A Short-Term Resistance Training Circuit Improved Antioxidants in Sedentary Adults with Down Syndrome.

Previous studies have found aerobic training improved oxidative damage in people with Down syndrome (DS). However, there is a lack of information regarding the influence of resistance training on redox imbalance in this population. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the effect of resistance training (RT) on antioxidant defence system in sedentary adults with DS. Thirty-six male adults with DS were recruited through different community support groups. Eighteen were randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with 6 stations, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), reduced glutathione (GHS), ascorbate, serum α-tocopherol, and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity were assessed. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) were assessed as markers of oxidative damage. Muscle strength was also measured. Dynamic torque of knee extensors and flexors as well as maximal handgrip strength was significantly improved after the completion of the training program. Plasma levels of TAS and erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GR) activity were significantly increased. Conversely, MDA and CG levels were significantly reduced. It was concluded RT improved antioxidant defence system and reduced oxidative damage in adults with DS. Further, long-term studies are required to determine whether the increased antioxidant system may improve clinical outcomes of adults with DS.

Salivary testosterone and immunoglobulin A were increased by resistance training in adults with Down syndrome.

This study was designed to assess the influence of resistance training on salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and hormone profile in sedentary adults with Down syndrome (DS). A total of 40 male adults with DS were recruited for the trial through different community support groups for people with intellectual disabilities. All participants had medical approval for participation in physical activity. Twenty-four adults were randomly assigned to perform resistance training in a circuit with six stations, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Training intensity was based on functioning in the eight-repetition maximum (8RM) test for each exercise. The control group included 16 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched adults with DS. Salivary IgA, testosterone, and cortisol levels were measured by ELISA. Work task performance was assessed using the repetitive weighted-box-stacking test. Resistance training significantly increased salivary IgA concentration (P=0.0120; d=0.94) and testosterone levels (P=0.0088; d=1.57) in the exercising group. Furthermore, it also improved work task performance. No changes were seen in the controls who had not exercised. In conclusion, a short-term resistance training protocol improved mucosal immunity response as well as salivary testosterone levels in sedentary adults with DS.

Home-based treadmill training improved seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This was the first study conducted to determine the influence of home-based treadmill training on seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes volunteered for the current study. Thirty were randomly allocated to the intervention group and performed a a 14-week, home-based, treadmill training program, 3 sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15min), 40min treadmill exercise at a work intensity of 55-70% of peak heart rate (increasing by 2.5% each two weeks) measured during a maximal treadmill test, and cooling-down (5-10min). The control group included 30, age and BMI matched adults with type 2 diabetes who did not take part in any training program. Seminal quality analysis included semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Furthermore, total antioxidant status (TAS) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity were assessed in seminal plasma. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: The home-based treadmill training significantly increased sperm concentration as well as percentages of total sperm motility and normal spermatozoa. Furthermore, TAS and GPX activity were increased after the completion of the training program. No significant changes in any of the measured variables were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based treadmill training improved seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes. A secondary finding was that seminal antioxidant defense system was significantly increased after being exercised.

Ecuación predictora de masa grasa corporal en deportistas con lesión medular crónica: estudio piloto / Predictive equation of body fat percentage in athletes with chronic spinal cord injury: a pilot study

