PGC-1α activation boosts exercise-dependent cellular response in the skeletal muscle.

The role of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator alpha (PGC-1α) in fat metabolism is not well known. In this study, we compared the mechanisms of muscle-specific PGC-1α overexpression and exercise-related adaptation-dependent fat metabolism. PGC-1α trained (PGC-1α Ex) and wild-trained (wt-ex) mice were trained for 10 weeks, five times a week at 30 min per day with 60 percent of their maximal running capacity. The PGC-1α overexpressed animals exhibited higher levels of Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPK-α), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Lon protease homolog 1 (LONP1), citrate synthase (CS), succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA), Mitofusin-1 (Mfn1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41), and Phosphatidylcholine Cytidylyltransferase 2 (PCYT2), and lower levels of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) compared to wild-type animals. Exercise training increased the protein content levels of SIRT1, HSL, and ATGL in both the wt-ex and PGC-1α trained groups. PGC-1α has a complex role in cellular signaling, including the upregulation of lipid metabolism-associated proteins. Our data reveals that although exercise training mimics the effects of PGC-1α overexpression, it incorporates some PGC-1α-independent adaptive mechanisms in fat uptake and cell signaling.

Combined probiotics with vitamin D3 supplementation improved aerobic performance and gut microbiome composition in mixed martial arts athletes.

Introduction: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is characterized as an interval sport in which the training program focuses on enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Therefore, strategies targeting the intestinal microbiome may be beneficial for MMA athletes. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation may amplify the positive effects of certain bacterial strains. We previously demonstrated that the combined of probiotics and vitamin D3 supplementation improved the lactate utilization ratio, total work, and average power achieved during anaerobic tests in MMA. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether combined probiotic and vitamin D3 ingestion can modify the composition of the gut microbiome and epithelial cell permeability, influence the inflammatory response, and ultimately enhance aerobic capacity. Methods: A 4-week clinical trial was conducted with 23 male MMA athletes randomly assigned to either the probiotic + vitamin D3 (PRO + VIT D) group or the vitamin D3 group (VIT D). The trial employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design and involved measurements of serum inflammatory markers, gut microbiome composition, epithelial cell permeability, and aerobic performance. Results: After 4-week of supplementation, we found a significantly lower concentration of calprotectin in the PRO + VIT D group (34.79 ± 24.38 mmol/L) compared to the value before (69.50 ± 46.91) supplementation (p = 0.030), augmentation of beta diversity after the intervention in the PRO + VIT D group (p = 0.0005) and an extended time to exhaustion to 559.00 ± 68.99; compared to the value before (496.30 ± 89.98; p = 0.023) after combined probiotic and vitamin D3 supplementation in MMA athletes. No effect was observed in the VIT D group. Conclusion: Our results indicate that combined treatment of probiotics and vitamin D3 may cause alterations in alpha and beta diversity and the composition of the gut microbiota in MMA athletes. We observed an improvement in epithelial cell permeability and an extended time to exhaustion during exercise in MMA athletes following a 4-week combined probiotic and vitamin D3 treatment.

Examining the effects of pre-competition rapid weight loss on hydration status and competition performance in elite judo athletes.

The prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) among martial arts athletes including judo is very high. Many applied RWL strategies could be dangerous to health and even lead to death. Therefore, the International Judo Federation (IJF) introduced changes in the weigh-in rules, changing the official weigh-in for the day before the competition. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the new IJF rules on hydration status and weight loss strategies among professional judo athletes. Seventeen elite judo athletes participated in the study. Body mass and hydration status, were analyzed before the competition. Moreover, competition result and practice of RWL survey were collected. All subjects reached their weight category limits for the competition. RWL resulted in body mass changes (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.79) and dehydration among participants (urine osmolality > 700 [mOsmol*kg]-1 and urine specific gravity > 1.020 [g*cm3]-1). However, urine osmolality (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.18), as well as urine specific gravity (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.16), at subsequent time points of measurement revealed no statistical differences. The prevalence of RWL was 100%, and only 17.6% of the athletes declared that they would compete in a different weight category if the competition would be conducted on the same day of the weigh-in. All judo athletes applied RWL procedures using traditional methods to achieve the required body mass (i.e., increased exercise, reduced fluid, and food intake). Dehydration state was not associated with competitive performance (p > 0.05).

