Intermittent resistance exercise and obesity, considered separately or combined, impair spermatic parameters in adult male Wistar rats.

Obesity and absence of physical exercise are global problems that affect concentration and sperm quality in the male reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of obesity and resistance training, considered separately or in association, on testicular function and reproductive capacity. Twenty pubertal male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: control (C) and exercise (E) groups that received standard rat chow; and obese (O) and obese with exercise (OE) groups that received a high-fat diet. All the groups received filtered water during the experimental conditions. Groups E and OE were submitted to 8 weeks of high-intensity intermittent training. Afterwards, testes were collected for sperm count, spermatogenic kinetics, histopathology, morphometry and immunodetection of androgen receptors (AR). The vas deferens was collected for sperm morphology. The results showed that obesity increased body weight, naso-anal length, liver and epididymal fat weight, abnormal spermatozoa and immunodetectable AR. Intermittent exercise decreased daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count and normal spermatozoa, whereas the number of tubules with immunodetectable AR increased. The combination of obesity and intermittent training led to reduced sperm count and DSP, although abnormal spermatozoa and the number of tubules with immunodetectable AR increased. Thus, in conclusion, both obesity and resistance training impaired testicular function during puberty in rats; and this type of exercise has also been shown to be detrimental to testicular physiology.

Palmitate-induced Slc2a4/GLUT4 downregulation in L6 muscle cells: evidence of inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress involvement.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is strongly associated to insulin resistance, inflammation, and elevated plasma free fatty acids, but the mechanisms behind this association are not fully comprehended. Evidences suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may play a role in this complex pathophysiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of inflammation and ER stress in the modulation of glucose transporter GLUT4, encoded by Slc2a4 gene, in L6 skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: L6 cells were acutely (2 h) and chronically (6 and 12 h) exposed to palmitate, and the expression of several proteins involved in insulin resistance, ER stress and inflammation were analyzed. RESULTS: Chronic and acute palmitate exposure significantly reduced GLUT4 protein (~ 39%, P < 0.01) and its mRNA (18%, P < 0.01) expression. Only acute palmitate treatment increased GRP78 (28%, P < 0.05), PERK (98%, P < 0.01), eIF-2A (35%, P < 0.01), IRE1a (60%, P < 0.05) and TRAF2 (23%, P < 0.05) protein content, and PERK phosphorylation (106%, P < 0.001), but did not elicit eIF-2A, IKK phosphorylation or increased XBP1 nuclear content. Additionally, acute and chronic palmitate increased NFKB p65 nuclear content (~ 30%, P < 0.05) and NFKB binding activity to Slc2a4 gene promoter (~ 45%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Different pathways are activated in acute and chronic palmitate induced-repression of Slc2a4/GLUT4 expression. This regulation involves activation of initial component of ER stress, such as the formation of a IRE1a-TRAF2-IKK complex, and converges to NFKB-induced repression of Slc2a4/GLUT4. These results link ER stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in L6 cells.

Intra-abdominal fat is related to metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fat liver disease in obese youth.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown an association between adiposity, especially intra-abdominal adipose tissue, and hemodynamic/metabolic comorbidities in adults, however it is not clear in pediatric population. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and components of metabolic syndrome (MS) with values of intra-abdominal (IAAT) and subcutaneous (SCAT) adipose tissue in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: 182 obese sedentary children and adolescents (aged 6 to 16 y), identified by the body mass index (BMI). MEASUREMENTS: Body composition and trunk fat by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry- DXA; lipid profile, blood pressure and pubertal stage were also assessed. NAFLD was classified as absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2) and severe (3), and intra-abdominal and subcutaneous abdominal fat thickness were identified by ultrasound. The MS was identified according to the cut offs proposed by World Health Organization adapted for children and adolescents. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, and the binary logistic regression indicated the magnitude of the associations adjusted by potential cofounders (sex, age, maturation, NAFLD and HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Higher quartile of SCAT was associated with elevated blood pressure (p = 0.015), but not associated with NAFLD (p = 0.665). Higher IAAT was positively associated with increased dyslipidemia (p = 0.001), MS (p = 0.013) and NAFLD (p = 0.005). Intermediate (p = 0.007) and highest (p = 0.001) quartile of IAAT were also associated with dyslipidemia, independently of age, sex, maturation, NAFLD and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance). CONCLUSION: Obese children and adolescents, with higher IAAT are more prone to develop MS and NAFLD than those with higher values of SCAT, independent of possible confounding variables.

