Metabolic mitochondrial alterations prevail in the female rat heart 8 weeks after exercise cessation.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of high-caloric diets strongly contributes to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Exercise (along with diet intervention) is one of the primary non-pharmacological approaches to promote a healthier lifestyle and counteract the rampant prevalence of NCDs. The present study evaluated the effects of exercise cessation after a short period training on the cardiac metabolic and mitochondrial function of female rats. METHODS: Seven-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control or a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet and, after 7 weeks, the animals were kept on a sedentary lifestyle or submitted to endurance exercise for 3 weeks (6 days per week, 20-60 min/day). The cardiac samples were analysed 8 weeks after exercise cessation. RESULTS: The consumption of the HFHS diet triggered impaired glucose tolerance, whereas the HFHS diet and physical exercise resulted in different responses in plasma adiponectin and leptin levels. Cardiac mitochondrial respiration efficiency was decreased by the HFHS diet consumption, which led to reduced ATP and increased NAD(P)H mitochondrial levels, which remained prevented by exercise 8 weeks after cessation. Exercise training-induced cardiac adaptations in redox balance, namely increased relative expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant enzymes persist after an eight-week exercise cessation period. CONCLUSIONS: Endurance exercise modulated cardiac redox balance and mitochondrial efficiency in female rats fed a HFHS diet. These findings suggest that exercise may elicit cardiac adaptations crucial for its role as a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals at risk of developing NCDs.

Recreational futsal provides broad-spectrum fitness and health benefits but no blood pressure effects in men with treated hypertension - a randomised controlled trial.

We determined the coadjuvant effect of a recreational futsal (RF) programme versus standard care alone (CON) in men with treated arterial hypertension (TAHT). Thirty-nine men with TAHT were randomised to RF (N = 20; 48 ± 8 years; systolic blood pressure [SBP]: 122 ± 14 mmHg) with 2-3 one-hour sessions/week for 3 months, or to CON (N = 19; 51 ± 6 years; SBP: 126 ± 13 mmHg). Participants were assessed at baseline, at 3 months, and after 1 month of training cessation (4 months). Mean training attendance was 60 ± 23%. At 3-months, there were no between-group differences in BP parameters (SBP: 0.44 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.79, 6.67). However, compared to CON, RF was effective for peak oxygen uptake (2.76 mL.min-1.kg-1; 95% CI: 0.26, 5.26), time to exhaustion (1.15 min; 95% CI: 0.59, 1.69), Yo-Yo IE1 performance (365 m; 95% CI: 175, 556), resting heart rate (RHR; -5 b.min-1; 95% CI: -10, -1), glycated haemoglobin (-0.52 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.84, -0.19), blood glucose (-0.25 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.44, -0.06), left femur bone mineral content (1.96 g; 95% CI: 0.29, 3.65), and postural balance (-2.3 falls; 95% CI: -3.9, -0.6). Similar findings were observed after 1-month of training cessation, except for RHR and blood glucose that returned to baseline levels in the RF group. In conclusion, RF provides broad-spectrum fitness and health benefits but no BP effects in men with TAHT.