DNA methylation clock DNAmFitAge shows regular exercise is associated with slower aging and systemic adaptation.

DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and the newly developed DNAmFitAge are DNA methylation (DNAm)-based biomarkers that reflect the individual aging process. Here, we examine the relationship between physical fitness and DNAm-based biomarkers in adults aged 33-88 with a wide range of physical fitness (including athletes with long-term training history). Higher levels of VO2max (ρ = 0.2, p = 6.4E - 4, r = 0.19, p = 1.2E - 3), Jumpmax (p = 0.11, p = 5.5E - 2, r = 0.13, p = 2.8E - 2), Gripmax (ρ = 0.17, p = 3.5E - 3, r = 0.16, p = 5.6E - 3), and HDL levels (ρ = 0.18, p = 1.95E - 3, r = 0.19, p = 1.1E - 3) are associated with better verbal short-term memory. In addition, verbal short-term memory is associated with decelerated aging assessed with the new DNAm biomarker FitAgeAcceleration (ρ: - 0.18, p = 0.0017). DNAmFitAge can distinguish high-fitness individuals from low/medium-fitness individuals better than existing DNAm biomarkers and estimates a younger biological age in the high-fit males and females (1.5 and 2.0 years younger, respectively). Our research shows that regular physical exercise contributes to observable physiological and methylation differences which are beneficial to the aging process. DNAmFitAge has now emerged as a new biological marker of quality of life.

Effects of Probiotics and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Sports Performance Markers in Male Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Strategies targeted at the intestine microbiome seem to be beneficial for professional athletes. The gut-muscle axis is associated with the inflammatory state, glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, and central nervous system health. All these mechanisms may affect maximal oxygen uptake, muscle strength, and training adaptation. Moreover, the positive effect of certain bacterial strains may be enhanced by vitamin D. Thus, this study aimed to assess and compare the level of selected markers of sports performance of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes supplemented with vitamin D3 or probiotics combined with vitamin D3. METHODS: A 4-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 23 MMA male athletes assigned to the vitamin D3 group (Vit D; n = 12) or probiotics + vitamin D3 group (PRO + VitD; n = 11). Repeated measures of the creatine kinase level, lactate utilization ratio, and anaerobic performance were conducted. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of supplementation, we found lower lactate concentrations 60 min after the acute sprint interval in the PRO + VitD group when compared to the Vit D group (4.73 ± 1.62 and 5.88 ± 1.55 mmol/L; p < 0.05). In addition, the intervention improved the total work (232.00 ± 14.06 and 240.72 ± 13.38 J kg-1; p < 0.05), and mean power following the anaerobic exercise protocol (7.73 ± 0.47 and 8.02 ± 0.45 W kg-1; p < 0.05) only in the PRO + VitD group. Moreover, there was an improvement in the lactate utilization ratio in the PRO + VitD group compared with the Vit D group as shown by the percentage of T60/T3 ratio (73.6 ± 6.9 and 65.1 ± 9.9%, respectively; p < 0.05). We also observed elevated serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations after acute sprint interval exercise in both groups, however, there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Four weeks of combined probiotic and vitamin D3 supplementation enhanced lactate utilization and beneficially affected anaerobic performance in MMA athletes.

Exercise-Induced Elevated BDNF Concentration Seems to Prevent Cognitive Impairment after Acute Exposure to Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia among Young Men.

