Comparison of the effect of postweaning social isolation, enriched environment, and exercise training on learning and memory functions in rats.

Background/aim: To assess the effects of postweaning social isolation, an enriched environment, and exercise training on learning and memory functions in rats, as well as their relation with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations in the hippocampus. Materials and methods: Randomly assigned into 4 groups were 35 female postweaning rats (25 day old), as the control (C), social isolation (SI), enriched environment (EE), and exercise training (E) groups. The SI and the EE groups were housed under their specific conditions and the E and the C groups were housed under standard conditions for 6 weeks. The rats in the E group swam for 60 min/day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the rats were evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM). Following MWM assessment, hippocampal tissue and blood samples were taken to measure the BDNF and NGF. Results: According to the results of the MWM probe trial session, the thigmotaxis behavior was higher in the SI group compared to the C group (p < 0,05). Furthermore, the time spent in the target quadrant (quadrant with an escape platform) was lower in the SI group compared to the EE group (p < 0.05). The BDNF and NGF levels in the hippocampus and plasma were not different between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Postweaning social isolation may increase thigmotaxis behaviors. Postweaning social isolation, enriched environment, and exercise training did not affect the spatial learning, memory function, hippocampal BDNF or NGF levels in female rats.

Potential Protective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Doxorubicin-Induced Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Disturbances in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against doxorubicin (DOX) -induced behavioral disturbances in rats. Female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups as control, CoQ10, DOX, and DOX plus CoQ10. The CoQ10 groups received CoQ10 (200 mg kg-1) for 21 days, and the DOX groups received DOX (4 mg kg-1) on days 7 and 14 of the study. The open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were performed to assess locomotor activity and anxiety levels. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified in brain tissue. DOX administration caused alterations in locomotor activity, and anxiety-like behaviors. Moreover, DOX produced significant elevation in AChE activity . PC level and GPx activity tended to alter with DOX administration. Co-treatment with CoQ10 significantly attenuated DOX-induced behavioral alterations via improving AChE activity in the brain tissue of rats. CoQ10 treatment may be potential for the alleviation of DOX-induced behavioral disturbances. This improvement might be due to the inhibition of AChE activity.

Protective effect by low-intensity downhill running training against muscle damage and oxidative stress after high-intensity downhill running in rats.

This study examined the effects of low-intensity eccentric exercise training performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise on muscle damage markers, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. Twenty-two rats were divided into 3 groups; control (CON; n = 6), high-intensity eccentric exercise (HE; n = 8) and low-intensity eccentric exercise training plus high-intensity eccentric exercise (LET + HE; n = 8). Rats in the HE group performed HE at once. Rats in the LET + HE group performed LET and then HE protocol was applied. Blood and vastus intermedius muscle samples were taken 24 hours after the last exercise session for analyses of muscle damage, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense markers. Muscle damage markers were higher in the HE group than the CON (137%-488%) and the LET + HE groups (82%-110%) (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress marker was higher in the HE group than the CON (65%) and the LET + HE (50%) groups (P < 0.05). Antioxidant defense markers were higher in the LTE + HE group than the HE group (39%-51%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, low-intensity eccentric exercise training performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise conferred a protective effect against muscle damage by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defense.

Assessment of Structure, Function, and Rhythm of the Heart with Echocardiography and Electrocardiography in Adolescent Swimmers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac parameters by using electrocardiography and echocardiography in adolescent swimmers. Twenty-two adolescent swimmers and 22 gender- and age-matched sedentary controls admitted to our center between November 2018 and May 2019 were included in this study. In addition to demographical characteristics, participants were assessed via a 12-lead electrocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography for cardiac function. On the echocardiography, end-systolic and end-diastolic interventricular septum, end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thicknesses, left atrial width, Tricuspid E, left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index were higher in the swimmers when compared to the sedentary controls (P < 0.05). On the electrocardiography, Tp-e duration which reflects ventricular transmural repolarization, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/corrected QT ratios were higher in the swimmers than the sedentary controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, swimming exercise in children leads to concentric thickening of left ventricle and induces an increase in Tp-e duration, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/corrected QT ratios, which are the novel markers for risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

The effect of isotretinoin therapy on oxidative damage in rats.