Physical exercise positively modulates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Obesity is a predictive factor for the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although some of the mechanisms associated with NASH development are still elusive, its pathogenesis relies on a complex broad spectrum of (interconnected) metabolic-based disorders. We analyzed the effects of voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET), as preventive and therapeutic nonpharmacological strategies, respectively, against hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER-related proapoptotic signaling, and oxidative stress in an animal model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into standard control liquid diet (SCLD) or HFD groups, with sedentary, VPA, and ET subgroups in both (sedentary animals with access to SCLD [SS], voluntarily physically active animals with access to SCLD [SV], and endurance-trained animals with access to SCLD [ST] in the former and sedentary animals with access to liquid HFD [HS], voluntarily physically active animals with access to liquid HFD [HV], and endurance-trained animals with access to liquid HFD [HT] in the latter, respectively). Hepatic ER stress and ER-related proapoptotic signaling were evaluated by Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; redox status was evaluated through quantification of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls groups, and glutathione levels as well as antioxidant enzymes activity. In SCLD-treated animals, VPA significantly decreased eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha (eIF2α). In HFD-treated animals, VPA significantly decreased eIF2α and phospho-inositol requiring enzyme-1 alpha (IRE1α) but ET significantly decreased eIF2α and significantly increased both spliced X-box binding protein 1 (sXBP1) and unspliced X-box binding protein 1; a significant increase of phosphorylated-eIF2α (p-eIF2α) to eIF2α ratio occurred in ET versus VPA. HS compared to SS disclosed a significant increase of total and reduced glutathione, HV compared to SV a significant increase of oxidized glutathione, HT compared to ST a significant increase of p-eIF2α to eIF2α ratio and sXBP1. Physical exercise counteracts NASH-related ER stress and its associated deleterious consequences through a positive and dynamical modulation of the hepatic IRE1α-X-box binding protein 1 pathway.

Fit mothers for a healthy future: Breaking the intergenerational cycle of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with maternal exercise.

SPECIAL ISSUE: 'FOIEGRAS-Bioenergetic Remodelling in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease'. BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) emerges as significant health burden worldwide. Lifestyle changes, unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity, can trigger NAFLD development. Persisting on these habits during pregnancy affects in utero environment and prompts a specific metabolic response in foetus resulting in offspring metabolic maladjustments potentially critical for developing NAFLD later in life. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD, particularly in children, has shifted the research focus towards preventive and therapeutic strategies. Yet, designing effective approaches that can break the NAFLD intergenerational cycle becomes even more complicated. Regular physical exercise (PE) is a powerful non-pharmacological strategy known to counteract deleterious metabolic outcomes. In this narrative review, we aimed to briefly describe NAFLD pathogenesis focusing on maternal nutritional challenge and foetal programming, and to provide potential mechanisms behind the putative intergenerational effect of PE against metabolic diseases, including liver diseases. METHODS: Following detailed electronic database search, recent existing evidence about NAFLD development, intergenerational programming and gestational exercise effects was critically analysed and discussed. RESULTS: PE during pregnancy could have a great potential to counteract intergenerational transmission of metabolic burden. The interplay between different PE roles-metabolic, endocrine and epigenetic-could offer a more stable in utero environment to the foetus, thus rescuing offspring vulnerability to metabolic disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: The better understanding of maternal PE beneficial consequences on offspring metabolism could reinforce the importance of PE during pregnancy as an indispensable strategy in improving offspring health.

Technical match actions and plasma stress markers in elite female football players during an official FIFA Tournament.

This study analyzed the impact of performing four consecutive football matches separated by 48-72 hours during a FIFA tournament on physical load, technical performance and plasma markers of redox state, muscle damage and inflammation in elite female players. Forty-eight players from three national teams were evaluated at seven time points: before (baseline) and throughout the tournament (after each match and before two training sessions). Only data from players who played all matches were included in the analyses (N = 13). The players were divided into high-rank (N = 6) and low-rank (N = 7) team players according to FIFA standards. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and uric acid (UA) were analyzed at the selected time points. Technical performance and physical load were also quantified according to team rank. Players from low-rank teams played significantly more time than high-rank players (85 ± 10 vs 67 ± 15 minutes; P = .02; d = 1.51). Low-rank team players presented higher values in technical performance actions than the high-rank team players, but most of the differences were explained by the longer match time played. UA content differed across the matches, increasing from baseline (F(4,40)  = 3.90; P = .01) and more in the high-rank team players (F(1,10)  = 20.46; P = .001), while CRP only differed across the matches (F(4,36)  = 2.66; P = .05), also increasing from baseline. A large time effect was shown for UA only in the high-rank players (η2 p  = 0.50; P = .02). Four consecutive matches did not result in considerable alterations in plasma stress markers, physical load, and technical performance in elite female football players from distinct rank levels.