Memory impairment, reduced learning ability, decreased concentration, and psychomotor performance can be all signs of deleterious impact of hypoxia on cognitive functioning. In turn, physical exercise can improve performance and enhance cognitive functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the potential positive effects of exercise performed under normobaric hypoxia can counteract the negative effects of hypoxia on cognitive function, and whether these changes correlate with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Seventeen healthy subjects participated in a crossover study where they performed two sessions of single breathing bouts combined with moderate intensity exercise under two conditions: normoxia (NOR EX) and normobaric hypoxia (NH EX). To assess cognitive function, Stroop test was applied. There were no significant differences in any part of the Stroop interference test regardless of the conditions (NOR, NH), despite a statistical decrease in SpO2 (p < 0.0001) under normobaric hypoxic conditions. In addition, a statistical increase (p < 0.0001) in BDNF concentration was observed after both conditions. Acute exercise under normobaric hypoxia did not impair cognitive function despite a significant decrease in SpO2. Exercise in such conditions may offset the negative effects of hypoxia alone on cognitive function. This may be related to the significant increase in BDNF concentration and, as a consequence, positively affect the executive functions.

Acute Normobaric Hypoxia Lowers Executive Functions among Young Men despite Increase of BDNF Concentration.

BACKGROUND: Decreased SpO2 during hypoxia can cause cognitive function impairment, and the effects of acute hypoxia on high-order brain functions such as executive processing remain unclear. This study's goal was to examine the impact of an acute normobaric hypoxia breathing session on executive function and biological markers. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy subjects participated in a blind study performing two sessions of single 30 min breathing bouts under two conditions (normoxia (NOR) and normobaric hypoxia (NH), FIO2 = 0.135). The Stroop test was applied to assess cognitive function. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the Stroop interference in the "reading" part of the test in either condition; however, there was a significant increase in the "naming" part under NH conditions (p = 0.003), which corresponded to a significant decrease in SpO2 (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase (p < 0.013) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level after NH conditions compared to the baseline, which was not seen in NOR. In addition, a significant drop (p < 0.001) in cortisol levels in the NOR group and a slight elevation in the NH group was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: According to these findings, acute hypoxia delayed cognitive processing for motor execution and reduced the neural activity in motor executive and inhibitory processing. We also noted that this negative effect was associated with decreased SpO2 irrespective of a rise in BDNF.

Judo training program improves brain and muscle function and elevates the peripheral BDNF concentration among the elderly.

Programmed exercise interventions modulating both physical fitness and cognitive functions have become a promising tool to support healthy aging. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of a 12-week judo training (JEX) on cognitive processing and muscle function among the elderly. Forty participants were divided into two groups: the JEX group and the control group (CTL). Before and after 12-week of JEX, participants performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. The peripheral level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analyzed. A 12-week JEX intervention led to improved Stroop performance reflected by a shortening of the response time related to Stroop "naming" interference. In addition, the peripheral concentration of BDNF was significantly increased following the JEX compared with the CTL group. In response to JEX, balance and lower limb strength significantly increased. The current results suggest that JEX could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions, denoted by elevated peripheral BDNF, as well as on balance and strength abilities. A combination of positive effects with respect to movement and cognition makes JEX an ideal preventive lifestyle modification for the aging population.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Physical Exercise-Induced Increased Resting Cerebral Blood Flow on Cognitive Functions.

Brain perfusion declines with aging. Physical exercise represents a low-cost accessible form of intervention to increase cerebral blood flow; however, it remains unclear if exercise-induced amelioration of brain perfusion has any impact on cognition. We aimed to provide a state-of-the art review on this subject. A comprehensive search of the PubMed (MEDLINE) database was performed. On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in the analysis. Eleven of the studies conducted well-controlled exercise programs that lasted 12-19 weeks for 10-40 participants and two studies were conducted in much larger groups of subjects for more than 5 years, but the exercise loads were indirectly measured, and three of them were focused on acute exercise. Literature review does not show a direct link between exercise-induced augmentation of brain perfusion and better cognitive functioning. However, in none of the reviewed studies was such an association the primary study endpoint. Carefully designed clinical studies with focus on cognitive and perfusion variables are needed to provide a response to the question whether exercise-induced cerebral perfusion augmentation is of clinical importance.