Resistance training prevents damage to the mitochondrial function of the skeletal muscle of rats exposed to secondary cigarette smoke.

AIM: To analyze the consumption of oxygen and to quantify the mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins (OXPHOS) in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats exposed to cigarette smoke and/or RT practitioners. MAIN METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into groups: Control (C), Smoker (S), Exercise (E) and Exercise Smoker (ES). Groups F and ES were exposed to the smoke of 4 cigarettes for 30 min, 2× a day, 5× a week, for 16 weeks. Groups E and ES performed four climbs with progressive load, 1× per day, 5× per week, for 16 weeks. The gastrocnemius muscle was collected for analysis of OXPHOS content and oxygen consumption. Groups S (vs. C) and ES (vs. C and E) showed lower body weight gain when observing the evolution curve. KEY FINDINGS: The S rats showed a reduction in the NDUFB8 proteins of complex 1, SDHB of complex 2, MTC01 of complex 4 and ATP5A of complex 5 (ATP Synthase) compared to Group C. Additionally, S rats also showed increased consumption of O2 in Basal, Leak, Complex I and I/II combined measures compared to the other groups, suggesting that the activity of the mitochondria of these animals increased in terms of coupling and uncoupling parameters. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke for 16 weeks is capable of causing impairment of mitochondrial function with reduced expression of respiratory chain proteins in skeletal muscle. However, the RT was effective in preventing impairment of mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle of rats exposed to secondary cigarette smoke.

Resistance training mitigates hepato-cardiac changes and muscle mitochondrial protein reductions in rats with diet-induced obesity.

AIM: To investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) on hepatocardiovascular and muscle mitochondrial parameters in rats that were fed a high-calorie diet for 12 weeks. MAIN METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (E), obese (O), and obese plus exercise (OE). Group E and OE rats performed resistance training by climbing on a vertical ladder with load attached to the end of the tail (1×/day, 3×/week, for 12 weeks). Group O and OE rats were fed a high-calorie diet containing chow and a cafeteria diet for 12 weeks. Under anesthesia, the heart and liver were removed for histopathological analysis, and the gastrocnemius muscle was removed for Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS: Group O rats were heavier, with increased fat mass, elevated fasting glycemia, and total triglycerides, and exhibited a significant number of Kupffer cells and diffuse steatosis in the liver. Group O rats also showed increased thickness of the right ventricle, septum, and pulmonary artery. All of these parameters were attenuated by RT. PGC1-α protein levels were increased in both exercise groups. The protein levels of OXPHOS complexes III, IV, and V were reduced in Group O, while RT prevented this alteration. SIGNIFICANCE: RT exerts a protective effect against hepato-cardiac alterations and prevents changes in the muscle mitochondrial protein profile induced by a high-calorie diet.

Strength Training Modulates Prostate of Wistar Rats Submitted to High-Fat Diet.

Our aim is to evaluate the effects of high-fat diet and strength training on ventral prostate health through investigations of rat prostate histology, endocrine modulation, and the expression of proliferative and apoptotic marker, including androgen receptors (AR), glucocorticoid receptors (GR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX), Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas/CD95/Apo-1), and Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-κB). Eighty Wistar rats were into one of four subgroups: control (CT), strength training (ST), high-fat diet consumption (HF), and high-fat diet consumption with strength training (HFT). Animals then underwent strength training and/or high-fat diet consumption for 8 or 12 weeks, after which animals were euthanized and markers of prostatic health were evaluated histologically and through immunolabeling. Our results indicate that physical strength training reduced the expression of the prostate cell proliferation marker Bcl-2 while increasing expression of the pro-apoptotic marker BAX, as well as increasing expression of AR and GR relevant in the Bcl-2 pathway. We conclude that a high-fat diet can alter hormone receptor levels and cell-cycle protein expression, thereby modifying prostatic homeostasis, and that strength training was able to reduce prostate damage induced by high-fat diet consumption.