La determinación del porcentaje de masa grasa en pacientes con lesión medular crónica (LMC) resulta de interés por la alta morbimortalidad cardiovascular que presenta este grupo. En el caso de deportistas, además, permitiría optimizar su rendimiento deportivo. Por consiguiente, el presente estudio se planteó como primer objetivo comparar diferentes métodos de estudio del porcentaje de masa grasa de deportistas con LMC. Y como objetivo secundario, identificar alguna ecuación que permita predecir los niveles de masa grasa de manera más económica, sencilla, rápida y no invasiva. Se diseño un estudio observacional y transversal en el que participaron voluntariamente 8 deportistas varones con LMC a nivel o por debajo de T5 que compiten a nivel nacional. El porcentaje de masa grasa corporal de los participantes se determinó mediante tres metodologías: densitometría (DEXA), antropometría convencional (Ecuación de Siri) e impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA). Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. El porcentaje de masa grasa presentado por jugadores de baloncesto en silla de ruedas tras someterse al método de referencia (DEXA) fue del 28,76±9,16%. El análisis de concordancia de Bland-Altman entre métodos sugiere que tanto la antropometría convencional como la BIA subestiman el porcentaje de masa grasa de deportistas con LMC. la ecuación de predicción obtenida fue: Masa Grasa (%)= 1,9197 (pliegue tríceps (mm)) + 6,5063. Tanto las técnicas antropométricas convencionales como la propia BIA subestiman la masa grasa en deportistas con LMC. Asimismo se ha identificado una ecuación de regresión para la predicción del porcentaje de masa grasa de bajo coste y aplicable en cualquier entorno.

The assessment of fat mass (FM) is of great interest for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) given that morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease are greater and occur earlier in this group. Furthermore, it may play a key role improving physical performance in athletes with SCI. For the reasons already mentioned, the current study was designed to compare different methods for assessing FM in athletes with SCI. A secondary objective was to identify a predictive equation for FM in this group that is easily reproducible elsewhere. A total of 8 male athletes with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) competing in a national league volunteered for this study. The percentage of FM was assessed by three different methods: conventional anthropometry (Siri equation), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and densitometry (DEXA). This research was conducted in full accordance with ethical principles, including the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (version, 2002). Furthermore, the present protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Mean percentage of FM assessed by DXA was 28.76±9.16%. Moreover, Bland-Altman plots suggested conventional anthropometry and BIA underestimated fat mass percentage in this group. Lastly, a predictive equation for fat mass was established as follows: FM (%)=1.9197 (triceps skinfold thickness (mm))+6.5063. It was concluded that both conventional anthropometry and BIA underestimated fat mass in athletes with chronic SCI. Furthermore, a predictive equation of fat mass was recommended for this group due to its low cost and wide availability in any clinical setting.

Aerobic training improved low-grade inflammation in obese women with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health problem in people with intellectual disabilities. It is also widely accepted that low-grade systemic inflammation associated to obesity plays a key role in the pathogenic mechanism of several disorders. Fortunately, physical activity has shown to improve inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, we assessed the influence of aerobic training on pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in women with Down syndrome. METHODS: To achieve this outcome, 20 premenopausal obese young women with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to the intervention group and performed a 10-week aerobic training programme, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up then a 30- to 40-min treadmill exercise at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate followed by a cooling-down period. The control group included nine age-, sex- and body mass index-matched women with Down syndrome. Fat mass percentage and fat distribution were measured. Plasmatic levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and fibrinogen were assessed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. C-reactive protein (CRP) was assessed by nephelometry. RESULTS: Plasmatic levels of TNF-α (11.7 ± 1.6 vs. 9.2 ± 1.3 pg/ml; P = 0.022), IL-6 (8.2 ± 1.1 vs. 6.1 ± 0.9 pg/ml; P = 0.014) and high sensitive CRP (0.62 ± 0.11 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09 mg/dl; P = 0.009) were significantly reduced in the intervention group. Further, significant correlations between plasmatic and anthropometric parameters were found. CONCLUSION: A 10-week training programme reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in obese young women with Down syndrome. Long-term, well-conducted studies are still required to determine whether correction of this low-grade inflammation improves clinical outcomes of women with trisomy 21.