Single bout of exercise triggers the increase of vitamin D blood concentration in adolescent trained boys: a pilot study.

Vitamin D is necessary for musculoskeletal health, however, the supplementation of vitamin D above the sufficiency level does not bring additional bone mass density (BMD), unlike physical exercise which enhances the bone formatting process. Regular physical activity has been shown to upregulate VDR expression in muscles and to increase circulating vitamin D. Here we investigate whether a single bout of exercise might change 25(OH)D3 blood concentration and how it affects metabolic response to exercise. Twenty-six boys, 13.8 years old (SD ± 0.7) soccer players, participated in the study. The participants performed one of two types of exercise: the first group performed the VO2max test until exhaustion, and the second performed three times the repeated 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). Blood was collected before, 15 min and one hour after the exercise. The concentration of 25(OH)D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol were determined. 25(OH)D3 concentration significantly increased after the exercise in all boys. The most prominent changes in 25(OH)D3, observed after WAnT, were associated with the rise of PTH. The dimensions of response to the exercises observed through the changes in the concentration of 25(OH)D3, PTH, NEFA and glycerol were associated with the significant increases of IL-6 level. A single bout of exercise may increase the serum's 25(OH)D3 concentration in young trained boys. The intensive interval exercise brings a more potent stimulus to vitamin D fluctuations in young organisms. Our results support the hypothesis that muscles may both store and release 25(OH)D3.

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Physical Capacity among Active College-Aged Males.

Vitamin D3 supplementation can affect strength and power; however, the effect on both aerobic and anaerobic performance remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of eight weeks of a high dose of vitamin D3 supplementation and its impact on circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D3) concentrations and selected indicators of physical capacity. Subjects (n = 28, age 21.1 ± 1.6) were divided into two groups: supplemented (SUP), which was given 6000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for eight weeks; and placebo group (PLA). Serum 25-OH-D3 concentrations were determined in pre- and post-intervention. Aerobic (VO2max test) and anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test) capacity were determined before and after the supplementation. The mean baseline concentration of 25-OH-D3 was recognized as deficient (20 ng/mL) and significantly increased over time in the supplemented group (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.86), whilst it remained unchanged in the placebo group. Moreover, the supplementation caused a significant improvement in maximal aerobic (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.27) and anaerobic power (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.51) whereas no changes were observed in PLA group. The VO2max differences were also significant in the supplemented group (p < 0.05). In summary, the changes in aerobic and anaerobic capacity observed in this study were associated with a serum concentration of 25-OH-D3. Our data imply that vitamin D3 supplementation with a dose of 6000 IU daily for eight weeks is sufficient to improve physical capacity and vitamin D3 status.

Acute Sprint Interval Exercise Increases Both Cognitive Functions and Peripheral Neurotrophic Factors in Humans: The Possible Involvement of Lactate.

There is increasing attention to sprint interval exercise (SIE) training as a time-efficient exercise regime. Recent studies, including our own (Kujach et al., 2018), have shown that acute high-intensity intermittent exercise can improve cognitive function; however, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effect still remain unknown. We thus examined the effects of acute SIE on cognitive function by monitoring the peripheral levels of growth and neurotrophic factors as well as blood lactate (LA) as potential mechanisms. Thirty-six young males participated in the current study and were divided into two groups: SIE (n = 20; mean age: 21.0 ± 0.9 years) and resting control (CTR) (n = 16; mean age: 21.7 ± 1.3 years). The SIE session consisted of 5 min of warm-up exercise and six sets of 30 s of all-out cycling exercise followed by 4.5 min of rest on a cycling-ergometer. Blood samples to evaluate the changes of serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and blood LA were obtained at three time points: before, immediately after, and 60 min after each session. A Stroop task (ST) and trail making test (TMT) parts A and B were used to assess cognitive functions. Acute SIE shortened response times for both the ST and TMT A and B. Meanwhile, the peripheral levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF were significantly increased after an acute bout of SIE compared to those in CTR. In response to acute SIE, blood LA levels significantly increased and correlated with increased levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and VEGF. Furthermore, cognitive function and BDNF are found to be correlated. The current results suggest that SIE could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions with increased neuroprotective factors along with peripheral LA concentration in humans.