Resistance training prevents right ventricle hypertrophy in rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.

Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke is associated with the development of diverse diseases. Resistance training has been considered one of the most useful tools for patients with pulmonary disease, improving their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) on the prevention of thickening of the right ventricle wall of rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), Smoker (S), Exercised (E) and Exercised Smoker (ES). The smoker groups were exposed to the smoke of four cigarettes for 30 min, twice daily, five days a week, for 16 weeks. The exercised groups climbed on a vertical ladder with progressive load, once a day, five days a week, for 16 weeks. The heart, trachea, lung, liver and gastrocnemius muscle were removed for histopathological analysis. Pulmonary emphysema (S and ES vs C and E, P < 0.0001) and pulmonary artery thickness enlargement (S vs C and E, P = 0.003, ES vs C, P = 0.003) were detected in the smoking groups. There was an increase in the right ventricle thickness in the S group compared with all other groups (P < 0.0001). An increase in resident macrophages in the liver was detected in both smoking groups compared with the C group (P = 0.002). Additionally, a relevant reduction of the diameter of the muscle fibers was detected only in ES compared with the C, S and E groups (P = 0.0002), impairing, at least in part, the muscle mass in exercised smoking rats. Therefore, it was concluded that resistance training prevented the increase of thickness of the right ventricle in rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke, but it may be not so beneficial for the skeletal muscle of smoking rats.

Beta-adrenergic activity preserves GLUT4 protein in glycolytic fibers in fasting.

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in adipose tissue decreases during fasting. In skeletal muscle, we hypothesized that GLUT4 expression might be maintained in a beta-adrenergic-dependent way to ensure energy disposal for contractile function. Herein we investigate beta-blockade or beta-stimulation effects on GLUT4 expression in oxidative (soleus) and glycolytic [extensor digitorum longus (EDL)] muscles of fasted rats. Fasting increased GLUT4 mRNA in soleus (24%) and EDL (40%), but the protein content increased only in soleus (30%). beta1-beta2-, and beta1-beta2-beta3-blockade decreased (20-30%) GLUT4 mRNA content in both muscles, although GLUT4 protein decreased only in EDL. When mRNA and GLUT4 protein regulations were discrepant, changes in the mRNA poly(A) tail length were detected, indicating a posttranscriptional modulation of gene expression. These results show that beta-adrenergic activity regulates GLUT4 gene expression in skeletal muscle during fasting, highlighting its participation in preservation of GLUT4 protein in glycolytic muscle.

Strength training reduces lipid accumulation in liver of obese Wistar rats.

Obesity has a positive relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and studies have demonstrated that strength training can regulate lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes of obese rats. AIMS: Our aim is to evaluate the effects of high fat diet and strength training on markers of oxidation and lipogenesis in the liver of Wistar rats. MAIN METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): control (CTL), strength training (TR), high fat diet consumption (HF) and high fat diet consumption with strength training (HFT). Animals were subjected to physical strength training and high fat diet consumption for 12 weeks, 3 session per week. Then, the animals were euthanized, and liver markers were evaluated via immunolabeling. KEY FINDINGS: Our results indicated that strength training reduced the expression of adiposity as well as the accumulation of glycogen and lipids in the liver. This reduction of fatty acid (FA) stored in hepatocytes is related to reduction of proteins linked to ß-oxidation such as Fas/CD95, LIMP-II and CD36, as well as other proteins linked to lipogeneses such as SREBP-1. SIGNIFICANCE: Finally, we observed that high fat diet can alter lipogenesis and reduce ß-oxidation promoted hepatic fat accumulation. In conclusion, there was a reduction of obesity-related hepatic lipogenesis after 12 weeks of strength training.

Age related obesity-induced shortening of GLUT4 mRNA poly(A) tail length in rat gastrocnemius skeletal muscle.

