Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults

INTRODUCTION: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile.

[Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women].

INTRODUCTION: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. METHODS: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

A SHORT-TERM CIRCUIT RESISTANCE PROGRAMME REDUCED EPICARDIAL FAT IN OBESE AGED WOMEN.

INTRODUCTION: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. METHODS: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. RESULTS: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica.

[Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome]. / Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. AIM: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

A short-term arm-crank exercise program improved testosterone deficiency in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of arm-crank exercise in reproductive hormone levels in adults with chronic SCI. Further objectives were to assess the influence of arm-crank exercise on muscle strength and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen male adults with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 9) or control group (n = 8) using a concealed method. The participants in the intervention group performed a 12-week arm-crank exercise program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up (10-15 min) followed by a main part in arm-crank (20-30 min [increasing 2 min and 30 seconds each three weeks]) at a moderate work intensity of 50-65% of heart rate reserve (HRR) (starting at 50% and increasing 5% each three weeks) and by a cooling-down period (5-10 min). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Muscle strength (handgrip) and body composition (waist circumference [WC]) were assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, testosterone level was significantly increased (p = 0.0166;d = 1.14). Furthermore, maximal handgrip and WC were significantly improved. Lastly, a significant inverse correlation was found between WC and testosterone (r =- 0.35; p = 0.0377). CONCLUSION: The arm-crank exercise improved reproductive hormone profile by increasing testosterone levels in adults with chronic SCI. A secondary finding was that it also significantly improved muscle strength and body composition in this group.

Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico / Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome

Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. Aim: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. Material and Methods: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Results: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. Conclusions: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

A short-term arm-crank exercise program improved testosterone deficiency in adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Purpose To determine the influence of arm-crank exercise in reproductive hormone levels in adults with chronic SCI. Further objectives were to assess the influence of arm-crank exercise on muscle strength and body composition. Materials and Methods Seventeen male adults with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) volunteered for this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 9) or control group (n = 8) using a concealed method. The participants in the intervention group performed a 12-week arm-crank exercise program, 3 sessions/week, consisting of warming-up (10-15 min) followed by a main part in arm-crank (20-30 min [increasing 2 min and 30 seconds each three weeks]) at a moderate work intensity of 50-65% of heart rate reserve (HRR) (starting at 50% and increasing 5% each three weeks) and by a cooling-down period (5-10 min). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Muscle strength (handgrip) and body composition (waist circumference [WC]) were assessed. Results After the completion of the training program, testosterone level was significantly increased (p = 0.0166;d = 1.14). Furthermore, maximal handgrip and WC were significantly improved. Lastly, a significant inverse correlation was found between WC and testosterone (r =- 0.35; p = 0.0377). Conclusion The arm-crank exercise improved reproductive hormone profile by increasing testosterone levels in adults with chronic SCI. A secondary finding was that it also significantly improved muscle strength and body composition in this group. .

El ejercicio y el síndrome metabólico / Exercise and the metabolic syndrome

El síndrome metabólico (SM) será la pandemia del siglo XXI. En Europa y en las Américas la prevalencia de obesidad alcanza a 17% de la población que padece SM, duplicándose el riesgo de ASCVD (enfermedad aterosclérotica cerebrovascular). Se debe priorizar la reversión de la obesidad y de la inactividad física.El SM se presenta como una secuencia de alteraciones metabólicas e inflamatorias a nivel molecular, celular o hemodinámico, compartiendo la resistencia a la insulina y la adiposidadde predominio abdominal.La asociación SM y nuevos factores de riesgo independientes como la homocisteína plasmática (HC) y la proteína C reactiva (PCR), son considerados como predictores de riesgo cardiometabólico. Entre los componentes del SM de mayor relevancia actualmente debe considerarse el estrés oxidativo y la influencia del ejercicio físico.La obesidad central o abdominal es un importante elemento diagnóstico del SM, estrechamente relacionada con enfermedades cardiovasculares, no existiendo una clara y directa relación con cardiopatías isquémicas, siendo la edad un factor ligado a la relación entre SM y cardiopatías, llegando a 86% en mujeres de edad avanzada. El valor del riesgo cardiovascular es variable y depende de los factores de riesgo específico.Nuestro objetivo es mostrar los beneficios que nos puede proporcionar el ejercicio físico frente al SM y, como consecuencia, reducir el riesgo de alteraciones vasculares, especialmente cardíacas. Los apartados utilizados en esta revisión son los relacionadoscon componentes fundamentales como obesidad abdominal, alteración del metabolismo glucídico, dislipidemia e hipertensión, además de aquellos implicados como factores de riesgode enfermedades cardiovasculares como inflamación sistémica y estado protrombótico.