Gestational Exercise Increases Male Offspring's Maximal Workload Capacity Early in Life.

Mothers' antenatal strategies to improve the intrauterine environment can positively decrease pregnancy-derived intercurrences. By challenging the mother-fetus unit, gestational exercise (GE) favorably modulates deleterious stimuli, such as high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet-induced adverse consequences for offspring. We aimed to analyze whether GE alters maternal HFHS-consumption effects on male offspring's maximal workload performance (MWP) and in some skeletal muscle (the soleus-SOL and the tibialis anterior-TA) biomarkers associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative fitness. Infant male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental groups according to mothers' dietary and/or exercise conditions: offspring of sedentary control diet-fed or HFHS-fed mothers (C-S or HFHS-S, respectively) and of exercised HFHS-fed mothers (HFHS-E). Although maternal HFHS did not significantly alter MWP, offspring from GE dams exhibited increased MWP. Lower SOL AMPk levels in HFHS-S were reverted by GE. SOL PGC-1α, OXPHOS C-I and C-IV subunits remained unaltered by maternal diet, although increased in HFHS-E offspring. Additionally, GE prevented maternal diet-related SOL miR-378a overexpression, while upregulated miR-34a expression. Decreased TA C-IV subunit expression in HFHS-S was reverted in HFHS-E, concomitantly with the downregulation of miR-338. In conclusion, GE in HFHS-fed dams increases the offspring's MWP, which seems to be associated with the intrauterine modulation of SM mitochondrial density and functional markers.

Building-up fit muscles for the future: Transgenerational programming of skeletal muscle through physical exercise.

'Special issue - In Utero and Early Life Programming of Aging and Disease'. Skeletal muscle (SM) adaptations to physical exercise (PE) have been extensively studied due, not only to the relevance of its in situ plasticity, but also to the SM endocrine-like effects in noncontractile tissues, such as brain, liver or adipocytes. Regular PE has been considered a pleiotropic nonpharmacological strategy to prevent and counteract the deleterious consequences of several metabolic, cardiovascular, oncological and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, PE performed by parents seems to have a direct impact in the offspring through the transgenerational programming of different tissues, such as SM. In fact, SM offspring programming mechanisms seems to be orchestrated, at least in part, by epigenetic machinery conditioning transcriptional or post-transcriptional processes. Ultimately, PE performed in the early in life is also a critical window of opportunity to positively modulate the juvenile and adult phenotype. Parental PE has a positive impact in several health-related offspring outcomes, such as SM metabolism, differentiation, morphology and ultimately in offspring exercise volition and endurance. Also, early-life PE counteracts conceptional-related adverse effects and induces long-lasting healthy benefits throughout adulthood. Additionally, epigenetics mechanisms seem to play a key role in the PE-induced SM adaptations. Despite the undoubtedly positive role of parental and early-life PE on SM phenotype, a strong research effort is still needed to better understand the mechanisms that positively regulate PE-induced SM programming.

Effects of endurance training on autophagy and apoptotic signaling in visceral adipose tissue of prolonged high fat diet-fed rats.

