Feasibility and Cardiometabolic Effects of Time-Restricted Eating in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and a prolonged daily eating window (EW) are associated with circadian rhythm disruption and increased cardiometabolic risk. Misalignment between circadian timing system and daily rhythms of food intake adversely impacts metabolic regulatory mechanisms and cardiovascular function. Restricting the daily EW by imposing an eating-fasting cycle through time-restricted eating (TRE) can restore robust circadian rhythms, support cellular metabolism, and improve cardiometabolic health. The aim of this study was to assess a feasibility of 12-week TRE intervention with self-selected 10 h EW and effects of TRE on EW duration, cardiometabolic outcomes, daily rhythms of behavior, and wellbeing in Polish patients with MetS and EW ≥ 14 h/day. Dietary intake was monitored with a validated myCircadianClock application (mCC app). Adherence to TRE defined as the proportion of days recorded with mCC app in which participants satisfied 10-h TRE was the primary outcome. A total of 26 patients (aged 45 ± 13 years, 62% women, 3.3 ± 0.5 MetS criteria, EW 14 ± 1.5 h/day) were enrolled. Coexistence of increased waist circumference (WC) (96% of patients), elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (77%), and elevated blood pressure (BP) (69%) was the most common MetS pattern (50%). TRE intervention (mean duration of 81.6 ± 12.6 days) led to reducing daily EW by 28% (p < 0.0001). Adherence to TRE was 87 ± 13%. Adherence to logging food intake on mCC app during TRE was 70 ± 27%. Post TRE, a decrease in body weight (2%, 1.7 ± 3.6 kg, p = 0.026), body mass index (BMI) (1%, 0.5 ± 1.2 kg/m2, p = 0.027), WC (2%, 2.5 ± 3.9 cm, p = 0.003), systolic BP (4%, 4.8 ± 9.0 mmHg, p = 0.012), FPG (4%, 3.8 ± 6.9 mg/dL, p = 0.037), glycated hemoglobin (4%, 0.2 ± 0.4%, p = 0.011), mean fasting glucose level from continuous glucose monitor (CGM) (4%, 4.0 ± 6.1 mg/dL, p = 0.002), and sleepiness score (25%, 1.9 ± 3.2 points, p = 0043) were observed. A significant decrease in body weight (2%), BMI (2%), WC (3%), mean CGM fasting glucose (6%), sleepiness score (27%), and depression score (60%) was found in patients with mean post-TRE EW ≤ 10 h/day (58% of total), and not in patients with EW > 10 h/day. Adherence to TRE was higher in patients with post-TRE EW ≤ 10 h/day vs. patients with EW > 10 h/day (94 ± 6% vs. 77 ± 14%, p = 0.003). Our findings indicate that 10-h TRE was feasible in the European MetS population. TRE resulted in reducing daily EW and improved cardiometabolic outcomes and wellbeing in patients with MetS and prolonged EW. Use of the mCC app can aid in implementing TRE. This pilot clinical trial provides exploratory data that are a basis for a large-scale randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy and sustainability of TRE for reducing cardiometabolic risks in MetS populations. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms of TRE effects, including its impact on circadian rhythm disruption.

Inflammation-Involved Proteins in Blood Serum of Cataract Patients-A Preliminary Study.

Approximately 50% of all global blindness is caused by cataract in adults aged ≥50 years. The mechanisms of the disease are most arguably related to a redox imbalance and inflammation; therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the processes associated with inflammation in cataract patients. Twenty-four patients aged 22-60 years (62.5% females) participated in the study, with 33 controls aged 28-60 years (66.7% females). Venous blood serum of the subjects was examined for alpha 1-antitrypsin, as well as selected lysosomal enzymes and adipokines. The activities of lysosomal enzymes, as well as the activity of alpha 1-antitrypsin and the concentrations of c-reactive protein and leptin, were similar in the patients versus the controls. The concentrations of interleukin 6 and resistin were lower, in turn, whereas omentin-1 and adiponectin were higher. Moreover, the study revealed the existence of many linear relationships between the parameters, including multiple linear regression, especially gender-wise. No systemic inflammation was probably noted in the cataract patients tested; nevertheless, the deregulation of adiponectin, omentin-1 and resistin secretion was observed.