Isotretinoin is prescribed in many dermatologic disorders, but mostly in acne. There is limited research about oxidative stress induced by isotretinoin and its effects on the liver tissue, muscle tissue, and blood. In this study, oxidative damage of isotretinoin on the liver, muscles, and blood in rats at the therapeutic dosage for humans, is evaluated. Thirty, 2-months-old Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Isotretinoin was administered at the human equivalent low dose of 7.5 mg/kg by gavage. Blood, liver, and skeletal muscle samples were taken from the animals under anesthesia. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Protein carbonyl (PC), 8-OHDG (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine), SOD (Superoxide dismutase), GSH(Glutathione), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), NO (Nitric Oxide) levels, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured. There were significant differences between the ALT values of the control group and the third month of isotretinoin treatment group. Oxidative stress markers such as 8-OHDG, PC, GSH, GPX, and NO values significantly differed in month 3. SOD was significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Our study supports that the levels of oxidative markers are increasing with the isotretinoin treatment so this may flare acne. GPX levels increased at the muscle tissue level, and may be responsible for the myopathy that is seen in acne patients. Addition of antioxidants to isotretinoin treatment may be beneficial in reducing oxidative damage.

Quantitative assessment of the effect of acute anaerobic exercise on macular perfusion via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in young football players.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of acute anaerobic exercise on macular perfusion measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in young football players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Football players with ages between 18 and 20 years were included into the study. After a detailed ophthalmological examination, physiological parameters including height (cm), body weight (kg), body fat percentage (%), systemic blood pressure (BP) (mmHg), hematocrit values (%), oxygen saturation pO2 (%) and heart rate (bpm) were recorded. Intraocular pressure (IOP) (mmHg) and SS-OCTA using DRI OCT Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) were measured immediately before and after Wingate test. RESULTS: Out of 20, 16 participants completed the study. All participants were males with a mean age of 18.12 ± .34 years. Systolic BP, hematocrit and heart rate increased, while pO2 and IOP decreased remarkably after Wingate test (p < .01). After anaerobic exercise, there was an increase in mean FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus (FAZs) which was not significant (p = .13), while decrease in FAZ area in deep capillary plexus (FAZd) (mm2) was remarkable (p = .04). No changes were observed in mean vessel density (VD) (%) in superficial capillary plexus (VDs), deep capillary plexus (VDd), choriocapillaris (VDcc), central macular thickness (CMT) (µm) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (µm) after Wingate test (p > .05). FAZd and some of the VD parameters showed a significant correlation with BP (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Acute anaerobic exercise seems not to alter either mean VD in retina and choroid or CMT and SFCT. Among OCTA parameters, only FAZd decreased remarkably.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Alone and in Combination with Exercise Training on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Rats.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of exercise training alone and in combination with coenzyme Q10 (Q10) supplementation on the Q10 level, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defense markers in blood and skeletal muscle tissue in young and aged rats. Methods: The study included 4-month old (young) and 20-month old (aged) rats. Each group was further divided into control, exercise training, Q10 supplementation, and Q10 supplementation plus exercise training groups. The exercise training program consisted of swimming for 8 weeks, and Q10 or vehicle during the same period. Results: The Q10 concentration in plasma (P < 0.05), but not in skeletal muscle (P > 0.05) increased significantly following Q10 supplementation in both the young and aged rats. Plasma SOD and CAT activity were significantly higher in the aged rats in the Q10 and Q10 plus exercise training groups than in the other groups (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the groups in skeletal muscle (P > 0.05). Additionally, plasma and skeletal GSH levels did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present findings indicate that Q10 supplementation increased the Q10 concentration in blood but not in skeletal muscle tissue. On the other hand, Q10 administration alone and in combination with exercise challenge improved antioxidant enzyme capacity especially in the aged rats.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to decrease oxidative stress in a number of clinical settings. However, there are mixed results regarding the role of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance. Chronic kidney disease is recognized as an inflammatory state, and hemodialysis patients have low level of exercise performance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress markers and exercise performance measures. This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in which all patients received placebo and oral CoQ10 200 mg/d. Participants underwent 6-minute walking test and cycle ergometer. Blood samples were drawn to determine malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Walking distance in 6-minute walking test and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were recorded. Twenty-eight patients were randomized, but 23 patients completed the study protocol. Serum CoQ10 level significantly increased with supplementation compared with basal values (P < 0.05). Neither walking distance nor estimated VO2max was different between the placebo and CoQ10 groups (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in both groups compared with baseline values just after the exercise (P < 0.05). There was no difference in markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant system between placebo and CoQ10 supplementation with exercise (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed no significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance measures and oxidative system markers compared with placebo in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Curcumin Modulates Muscle Damage but not Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense Following Eccentric Exercise in Rats.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress in rats. METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (C; no curcumin, no exercise; n=6), Curcumin (Cur; n=8), Exercise (E; n=8) and Exercise Plus Curcumin (ECur; n=8). Curcumin was given for 20 days via oral gavage at doses of 200 mg/kg(-1) of body weight per day, dissolved in corn oil. On the 21st day eccentric exercise was provided via a treadmill run and the rats were sacrificed immediately after. RESULTS: Eccentric exercise resulted in significant (p<0.05) increases in all injury markers such as creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin, but curcumin supplementation tended to decrease CK activity (p>0.05) and significantly decreased myoglobin levels (p<0.05). In blood and muscle samples, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were not affected by either curcumin or exercise (p>0.05). MDA levels in liver tissue decreased in the ECur group, compared to the control (p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels were affected by neither curcumin nor exercise (p>0.05), in blood, muscle and liver tissues. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that curcumin has a protective effect on eccentric exercise induced muscle damage, and that this effect might be independent of oxidative stress and antioxidant systems.