Adaptive Changes After 2 Weeks of 10-s Sprint Interval Training With Various Recovery Times.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of applying two different rest recovery times in a 10-s sprint interval training session on aerobic and anaerobic capacities as well as skeletal muscle enzyme activities. Methods: Fourteen physically active but not highly trained male subjects (mean maximal oxygen uptake 50.5 ± 1.0 mlO2·kg-1·min-1) participated in the study. The training protocol involved a series of 10-s sprints separated by either 1-min (SIT10:1) or 4-min (SIT10:4) of recovery. The number of sprints progressed from four to six over six sessions separated by 1-2 days rest. Pre and post intervention anthropometric measurements, assessment of aerobic, anaerobic capacity and muscle biopsy were performed. In the muscle samples maximal activities of citrate synthase (CS), 3-hydroxyacylCoA dehydrogenase (HADH), carnitine palmitoyl-transferase (CPT), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and its mitochondrial form (mMDH), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. Analysis of variance was performed to determine changes between conditions. Results: Maximal oxygen uptake improved significantly in both training groups, by 13.6% in SIT10:1 and 11.9% in SIT10:4, with no difference between groups. Wingate anaerobic test results indicated main effect of time for total work, peak power output and mean power output, which increased significantly and similarly in both groups. Significant differences between training groups were observed for end power output, which increased by 10.8% in SIT10:1, but remained unchanged in SIT10:4. Both training protocols induced similar increase in CS activity (main effect of time p < 0.05), but no other enzymes. Conclusion: Sprint interval training protocols induce metabolic adaptation over a short period of time, and the reduced recovery between bouts may attenuate fatigue during maximal exercise.

A transferable high-intensity intermittent exercise improves executive performance in association with dorsolateral prefrontal activation in young adults.

Although growing attention has been drawn to attainable, high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIE)-based intervention, which can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, for sedentary individuals, there is limited information on the impact and potential benefit of an easily attainable HIE intervention for cognitive health. We aimed to reveal how acute HIE affects executive function focusing on underlying neural substrates. To address this issue, we examined the effects of acute HIE on executive function using the color-word matching Stroop task (CWST), which produces a cognitive conflict in the decision-making process, and its neural substrate using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Twenty-five sedentary young adults (mean age: 21.0 ± 1.6 years; 9 females) participated in two counter-balanced sessions: HIE and resting control. The HIE session consisted of two minutes of warm-up exercise (50 W load at 60 rpm) and eight sets of 30 s of cycling exercise at 60% of maximal aerobic power (mean: 127 W ± 29.5 load at 100 rpm) followed by 30 s of rest on a recumbent-ergometer. Participants performed a CWST before and after the 10-minute exercise session, during both of which cortical hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex were monitored using fNIRS. Acute HIE led to improved Stroop performance reflected by a shortening of the response time related to Stroop interference. It also evoked cortical activation related to Stroop interference on the left-dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which corresponded significantly with improved executive performance. These results provide the first empirical evidence using a neuroimaging method, to our knowledge, that acute HIE improves executive function, probably mediated by increased activation of the task-related area of the prefrontal cortex including the left-DLPFC.

The whole body cryostimulation modifies irisin concentration and reduces inflammation in middle aged, obese men.