Obese insulin resistant animals and humans have shown reduced GLUT4 gene expression. Yet, in skeletal muscle, discrepancy between mRNA and protein regulation has been frequently observed, suggesting a post-transcriptional modulation. We investigated the GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue and muscle of obese 12-month-old (12-mo) rats, comparing with lean 2-month-old (2-mo) animals. Obesity was accompanied by insulin resistance, and 65% reduction (P<0.01) in GLUT4 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue. However, in muscle, despite increased (P<0.05) mRNA content, GLUT4 protein was unchanged. RNase H and poly(A) test assays showed a reduction (P<0.01) of approximately 80 adenines in the GLUT4 mRNA poly(A) tail of muscle from 12-mo rats, recognizing that the poly(A) tail length correlates with translation efficiency. Concluding, age related obesity of 12-mo rats involves suppression of GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue; however, in muscle, GLUT4 mRNA content increases, but with a shorter poly(A) tail, thus unchanging the protein content.

Acute and short-term insulin-induced molecular adaptations of GLUT2 gene expression in the renal cortex of diabetic rats.

Increased GLUT2 gene expression in the renal proximal tubule of diabetic rats is an adaptive condition, which may be important in the diabetic nephropathy development. We investigated the effects of insulin treatment upon the renal GLUT2 overexpression of diabetic rats. Acute treatment, surprisingly, induced a rapid further increase in GLUT2 mRNA content. Twelve hours after insulin injection, GLUT2 mRNA was twice the value of saline-injected rats (P<0.001), when GLUT2 protein remained unchanged. In response to short-term treatment, both GLUT2 mRNA and protein were increased in 1-day treated rats (P<0.05 versus saline-injected), decreasing after that, and reaching, within 6 days, values close to those of non-diabetic rats. Concluding, insulin treatment induced: initially, an additional upregulation of GLUT2 gene expression, involving posttranscriptional modulation; thereafter, downregulation of GLUT2 expression, which returns to non-diabetic levels. The former may be related to increased insulin concentration, the latter may be due to glycemic control.

Six-week anaerobic training improves proteolytic profile of diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of six-week anaerobic training on the mRNA expression of genes related to proteolysis Ubb (Ubiquitin), E2-14kDa, Trim63 (MuRF1 protein) and Nfkb1 in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were established: DE (DiabetesExercised), DS (Diabetes Sedentary), CE (Control Exercised) and CS (Control Sedentary). The training consisted of 3 sets of 12 jumps in the liquid mean with load equivalent to 50% of BW for 6 weeks. Euthanasia occurred under ip anesthesia, and blood, adipose tissue and skeletal muscles were collected. Gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR in the gastrocnemius muscle. ANOVA one-way was used for comparison among groups, with post-hoc (Tukey) when necessary, considering p < 0.05. RESULTS: We observed reduction in the body weight and adipose tissue in the diabetic groups. The muscle mass was reduced in DS, which could be reversed by training (DE). Although DS and DE have presented similar body weight, the training protocol in DE promoted reduction in the adipose tissue, and increase of muscle mass. Anaerobic training was efficient to reduce glycaemia only in the diabetic animals until 6 hours after the end of training. The Trim63 gene expression was increased in DS; decreased Ubb gene level was observed in trained rats (CE and DE) compared to sedentary (CS and DS), and DE presented the lowest level of E2-14kDa gene expression. CONCLUSION: Six-week anaerobic training promoted muscle mass gain, improved glycemic control, and exerted inhibitory effect on the proteolysis of gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic rats.

Cigarette smoke exposure severely reduces peripheral insulin sensitivity without changing GLUT4 expression in oxidative muscle of Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of exposure to cigarette smoke and running training on a treadmill on the expression of glucose transporter GLUT4 in oxidative soleus muscle of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into: (C) control, (E) exercise control, (SS), sedentary smoker, and (ES) exercise smoker. Insulin Tolerance Test, Western blotting, and RT-PCR were performed for the evaluation of GLUT4 levels. RESULTS: The SS group presented lower insulin sensitivity with reduced GLUT4 protein in the plasma membrane (PM), no changes in the microsomal fraction, but increased mRNA content. Training reversed this condition. No intervention altered total GLUT4 content of the oxidative muscle. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that passive smoking stimulates GLUT4 transcription without changing total protein content, but impairs the ability of GLUT4 translocation to the PM. On the other hand, training seems to reduce the deleterious effects, even under the influence of cigarette smoking.

