Expression of a stress-inducible heme oxygenase-1 in NK cells is maintained in the process of human aging.

Introduction: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible heat shock protein (HSP32) that exerts cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, and is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HO-1 in natural killer (NK) cells from individuals of different age groups after stimulation with various factors, and to analyze the relationships between the concentration of this cytoprotective protein and parameters corresponding to oxidative stress and inflammation, that is, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), glutathione (GSH), GSH disulfide (GSSG), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Methods: The study population comprised three age groups: young adults (age range, 19-23 years), older adults aged under 85 years (age range, 73-84 years), and older adults aged over 85 years (age range, 85-92 years). NLRP3, GSH, and GSSG concentrations were measured in serum, whereas the HO-1 concentration and IL-6 expression were studied in NK cells cultivated for 48 h and stimulated with IL-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) with ionomycin. Results: The analysis of serum NLRP3, GSH, and GSSG concentrations revealed no statistically significant differences among the studied age groups. However, some typical trends of aging were observed, such as a decrease in GSH concentration and an increase in both GSSG level, and GSSG/GSH ratio. The highest basal expression of IL-6 and lowest basal content of HO-1 were found in NK cells of adults over 85 years of age. The NK cells in this age group also showed the highest sensitivity to stimulation with the applied factors. Moreover, statistically significant negative correlations were observed between HO-1 and IL-6 expression levels in the studied NK cells. Conclusions: These results showed that NK cells can express HO-1 at a basal level, which was significantly increased in activated cells, even in the oldest group of adults. The reciprocal relationship between HO-1 and IL-6 expression suggests a negative feedback loop between these parameters.

Current Aspects of Selected Factors to Modulate Brain Health and Sports Performance in Athletes.

This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of current aspects related to nutritional strategies, brain modulation, and muscle recovery, focusing on their applications and the underlying mechanisms of physiological adaptation for promoting a healthy brain, not only in athletes but also for recreationally active and inactive individuals. We propose that applying the rule, among others, of good sleep, regular exercise, and a properly balanced diet, defined as "SPARKS", will have a beneficial effect on the function and regeneration processes of the gut-brain-muscle axis. However, adopting the formula, among others, of poor sleep, stress, overtraining, and dysbiosis, defined as "SMOULDER", will have a detrimental impact on the function of this axis and consequently on human health as well as on athletes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing brain health and cognitive function. This review highlights the significance of these factors for overall well-being, suggesting that adopting the "SPARKS" approach may benefit not only athletes but also older adults and individuals with health conditions.

Spinal cord abnormal autophagy and mitochondria energy metabolism are modified by swim training in SOD1-G93A mice.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may result from the dysfunctions of various mechanisms such as protein accumulation, mitophagy, and biogenesis of mitochondria. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms in ALS development and the impact of swim training on these processes. In the present study, an animal model of ALS, SOD1-G93A mice, was used with the wild-type mice as controls. Mice swam five times per week for 30 min. Mice were analyzed before ALS onset (70 days old), at ALS 1 disease onset (116 days old), and at the terminal stage of the disease ALS (130 days old), and compared with the corresponding ALS untrained groups and normalized to the wild-type group. Enzyme activity and protein content were analyzed in the spinal cord homogenates. The results show autophagy disruptions causing accumulation of p62 accompanied by low PGC-1α and IGF-1 content in the spinal cord of SOD1-G93A mice. Swim training triggered a neuroprotective effect, attenuation of NF-l degradation, less accumulated p62, and lower autophagy initiation. The IGF-1 pathway induces pathophysiological adaptation to maintain energy demands through anaerobic metabolism and mitochondrial protection. KEY MESSAGES: The increased protein content of p62 in the spinal cord of SOD1-G93A mice suggests that autophagic clearance and transportation are disrupted. Swim training attenuates neurofilament light destruction in the spinal cord of SOD1-G93A mice. Swim training reducing OGDH provokes suppression of ATP-consuming anabolic pathways. Swim training induces energy metabolic changes and mitochondria protection through the IGF-1 signaling pathway.

Supplementation with Vitamin D3 Protects against Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Loss of BDNF-Mediated Akt Activity in the Hippocampus during Long-Term Dexamethasone Treatment in Rats.