Coconut oil ameliorates behavioral and biochemical alterations induced by D-GAL/AlCl3 in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by cognitive impairment. Although coconut oil has been shown to be potentially beneficial in reducing AD-related cognitive deficits, information on its mechanism of action is limited. Thus, we investigated the effects of coconut oil on spatial cognitive ability and non-cognitive functions in a rat model of AD induced by G-galactose (D-GAL) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and examined the changes in synaptic transmission, cholinergic activity, neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress in this process. The AD model was established by administering D-GAL and AlCl3 for 90 days, while also supplementing with coconut oil during this time. Cognitive and non-cognitive abilities of the rats were evaluated at the end of the 90-day supplementation period. In addition, biochemical markers related to the pathogenesis of the AD were measures in the hippocampus tissue. Exposure to D-GAL/AlCl3 resulted in a reduction in locomotor activity, an elevation in anxiety-like behavior, and an impairment of spatial learning and memory (P < 0.05). The aforementioned behavioral disturbances were observed to coincide with increased oxidative stress and cholinergic impairment, as well as reduced synaptic transmission and levels of neurotrophins in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). Interestingly, treatment with coconut oil attenuated all the neuropathological changes mentioned above (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that coconut oil shows protective effects against cognitive and non-cognitive impairment, AD pathology markers, oxidative stress, synaptic transmission, and cholinergic function in a D-GAL/AlCl3-induced AD rat model.

Exercise Training Alleviates Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in a Reserpine-induced Fibromyalgia Model by Activating Hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF Pathway.

The purpose of this study was to assess, from a behavioral, biochemical, and molecular standpoint, how exercise training affected fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms in a reserpine-induced FM model and to look into the potential involvement of the hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway in this process. Reserpine (1 mg kg-1) was subcutaneously injected once daily for three consecutive days and then the rats were exercised for 21 days. Mechanical allodynia was evaluated 1, 11, and 21 days after the last injection. At the end of the exercise training protocol forced swim, open field and Morris water maze tests were performed to assess depression, locomotion and cognition, respectively. Additionally, biochemical and molecular markers related to the pathogenesis of the FM and cognitive functions were measured. Reserpine exposure was associated with a decrease in locomotion, an increase in depression, an increase in mechanical allodynia, and a decrease in spatial learning and memory (p < 0.05). These behavioral abnormalities were found to be correlated with elevated blood cytokine levels, reduced serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, and altered PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway in the hippocampus (p < 0.05). Interestingly, exercise training attenuated all the neuropathological changes mentioned above (p < 0.05). These results imply that exercise training restored behavioral, biochemical, and molecular changes against reserpine-induced FM-like symptoms in rats, hence mitigating the behavioral abnormalities linked to pain, depression, and cognitive functioning.

Curcumin improves spatial memory and decreases oxidative damage in aged female rats.

Aging induced cognitive impairment has been well documented for many years and several antioxidant strategies have been developed against this impairment. Curcumin is the active component of curcuma longa and has shown antioxidant, antiinflamatory and neuroprotective properties. We hypothesized that curcumin would have an influence on cognitive functions in aged female rats. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on cognitive impairment evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) as well as the oxidative stress induced by aging in female rats. Rats were randomly divided into either control or curcumin-supplemented groups. Curcumin or vehicle (corn oil) were given once daily for a period of 12 days, beginning 7 days prior to and 5 days during the behavioral tests. Behavioral assessment was performed in MWM. At the end of the behavioral test, blood samples and brain tissues were taken for the analysis of malondialdeyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and glutathione levels. During the training session, curcumin supplementation decreased latency to reach to the platform and the total distance traveled. During the probe trial, curcumin supplementation increased the number of platform crossings. In addition to the behavioral testing, biochemical results showed that MDA levels decreased in brain tissue by curcumin supplementation. It may be concluded that, curcumin supplementation improves cognitive functions by decreasing the lipid peroxidation in brain tissue of aged female rats.