Exercise reduced inflammation: but for how long after training?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that obese people with trisomy 21 suffer from low-grade systemic inflammation. A recent study has found that aerobic training reduced inflammation in obese women with Down syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, the study reported in this paper is the first to determine for how long these effects were maintained after completion of the programme. METHODS: Twenty premenopausal obese women (18-30 years old) with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to the intervention group and performed a 10-week aerobic training programme, 3 sessions per week, consisting of warming-up followed by treadmill exercise (30-40 min) at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate and a cooling-down period. The control group included 9, age, sex and BMI matched women with Down syndrome that did not perform any training programme. Fat mass percentage and distribution were measured. Plasma level of IL-6 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were monitored. Time-course changes for these outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Further, they were re-evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after completion of the programme. RESULTS: Three months after completion of the programme, plasma levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly increased. Up to 6 months later, both fat mass percentage and waist circumference (WC) were significantly increased. Furthermore, physical fitness was also impaired in the intervention group. No changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: A 3-month detraining period significantly impaired chronic inflammation in obese women with DS.

Correlaciones entre marcadores de grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría y técnicas antropométricas convencionales en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico / Correlations between markers of abdominal fat obtained by dxa and anthropometric conventional techniques in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

El presente estudio pretende identificar correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre parámetros de masa grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría (DXA) y otros de tipo cineantropométrico (índices de distribución de masa grasa) y bioquímico (perfil lipídico) en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico. Se diseño un estudio de cohortes histórico que incluyó a un total de 1326 mujeres post-menopausicas con edad > 45 años que se habían sometido rutinariamente a DXA para conocer su densidad mineral ósea entre Enero de 2006 y Enero de 2011. Se utilizó un DXA tipo Lunar DPX-L para determinar la masa grasa abdominal en las regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4. Además del DXA, se obtuvo de cada participante la correspondiente anamnesis, bioquímica, tensión arterial e índices de distribución de masa grasa mediante técnicas antropométricas convencionales. Se utilizó la clasificación NCEP-ATP-III para el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. La mayor fuerza de asociación se estableció entre el porcentaje de masa grasa L1-L4 obtenido por DXA y el perímetro de la cintura (r= 0,77; p= 0,0016) además de con colesterol-HDL (r= -0,58; p= 0,0290). Finalmente se concluye que el perímetro de la cintura y los niveles de colesterol-HDL podrían recomendarse como predictores del comportamiento de la masa grasa abdominal de regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4 obtenidas por DXA en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico.

The current study was conducted to identify potential correlations between abdominal fat mass obtained by DXA and several parameters obtained by anthropometric conventional techniques as well as lipid profile in postmenopausal women with MS. This historical cohort study included a total of 1326 postmenopausal women aged > 45 years old who had routinely undergone DXA to measure their bone mineral density between January 2006 and January 2011. The regions of interest envisaged in our study by using DXA were the lumbar regions L1-L4 and L4-L5. At the same time, they underwent a complete medical examination including personal medical history assessment, biochemical blood analysis, blood pressure measurements and anthropometrical evaluation. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed attending to the criteria established by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP-ATP-III). This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Several significant correlations were found between DXA and indices of body fat distribution as well as lipid profile. The strongest correlations were found between fat mass L1-L4 and waist circumference (r= 0.77; p= 0.0016) and levels of HDL-cholesterol (r= -0.58; p= 0.0290). It was concluded that waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol may be recommended to predict fat mass in regions of interest L1-L4 and L3-L4 in postmenopausal women with MS.

Aerobic training at moderate intensity reduced protein oxidation in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome have been generally described as having high levels of oxidative stress, which have been associated to an increased morbidity. Fortunately, recent studies have reported that aerobic training may upregulate antioxidant defence system both in general population and individuals with trisomy 21. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of aerobic training in reducing protein oxidation. To achieve this goal, 31 adolescents with Down syndrome performed a 12-week training program on a treadmill with 3 days/week, consisting of warm-up (15 min), main part (20-35 min) at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (HR(max) =194.5-[0.56 age]) and cool-down (10 min). A control group included seven age-, sex- and BMI-matched adolescents with trisomy 21 that did not perform any training program. Plasma carbonyl content was determined by means of a slightly modified Levine method. Pre- and post-training carbonyl contents were 1.98 ± 0.2 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.94-2.02] nmol/mg protein and 1.16 ± 0.1 (95% CI: 1.14-1.18) nmol/mg protein, respectively. When compared with baseline values, it was decreased significantly (1.98 ± 0.2 vs 1.16 ± 0.1; P<0.001). It was concluded that 12-week exercise program significantly reduced protein oxidation in adolescents with Down syndrome. Further long-term follow-up studies are required to determine whether correction of this oxidant imbalance improves clinical outcomes of individuals with trisomy 21.