PURPOSE: Autophagy and apoptosis play critical roles in both development and tissue homeostasis in response to (patho)physiological stimuli, such as high-fat diet (HFD) and endurance training (ET). Therefore, we aimed to investigate how ET modulates autophagy and apoptotic-related signaling in visceral adipose tissue of long-standing HFD-fed rats. METHODS: The study was conducted over a 17-week period on Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into four groups (n = 8/group): standard diet sedentary (STD+SED), high-fat diet sedentary (HFD+SED), standard diet ET (STD+ET) and high-fat diet ET (HFD+ET). After 9 weeks of dietary regimens, ET groups were trained for 8 weeks on treadmill (5 days/week at 25 m/min for 60 min/day), while maintaining dietary regimens. Autophagy and apoptotic-signaling markers in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were determined using RT-qPCR, Western blot and spectrometry techniques. RESULTS: ET reduced body weight, visceral fat mass and HOMA-IR in standard and HF diet-fed animals. Moreover, ET reverted the HFD-induced increases in the percentage of larger adipocytes and also reduced the percentage of smaller adipocytes. The HFD decreased pre-adipocyte factor 1 (DLK1/PREF1) and increased the pro-apoptotic markers (Bax protein and caspase 3-like activity), while having no impact on autophagy markers. However, ET increased DLK1/PREF1 and Bcl-2 in both diet types, while decreasing Bax and caspases 9, 8 and 3-like activities in HFD feeding rats. Additionally, Beclin-1 and p62 protein significantly increased in ET groups of both diet types. CONCLUSIONS: Data demonstrate that 8 weeks of ET was effective in attenuating apoptotic-related signaling in long-standing HFD-fed rats. Moreover, HFD and ET had no impact on VAT autophagy markers.

Physical exercise remodels visceral adipose tissue and mitochondrial lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet.

We aimed to investigate the effects of two physical exercise models, voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET) as preventive and therapeutic strategies, respectively, on lipid accumulation regulators and mitochondrial content in VAT of rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old, n=60) were assigned into sedentary and VPA groups fed isoenergetic diets: standard (S, 35 kcal% fat) or HFD (71 kcal% fat). The VPA groups had free access to wheel running during the entire protocol. After 9 weeks, half of the sedentary animals were exercised on a treadmill while maintaining the dietary treatments. The HFD induced no changes in plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol levels and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunit IV and increased truncated/full-length sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP1c) ratio in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). VPA decreased plasma glycerol levels, aquaglyceroporin 7 (AQP7) and increased subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) protein, in standard diet fed animals. Eight weeks of ET decreased body weight, visceral adiposity and adipocyte size and plasma NEFA and glycerol levels, as well as AQP7 protein expression in eWAT. ET increased fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), mitochondrial content of complexes IV and V subunits, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamic (mitofusins and optic atrophy 1)-related proteins. Moreover, lipogenesis-related markers (SREBP1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase) were reduced after 8 weeks of ET. In conclusion, ET-induced alterations reflect a positive effect on mitochondrial function and the overall VAT metabolism of HFD-induced obese rats.

Exercise mitigates diclofenac-induced liver mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Several strategies have been developed to counteract liver injury as a consequence of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs toxicity. Here, we aimed to determine whether physical exercise results in liver mitochondrial protection against in vitro diclofenac toxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sedentary, 12-week endurance training (ET) and voluntary activity (VPA). In vitro liver mitochondrial function as assessed by oxygen consumption, transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) and susceptibility to the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) was evaluated in the absence and presence of diclofenac. Mitochondrial oxidative stress markers [MnSOD, aconitase, -SH and MDA, SIRT3, p66shc(Ser36)/p66shc ratio] and apoptotic signalling (caspases 3, 8 and 9, Bax, Bcl-2 and CypD) were assessed. Content of OXPHOS components and qualitative liver morphological evaluation were assessed. RESULTS: Despite no effects of ET and VPA on basal liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption or ΔΨ endpoints, exercised animals showed lower susceptibility to MPTP. Diclofenac-induced decrease in ΔΨ, increased state 4 respiration and susceptibility to MPTP opening were all prevented by exercise. Under untreated conditions, VPA group showed higher aconitase activity, while ET decreased MDA and increased Bax content. VPA decreased p66shc(Ser36), complex III and V OXPHOS subunits. Both ET and VPA increased complex IV OXPHOS subunit, and SIRT3 and Bcl-2 content and decreased caspase 9 activity. Unexpectedly, ET and VPA decreased ANT. CONCLUSIONS: Both chronic physical exercise models augmented the resistance to in vitro diclofenac-induced mitochondrial alterations, including increased MPTP susceptibility, possibly by modulating oxidative stress and MPTP regulators.

Analysis of fatigue development during elite male handball matches.