Dexamethasone (DEXA) is a commonly used steroid drug with immunosuppressive and analgesic properties. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to DEXA severely impairs brain function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation during chronic DEXA treatment on neurogenesis, mitochondrial energy metabolism, protein levels involved in the BDNF-mediated Akt activity, and specific receptors in the hippocampus. We found reduced serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), downregulated proBDNF and pAkt, dysregulated glucocorticosteroid and mineralocorticoid receptors, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, and dysfunctional mitochondria energy metabolism in the DEXA-treated group. In contrast, supplementation with vitamin D3 restored the 25(OH)D3 concentration to a value close to that of the control group. There was an elevation in neurotrophic factor protein level, along with augmented activity of pAkt and increased citrate synthase activity in the hippocampus after vitamin D3 administration in long-term DEXA-treated rats. Our findings demonstrate that vitamin D3 supplementation plays a protective role in the hippocampus and partially mitigates the deleterious effects of long-term DEXA administration. The association between serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and BDNF level in the hippocampus indicates the importance of applying vitamin D3 supplementation to prevent and treat pathological conditions.

Anti-Inflammatory Klotho Protein Serum Concentration Correlates with Interferon Gamma Expression Related to the Cellular Activity of Both NKT-like and T Cells in the Process of Human Aging.

Klotho is a beta-glucuronidase that reveals both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that have been associated with mechanisms of aging. The study aimed to analyze the relationships between the serum concentration of soluble α-Klotho and cellular activity of two populations of lymphocytes; T and NKT-like cells corresponding to the level of cytokine secretion; i.e., IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6. The studied population comprised three age groups: young individuals ('young'), seniors aged under 85 ('old'), and seniors aged over 85 ('oldest'). Both NKT-like and T cells were either non-cultured or cultured for 48 h and stimulated appropriately with IL-2, LPS or PMA with ionomycin to compare with unstimulated control cells. In all studied age groups non-cultured or cultured NKT-like cells revealed higher expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ than T cells. α-Klotho concentration in serum decreased significantly in the process of aging. Intriguingly, only IFN-γ expression revealed a positive correlation with α-Klotho protein serum concentration in both non-cultured and cultured T and NKT-like cells. Since IFN-γ is engaged in the maintenance of immune homeostasis, the observed relationships may indicate the involvement of α-Klotho and cellular IFN-γ expression in the network of adaptive mechanisms developed during the process of human aging.

Swim Training Ameliorates Hyperlocomotion of ALS Mice and Increases Glutathione Peroxidase Activity in the Spinal Cord.

(1) Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, neurodegenerative disease. In some cases, ALS causes behavioral disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. Swimming has revealed a neuroprotective influence on the motor neurons in ALS. (2) Methods: In the present study, a SOD1-G93A mice model of ALS were used, with wild-type B6SJL mice as controls. ALS mice were analyzed before ALS onset (10th week of life), at ALS 1 onset (first symptoms of the disease, ALS 1 onset, and ALS 1 onset SWIM), and at terminal ALS (last stage of the disease, ALS TER, and ALS TER SWIM), and compared with wild-type mice. Swim training was applied 5 times per week for 30 min. All mice underwent behavioral tests. The spinal cord was analyzed for the enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers. (3) Results: Pre-symptomatic ALS mice showed increased locomotor activity versus control mice; the swim training reduced these symptoms. The metabolic changes in the spinal cord were present at the pre-symptomatic stage of the disease with a shift towards glycolytic processes at the terminal stage of ALS. Swim training caused an adaptation, resulting in higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and protection against oxidative stress. (4) Conclusion: Therapeutic aquatic activity might slow down the progression of ALS.

The Positive Impact of Vitamin D on Glucocorticoid-Dependent Skeletal Muscle Atrophy.

(1) The study aimed to investigate whether vitamin D3 supplementation would positively affect rats with glucocorticoids-induced muscle atrophy as measured by skeletal muscle mass in two experimental conditions: chronic dexamethasone (DEX) administration and a model of the chronic stress response. (2) The study lasted 28 consecutive days and was performed on 45 male Wistar rats randomly divided into six groups. These included two groups treated by abdominal injection of DEX at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day supplemented with vegetable oil (DEX PL; n = 7) or with vitamin D3 600 IU/kg/day (DEX SUP; n = 8), respectively, and a control group treated with an abdominal injection of saline (CON; n = 6). In addition, there were two groups of rats chronically stressed by cold water immersion (1 hour/day in a glass box with 1-cm-deep ice/water mixture; temperature ~4 °C), which were supplemented with vegetable oil as a placebo (STR PL; n = 9) or vitamin D3 at 600 IU/kg/day (STR SUP; n = 9). The last group was of sham-stressed rats (SHM; n = 6). Blood, soleus, extensor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps femoris muscles were collected and weighed. The heart, liver, spleen, and thymus were removed and weighed immediately after sacrifice. The plasma corticosterone (CORT) and vitamin D3 metabolites were measured. (3) We found elevated CORT levels in both cold water-immersed groups; however, they did not alter body and muscle weight. Body weight and muscle loss occurred in groups with exogenously administered DEX, with the exception of the soleus muscle in rats supplemented with vitamin D3. Decreased serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations in DEX-treated rats were observed, and the cold water immersion did not affect vitamin D3 levels. (4) Our results indicate that DEX-induced muscle loss was abolished in rats supplemented with vitamin D3, especially in the soleus muscle.