A 12-week aerobic training programme reduced plasmatic allantoin in adolescents with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of a 12-week training programme on plasmatic levels of allantoin, an in vivo marker for oxidative stress, in adolescents with Down syndrome. This finding would be of great interest, since oxidative damage has been proposed as a pathogenic mechanism of several pathologies in this population. MATERIALS: To reach this goal, 31 male adolescents with Down syndrome (16.3 (1.1) years; 155.2 (5.7) cm; 70.8 (4.5) kg) performed a 12-week training programme, three sessions per week, consisting of warm-up (15 min) followed by a main part (20-35 min (increasing 5 min each 3 weeks)) at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (increasing by 5% each 3 weeks) and then a cool-down period (10 min). According to previous studies, it should be emphasised that the maximal heart rate for individuals with Down syndrome was predicted by the equation HRmax = 194.5-(0.56 age). The control group included seven age-, sex- and BMI-matched adolescents with trisomy 21 that did not perform any training programme. The levels uric acid and allantoin were assayed in plasma by HPLC. This protocol was approved by an institutional ethics committee. RESULTS: When compared with baseline, plasmatic levels of allantoin were decreased significantly (22.09 (1.62) vs 18.74 (1.38) micromol/l; p<0.001) after being exercised. Furthermore, the allantoin/uric acid ratio was decreased significantly (0.071 (0.006) vs 0.059 (0.004); p<0.05). On the contrary, no changes were reported in controls. CONCLUSION: A 12-week aerobic programme significantly reduced oxidative damage expressed in terms of plasmatic allantoin content in adolescents with Down syndrome. Further studies on this topic are required.

Lipid peroxidation was associated to the impairment of the fertilizing capability of gilthead sperm exposed to surfactants.

The present study was designed to determine whether lipid peroxidation was associated with the impairment of the fertilizing capability of gilthead sperm after acute exposure to anionic surfactant Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS). Spawned eggs and sperm were collected from adult giltheads. Sperm suspensions (100,000,000 spermatozoa/mL) were dosed separately with different concentrations of SDS (0.6, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/L) for 60 minutes. After this period, sperm samples were randomly distributed for both outcome measurements: fertilization percentage or lipid peroxidation assessment. On one hand, exposed sperm and unexposed eggs were combined for 20 minutes during which fertilization took place. Fertilization, defined as the presence of a fertilization envelope, was assessed by microscopic observation. On the other hand lipid peroxidation on exposed gilthead sperm was determined by estimating the production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Acute exposure to SDS caused a significant inhibitory effect on fertilization success in gilthead. It also increased significantly lipid peroxidation in exposed sperm. Furthermore, a strong but negative statistical association was found between fertilizing capability and lipid peroxidation gilthead sperm exposed to SDS. Although extrapolation from the laboratory to the field requires caution, the results of this work demonstrated that the impairment of fertilization was significantly associated with lipid peroxidation induced by acute exposure to SDS. Consequently lipid peroxidation may be recommended as an early-warning bioindicator of exposure to surfactants. Further studies are required.

Correlation between glutathione peroxidase activity and anthropometrical parameters in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Since we have recently found that regular exercise increased erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in adolescents with Down syndrome, these programs may be recommended. This study was designed to assess the role of anthropometrical parameters as easy, economic and non-invasive biomarkers of GPX. Thirty-one adolescents with Down syndrome performed a 12-week training program. Three days after its ending, GPX activity and anthropometrical parameters were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed negative but significant association (r=0.49, p=0.022) between GPX activity and waist circumference (WC). Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were not significant. We may conclude that anthropometrical parameters such as WC are easy to perform but not strongly associated to GPX activity. Further studies concerning other variables are needed.