The Role of Oxidative Stress Enhanced by Adiposity in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The growing prevalence of CVD is mostly attributed to the aging population and common occurrence of risk factors, such as high systolic blood pressure, elevated plasma glucose, and increased body mass index, which led to a global epidemic of obesity, MetS, and T2D. Oxidant-antioxidant balance disorders largely contribute to the pathogenesis and outcomes of CMDs, such as systemic essential hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and MetS. Enhanced and disturbed generation of reactive oxygen species in excess adipose tissue during obesity may lead to increased oxidative stress. Understanding the interplay between adiposity, oxidative stress, and cardiometabolic risks can have translational impacts, leading to the identification of novel effective strategies for reducing the CMDs burden. The present review article is based on extant results from basic and clinical studies and specifically addresses the various aspects associated with oxidant-antioxidant balance disorders in the course of CMDs in subjects with excess adipose tissue accumulation. We aim at giving a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge, knowledge gaps, and future perspectives for further basic and clinical research. We provide insights into both the mechanisms and clinical implications of effects related to the interplay between adiposity and oxidative stress for treating and preventing CMDs. Future basic research and clinical trials are needed to further examine the mechanisms of adiposity-enhanced oxidative stress in CMDs and the efficacy of antioxidant therapies for reducing risk and improving outcome of patients with CMDs.

Links between Vitamin K, Ferroptosis and SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death. It is characterized by the accumulation of iron and lipid hydroperoxides in cells. Vitamin K is known to have antioxidant properties and plays a role in reducing oxidative stress, particularly in lipid cell membranes. Vitamin K reduces the level of reactive oxygen species by modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, vitamin K decreases inflammation and potentially prevents ferroptosis. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. Studies have shown that intensified ferroptosis occurs in various tissues and cells affected by COVID-19. Vitamin K supplementation during SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a positive effect on reducing the severity of the disease. Preliminary research suggests that vitamin K may reduce lipid peroxidation and inhibit ferroptosis, potentially contributing to its therapeutic effects in COVID-19 patients. The links between ferroptosis, vitamin K, and SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation, particularly in the context of developing potential treatment strategies for COVID-19.

The Influence of Winter Swimming on Oxidative Stress Indicators in the Blood of Healthy Males.

Baths in cold water are a popular physical activity performed to improve health. This study aimed to determine whether repeated cold-water exposure leads to the up-regulation of antioxidant defenses and whether or not this leads to a reduction in basal and/or acute pulses of oxidative distress in humans. The study group consisted of 28 healthy male members of the WS club (average age 39.3 ± 6.1 years). The study sessions occurred at the beginning and the end of the WS season. During the WS season, the participants took 3-min cold-water baths in a cold lake once a week. Blood samples were collected three times during each session: before the bath, 30 min after the bath, and 24 h after the bath. The activity of selected antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the concentration of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD), were determined in erythrocytes. The concentration of TBARS, CD, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined in the blood plasma, whereas the level of other LPO products, including 4-hydroxynonenal and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, were determined in the blood serum. The repeated cold exposure up-regulated most antioxidant defenses, and this led to an attenuation of most indicators of oxidative stress at the baseline and acute pulses in response to cold exposure. In conclusion, due to regular cold exposure, the antioxidant barrier of winter swimmers was stimulated. Thus, short cold-bath sessions seem to be an effective intervention, inducing promoting positive adaptive changes such as the increased antioxidant capacity of the organism.

The Influence of Ambient Temperature Changes on the Indicators of Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in Blood after Submaximal Exercise.