This study aimed at describing the physiological demands and fatigue development during elite male handball matches. Our hypothesis was that players perform multiple high-intensity activities during periods of the game and develop temporary and end-match neuromuscular fatigue. Time-motion analyses and heart rate (HR) recordings were performed in 40 players during 12 competitive matches. Blood samples were collected, and sprint, jump, and intermittent exercise performance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 test [YYIE2]) was assessed for 18 players at baseline conditions and after 2 competitive matches, and additional blood sampling and testing were performed for 12 of these players during a friendly match. The time spent with high-intensity running (4.4 ± 2.0 to 3.1 ± 1.7%), the frequency of demanding actions (61 ± 5 to 54 ± 6), and the time with HR above 80% HRmax (62 ± 21 to 41 ± 17%) were lowered from the first to the second half. Average blood lactate during the match was 3.6 ± 2.1 (1.3-8.6) mM. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, glucose, and uric acid increased (p ≤ 0.05) during the first half and plasma FFA and glycerol increased further (p ≤ 0.05) during the second half. After an intense period in the second half, sprint performance was decreased by 3.9 ± 4.9%. After the match, YYIE2 (33.4 ± 8.7%), vertical jump (7.4 ± 6.5%), and 20-m sprint performance (1.6 ± 2.6%) was lower (p ≤ 0.05) than at baseline. This study showed that the intensity is high in certain periods during elite male handball games and that physical performance is impaired both temporarily during and toward the end of games confirming our hypothesis. These findings enables physical trainers and coaches to plan and design proper game-specific training exercises aiming at delaying both temporary and end-game fatigue and strengthen the physiological rationale for the need for substitutions in various stages of match-play.

Physiological demands of elite team handball with special reference to playing position.

This study aimed to analyze the physiological demands of match play for different playing positions in elite male team handball. Time motion (N = 30) and heart rate (HR; N = 70) data were recorded throughout 10 official matches. The mean distance covered by backcourt players (4.96 ± 0.64 km) was greater (p ≤ 0.02) than for wings and pivots (4.23 ± 0.52 and 3.91 ± 0.51 km, respectively). Backcourt players spent less time standing still and walking (∼76%) than wings and pivots (∼80%) (p ≤ 0.03), and wings spent more time sprinting than the other playing positions. Backcourt players (122.9 ± 17.0) and pivots (126.8 ± 33.0) performed more high-demanding actions per game than wings (54.6 ± 15.6) (p = 0.01). The time spent by pivots in high-intensity activities decreased from the first to the second half (4.1 ± 2.4 to 2.7 ± 0.9%; p ≤ 0.01), while backcourt players showed a decrease in high-demanding playing actions (p ≤ 0.05). Backcourt players and pivots had higher mean (84 ± 9 and 83 ± 9% vs. 79 ± 10%; p ≤ 0.03) and peak effective HR, and percentage of total time at intensities >80% maximal HR (HRmax) than wings. The fraction of total time spent at intensities >80% HRmax decreased for all outfield playing positions in the second half (from 39-76 to 30-46%). Competitive team handball involves position-specific differences in the physiological demands. Furthermore, exercise intensity decreases from the first to the second half for all outfield playing positions suggesting that these players experience neuromuscular fatigue. Training of elite handball players should comprise high-intensity position-specific exercises aiming at improving the ability to maintain a high exercise intensity throughout the game.