8-weeks training program attenuates mitochondrial oxidative stress in the liver of emotionally stressed rats.

In recent years it has been shown that emotional stress induced by immobilization may change the balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors inducing oxidative damage. On the other hand, contradictory views exist concerning the role of physical activity on redox metabolism. Consequently, the present work was designed to assess the influence of an 8-week moderate swimming training program in emotionally stressed rats. Sixty 1-month-old male albino Wistar rats weighing 125-135 g were used in this experimental study. They were divided into three groups, as Control (lot A; n=20), Stressed (lot B; n=20) and Stressed & Exercised (lot C; n=20). Rats were stressed by placing the animals in a 25 x 7 cm plastic bottle 1 h/day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Protein carbonyl content values in liver homogenates were significantly increased in stressed animals (0.58+/-0.02 vs 0.86+/-0.03; p=0.018) which clearly indicated that emotional stress was associated with oxidative stress. Ultrastructural alterations, predominantly mitochondrial swelling and the decrease of cristae number observed by electron microscopy represented direct evidence of membrane injury. The most striking feature of our study was that we also found differences between stressed rats and stressed rats that performed our 8 week training program. Consequently our results highlight the potential benefit of a moderate training program to reduce oxidative damage induced by emotional stress since it attenuated protein oxidation and mitochondrial alterations.

Regular exercise did not modify significantly superoxide dismutase activity in adolescents with Down's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) overexpression in people with Down's syndrome negatively modifies the equilibrium SOD/glutathione peroxidase+catalase, which may ultimately lead to an increased hydroxyl radical formation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of regular exercise on erythrocyte SOD activity to determine the ability of exercise to attenuate increased oxidative damage. METHOD: Thirty one male adolescents with Down's syndrome (mean (SD) age 16.3 (1.1) years) performed a 12 week training programme (three days a week), consisting of a warm up, exercise at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (the latter calculated from 194.5 - (0.56 x age)), and a cool down period. The reduction of cytochrome c at 550 nm was used to monitor SOD activity in the supernatant of erythrocyte haemolysates. RESULTS: Mean (SD) SOD activity in non-exercised adolescents with Down's syndrome was 679.0 (82) U/g haemoglobin (95% confidence interval 642.2 to 715.8). After the 12 week training programme, it had increased to 706.8 (91) U/g haemoglobin (95% confidence interval 663.9 to 749.8). This increase was not significant (p = 0.099). CONCLUSION: Regular exercise did not significantly increase SOD activity and consequently did not affect the unbalanced equilibrium SOD/glutathione peroxidase+catalase observed in patients with Down's syndrome. Further studies are required to assess the behaviour of other antioxidant enzymes included in this pathway in order to highlight potential benefits of regular exercise in redox metabolism of patients with Down's syndrome.

[Conclusions of the III SENPE Debate Forum on specialized nutritional support: ethical issues]. / Conclusiones del III Foro de Debate SENPE. Soporte nutricional especializado: aspectos eticos.

Conclusions of the III SENPE-Abbott Debate Forum on several ethical issues of specialized nutritional support in hospitalized patients and outpatients. An insight in the principle of equity is given depending on geographical location, in its indications both as a primary therapy and palliative care, and in informed consent.

Time course variations of antioxidant enzyme activities and histopathology of gilthead seabream gills exposed to malathion.

