framework that guided this study was a modified ecological system theory model. Multiple regressions were performed to investigate the associations between flourishing and pediatric depression, controlling for demographics, physical activity-related behaviors, family and environmental conditions. A total of 45,309 children (representing 33,293,823 children at the population level) were identified in this study (mean age: 13.63 years; female: 48.7%). Children's childhood depression was highly related to direct parenting functions, individual needs and environmental availabilities and accessibilities from a socioecological perspective. This study revealed multiple dimensions of how sociological factors influence children's flourishing and mental health. Parents' involvement in children's physical activities and family and social support are crucial for children's flourishing and mental health status. More attention needs to be paid to provide children with family and social support to help them to overcome and reduce childhood depression.

The Psychometric Characteristic of the Taekwondo Electronic Protector Cognition Scale: The Application of the Rasch Model.

This research was to investigate the psychometric characteristics of the electronic protector cognition scale by the infit and outfit of taekwondo athletes. Methods: The research tools utilized the existing research of Jeon Ik-ki (2008), which conducted a survey of male and female athletes of 19 participating countries at the 19th Taekwondo World Championships. The electronic protector cognition scale used a five-point Likert grading with 1 (not at all) to 5 (very likely). Analysis using IBM SPSS STATISTICS version 23 (IBM SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was conducted for the 226 data sets collected. WINSTEPS 3.74 (Linacre, 2015) was used for calculating subject reliability, item goodness-of-fit, scale propriety, and item level of difficulty, in order to apply the item response theory to the psychometric characteristics of electronic protectors. The research results showed that it was suitable for subject infit/outfit in taekwondo electronic protector cognition scale as 1.00~1.01 and the input/output of taekwondo electronic protector cognition scale as 1.00~1.01. Secondly, five-point scales were reviewed to be suitable for scale propriety, resulting from stage index judgment. Thirdly, 8 items showed problems in item goodness-of-fit. Finally, scale propriety was reported to be suitable considering the ability distribution of taekwondo players and the level of scale difficulty.

Dehydration affects exercise-induced asthma and anaphylaxis.

Allergies are generally triggered by food, medication, physical exercise, stress, alcohol consumption, and dehydration. There are reports that indicate dehydration affects various kinds of physical allergies. However, there are few studies that have focused on the effects of dehydration on asthma and allergy anaphylaxis. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of dehydration on several kinds of allergy responses and exercise-induced asthma especially during the endurance exercise. PubMed was searched from April to July of 2019 using predefined search terms "dehydration," "exercise," and "allergy responses." Based on the reference search, more than one-hundred articles were identified but eighteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for connections among exercise and dehydration, dehydration and exercise-induced asthma, and allergy responses in the main text. Results suggest that dehydration directly impairs stroke volume, cardiac output, and skin blood flow. This results in larger increases in core temperature, heart rate, and stroke volume. Additionally, exercise-induced dehydration reduces airway surface hydration, which results in an amplified brocnchoconstriction. This response to exercise occurs in those who suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Moreover, damage to the gut and impaired gut function relates to increased intestinal permeability after endurance exercise. Endurance exercise changes the immunological profiles to activate antibody-mediated immunity. Also, numerous mast cells and eosinophils were recruited, therefore isotype switching to IgE antibodies occur, this hypersensitivity activates mast cell degranulation. After degranulation, proteases, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamine lead to many kinds of allergy symptoms.

Impacts of aquatic walking on arterial stiffness, exercise tolerance, and physical function in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that is associated with attenuated vascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity, physical function, and muscular strength. It is essential to combat these negative effects on health by incorporating lifestyle interventions to slow disease progression, such as exercise. We sought to examine the effects of aquatic walking exercise on cardiovascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity [maximal volume of oxygen consumption (V̇o2max)], exercise tolerance [6-min walking distance (6MWD)], physical function, muscular strength, and body composition in patients with PAD. Patients with PAD (n = 72) were recruited and randomly assigned to a 12-wk aquatic walking training group (AQ, n = 35) or a control group (CON, n = 37). The AQ group performed walking and leg exercises in waist-to-chest-deep water. Leg arterial stiffness [femoral-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (legPWV)], heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), ankle-to-brachial index (ABI), V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, muscular strength, body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and flexibility were measured before and after 12 wk. There were significant group × time interactions (P < 0.05) after 12 wk for legPWV and HR, which significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in AQ, and V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, and muscular strength, which significantly increased (P < 0.05) in AQ, compared with no changes in CON. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for BP, ABI, RMR, or flexibility after 12 wk. Interestingly, there was relatively high adherence (84%) to the aquatic walking exercise program in this population. These results suggest that aquatic walking exercise is an effective therapy to reduce arterial stiffness and resting HR and improve cardiorespiratory capacity, exercise tolerance, physical function, and muscular strength in patients with PAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this study reveal for the first time that aquatic walking exercise can decrease arterial stiffness and improve exercise tolerance, cardiorespiratory capacity, and muscular strength in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Aquatic walking exercise training demonstrates relatively high exercise adherence in this population. Aquatic walking exercise training may be a useful therapeutic intervention for improving physical function in patients with PAD.