Exercise Training Benefits Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Capacity during Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of a supervised exercise training program (SETP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional capacity in women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Ninety-three women with early-stage BC were randomly allocated to a SETP plus usual care (exercise, n = 47) or usual care alone (UC, n = 46). The SETP included three sessions per week, combining aerobic and resistance training, conducted concurrently over the chemotherapy. The EORTC Cancer Quality-of-Life-Questionnaire-Core-30 (QLQ-C30) and the BC-specific module (QLQ-BR23) were used to assess HRQoL. Functional capacity was analyzed by maximum voluntary handgrip strength (MVHS) and by the 30-s chair sit-to-stand test (30-s CST). These endpoints were assessed at baseline (t0); middle (t1; after 8 or 12 wk of t0); and at the end of chemotherapy (t2; after 20 wk of t0). Mean changes from baseline were assessed by an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: Mixed linear model analyses showed that Exercise group experienced less deterioration in several domains of QLQ-C30 at t2, including in global health status/QoL (Δ = 9.39 units; P = 0.034), QLQ-C30 summary score (Δ = 8.08 units; P < 0.001), physical (Δ = 15.14 units; P < 0.001), role ( Δ = 21.81 units; P < 0.001), cognitive (Δ = 9.16 units; P = 0.032) and social functioning (Δ = 11.67 units; P = 0.038), compared with the UC group. Similarly, Exercise group exhibited significant lower levels of fatigue (Δ = -20.19 units; P < 0.001) and appetite loss (Δ = -13.69 units; P = 0.034), compared with the UC group. Significant between-group differences were observed on MVHS of the tumor/surgery upper limb side (Δ = 2.64 kg; P < 0.001) and contralateral limb (Δ = 2.22 kg; P < 0.001), and on the 30-s CST score (Δ = 3.56repetitions; P < 0.001), favoring the Exercise group. No differences were observed on QLQ-BR23 domains. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training was an effective complementary therapy to prevent the deterioration of HRQoL and functional capacity during chemotherapy in women with early-stage BC.

Exercise as a therapeutic tool to prevent mitochondrial degeneration in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, encompassing hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis, is a significant health problem associated with modern lifestyle, based on caloric overconsumption and physical inactivity. Although the mechanisms associated with progression from the 'benign' steatosis to NASH are still elusive, mitochondrial dysfunction seems to play an important role in this degenerative process. Degeneration of mitochondrial function during NASH has been associated with impaired ß-oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation and increased reactive oxygen species production, contributing to hepatocyte death and inflammatory response. Despite the fact that several therapeutic approaches can be used in the context of NASH, including insulin-sensitizing agents, anti-obesity drugs, lipid-lowering drugs or mitochondrial-targeted drugs, dietary and physical activity are still the most effective strategies. In fact, active lifestyles decrease insulin resistance and body weight and result in decreased histological signs of liver injury. In fatty liver, physical activity prevents the disease progression through mitochondrial adaptations, namely by increasing cytochrome c content, enzyme activities and fatty acid oxidation, which are lost after some days of physical inactivity. However, less is known about the effect of physical activity on NASH-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. After a brief characterization of NASH and its association with liver mitochondrial (dys)function, the present review addresses the impact of physical (in)activity on NASH and, particularly, the possible contribution of active lifestyles to the modulation of liver mitochondrial dysfunction.

Neuromuscular function, hormonal and redox status and muscle damage of professional soccer players after a high-level competitive match.

The main aim was to analyse the impact of an official match on hormonal and redox status, muscle damage and inflammation and neuromuscular function. Seven high-level male soccer players from the same team performed an official match and data were collected 72 h before, 24, 48 and 72 h post-match. Plasma testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C), creatine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and reductase (GR) activities, myoglobin (Mb), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), protein sulfhydryls (-SH), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured. Sprint, jump and change of direction performance, and maximal isokinetic knee extension and flexion were obtained as neuromuscular functional parameters. Cortisol increased and T/C decreased until 48 h recovery (P < 0.05). Mb, CRP and -SH (P < 0.05) increased at 24 h and CK, TAS, SOD and MDA (P < 0.05) increased up to 48 h recovery. GR increased and GPX decreased at 24 h recovery (P < 0.05). Jump performance decreased 24 h post-match (P < 0.05), but no significant alterations in sprint, change of direction and muscle strength were observed. In conclusion, an official match resulted in changes in plasma biomarkers until 48 h of recovery period, without major impact on performance.

Training status and match activity of professional soccer players throughout a season.