Effects of grape seed polyphenols on oxidative damage in liver tissue of acutely and chronically exercised rats.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in liver tissue of acutely and chronically exercised rats. Rats were randomly assigned to six groups: Control (C), Control Chronic Exercise (CE), Control Acute Exercise (AE), GSE-supplemented Control (GC), GSE-supplemented Chronic Exercise(GCE) and GSE-supplemented Acute Exercise (GAE). Rats in the chronic exercise groups were subjected to a six-week treadmill running and in the acute exercise groups performed an exhaustive running. Rats in the GSE supplemented groups received GSE (100 mg.kg(-1) .day(-1) ) in drinking water for 6 weeks. Liver tissues of the rats were taken for the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and total antioxidant activity (AOA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities. MDA levels decreased with GSE supplementation in control groups but increased in acute and chronic exercise groups compared to their non-supplemented control. NO levels increased with GSE supplementation. XO activities were higher in AE group compared to the CE group. AOA decreased with GSE supplementation. In conclusion, while acute exercise triggers oxidative stress, chronic exercise has protective role against oxidative stress. GSE has a limited antioxidant effect on exercise-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue.

Effects of grape seed extract supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on exercise performance and oxidative stress in acutely and chronically exercised rats. A total of sixty-four male rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into six groups: control, chronic exercise control, acute exercise control (AEC), GSE-supplemented control, GSE-supplemented chronic exercise and GSE-supplemented acute exercise groups. Chronic exercise consisted of treadmill running at 25 m/min, 45 min/d, 5 d a week for 6 weeks. Rats in the acute exercise groups were run on the treadmill at 30 m/min until exhaustion. GSE were given at 100 mg/kg of body weight with drinking water for 6 weeks. Plasma was separated from blood samples for the analysis of oxidative stress markers. There was no significant difference in time of exhaustion between the acute exercise groups. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the acute exercise groups and lower in the chronic exercise groups. GSE supplementation decreased MDA levels. Xanthine oxidase and adenosine deaminase activities were higher in the AEC group compared to all the other groups. NO levels were increased with both chronic exercise and GSE supplementation. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were lower in the acute exercised groups and higher in the chronic exercised groups. GSE supplementation caused an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. In conclusion, GSE supplementation prevents exercise-induced oxidative stress by preventing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.

Effects of repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise on plasma adiponectin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in sedentary men.

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise on plasma adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in sedentary men. Fourteen healthy, nonsmoking, and sedentary men aged between 18.4 and 21.4 years participated in the study. All the subjects performed 5 Wingate tests (WTs) with 75 g per kilogram body weight load with 2-minute intervals between the tests. Blood samples were collected at preexercise, immediately after, 15 and 60 minutes after the fifth WT. Serum and plasma samples were stored at -80°C until the time of analysis for myoglobin, adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-α. Plasma adiponectin levels decreased, whereas IL-6 levels increased postexercise compared with that preexercise. The TNF-α levels were not changed with supramaximal exercise. In conclusion, repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise cause an inflammatory response in exercised muscle and increase in plasma IL-6 levels and decrease in adiponectin concentrations.

Differential effects of voluntary and forced exercise trainings on spatial learning ability and hippocampal biomarkers in aged female rats.

This study aimed to compare the effects of voluntary and forced exercise trainings on cognitive functions and to evaluate their relationship with hippocampal synaptic proteins, neurotrophic factors and markers of oxidative damage in aged female rats. Aged female rats were randomly assigned to control, voluntary exercise training and forced exercise training groups. Voluntary or forced exercise trainings were performed for 12 weeks. At the end of the training period, cognitive functions of the animals were assessed with Morris water maze (MWM) test. After the behavioral test, hippocampus tissues were taken for the analysis of synaptophysin, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). During the MWM test, the number of platform crossings was higher in the voluntary exercise group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the hippocampus tissue, levels of the synaptophysin, BDNF, NGF and SOD were higher, but MDA levels were lower in the voluntary exercise group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, hippocampal AChE concentration was higher, but PC levels were lower in the both voluntary and forced exercise groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, voluntary exercise was more effective intervention to improve spatial learning ability in aging process. Increased neurotrophic factors, synaptic proteins, and improved oxidative damage may play a role in these positive effects.