The anti-inflammatory effect induced by exposure to low temperature might trigger the endocrine function of muscle and fat tissue. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the whole body cryostimulation (CRY) on irisin, a myokine which activates oxygen consumption in fat cells as well as thermogenesis. In addition, the relationship between hepcidin (Hpc) - hormone regulating iron metabolism, and inflammation was studied. A group of middle aged men (n = 12, 38 ± 9 years old, BMI > 30 kg m(-2)) participated in the study. Subjects were exposed to a series of 10 sessions in a cryogenic chamber (once a day at 9:30 am, for 3 min, at temperature -110 °C). Blood samples were collected before the first cryostimulation and after completing the last one. Prior to treatment body composition and fitness level were determined. The applied protocol of cryostimulation lead to rise the blood irisin in obese non-active men (338.8 ± 42.2 vs 407.6 ± 118.5 ng mL(-1)), whereas has no effect in obese active men (371.5 ± 30.0 vs 343.3 ± 47.6 ng mL(-1)). Values recorded 24 h after the last cryo-session correlated significantly with the fat tissue, yet inversely with the skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, we concluded the subcutaneous fat tissue to be the main source of irisin in response to cold exposures. The applied cold treatment reduced the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Hpc concentration confirming its anti-inflammatory effect.

Single pyruvate intake induces blood alkalization and modification of resting metabolism in humans.

OBJECTIVES: Three separate studies were performed with the aim to 1) determine the effect of a single sodium pyruvate intake on the blood acid-base status in males and females; 2) compare the effect of sodium and calcium pyruvate salts and establish their role in the lipolysis rate; and 3) quantify the effect of single pyruvate intake on the resting energy metabolism. METHODS: In all, 48 individuals completed three separate studies. In all the studies, participants consumed a single dose of pyruvate 0.1 g/kg 60 min before commencing the measurements. The whole blood pH, bicarbonate concentration, base excess or plasma glycerol, free fatty acids, glucose concentrations, or resting energy expenditure and calculated respiratory exchange ratio were determined. The analysis of variance for repeated measurements was performed to examine the interaction between treatment and time. RESULTS: The single dose of sodium pyruvate induced blood alkalization, which was more marked in the male than in the female participants. Following the ingestion of sodium or calcium pyruvate, the blood acid-base parameters were higher than in the placebo trial. Furthermore, 3-h postingestion glycerol was lower in both pyruvate trials than in placebo. Resting energy expenditure did not differ between the trials; however, carbohydrate oxidation was increased after sodium pyruvate ingestion. CONCLUSION: Pyruvate intake induced mild alkalization in a sex-dependent fashion. Moreover, it accelerated carbohydrate metabolism and delayed the rate of glycerol appearance in the blood, but had no effect on the resting energy expenditure. Furthermore, sodium salt seems to have had a greater effect on the blood buffering level than calcium salt.

Whole-body cryostimulation as an effective way of reducing exercise-induced inflammation and blood cholesterol in young men.

Inflammation may accompany obesity and a variety of diseases, or result from excessive exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of whole-body cryostimulation on the inflammatory response induced by eccentric exercise under laboratory conditions. The study also sought to establish if cold treatment changes the lipid profile and modifies energy expenditure in young people. Eighteen healthy and physically active, college-aged men volunteered to participate in the experiment. They were divided into two subgroups: CRY- submitted to whole-body cryostimulation, and CONT- a control group. Both groups performed eccentric work to induce muscle damage. Blood samples were collected before and 24 h after the exercise. Over the five days that followed, the CRY group was exposed to a series of 10 sessions in a cryogenic chamber (twice a day, for 3 min, at a temperature of -110̊C). After this period of rest, both groups repeated a similar eccentric work session, following the same schedule of blood collection. The perceived pain was noted 24h after each session of eccentric workout. A 30-minute step up/down work-out induced delayed-onset muscle soreness in both groups. The five-day recovery period accompanied by exposure to cold significantly enhanced the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also led to a pronounced reduction in levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, and reduced muscle damage. The values for IL-10 before the second bout of eccentric exercise in the CRY group were 2.0-fold higher in comparison to baseline, whereas in the CONT group, the concentration remained unchanged. Furthermore, blood concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß fell significantly in the CRY group. The main finding of this study was that a series of 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation significantly reduced the inflammatory response induced by eccentric exercise. The lipid profile was also improved, but there was no effect on energy expenditure during the exercise.