Physical activity has a positive effect on human health and well-being, but intense exercise can cause adverse changes in the organism, leading to the development of oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of short-term cold water immersion (CWI) and a sauna bath as methods of postexercise regeneration on the indicators of inflammation and oxidative damage in the blood of healthy recreational athletes. Forty-five male volunteers divided into two groups: 'winter swimmers' who regularly use winter baths (n = 22, average age 43.2 ± 5.9 years) and 'novices' who had not used winter baths regularly before (n = 23, mean age 25 ± 4.8 years) participated in the study. The research was divided into two experiments, differing in the method of postexercise regeneration used, CWI (Experiment I) and a sauna bath (Experiment II). During Experiment I, the volunteers were subjected to a 30-min aerobic exercise, combined with a 20-min rest at room temperature (RT-REST) or a 20-min rest at room temperature with an initial 3-min 8 °C water bath (CWI-REST). During the Experiment II, the volunteers were subjected to the same aerobic exercise, followed by a RT-REST or a sauna bath (SAUNA-REST). The blood samples were taken before physical exercise (control), immediately after exercise and 20 min after completion of regeneration. The concentrations of selected indicators of inflammation, including interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as the activity of indicators of oxidative damage: α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and lysosomal enzymes, including arylsulfatase A (ASA), acid phosphatase (AcP) and cathepsin D (CTS D), were determined. CWI seems to be a more effective post-exercise regeneration method to reduce the inflammatory response compared to a sauna bath. A single sauna bath is associated with the risk of proteolytic tissue damage, but disturbances of cellular homeostasis are less pronounced in people who regularly use cold water baths than in those who are not adapted to thermal stress.

The Impact of Exercise on Redox Equilibrium in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases constitute the most important public health problem in the world. They are characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart and blood. Physical activity is recognized as one of the best ways to prevent these diseases, and it has already been applied in treatment. Physical exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic and single and multiple, is linked to the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance; however, this leads to positive adaptive changes in, among others, the increase in antioxidant capacity. The goal of the paper was to discuss the issue of redox equilibrium in the human organism in the course of cardiovascular diseases to systemize updated knowledge in the context of exercise impacts on the organism. Antioxidant supplementation is also an important issue since antioxidant supplements still have great potential regarding their use as drugs in these diseases.

The Effect of Submaximal Exercise Followed by Short-Term Cold-Water Immersion on the Inflammatory State in Healthy Recreational Athletes: A Cross-Over Study.

Cold-water immersion (CWI) after exercise is a method used by sportsmen to improve recovery. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 3 min CWI on the inflammatory state by measuring levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), and activities of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and lysosomal enzymes, including arylsulfatase (ASA), acid phosphatase (AcP), and cathepsin D (CTS D), in the blood of healthy recreational athletes. Male volunteers (n = 22, age 25 ± 4.8 yr) performed a 30 min submaximal aerobic exercise, followed by a 20 min rest at room temperature (RT-REST) or a 20 min rest at room temperature with an initial 3 min 8 °C water bath (CWI-REST). Blood samples were taken at baseline, immediately after exercise, and after 20 min of recovery. The IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels and the AAT activity increased significantly immediately after exercise. The IL-6 level was significantly higher after CWI-REST than after RT-REST. No changes in the activities of the lysosomal enzymes were observed. The effect of a 3 min CWI on the level of inflammatory markers during post-exercise recovery was limited. Thus, it might be considered as a widely available method of regeneration for recreational athletes.

Redox State and Lysosomal Activity in Women with Ovarian Cancer with Tumor Recurrence and Multiorgan Metastasis.