Effect of nutrients and exhaustive exercise on brain function.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that health-oriented eating habits are associated with maintaining optimal cognitive ability. Nutrients are functional bioactive molecules promoting human health and essential components as well. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), one of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is synthesized through elongation pathway from linolenic acid (81:3n-3) which is recognized as important source of brain function. Endurance physical exercise and energy restriction was also recognized of cardiovascular stress adjustment by enhancing brainstem cholinergic activity as well as brain function. However, we even do not know the exact neuronal mechanisms about the nutrients, ß-hydroxybutyrate (ß-HB) and myokine impacts on brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) activation. Therefore, this review focuses on recent evidence that explains how nutrients and prolonged exercise can affect nervous system pathways that are associated with improving brain function. The results revealed that frequent consumption of polyphenols and n-3 PUFAs could modify gastrointestinal environment with beneficial microorganisms. It may suggest a new hypothesis that gastrointestinal microbiome could influence cognitive function in addition to the traditional etiological pathway. And moreover, prolonged physical exercise includes open skill sports which is induced by ß-oxidation of free fatty acids stimulate BDNF. And also ß-HB production which is induced by carbohydrate depletion, hypoglycemia, or fasting stimulate BDNF production that acts an significantly important roles in cognitive function and acting on brain function with brain metabolism.

Changes of cardiac biomarkers after ultradistance and standard-distance triathlon.

Triathlon is becoming more popular sport due to recognition of the positive effects of triathlon. Generally, participants in these strenuous activities are well considered as healthy individuals pursuing a healthy lifestyle. However, there is still controversy on the beneficial effects of prolonged exercise training and endurance sport events. The duration of exercise required to elicit cardiac dysfunction and the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. There are only limited data in literature for exercise-induced changes of cardiac and muscle damage biomarkers in athletes participating in different triathlon distances. Monitoring cardiac and muscle damage biomarkers in triathletes participating in different triathlon distances will help researchers, coaches, and athletes better understand how to design training cycles minimizing overtraining and injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine for evidence of blood biomarkers during triathlon events of two different distances such as standard- and ultradistance triathlon in male triathletes. The results of the present study showed that ultradistance showed greater muscle damage markers such as creatine kinase, myoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase than standard-distance. We also found that the distance of triathlon did not lead to an increase of troponin T in male triathletes.

Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 protects DNBS-induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice model.

Recent studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 (EF-2001) on a model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 28 female NC/Nga mice were divided into 4 treatment groups. Controls were fed a normal commercial diet. In the experimental groups, colitis was induced by rectal administration of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Two groups were orally administered 2 and 17 mg/kg EF-2001, respectively. EF-2001 treatment decreased the expression of several cytokines, including cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 in inflamed colon compared to the DNBS alone group. In addition, EF-2001 suppressed DNBS-induced colonic tissue destruction. Therefore, this study strongly suggests that EF-2001 could alleviate the inflammation associated with mouse IBD.

The effects of swimming training on arterial function, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory capacity in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Aging is associated with progressive decreases in arterial health as well as muscular strength and cardiorespiratory capacity. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on vasculature, muscular, and cardiorespiratory function by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a swimming (SWM) regimen on arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]), blood pressure (BP), wave reflection (augmentation index [AIx]), muscle strength, and aerobic capacity in sedentary, postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension. METHODS: One hundred participants (∼74 years of age) were recruited from multiple general practice centers. Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either SWM (n = 52) or nonexercising control group (n = 48) for 20 weeks. Participants in the SWM group trained 3 to 4 days/week. Participants' carotid to radial PWV, BP, AIx, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory capacity were measured at baseline and after 20 weeks of their assigned intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant group × time interaction (P < 0.05) for carotid to radial PWV (Δ-1.2 m/s), AIx (Δ-4%), and systolic (Δ-9 mm Hg) and diastolic BP (Δ - 9 mm Hg), which significantly decreased (P < 0.05); and strength (Δ3 kg) and cardiorespiratory capacity (Δ4 mL/kg/min), which significantly increased (P < 0.05) following SWM compared to no changes in control. CONCLUSIONS: SWM led to reductions in arterial stiffness, wave reflection, and BP while increasing strength and aerobic capacity in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension. SWM may be an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of age-related vascular complications and declines in muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity.