Intermittent training followed by detraining provides the preservation of hepatic tissue and body composition of eutrophic rats in relation to obese rats after the detraining period / El entrenamiento intermitente seguido de desacondicionamiento facilita la preservación del tejido hepático y la composición corporal de las ratas eutróficas en relación a las ratas obesas después del período de desacondicionamiento

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of intermittent training followed by detraining on liver tissue and body composition of rats subjected to a normolipidic or hyperlipidic diet. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into the groups Sedentary Control (SC), Exercised Control (EC), Sedentary Control euthanized at six months of age (SC(6)), Detrained Control (DC), Sedentary Obese (SO), Exercised Obese (EO), Sedentary Obese euthanized at six months of age (SO(6)) and Detrained Obese (DO), which performed intermittent training for eight weeks. After, the groups SC(6), DC, SO(6) and DO performed a detraining protocol for eight weeks. The animals were euthanized, with measurements of body mass and length taken, and retrieval of Epididymal Adipose Tissue (EAT) for body composition variables and the liver for karyometric and stereological analysis. Significant differences were found in the liver mass values of the EC relative to the DO and in the SO(6) liver in relation to all groups, with a greater gain in body mass of the SO(6) in comparison to the EC; in the EAT total, EAT percentage and BM of SO(6) and DO in relation to the EC and the DC and in the karyometric variables of the EC and the DC in relation to EO and DO, with no differences in the stereology and on the Lee index between all groups. Intermittent training showed better effects on the DC liver tissue compared to EO and DO, and on the EC and DC body composition compared to SO(6) and DO.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los efectos del entrenamiento intermitente seguido de desentrenamiento en el tejido hepático y la composición corporal de ratas sometidas a una dieta normolipídica e hiperlipídica. Sesenta ratas Wistar se dividieron en los siguientes grupos: Control Sedentario (CS), Control Entrenado (CE), Control Sedentario sacrificado a los seis meses de edad (SC (6)), Control Desentrenado (CD), Obeso Sedentario (OS), Obeso Entrenado (OE), Obesidad Sedentaria sacrificados a los seis meses de edad (OS) (6)) y Obesidad Desentrenada (DOD), que realizó un entrenamiento intermitente durante ocho semanas. Posteriormente, los grupos CS (6), CD, OS (6) y DO realizaron un protocolo de desentrenamiento durante ocho semanas. Los animales fueron sacrificados, con mediciones de masa corporal y longitud, y la recuperación de tejido adiposo epididimal (EAT) para las variables de composición corporal y el hígado para el análisis estereológico y cariométrico. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de la masa hepática de CE en relación con DO y en el hígado SO (6) en relación con todos los grupos, con un mayor aumento en la masa corporal del SO (6) en comparación con la CE; en el total de EAT, porcentaje de EAT y BM de SO (6) y OD en relación con CE y CD y en las variables cariométricas de CE y CD en relación con OE y OD, sin diferencias en la estereología y en el índice de Lee entre todos los grupos. En el entrenamiento intermitente se observaron mejores efectos en el tejido hepático de CD en comparación con OE y OD, y en la composición corporal de CE y CD en comparación con OS (6) y OD.

Effects of concurrent training on muscle fibers of Wistar rats submitted to standard and hypercaloric diets / Efecto del entrenamiento concurrente en las fibras musculares de ratas Wistar sometidas a dietas normal e hipercalórica