The purpose of this study was to examine match activity (MA) and fatigue development (FD) during official soccer games in different moments of a season and the influence of training status (TS) on MA and FD. Match activity of 13 professional players was examined by time-motion analysis at 4 time points of a competitive season. In addition, per time point within the 2-week period between the 2 games video-filmed, players performed the following physical tests: countermovement jump, 5- and 30-m sprints, change of direction, knee extensor and flexor isokinetic strength, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test-level 2. The players covered a greater high-intensity distance running (HI; p < 0.05) in the last quarter of the season (E4) than in the second (E2) and the third (E3) quarters. Within each assessment period, a greater distance was covered in HI during the peak 5-minute period of the match (P5-min) than in the 5-minute period after P5-min (Next5-min) and the remaining 5-minute periods (Av5-min; p < 0.05) of the match. Also, P5-min was higher in E4 than in the beginning of the season (E1, E2, and E3; p < 0.05). The physical fitness variables, composites scores of power-related and isokinetic strength tests were correlated (r ranging between 0.59 and 0.73, p < 0.05) with game physical parameters (GPPs) analyzed by time motion. Soccer players were found to cover more HI during the game and in the P5-min toward end of season. The players with greater muscle strength and power expressed lower performance decrements in the GPPs. In conclusion, the results highlight the relevance of players' neuromuscular function on game physical performance.

Gestational Exercise Antagonises the Impact of Maternal High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet on Liver Mitochondrial Alterations and Quality Control Signalling in Male Offspring.

Maternal high-caloric nutrition and related gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are relevant modulators of the intrauterine environment, increasing the risk of liver metabolic alterations in mothers and offspring. In contrast, as a non-pharmacological approach against metabolic disorders, exercise is highly recommended in GDM treatment. We analysed whether gestational exercise (GE) protects mothers from diet-induced GDM metabolic consequences and mitigates liver mitochondrial deleterious alterations in their 6-week-old male offspring. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed with control or high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet and kept sedentary or submitted to GE. Male offspring were sedentary and fed with control diet. Sedentary HFHS mothers and their offspring showed impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and morphological evidence of mitochondrial remodelling. In contrast, GE-related beneficial effects were demonstrated by upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis signalling markers and mitochondrial fusion proteins and downregulation of mitochondrial fission protein. Alterations in miR-34a, miR-130b, and miR-494, associated with epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, suggested that GE is a more critical modulator of intergenerational changes in miRs expression than the maternal diet. Our data showed that GE positively modulated the altered hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics markers and quality control signalling associated with maternal HFHS-diet-related GDM in mothers and offspring.

Adding protein to a carbohydrate pre-exercise beverage does not influence running performance and metabolism.

BACKGROUND: To analyze whether pre-exercise CHO+PRO vs. CHO intake distinctly influences running performance and metabolic biomarkers along a various of exercise intensities. METHODS: In a randomized, double blind, counterbalanced, crossover and placebo control design, 10 middle distance runners were tested in 3 occasions. After 10 h of fasting, participants ingested isovolumic beverages (0.75+0.25g·BW-1 of CHO+PRO, 1.0g·BW-1 of CHO and placebo control) 30 min before a treadmill running incremental protocol of 4 min steps until exhaustion. Venous blood was collected at fasting, 30 min after beverage ingestion and after the 3rd and 7th running steps. Oxygen uptake-related variables, including respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, free fatty acids, blood lactate concentrations, gastrointestinal discomfort and rate of perceived exertion were measured. RESULTS: The addition of PRO to CHO had no influence on the measured variables, which did not differ between conditions along all incremental protocol intensities. The intake of CHO+PRO (compared to CHO) tended to decrease glycemia (106.5±21.3 vs. 113.6±26.5) and to increase insulinemia (14.4±15.1 vs. 12.7±10.8) at intensities close to maximum oxygen uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of PRO to a pre-exercise CHO beverage had no impact on running performance and related metabolic variables at a wide spectrum of exercise intensities.