BST Stimulation Induces Atrophy and Changes in Aerobic Energy Metabolism in Rat Skeletal Muscles-The Biphasic Action of Endogenous Glucocorticoids.

(1) The primary involvement in stress-induced disturbances in skeletal muscles is assigned to the release of glucocorticoids (GCs). The current study aims to investigate the impact of the biphasic action of the chronic stress response (CSR) induced by the electrical stimulation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) effects on muscle atrophy and aerobic energy metabolism in soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. (2) Male Wistar rats (n = 17) were used. The rats were divided randomly into three groups: the BST two weeks (ST2), four weeks (ST4), and the sham (SHM) electrically stimulated group. The plasma corticosterone (CORT) and irisin concentration were measured. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (GR and MR), 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 (HSD11B1 and HSD11B2), atrogin-1, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level were determined in SOL and EDL muscles. Citrate synthase (CS) activity was measured in both muscles. (3) We found elevated plasma concentration of CORT and irisin, raised the level of GR in SOL muscle, and the higher level of MR in both muscles in the ST4 group. The level of HSD11B1 was also higher in the ST4 group compared to the SHM group. Moreover, we observed increased activity of CS in SOL. (4) We suggest that biphasic action of the glucocorticoid induced by the CSR occurs and causes dysregulation of proteins involved in muscle atrophy and aerobic energy metabolism. Our findings potentially contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which GCs and the CSR may regulate muscle atrophy and energy preservation of the red muscle.

Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Muscle Atrophy and Reduced Mitochondrial Function in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Recent studies show that vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for muscle atrophy. The purpose of this study was to investigate markers of muscle atrophy, signalling proteins, and mitochondrial capacity in patients with chronic low back pain with a focus on gender and serum vitamin D level. The study involved patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) qualified for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Patients were divided into three groups: supplemented (SUPL) with vitamin D (3200 IU/day for 5 weeks), placebo with normal levels of vitamin D (SUF), and the placebo group with vitamin D deficiency (DEF). The marker of muscle atrophy including atrogin-1 and protein content for IGF-1, Akt, FOXO3a, PGC-1α, and citrate synthase (CS) activity were determined in collected multifidus muscle. In the paraspinal muscle, IGF-1 levels were higher in the SUF group as compared to both the SUPL and DEF groups (p < 0.05). In the SUPL group, we found significantly increased protein content for pAkt (p < 0.05) and decreased level of FOXO3a (p < 0.05). Atrogin-1 content was significantly different between men and women (p < 0.05). The protein content of PGC-1α was significantly higher in the SUF group as compared to the DEF group (p < 0.05). CS activity in the paraspinal muscle was higher in the SUPL group than in the DEF group (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with elevated oxidative stress, muscle atrophy, and reduced mitochondrial function in the multifidus muscle. Therefore, vitamin D-deficient LBP patients might have reduced possibilities on early and effective rehabilitation after PLIF surgery.

The Electrical Stimulation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Causes Oxidative Stress in Skeletal Muscle of Rats.

Recent studies indicate that activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) plays the crucial role in stress response, while several lines of evidence mark the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) as a major mediator of the HPA axis responses to stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the corticosterone flux induced by the electrical stimulation of BST on markers of free radical damage of lipids and proteins and antioxidant enzyme activity in skeletal muscle of rats. The male Wistar rats were used and assigned to one of three groups: sham-operated (SHM; n = 6), two-week (ST2; n = 6), and four-week stimulated (ST4; n = 5) groups. Blood, soleus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles were collected. The chronic, 4-week electrical stimulation of the BST evokes increased plasma corticosterone concentration, which resulted in oxidative stress in skeletal muscles. We found higher level of lipid peroxidation markers, lower level of protein oxidation marker, and elevated antioxidant enzyme activity in both muscles. Our findings have also potential implication showing that reaction to the long-term "psychological stress" may lead to free radical damage of muscle.