To analyze the effects of concurrent training (CT) on the muscle fibers of Wistar rats submitted to standard and hypercaloric diets. In total, 40 rats were used, divided into 4 groups: Sedentary Group (GS); Exercise Group (GE), Obese Sedentary Group (OS) and Obese Exercise Group (OE). The animals performed a CT protocol consisting of: muscle strength training and aerobic training, carried out 3 times a week for 45 days. The smallest diameter of muscle fibers (MDF) was analyzed to evaluate muscle hypertrophy. It was observed that the OE group presented a significant decrease in MDF, compared to the OS group (OE=77.41 µm vs. OS=98.58 µm). In addition, the animals that performed CT demonstrated muscle hypertrophy (GE=74.39 µm vs. GS=72.13 µm). In conclusion, the CT with a standard diet promoted an increase in MDF while CT with a hypercaloric diet resulted in a decrease.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto del entrenamiento concurrente (EC) en las fibras musculares de ratas Wistar sometidas a dietas normal e hipercalórica. Fueron utilizadas 40 ratas Wistar, distribuidas en cuatro grupos de animales: grupo sedentario (GS); grupo ejercicio (GE); grupo obeso sedentario (OS) y grupo obeso ejercicio (OE). Los animales realizaron el protocolo del EC compuesto por entrenamiento de fuerza y aeróbico, tres veces en la semana y por 45 días. La media del menor diámetro (MMD) de las fibras musculares fue medida para verificar la hipertrofia muscular. Fue observado que el grupo OE presentó una significante diminución del MMD comparado al grupo OS (OE=77.41 µm vs. OS=98.58 µm). Además, los animales que fueron sometidos al protocolo del EC demostraron hipertrofia muscular (GE=74.39 µm vs. GS=72.13 µm). Se puede concluir que el protocolo del EC con dieta normal tiene como resultado un aumento del MMD, mientras que el EC con dieta hipercalórica tiene como resultado la diminución del MMD.

[Resistive training reduces inflammation in skeletal muscle and improves the peripheral insulin sensitivity in obese rats induced by hyperlipidic diet]. / Treinamento resistido reduz inflamação em músculo esquelético e melhora a sensibilidade à insulina periférica em ratos obesos induzidos por dieta hiperlipídica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if resistive exercise protocol can modulate Tnf-α, SOCS3 and glucose transporter GLUT4 genes expression in skeletal muscle, and peripheral insulin sensitivity in obese rats induced by hyperlipidic diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar obese rats induced by hyperlipidic diet were subjected a resistive exercise protocol as jump squat. Insulin sensitivity and mRNA content of Tnf-α, SOCS3 and GLUT4 were assayed and compared among the groups: obese sedentary (OS) and exercised (OE), control sedentary (CS) and exercised (CE). RESULTS: The mRNA content of Tnf-α and SOCS3 has increased in skeletal muscle from OS and has decreased in OE group. The protein and GLUT4 mRNA contents were correlated but they did not change among the groups. Peripheral insulin sensitivity has increased in the OE compared to OS group. CONCLUSION: The resistive exercise reverses the peripheral insulin resistance and the inflammatory state in skeletal muscle from diet-induced obese rats.

Morphometric and fractal analysis of injured skeletal muscle tissue subjected to a combination of treatments; cryotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound / Análisis de la morfometría y de la dimensión fractal en la lesión del tejido muscular esquelético expuesto en la combinación de los tratamientos de crioterapia y ultrasonido