In a widely distributed and commercially important fish, gilthead seabream Sparus aurata L., we have studied sublethal effects of malathion in order to identify early warning bioindicators of exposure before irreversible damage occurs. To achieve this goal, groups of 10 juvenile specimens were exposed for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h to a sublethal concentration of malathion (0.4 mg/l). Another group was used as control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and histopathological features from exposed gills were assessed. It should also be mentioned that no mortality was observed during the whole experience. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were altered significantly from 24 h onward (p<0.05). It is of interest to note that catalase activity was decreased after exposure instead of increasing as other antioxidant enzymes assessed. On the other hand, histopathological alterations of the gills were observed as early as at 48 h-exposure, but the most severe damage occurred at 96 h exposure. The evidence presented here, together with other data from the literature, unequivocally established oxidative-stress-inducing effects of malathion in gilthead seabream Sparus aurata. It is also concluded antioxidants employed (SOD, CAT and GPX) changed significantly a long time before histopathological alterations of gills became evident. Consequently, these antioxidant enzymes may be highly recommended as early-warning bioindicators of environmental pollution by malathion in the areas where it is proposed to be used in pest control activities.

Incremento de la glucosa-6-fosfato-deshidrogenasa eritrocitaria en jóvenes con sindrome de Down tras un programa de actividad física de 12 semanas / A 12-week physical activity program increases glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity in Down syndrome adolescents

Recientemente se ha publicado que las células trisómicas presentan una mayor sensibilidad al daño oxidativo, que podría justificar la frecuente asociación de síndrome de Down a aterosclerosis, envejecimiento precoz, etc. Para conocer el posible papel de la actividad física moderada en la mejora de la capacidad antioxidante se estudió el comportamiento de la enzima glucosa-6-fosfato-deshidrogenasa (G6PDH) eritrocitaria en 31 adolescentes varones (16.3 ± 1.1 años) tras desarrollar un programa de 12 semanas con tres sesiones (45-60 minutos) y una intensidad del 60-75% frecuencia cardíaca máxima teórica. Nuestros resultados indican una mayor actividad de G6PDH en individuos con síndrome de Down cuando se compara con controles sin trisomía ajustados a su sexo, edad e índice de masa corporal. Asimismo observamos un incremento significativo de su actividad tras completar nuestro programa de 12 semanas. Podemos concluir que la actividad física moderada mejora la capacidad antioxidante en jóvenes con síndrome de Down.

In recent years it has been claimed that trisomic cells are more sensitive to oxidative stress since there is an imbalance in the hydrogen peroxide metabolism. We designed the present study to assess the activity level of antioxidant enzyme glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) of erythrocytes in 31 male adolescents with Down syndrome (mean age 16.3 +/- 1.1) after performing a 12 week aerobic training program. First of all, a significant increase of 14.9% in the catalytic activity of G6PDH was observed in male adolescents with Down syndrome when compared with age, sex and body mass-matched controls without trisomy. After 12-wk program its activity increased significantly compared to baseline value in Down syndrome individuals. Our data are consistent with previous evidence of the existence of higher oxidative stress in adolescents with Down syndrome when compared to the general population. We may also conclude that G6PDH activity was significantly increased after a 12 week exercise program.

In vitro acute toxicity of anionic surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) on the motility of gilthead (Sparus aurata L.) sperm.

This paper describes the acute toxicity of a known anionic surfactant, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS), on the quality of gilthead Sparus aurata L. sperm. The parameter used to judge exposure effectiveness was sperm motility as well as its fertilizing ability after being combined with unexposed gilthead eggs. Preincubation of sperm suspensions with concentrations of LAS of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/L caused decrease in sperm motility and fertilizing ability. In this respect, percentages of motile sperm were respectively 89.8+/-9.8, 81.7+/-16.3, 69.5+/-21.3, 57.1+/-19.1 and 21.2+/-10.9%. With regard to the percentage of fertilization success, the results were 85.7+/-8.1, 75.1+/-20.2, 62.9+/-19.7, 52.7+/-19.2 and 14.2+/-7.9% respectively. At concentrations of LAS of 0.5 mg/L or higher, the differences in both percentage of motility and fertilizing ability with controls were significant (p<5%). Although extrapolation from the laboratory to the field requires caution, the results of this work demonstrated that low-level surfactant pollution may impact directly on reproduction of the free gametes (sperm) released into water. It may lead to a long-term decline and eventual extinction of gilthead populations in nature when they are located close to effluents that are either untreated or receive inadequate secondary treatment. It is also quite important because this species constitutes an important link in the food chain and its death via exposure to surfactants may imbalance the littoral ecosystem.