The aim of the study is to evaluate oxidant-antioxidant balance as well as lysosomal and anti-protease activities in ovarian cancer since it has been emphasized that the crucial inducing factor of carcinogenesis may be reactive oxygen/nitrogen species or, more precisely, oxidative stress-induced inflammation. The study involved 15 women with ovarian cancer, aged 59.9 ± 7.8 years, and 9 healthy women aged 56.3 ± 4.3 years (controls). The study material was venous blood collected from fasting subjects. In erythrocytes, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, as well as concentrations of conjugated dienes (CDs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were investigated. CD, TBARS, and vitamins A and E plasma concentrations were also determined. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity and concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, as well as activities of acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, cathepsin D, and α1-antitrypsin, were studied in serum. The vitamin E and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α concentrations as well as arylsulfatase activity were lower in the women with cancer compared to the controls (p = 0.006, p = 0.03, p = 0.001, respectively). In contrast, cathepsin D activity was lower in the controls (p = 0.04). In the peripheral blood of the women with cancer, oxidant-antioxidant and lysosomal disturbances were observed.

Association between Vitamin D Supplements, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, and Hyperbaric Therapy in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation to patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, on the markers of the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium was investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who did and did not receive vitamin D (cholecalciferol at 4000 IU/24 h). Concentrations of the following compounds, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD) in plasma and erythrocytes and activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes, were determined. Haemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) were measured. Blood for analyses was collected from the basilic vein at three time points: before the first HBO procedure, up to 5 min after the first procedure, and after 14 procedures. No statistically significant differences in parameters tested were found between patients who did and did not receive vitamin D. In patients without supplementation, an increase of 53.2% (P ≤ 0.05) in erythrocyte TBARS was observed after the first HBO treatment. In patients receiving vitamin D, a reduction of 27.6% (P ≤ 0.05) was observed in erythrocyte MDA after 14 HBO treatments vs. that after the first treatment. In both groups, a decrease of 33.3% in plasma CD was observed after 14 treatments vs. that after the first treatment (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant changes were observed in the erythrocyte SOD, GPx, and CAT activities and in HCT. A reduction of HGB concentration of 10.9% (P ≤ 0.05) was demonstrated in nonsupplemented patients after 14 treatments compared with baseline. The results confirm that the effect of HBO therapy on oxidative stress markers is inconclusive and complex. Repeated HBO procedures can induce adaptive changes which protect against disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium. It is possible that vitamin D supplementation inhibits the process of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes.

Physical Activity vs. Redox Balance in the Brain: Brain Health, Aging and Diseases.

It has been proven that physical exercise improves cognitive function and memory, has an analgesic and antidepressant effect, and delays the aging of the brain and the development of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. There are even attempts to use physical activity in the treatment of mental diseases. The course of most diseases is strictly associated with oxidative stress, which can be prevented or alleviated with regular exercise. It has been proven that physical exercise helps to maintain the oxidant-antioxidant balance. In this review, we present the current knowledge on redox balance in the organism and the consequences of its disruption, while focusing mainly on the brain. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of physical activity on aging and brain diseases, and present current recommendations and directions for further research in this area.

The Impact of Modern Therapeutic Methods on the Oxidant-Antioxidant Equilibrium and Activities of Selected Lysosomal Enzymes and Serine Protease Inhibitor in Amateur Athletes.