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an association of cryotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound on the treatment of muscle injured by impact. Fifty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 11), Acute Injury (AI), Injury (I), Cryotherapy (CR), Therapeutic Ultrasound (TU) and Association of Cryotherapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound (CRTU). The CR and CRTU groups received applications of Cryotherapy three times (immediately, 24 and 48 h after injury) of 20 minutes duration. The TU and CRTU groups received applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound for seven days, for five minutes, in pulsed mode, 0.5 w/cm intensity, frequency 1 MHz. Body mass and gastrocnemius mass were analyzed. In addition to histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin used for morphometric analysis, picrosirius dye was used for quantification of collagen by Fractal Dimension (FD). The results of the intra-group analysis showed lower body mass and gastrocnemius in the CRTU group in relation to the AI (p = 0.001), I (p = 0.001), CR (p = 0.001) and TU groups (p = 0.001), and lower values of FD to quantify collagen in the CRTU group in relation to the AI (p = 0.007) and CR groups (p = 0.014). In summary, the present study showed that the association of Cryotherapy with Therapeutic Ultrasound promoted better results in the aspects analyzed compared to application of the therapies in isolation.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la asociación de las técnicas de crioterapia y ultrasonido terapéutico en el tratamiento de la lesión muscular por impacto. Fueron utilizadas 55 ratas Wistar, expuestas a lesión y separadas en grupos (n = 11): Lesión aguda (LA), Lesión (L), Crioterapia (CR), Ultrasonido Terapéutico (UT) y Crioterapia + Ultrasonido Terapéutico (CRUT). Los grupos CR y CRUT recibieron la aplicación, durante 20 minutos, en tres momentos (inmediatamente, 24 y 48 horas, después de la lesión). Los grupos UT y CRUT, recibieron UT por siete días, con una duración de cinco minutos, en modo pulsado, con una intensidad de 0,5 W/cm2 y frecuencia de 1 MHz. Fueran medidos el peso corporal y el peso de los músculos gastrocnemios y se realizaron cortes histológicos del músculo gastrocnemio, los cuales fueron teñidos con hematoxilina-eosina (HE) para el análisis morfométrico y con picrosirius para el análisis del colágeno por dimensión fractal (DF). Los resultados de los análisis intragrupo demostraron una menor disminución de la masa coporal y muscular en el grupo CRUT. Además, fue observado un valor inferior en la morfometría en el grupo CRUT en comparación a los grupos LA (p = 0,001), L (p = 0,001), CR (p = 0,001) y UT (p = 0,001), y un menor valor de la DF con respecto al colágeno en el grupo CRUT en comparación a los grupos LA (p = 0,007) y CR (p = 0,014). En síntesis, el presente estudio demostró que el protocolo de asociación de las técnicas de CR y UT causaron mayores respuestas benéficas en los aspectos analizados en comparación a los protocolos con los tratamientos aplicados de forma aislada.

Can the intermittent training generate alterations on the liver tissue of rats submitted to a hyperlipidic diet? / ¿El entrenamiento intermitente puede generar alteraciones sobre el tejido hepático de ratas sometidas a una dieta alta en grasa?

Studies indicate that increasing physical activity and decreasing levels of fat in the liver help to decrease the risk of morbidity from liver conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an eight week intermittent training program on the liver tissue of rats subjected to a hyperlipidic diet. The study consisted of 30 male Wistar rats, divided into the following groups: Sedentary Control (SC) Exercise Control (EC) (fed on standard feed and water) Sedentary Obese (SO) and Exercise Obese (EO) (fed on bacon, ham, sausage, biscuits, soda and standard feed), which performed intermittent training through electrically stimulated jumps, with three sets of 12 repetitions, three times per week for eight weeks. At the end of the training period, the animals were euthanized, and their livers removed for histological processing and hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE). Soon afterwards, caryometric analysis of the hepatocyte nuclei was performed. From the presented results it can be seen that the hepatocyte nuclei of the obese animals were smaller in relation to those of the control animals, therefore, exercise combined with an appropriate diet proved to be efficient in not causing alterations in the hepatocyte nuclei, conserving normal cell function and reducing the chances of the appearance of tissue damage. Furthermore, exercise in isolation cannot be considered a protective factor against the alteration of the liver cells.

Estudios indican que el aumento de la actividad física y la disminución de los niveles de grasa en el hígado ayudan a reducir el riesgo de morbilidad por enfermedades hepáticas. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento intermitente de ocho semanas en el tejido hepático de ratas con dieta alta en grasa. Treinta ratas Wistar machos fueron divididas en grupos Control Sedentario (SC), Control Ejercicio (CE) (con fuente de alimentación que consiste en la ración estándar y agua), Obeso Sedentario (OS) y Obeso Ejercicio (OE) (con alimentación compuesta por tocino, mortadela, salchichas, galletas, refrescos y ración estándar), sometidas a un entrenamiento intermitente a través de saltos mediante estimulación eléctrica con tres series de 12 repeticiones, tres veces por semana durante ocho semanas. Al final del período de entrenamiento, los animales fueron sacrificados; se extrajeron sus hígados para el procesamiento histológico y tinción con hematoxilina y eosina (HE). Luego se realizó el análisis cariométrico de los núcleos de los hepatocitos. Se observó que los núcleos de los hepatocitos fueron menores en los animales obesos en comparación con los núcleos de hepatocitos de los animales de control, pues el ejercicio combinado con una dieta adecuada se mostró eficiente para que causar alteraciones en los núcleos de hepatocitos, y esa combinación puede retener la función normal de las células y disminuir las posibilidades de la aparición de daños en los tejidos. Además, el ejercicio aislado no puede ser considerado como un factor de protección contra la alteración las células del hígado.