The combined impacts of docosahexaenoic acid, endurance physical exercise, and prolonged fasting on brain function.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is highly enriched in the membrane phospholipids of the brain, neuronal tissue and retina. Accumulating evidence suggests that brain DHA is necessary for maintaining for optimal function of the cognition and the visual system, particularly the photoreceptor, the retina. Loss of brain DHA, especially during crucial brain development period, was highly associated with visual and cognitive defects. Here it would be addressed the effect of DHA on brain functions as assessed by spatial task performance using a first generation model which is similar to human nutrition case. And also, it was well known that prolonged fasting and energy restriction with endurance physical exercise stimulate cognitive function and brain function, which is caused by upregulated ketone body and upregulated brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) responses. In the DHA intake or prolonged physical exercise, upregulated BDNF can activate mitochondrial biogenesis to elevate neuronal bioenergetics and enable synaptic formation. And it also can activate DNA repair in neurons. Further study on the mechanisms about the combine effects of supplementation of DHA and energy restriction on brain function is urgently needed in this area.

Assessing the Values of Blueberries Intake on Exercise Performance, TAS, and Inflammatory Factors.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blueberry supplementation on exercise performance time, inflammation markers, energy substrates, insulin, and TAS levels during two periods: non-supplemented period and supplemented period. METHODS: Eight young active participants were recruited from the Department of Physical Education at some universities in Busan City, Republic of Korea. The test period was divided into two Sections: non-supplemented period and supplemented period. Vo2 max and exercise performance time of participants were measured, with or without blueberry supplementation, with a portable gas analyzer and ECG, respectively. RESULTS: Vo2 max and exercise performance time were increased in the blueberry supplementation period. IL-6 and CRP levels were significantly lowered in blueberry supplementation period following exercise. CONCLUSION: The blueberry supplementation can potentially increase the exercise performance and decrease the IL-6 and CRP levels caused by an increased TAS level.

The Effects of a 12-Week Combined Exercise Training Program on Arterial Stiffness, Vasoactive Substances, Inflammatory Markers, Metabolic Profile, and Body Composition in Obese Adolescent Girls.

PURPOSE: Childhood and adolescent obesity is a major international public health crisis. It is crucial to prevent the negative effects of obesity at an early age by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We evaluated the effects of a combined resistance and aerobic exercise training (CET) regimen on arterial stiffness, vasoactive substances, inflammatory markers, metabolic profile, and body composition in obese adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 30 obese adolescent girls were randomly assigned to a CET (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The CET group trained for 3 days per week. Plasma nitric oxide, endothelin-1, C-reactive protein, arterial stiffness, glucose, insulin, the adiponectin/leptin ratio, and body fat were measured before and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant increases (P < .05) in nitric oxide (4.0 µM) and adiponectin/leptin ratio (0.33); and decreases (P < .05) in arterial stiffness (-1.0 m/s), C-reactive protein (-0.5 mg/L), glucose (-1.2 mmol/L), insulin (-17.1 µU/mL), and body fat (-3.6%) following CET compared with control. There were no significant changes in endothelin-1 after CET or control. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that CET improves arterial stiffness, nitric oxide, and inflammatory and metabolic markers in obese adolescent girls. CET may have important health implications for the prevention of atherosclerosis at an early age.

Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Solid Tumors.

As a treatment for solid tumors, dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy has not been as effective as expected. Here, we review the reasons underlying the limitations of DC-based immunotherapy for solid tumors and ask what can be done to improve immune cell-based cancer therapies. Several reports show that, rather than a lack of immune induction, the limited efficacy of DC-based immunotherapy in cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) likely results from inhibition of immune responses by tumor-secreted TGF-ß and an increase in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells in and around the solid tumor. Indeed, unlike DC therapy for solid tumors, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses induced by DC therapy inhibit tumor recurrence after surgery; CTL responses also limit tumor metastasis induced by additional tumor-challenge in RCC tumor-bearing mice. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the poor efficacy of DC-based therapy for solid tumors and stress the need for new and improved DC immunotherapies and/or combination therapies with killer cells to treat resistant solid tumors.

Analysis of energy restriction and physical activity on brain function: the role of ketone body and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Brain development is a complex process, and stimuli during this development period may modulate the functional maturation of the brain. It has been shown that environmental stimuli, such as physical activity habits, have a beneficial effect on brain development. Endurance exercise and prolonged fasting state are known to improve brain function including cognition. The exact mechanisms of exercise improving brain function are still unknown. However, it can be considered that energy restriction and stressful challenge induced by long-lasting physical exercise might cause direct effect on brain function. Upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ketone body caused by exercise might be considered as the mechanism of exercise on brain function. In the present study, we discussed on two main topics: "exercise and BDNF" and "exercise and energy restriction."