Deep electromagnetic stimulation (DEMS) and low-frequency ultrasound (US) are new physical therapy methods used in the rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system and wound healing. They are applied locally to treat the injured tissues. The beneficial effects of these methods in supportive care have been documented, but accurate biochemical effects are not known. The goal was to assess the effect of single DEMS and US sessions on the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium, as well as the activities of lysosomal hydrolases and α 1-antitrypsin (AAT) in peripheral blood of juvenile injured amateur athletes. In the athletes with low back pain (DEMS treated, N = 16) and pain in the shoulder or ankle joint (US treated, N = 14), as well as in healthy control amateur athletes (DEMS treated, N = 14; US treated, N = 17), before the sessions and 30 minutes and 24 hours after them, the levels of the following parameters were determined: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in erythrocytes and plasma, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes, as well as acid phosphatase (AcP), arylsulfatase (ASA), cathepsin D (CTS D), and α 1-antitrypsin (AAT) in serum. After both procedures, the levels of parameters changed in a negligible manner, excluding the cathepsin D activity, which was statistically significantly lower 30 min and 24 h after US in the control athletes compared to the baseline activity determined directly before the procedure (47.5% and 55.7% differences, respectively). Similar tendency was observed after DEMS (p > 0.05). The procedures, especially low-frequency US, decrease lysosomal proteolytic activity and do not significantly disrupt the oxidant-antioxidant and lysosomal equilibriums in the peripheral blood both of healthy and injured athletes. No systemic acute-phase response of AAT was also detected in the athletes after both procedures. This trial is registered with CTRI/2018/01/011344.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Difficult-to-Heal Skin Wounds Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in erythrocytes and blood plasma, and the activities of selected antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes in patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment due to difficult-to-heal "skin wounds". Material and Methods. Indices of oxidative stress were assessed in venous blood taken from 23 patients three times: immediately before HBO procedure, approx. 5 minutes after leaving the hyperbaric chamber, and after 25 HBO procedures. Moreover, selected blood counts were measured in the collected material two times: prior to treatment and after 25 HBO procedures. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation between the CAT activity and the TBARS concentration in the erythrocytes of patients was found before treatment in the hyperbaric chamber (r = 0.394; P ≤ 0.05). No statistically significant changes in the TBARS concentration in erythrocytes and blood plasma were observed both after the first HBO procedure and after 25 procedures. No statistically significant changes in the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx were noted. Platelet count decreased by 18.7% (P ≤ 0.05) after 25 HBO procedures. Granulocyte count decreased by approx. 21% (P ≤ 0.05), and granulocyte percentage by 11.8% (P ≤ 0.01). In turn, the percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes increased after the treatment by 16.6% (P < 0.05) and 16.4% (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to HBO due to difficult-to-heal skin wounds does not significantly affect the levels of oxidative stress in the peripheral blood of patients and, from the point of view of oxidation-reduction processes, appears to be a safe therapeutic method for the treatment of chronic wounds.

The impact of high-intensity laser therapy on oxidative stress, lysosomal enzymes, and protease inhibitor in athletes.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of one session of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the levels of selected oxidative stress parameters, lysosomal hydrolases, and anti-inflammatory serine protease inhibitor in the peripheral blood of amateur athletes with torn or pulled tendons of the ankle or the knee joint. The group of injured athletes comprised 16 males and females aged 16.3 ± 1.3 years, while the control group of 14 healthy, noninjured amateur athletes of both sexes (controls; age 17.4 ± 4.6 years). Material for the study was peripheral blood taken at three study time points: Immediately before, 30 min after, and 24 h after HILT intervention. In plasma and erythrocytes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSpl and TBARSer, respectively) were determined. In erythrocytes, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were measured. In serum, the activity of acid phosphatase (AcP), arylsulfatase (ASA), cathepsin D (CTS D), and α1-antitrypsin (AAT) were determined. Among oxidative stress parameters, only the CAT activity significantly decreased 24 h after HILT compared to measurement 30 min after the treatment in the injured individuals (P < 0.01), while the GPx activity in that group was meaningfully higher 30 min after HILT compared to controls (P < 0.05). Thirty min after the intervention, the activities of AcP and ASA were lower in the injured participants compared to the uninjured ones (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The CTS D activity was lower 30 min and 24 h after HILT in both groups (P < 0.001) and did not differ significantly between them (P > 0.05). Moreover, the study showed statistically significant linear relationships between the TBARSer concentration and the SOD activity before HILT in the healthy participants (r = -0.6, P = 0.021) and 24 h after HILT in the injured ones (r = 0.6, P = 0.025). In the noninjured athletes before HILT, the CTS D activity linearly correlated with the AAT activity (r = -0.70, P = 0.005), and 30 min after the treatment, with the AcP activity (r = 0.5, P = 0.041). 24 h after the HILT intervention, the CTS D and AcP activities were also correlated in the injured athletes (r = 0.8, P = 0.002). The study suggests that one HILT intervention does not significantly influence the redox equilibrium but stabilizes lysosomal membranes.