The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on anaerobic performance and lactate clearance in male athletes. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled and crossover trial. Fourteen male athletes were volunteered to participate this study. All subjects visited to laboratory 3 times in total: familiarization session, test session 1, and test session 2, respectively. At the beginning of the study, the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. In sessions 1 and 2, 1) 30-minute OMT or sham treatment before Wingate Anaerobic Cycling Test (WAnT), 2) 30-second WAnT Test, and 3) 10-minute OMT or sham therapy between 5th and 15th minutes of passive rest after WAnT was applied to all subjects, respectively. In both groups blood samples were taken at rest and 5, 15 and 30 minutes after the WAnT for the determination of lactate concentrations. RESULTS: There was no significant differences in WAnT parameters such as peak power, mean power and fatigue index between the OMT and sham treatment. Blood lactate levels were significantly higher 5, 15 and 30 minutes after the WAnT when compared to the rest and were lower 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT when compared to 5 minute after the WAnT in both groups (P<0.05). In addition, blood lactate concentration was significantly lower in OMT than sham treatment at 15 and 30 minute after the WAnT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that OMT may improve lactate clearance while not affecting anaerobic performance in athletes.

Coenzyme Q10 and its relation with oxidant and antioxidant system markers in patients with end-stage renal disease.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is a ubiquitous and strong antioxidant. Role of CoQ(10) is not fully evaluated in renal patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship of CoQ(10) with oxidant and antioxidant system markers in patients with renal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with CKD (stages 3-5) who were managed conservatively without dialysis treatment, 40 hemodialysis, and 60 chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were included in the study. Biochemical and whole blood analyses were done using hospital auto-analyzers from stored samples. Serum CoQ(10), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and antioxidant activity (AOA) levels were determined. MAIN FINDINGS: There was no difference among the groups in terms of serum CoQ(10) levels. However, other components of antioxidant system, namely, SOD and AOA were significantly higher in CAPD patients when compared to CKD patients. MDA levels were not significantly different among the groups. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION(S): The results of this study showed no difference among CKD, CAPD, and hemodialysis patients in terms of serum CoQ(10) levels.

Effects of Exercise Training Alone and in Combination With Kinesio Taping on Pain, Functionality, and Biomarkers Related to the Cartilage Metabolism in Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of exercise training alone and in combination with kinesio taping on pain, functionality, and circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and -3 at rest and immediately after walking exercise in knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: A total of 22 female patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly divided into the exercise training (ET) or exercise training plus kinesio taping (ET + KT) groups. The patients in the ET performed exercise training for 6 weeks. The patients in the ET + KT group were applied with kinesio tape in addition to the exercise training for 6 weeks. In both groups, 20 minutes of walking exercise were performed before and after the interventions. The pain and functional status of the patients were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) before and after the intervention at rest, respectively. Blood samples were taken at rest and immediately after the walking exercise before and after the interventions for the analysis of COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. RESULTS: In both groups, pain and functionality scores were significantly improved after the interventions (P < 0.05). COMP, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels were higher immediately after walking exercise when compared with rest in both groups before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training and exercise training plus kinesio taping improved pain and physical function; however, the COMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels did not change.

Evaluation of the effect of high-intensity interval training on macular microcirculation via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in young football players.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on macular microcirculation, measured by swept source optical coherence tomography angiography (ss OCTA) in young football players. METHODS: Football players between 18-20 years old were included. After a detailed ophthalmological examination, physiological parameters, including height, body weight, body fat, systemic blood pressure, hematocrit values, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, were recorded. Intraocular pressure and ss OCTA parameters were measured one day before and the day after the high intensity interval training program using DRI OCT Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. RESULTS: Fifteen participants completed the study. All were males with a mean age of 18.1 ± 0.4 years. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation did not change significantly (P > 0.05), while hematocrit levels increased remarkably (P = 0.049) after the HIIT program. Heart rates and intraocular pressure decreased (P = 0.003, P = 0.017, respectively). There was a significant increase in the central vessel density in deep capillary plexus (before: 18.7 ± 3.8%, after: 21.1 ± 4.5%) and central vessel density in choriocapillaris (before: 54.5 ± 2.8%, after 56.9 ± 2.2%) (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively), although no changes were observed in other ss OCTA or in the central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness. CONCLUSION: A 6 week, high intensity interval training program with three exercise sessions per week seems not to alter mean superficial vascular densities, deep foveal avascular zone, and superficial foveal avascular zones, central macular thickness, or subfoveal choroidal thickness, while the central deep vascular density and central choriocapillaris vascular density increased remarkably among ss OCTA parameters.