Single sodium pyruvate ingestion modifies blood acid-base status and post-exercise lactate concentration in humans.

This study examined the effect of a single sodium pyruvate ingestion on a blood acid-base status and exercise metabolism markers. Nine active, but non-specifically trained, male subjects participated in the double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. One hour prior to the exercise, subjects ingested either 0.1 g·kg(-1) of body mass of a sodium pyruvate or placebo. The capillary blood samples were obtained at rest, 60 min after ingestion, and then three and 15 min after completing the workout protocol to analyze acid-base status and lactate, pyruvate, alanine, glucose concentrations. The pulmonary gas exchange, minute ventilation and the heart rate were measured during the exercise at a constant power output, corresponding to ~90% VO2max. The blood pH, bicarbonate and the base excess were significantly higher after sodium pyruvate ingestion than in the placebo trial. The blood lactate concentration was not different after the ingestion, but the post-exercise was significantly higher in the pyruvate trial (12.9 ± 0.9 mM) than in the placebo trial (10.6 ± 0.3 mM, p < 0.05) and remained elevated (nonsignificant) after 15 min of recovery. The blood pyruvate, alanine and glucose concentrations, as well as the overall pulmonary gas exchange during the exercise were not affected by the pyruvate ingestion. In conclusion, the sodium pyruvate ingestion one hour before workout modified the blood acid-base status and the lactate production during the exercise.

Possible influences of exercise-intensity-dependent increases in non-cortical hemodynamic variables on NIRS-based neuroimaging analysis during cognitive tasks: Technical note.

PURPOSE: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides functional imaging of cortical activations by measuring regional oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin (Hb) changes in the forehead during a cognitive task. There are, however, potential problems regarding NIRS signal contamination by non-cortical hemodynamic (NCH) variables such as skin blood flow, middle cerebral artery blood flow, and heart rate (HR), which are further complicated during acute exercise. It is thus necessary to determine the appropriate post-exercise timing that allows for valid NIRS assessment during a task without any increase in NCH variables. Here, we monitored post-exercise changes in NCH parameters with different intensities of exercise. METHODS: Fourteen healthy young participants cycled 30, 50 and 70% of their peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) for 10 min per intensity, each on different days. Changes in skin blood flow velocity (SBFv), middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA V mean) and HR were monitored before, during, and after the exercise. RESULTS: Post-exercise levels of both SBFv and HR in contrast to MCA V mean remained high compared to basal levels and the times taken to return to baseline levels for both parameters were delayed (2-8 min after exercise), depending upon exercise intensity. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the delayed clearance of NCH variables of up to 8 min into the post-exercise phase may contaminate NIRS measurements, and could be a limitation of NIRS-based neuroimaging studies.

Repeated "all out" interval exercise causes an increase in serum hepcidin concentration in both trained and untrained men.

This investigation assessed effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIE; triple Wingate anaerobic test) on inflammatory markers, iron metabolism and hepcidin concentrations. Group of highly trained judo athletes (TR) and non-trained control males (CG) completed a triple Wingate test separated by 4.5min rest. Venous blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 1h, 24h, and 5days following exercise and analysed for serum of IL-6, IL-10, iron, and ferritin. Physiological response to exercise was also determined. Concentration of IL-6 and hepcidin increased 1h after exercise in both groups (p<0.05). Hepcidin returned post testing 24h in TR, whereas in CG it remained elevated during 5days following exercise. Changes in hepcidin did not correlate with shifts in serum IL-6, iron and ferritin concentrations. Gathered data suggest that following HIE, hepcidin increased independently of IL-6 and neither blood nor storage iron affected this phenomena.