Valoraçäo da influência dos ritmos circadianos nop rendimento desportivo de velocistas / Valuation of the influence of the circadian rhythms in the athletic

Neste trabalho estuda-se a influência que os ritmos circadianos exercem no rendimento desportivo de velocistas em provas de 50 metros rasos. Para isso, 13 velocistas seguiräo um estrito protocolo que fixa os horários de sono/vigília, refeiçöes e controle de variáveis (rendimento em velocidade, teste de Bosco, testes de auto-estima psíquica e física e temperatura corporal) durante 3 dias näo consecutivos. No primeiro dia, segui-se o horário base, enquanto que no segundo (dia de antecipaçäo) e terceiro (dia de atraso) se adiantou e atrasou o mesmo horário em 2 horas, respectivamente. Da análise dos resultados deduz-se que o momento máximo de rendimento em velocidade se produz à tarde (19 horas). Existe uma maior dificuldade ao modificar os picos de máximo rendimento no sentido de antecipar, registrando um deterioro estatisticamente significativo do rendimento médio do dia de antecipaçäo em relaçäo ao dia de controle. Por último, o teste de Bosco, o teste de auto valoraçäo psíquica e física apresentaram uma relaçäo muito direta com o rendimento em velocidade pelo que podem ser empregues em autorritometria.

Valoracion de la influencia de los ritmos circadianos en el rendimiento deportivo de velocistas / Circadian variation in sports performance

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as reservas energéticas de metabólicos fosforilados no músculo esquelético de atletas, mediante espectroscopia de 31P-MRS.A amostra deste estudo foi formada por 14 atletas de alto nível, do Centro de Auto-Remdimento Esportivo (CAR, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Espanha).O padräo de metabólicos fosforilados foi medido no músculo vasto medial por 31P-MRS. A suplementaçäo oral foi realizada durante 14 dias, na forma de 20 g de monohidrato de creativa. Os atletas foram determinados conforme as suas características físicas (peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), VO2 max.)em dois grupos: placebo (maltodextrina) e suplementaçäo com creatina. O protocolo de exercício foi realizado no interior do túnel de ressonância (160 x 52cm), a 60 ciclos por minuto para ambas as pernas. Conclui-se que o exercício realizado pelos fundistas no CDP permitiu detectar mediante 31 PMRS, uma diminuiçäo do consumo de PCr durante os períodos de exercício, devido a suplementaçäo com creatina

Acute effects of sodium dodecyl sulphate on the survival and on morpho-histochemical characteristics of the trunk kidney of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus L.

The present article reports the effect on survival as well as on the morpho-histochemical changes in the trunk kidney of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus, L. induced by acute action of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The LC50 of SDS at 96 hours was found to be 7.5 mg/l. Lots of 20 juvenile turbots were exposed to SDS concentrations of 3, 5, 7 and 10 mg/l: the exposure time required for 50% mortality of the specimens was 384,190,12 and 4 hours and surface tension values were 60.2, 56, 54.9, and 53.3 mN/m, respectively. It should be mentioned that there was a relatively high resistance to SDS of turbot compared to other teleost species, which may be related to its benthic habit. Histopathological lesions and histochemical changes that appeared in the trunk kidney of specimens exposed to the concentrations mentioned were examined. The abnormalities observed in this organ included vacuolation and desquamation of epithelial cells and degeneration of glomeruli and tubules. At the histochemical level, we appreciated some changes in the normal distribution of carbohydrates and proteins. Although the precise mechanism by which the renal tissue injury occurs is unknown, the function of this vital organ was seriously affected and this fact may ultimately play an important role in the mortality of turbots exposed to SDS.