Markers of Oxidant-Antioxidant Equilibrium in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) in plasma and erythrocytes, the activity of selected antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the levels of hemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) were determined in 40 patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) subjected to 14 treatment sessions in a Haux Starmed 2200 hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy involved breathing 100% oxygen at 0.25 MPa. Blood for analysis was collected from the basilic vein at three time points: before the first HBO session, approximately 5 min after the first session, and after the 14th session. The control group included 20 healthy individuals never before treated with HBO therapy. Compared to the pre-HBO values, a 10% increase (P < 0.05) in the TBARS concentration in erythrocytes, a 28% increase in the GPx activity (P < 0.05), and a 7% decrease in the SOD activity (P < 0.05) were observed after 14 HBO sessions. The CAT activity decreased by 6% (P < 0.05) after the first session. The TBARS concentration in plasma was 13% higher (P < 0.01), while that in erythrocytes was 24% lower (P < 0.001) in the SSNHL patients before the first HBO session compared to the control group. The CAT activity in the SSNHL patients before HBO therapy was 26% higher (P < 0.001) than that in the control group. A statistically significant reduction in HGB and HCT after 14 HBO sessions (P < 0.01) compared to the pre-HBO values was demonstrated. SSNHL is accompanied by disturbance in the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium. Repeated stimulation with hyperbaric oxygen modulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It seems that the increased generation of hydrogen peroxide is responsible for the changes in the activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes observed after HBO sessions.

The Oxidant-Antioxidant Equilibrium and Inflammatory Process Indicators after an Exercise Test on the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill in Young Amateur Female Athletes.

The AlterG antigravity treadmill allows running with a considerable weight reduction. Physical exercise practiced on this treadmill is an innovative method supporting the treatment of injuries in sports and rehabilitation of patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 30 min run on the AlterG treadmill with 80% body weight reduction comparing the effect to the similar effort on the classic treadmill on the redox equilibrium and the activity of selected lysosomal enzymes and a serine protease inhibitor in the blood of amateur minor female volleyball players. Venous blood samples were taken before the exercise and 30 minutes and 24 hours after its completion. The obtained results were analysed using Tukey's test and Pearson's linear correlations were calculated. 24 h after the running test on classic treadmill, the erythrocytic superoxide dismutase activity was higher than before and 30 min after it, as well as compared to the run on AlterG treadmill (p < 0.001). The erythrocytic-conjugated diene concentration 24 h after the exercise on the classic treadmill was meaningly higher compared to that after the exercise on the AlterG treadmill (p < 0.001). The cathepsin D activity was significantly lower after the exercise in AlterG conditions compared to the baseline value and that measured after the exercise on classic treadmill (p < 0.001). It seems that the exercise on the AlterG treadmill keeps the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium and stabilizes lysosomal membranes in young, physically active women in contrast to the exercise on the classic treadmill. This trial is registered with CTRI/2018/01/011344.

Melatonin Supplementation Lowers Oxidative Stress and Regulates Adipokines in Obese Patients on a Calorie-Restricted Diet.