Effects of exercise training on cardiac toxicity markers in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with anthracyclines: a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Exercise training has been suggested to prevent anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction, but clinicalbased evidence is scarce. We investigated the effects of a supervised exercise training programme (SETP) on cardiac toxicity markers in women with breast cancer (BC) receiving anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-three women with early-stage breast cancer were randomly allocated to a supervised exercise training programme (SETP) plus usual care group (Exercise, n = 47) or usual care alone group (UC, n = 46). The SETP consisted of three sessions per week, combining aerobic and resistance training, conducted concurrently across the anthracycline-containing chemotherapy length. The primary endpoint was the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to the end of anthracycline cycles. Secondary endpoints included global longitudinal strain (GLS) and other conventional echocardiographic parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated peak VO2), circulating biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-TnT), and safety of the SETP. The study endpoints were also assessed 3 months after the end of anthracycline cycles. All patients were prescribed four cycles of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC). No significant between-group differences in LVEF change were seen at the end of AC [mean difference: 0.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.8, 2.3; P = 0.349] and 3 months after AC (1.1%; 95% CI: -0.5, 2.6; P = 0.196). Compared to the usual care (UC) group, the estimated peak VO2 increased in the Exercise group at the end of AC (1.6 mL O2·kg-1·min-1; 95% CI: 0.06, 3.1; P = 0.041) and 3 months after AC (3.1 mL O2·kg-1·min-1; 95% CI: 1.4, 4.7; P < 0.001). No between-group differences were found in the remaining secondary endpoints. No serious adverse events were observed during SETP. CONCLUSION: Exercise training was safe during chemotherapy and significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness. No significant effects were seen on cardiac toxicity markers (LVEF or GLS) as compared to the usual care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Mama Move Gaia on treatment trial ISRCTN32617901.

Breast cancer patients are often treated with chemotherapy. Despite the clinical benefit, some of these drugs increase the risk of cardiac toxicity and impair patients' cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise training has been proposed as a preventive approach, but clinical-based evidence is scarce. The results of this trial showed that an exercise training programme, combining aerobic training and resistance training, conducted during chemotherapy, did not significantly attenuate the decline in conventional cardiac function parameters when compared to usual care. However, the results of this trial showed that the training programme was safe and significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness.

Physical and physiological demands of elite team handball.

This study aimed to analyze elite team handball physical and physiological demands during match play. Time-motion (N = 30) and heart rate (HR; N = 60) analyses were performed throughout 10 official matches. The defined locomotor categories were standing still, walking, jogging, fast running, sprinting, backwards movement, sideways medium-intensity movement, and sideways high-intensity movement, and playing actions studied were jumps, shots, stops when preceded by high-intensity activities, changes of direction and one-on-one situations. During matches, the mean distances covered were 4,370 ± 702.0 m. Around 80% of the total time was spent standing still (43.0 ± 9.27%) and walking (35.0 ± 6.94%) and only 0.4 ± 0.31% with sprinting. The most frequent high-intensity actions were stops, changes of direction, and one-on-one situations. Effective mean HR was 157 ± 18.0 b·min(-1) (82 ± 9.3% of HRmax), and total HR was 139 ± 31.9 b·min(-1) (72 ± 16.7% of HRmax). The HR, time spent in high-intensity activities, frequency of stops, changes of direction, one-on-one situations, and most intense periods of the game were higher during the first half than during the second half (p ≤ 0.05). The opposite was observed for the number of time outs and the time between each change of activity (p = 0.00). Handball is an intermittent exercise that primarily uses aerobic metabolism, interspersed by high-intensity actions that greatly tax anaerobic metabolism. Additionally, exercise intensity decreases from the first to the second half of the match, suggesting that neuromuscular fatigue may occur during the game. The training of elite handball players should comprise exercises targeting the ability to perform specific high-intensity actions throughout the game and to rapidly recover during the less intense periods.