[Effect of cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy and lactation of rats and the offspring on the serum and morphometric parameters]. / Efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro durante a prenhez e a lactação de ratas e sua prole sobre parâmetros séricos e morfométricos.

PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on body and tissue weight gain, serum parameters and milk yield during pregnancy and lactation in rats, and the impact on offspring from birth toil young adulthood. METHODS: 40 Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into: CG - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; CL - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation; FG - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; FL - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation. The offspring were separated by gender and divided according to their mothers' groups. Tissue weight, body weight and serum parameters were evaluated in rats and offspring. Milk yield per pup was calculated. RESULTS: body weight was decreased in FL during lactation (CL=267.0 ± 7.2; FL=235.5 ± 7.2 g*,*p<0.05). Adipose tissue was not detected in the CL and FL groups, and was reduced in FG compared to CG (CG=3.3 ± 0.3; FG=2.4 ± 0.3 g*, *p<0.05). Rats exposed to cigarette smoke had higher blood glucose levels (CG=113 ± 17, CL=86 ± 16, FG=177 ± 21*, FL=178 ± 23 mg/dL*, *p<0.05 CG versus FG e CL versus FL), CL and FL groups presented lower HDL-cholesterol with no change in total cholesterol. Finally, rats exposed to cigarette smoke had lower milk yield compared to unexposed rats (CL=6.7 ± 0.4, FL=5.4 ± 0.3 g*, *p<0.05). In offspring from the FG and FL groups, there was a decrease of body weight from birth to young adulthood, with no changes in gastrocnemius, liver or heart weights in any group, and adipose tissue was no detected in female offspring. There was an increase in blood glucose in offspring of both sexes from rats exposed to cigarette smoke (males: Pcg=107 ± 10.5, Pcl=115 ± 8.6, Pfg=148 ± 16.8*, Pfl=172 ± 11.2**; females: Pcg=109 ± 27.2, Pcl=104 ± 9.7, Pfg=134 ± 20.0*, Pfl=126 ± 13.3**; p<0.05 *Pcg versus Pfg and **Pcl versus Pfl). CONCLUSIONS: exposure to cigarette smoke provokes impairment of morphometric and serum parameters during pregnancy and lactation both in mothers and offspring, which is maintained during young adulthood.

Six-week anaerobic training improves proteolytic profile of diabetic rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of six-week anaerobic training on the mRNA expression of genes related to proteolysis Ubb (Ubiquitin), E2-14kDa, Trim63 (MuRF1 protein) and Nfkb1 in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.Materials and methods Four groups were established: DE (DiabetesExercised), DS (Diabetes Sedentary), CE (Control Exercised) and CS (Control Sedentary). The training consisted of 3 sets of 12 jumps in the liquid mean with load equivalent to 50% of BW for 6 weeks. Euthanasia occurred under ip anesthesia, and blood, adipose tissue and skeletal muscles were collected. Gene expression was quantified by RT–PCR in the gastrocnemius muscle. ANOVA one-way was used for comparison among groups, with post-hoc (Tukey) when necessary, considering p < 0.05.Results We observed reduction in the body weight and adipose tissue in the diabetic groups. The muscle mass was reduced in DS, which could be reversed by training (DE). Although DS and DE have presented similar body weight, the training protocol in DE promoted reduction in the adipose tissue, and increase of muscle mass. Anaerobic training was efficient to reduce glycaemia only in the diabetic animals until 6 hours after the end of training. The Trim63 gene expression was increased in DS; decreased Ubb gene level was observed in trained rats (CE and DE) compared to sedentary (CS and DS), and DE presented the lowest level of E2-14kDa gene expression.Conclusion Six-week anaerobic training promoted muscle mass gain, improved glycemic control, and exerted inhibitory effect on the proteolysis of gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic rats.