Obesity is one of the major global health problems. Melatonin deficiency has been demonstrated to correlate with obesity. The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress and adipokine levels in obese patients on a calorie-restricted diet. Thirty obese patients were supplemented with a daily dose of 10 mg of melatonin (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) for 30 days with a calorie-restricted diet. Serum levels of melatonin, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), adiponectin, omentin-1, leptin, and resistin, as well as erythrocytic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and Zn/Cu-superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, were measured at baseline and after supplementation. Significant body weight reduction was observed only in the melatonin group. After melatonin supplementation, the adiponectin and omentin-1 levels and GPx activities statistically increased, whereas the MDA concentrations were reduced. In the placebo group, a significant rise in the HNE and a drop in the melatonin concentrations were found. The results show evidence of increased oxidative stress accompanying calorie restriction. Melatonin supplementation facilitated body weight reduction, improved the antioxidant defense, and regulated adipokine secretion. The findings strongly suggest that melatonin should be considered in obesity management. This trial is registered with CTRI/2017/07/009093.

The oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium, activities of selected lysosomal enzymes and activity of acute phase protein in peripheral blood of 18-year-old football players after aerobic cycle ergometer test combined with ice-water immersion or recovery at room temperature.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of an aerobic exercise bout followed by ice-water immersion or recovery at room temperature on the redox state, activities of selected lysosomal enzymes and activity of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood of healthy sportsmen. Eleven amateur football players aged 18 were randomly assigned to two similar 30-min aerobic cycle ergometer tests followed by a recovery at room temperature (20 °C; Experiment 1) or ice-water immersion (3 °C, 5 min; Experiment 2). Peripheral blood was collected three times during both study experiments: before (baseline), as well as 20 and 40 min after the recovery or immersion. The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in blood plasma (plTBARS) and erythrocytes (erTBARS) were measured. The erythrocytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also determined. In the blood serum, the activities of acid phosphatase (AcP), arylsulphatase (ASA), cathepsin D (CTS D) and AAT were evaluated. The activities of AcP, ASA, CTS D and AAT changed similarly during both experiments. The GPx activity decreased 40 min after the exercise/recovery compared to the baseline activity and was lower than 40 min after the exercise/immersion. The exercise followed by the recovery or immersion had no significant effect on the serum lysosomal and AAT activities in the studied men. The exercise/recovery reduced the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the men's erythrocytes, however the exercise/immersion demonstrated the opposite effect.

Single whole-body cryostimulation procedure versus single dry sauna bath: comparison of oxidative impact on healthy male volunteers.

Exposure to extreme heat and cold is one of the environmental factors whose action is precisely based on the mechanisms involving free radicals. Fluctuations in ambient temperature are among the agents that toughen the human organism. The goal of the study was to evaluate the impact of extremely high (dry sauna, DS) and low (whole-body cryostimulation, WBC) environmental temperatures on the oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium in the blood of healthy male subjects. The subjects performed a single DS bath (n = 10; 26.2 ± 4.6 years) and a single WBC procedure (n = 15; 27.5 ± 3.1 years). In the subjects' blood taken immediately before and 20 min after the interventions, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in erythrocytes (TBARSer) and blood plasma (TBARSpl) were determined. Single WBC and DS procedures induced an increase in the activity of SOD and GPx, as well as SOD and CAT, respectively. The SOD activity was higher after WBC than after DS. Extremely high and low temperatures probably induce the formation of reactive oxygen species in the organisms of healthy men and, therefore, disturb the oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Postexercise impact of ice-cold water bath on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy men.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a 5 min head-out ice-cold water bath on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in response to exercise. The crossover study included the subjects (n = 24; aged 28.7 ± 7.3 years) who performed two identical stationary cycling bouts for 30 min and recovered for 10 min at room temperature (RT = 20°C; session 1) or in a pool with ice-cold water (ICW = 3°C, 5 min immersion; session 2). The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in blood plasma (TBARSpl) and erythrocytes (TBARSer) and the erythrocytic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured three times during each of the two study sessions: before the exercise (baseline) and 20 and 40 min after the appropriate recovery session. Lower concentration of TBARSpl 40 min after postexercise recovery in ICW was revealed as compared with that after recovery at RT (P < 0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant postexercise increase in the TBARSpl and TBARSer concentrations was found (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, resp.). A short-term ice-cold water bath decreases postexercise lipid peroxidation.