The metabolic syndrome (MS) will be the 21st Century syndrome. In Europe and the Americas, prevalence ofobesity accounts for 17% of the population suffering from metabolic syndrome, doubling the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The metabolic syndrome will be the 21st Century pandemia. We need to prioritize reversing obesity and the lack of exercise. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a seriesof hemodynamic, molecular or cellular metabolic and inflammatory alterations. It also includes insulin resistance and localized adiposity in the abdominal area. The association of the MS and new, independent riskfactors such as plasma homocysteine and C-reactive protein are considered risk predictors of cardiometabolic risk factors. Among the most relevant components of MS today, we need to consider oxidative stress and the impact of exercise. Central or abdominal obesity is an important diagnostic element for MS, closely related to cardiovascular diseases, there being no clear and direct relation with ischemic heart disease. Also, age is associated to the relation between MS and heart disease, accounting for 86% of women of old age. The rate of cardiovascular risk is variable and it depends on specific risk factors.We aim to show the positive impact of exercise on the MS and as a consequence, how it reduces the risk ofvascular alterations, in particular heart alterations. This review examined the main components of abdominal obesity, alterations the glucidic metabolism, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, apart from thosethat have to do with heart disease risk factors, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and prothombotic state.

A síndrome metabólica (SM) será a pandemia do século XXI. Na Europa e nas Américas, a prevalência de obe-sidade alcança 17% da população que com SM, duplica o risco de ASCVD (doença aterosclerótica cardiovascular). Deve-se priorizar a reversão da obesidade e da faltade atividade física. A SM se apresenta como uma sequência de alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias a nível molecular, celular ou hemodinâmico tendo como elemento comum a resistência à insulina e a adiposidade predominantemente abdominal.A associação SM e novos fatores de risco independentes, como a homocisteína plasmática (HC) e a proteína C reativa (PCR), são considerados como preditoresde risco cardiometabólico. Entre os componentes da SM de maior relevância, atualmente se deve considerar o estresse oxidativo e ainfluência do exercício físico.A obesidade central ou abdominal é um elemento importante no diagnóstico da SM, fortemente relacionada com doenças cardiovasculares, não existindo uma relação clara e direta com cardiopatias isquêmicas, sendoa idade um fator ligado à relação entre SM e cardiopatias, alcançando 86% em mulheres de idade avançada. O valor do risco cardiovascular é variável e depende dos fatores de risco específico.Nosso objetivo é mostrar os benefícios que o exercício físico pode proporcionar com relação a SM e, comoconsequência, reduzir o risco de alterações vasculares, especialmente cardíacas. Os artigos utilizados nesta revisão são os relacionados com componentes fundamentais como obesidade abdominal, alteração do metabolismo glicosídico, dislipidemia e hipertensão, além daqueles implicados como fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares como inflamação sistêmica e estado pro trombótico.

La morfología femenina como método de valoración de la estética corporal em estudiantes universitarias de Andalucia (España) / Na aesthetic analysis by means of assessment of female morphology in university students from Andalusia (Spain)

El presente trabajo pretende conocer y analizar la morfoestética corporal real e ideal de la mujer joven universitaria de Andalucía (España). Para ello diseñamos un estudio en el que participarán 400 jóvenes, 50 porcada una de las universidades de las 8 provincias andaluzas, a las que se hará un examen antropométrico paradeterminar su índice de masa corporal así como el porcentaje de masa grasa. Asimismo cada participantecumplimentará un cuestionario diseñado por nuestro propio equipo con 20 ítems referentes a la morfoestética. El valor medio del IMC de las encuestadas fue de 21.45 ± 1.68 Kg/m2 con un porcentaje de masa grasa del 25.13 ± 2.46 % lo que en conjunto muestra una clara tendencia a la delgadez. Igualmente convendría destacarse que el 77% de las jóvenes universitarias afirmó encontrarse satisfecha con su imagen corporal y que tan solo el 11% considero que si adelgazara se sentiría más feliz. En cualquier caso es interesante que la práctica deejercicio físico sea el método preferido mayoritariamente para perder peso.De todo esto se deduce, además dela coherencia en las respuestas, que las jóvenes estudiantes universitarias andaluzas son conscientes de sufigura corporal y se sienten mayoritariamente a gusto con su cuerpo que encaja en un prototipo muy similar almarcado por la sociedad actual.

In the present study the actual and desired morpho-aesthetic aspects of young female university students from Andalusia (Spain) were assessed and analyzed. To reach this goal, 400 young female students from 8 Universities of Andalusia enrolled the study. Initially they all underwent a kineanthropometric assessment to determine their Body Mass Index as well as their fat mass percentage. They filled out an anonymous questionnaire that included 20 items referred to morpho-aesthetics aspects. The mean value of BMI was 21.45 ± 1.68 Kg/m2 and the fat mass percentage of the group was 25.13 ± 2.46 % of total body mass. In addition, 77% of participants accept their body image whereas only 11% of them expressed that they would be happier if they lose weight. In any case it should be mentioned that physical activity was considered the best strategy to loseweight. Finally, we concluded that young female university students from Andalucia accept their body imagebecause, among other reasons, it is very similar to the morphological type valued by our society.