Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and swim training affect copper metabolism in skeletal muscle in a mouse model of disease.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Swim training and regulation of copper metabolism result in clinical benefits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice. Therefore, the study aimed to determine whether swim training improves copper metabolism by modifying copper metabolism in the skeletal muscles of ALS mice. METHODS: SOD1G93A mice (n = 6 per group) were used as the ALS model, and wild-type B6SJL (WT) mice as controls (n = 6). Mice with ALS were analyzed before the onset of ALS (ALS BEFORE), at baseline ALS (first disease symptoms, trained and untrained, ALS ONSET), and at the end of ALS (last stage disease, trained and untrained, ALS TERMINAL). Copper concentrations and the level of copper metabolism proteins in the skeletal muscles of the lower leg were determined. RESULTS: ALS disease caused a reduction in the copper concentration in ALS TERMINAL untrained mice compared with the ALS BEFORE (10.43 ± 1.81 and 38.67 ± 11.50 µg/mg, respectively, p = .0213). The copper chaperon for SOD1 protein, which supplies copper to SOD1, and ATPase7a protein (copper exporter), increased at the terminal stage of disease by 57% (p = .0021) and 34% (p = .0372), while the CTR1 protein (copper importer) decreased by 45% (p = .002). Swim training moderately affected the copper concentration and the concentrations of proteins responsible for copper metabolism in skeletal muscles. DISCUSSION: The results show disturbances in skeletal muscle copper metabolism associated with ALS progression, which is moderately affected by swim training. From a clinical point of view, exercise in water for ALS patients should be an essential element of rehabilitation for maintaining quality of life.

Effect of Single High-Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Post-Ultra Mountain Running Heart Damage and Iron Metabolism Changes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise-induced inflammation can influence iron metabolism. Conversely, the effects of vitamin D3, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties, on ultramarathon-induced heart damage and changes in iron metabolism have not been investigated. Thirty-five healthy long-distance semi-amateur runners were divided into two groups: one group received 150,000 IU of vitamin D3 24 h prior to a race (n = 16), while the other group received a placebo (n = 19). Serum iron, hepcidin (HPC), ferritin (FER), erythroferrone (ERFE), erythropoietin (EPO), neopterin (NPT), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were assessed. A considerable effect of ultramarathon running on all examined biochemical markers was observed, with a significant rise in serum levels of ERFE, EPO, HPC, NPT, and cTnT detected immediately post-race, irrespective of the group factor. Vitamin D3 supplementation showed a notable interaction with the UM, specifically in EPO and cTnT, with no other additional changes in the other analysed markers. In addition to the correlation between baseline FER and post-run ERFE, HPC was modified by vitamin D. The ultramarathon significantly influenced the EPO/ERFE/HPC axis; however, a single substantial dose of vitamin D3 had an effect only on EPO, which was associated with the lower heart damage marker cTnT after the run.

Acute inflammatory response following lower-and upper-body Wingate anaerobic test in elite gymnasts in relation to iron status.

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports disciplines, with the athletes demonstrating extremely high levels of explosive power and strength. Currently, knowledge of the effect of gymnastic training adaptation on exercise-induced inflammatory response is limited. The study aimed to evaluate inflammatory response following lower- and upper-body high-intensity exercise in relation to the iron status in gymnasts and non-athletes. Methods: Fourteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EAG, 20.6 ± 3.3 years old) and 14 physically active men (PAM, 19.9 ± 1.0 years old) participated in the study. Venous blood samples were taken before and 5 min and 60 min after two variants of Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), upper-body and lower-body WAnT. Basal iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin) and acute responses of selected inflammatory response markers [interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor α] were analysed. Results: EAG performed significantly better during upper-body WAnT than PAM regarding relative mean and peak power. The increase in IL-6 levels after upper-body WAnT was higher in EAG than in PAM; the opposite was observed after lower-body WAnT. IL-10 levels were higher in EAG than in PAM, and tumour necrosis factor α levels were higher in PAM than those in EAG only after lower-body WAnT. The changes in IL-10 correlated with baseline serum iron and ferritin in PAM. Discussion: Overall, gymnastic training is associated with the attenuation of iron-dependent post-exercise anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Iron status determined changes in health measures induced by nordic walking with time-restricted eating in older adults- a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study evaluated whether stored iron determines the adaptive response induced by Nordic walking (NW) training combined with 10 hours' time-restricted eating (TRE) in older adults. TRIAL DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four participants underwent 12-week NW training supported by 10 h of TRE. The group was divided due to baseline ferritin concentration low < 75 ng/ml (LF) and high level ≥ 75 ng/ml (HF). Body composition, physical fitness and blood collection were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: NW + TRE induced a statistically significant decrease in ferritin levels in all participants (p = 0.01). Additionally, statistically significant intergroup differences in the LF vs. HF in the reduction of serum ferritin levels (p = 0.04) were observed. The procedure NW + TRE diminished HbA1c levels (p < 0.01) and glucose in all participants (p = 0.05). The range of HbA1c drop was more pronounced among those participants who experienced a greater decrease in the stored iron (p = 0.04, [Formula: see text]=0.17, F=4.59). Greater changes in body weight and percent of body fat were recorded in the HF group (for both p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Body iron stores determine the effects of a 12-week NW + TRE intervention on serum ferritin. The changes in HbA1c are more pronounced in subjects with a higher decrease in serum ferritin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: All experimental protocols were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Regional Medical Society in Gdansk, Poland (NKBBN/330/2021) according to the Declaration of Helsinki. We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The trial was registered as a clinical trial (NCT05229835, date of first registration: 14/01/2022, direct link: https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT05229835 ). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation affects tryptophan metabolism during a 12-week endurance training in amateur runners: a randomized controlled trial.

The effects of long-term omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation during endurance training on tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and mental state of healthy individuals have not been evaluated so far. Concentrations of plasma Trp, its metabolites and IL-6 were assessed in 26 male runners before and after a 12-week training program combined with supplementation of n-3 PUFAs (O-3 + TRAIN group) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs; TRAIN group). After the 12-week program participants' mood before and after stress induction was also assessed. The effects of the same supplementation protocol were evaluated also in 14 inactive subjects (O-3 + SEDEN group). Concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and picolinic acid (PA) significantly increased only in the O-3 + TRAIN group (p = 0.01; [Formula: see text] = 0.22 and p = 0.01; [Formula: see text]= 0.26). Favorable, but not statistically significant changes in the concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.14), xanthurenic acid (XA) (p = 0.07; [Formula: see text]= 0.13) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.15) and in the ratio of neurotoxic to neuroprotective metabolites were seen also only in the O-3 + TRAIN group. No changes in mood and IL-6 concentrations were observed in either group. Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs during endurance training has beneficial effects on Trp's neuroprotective metabolites.Trial registry: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT05520437 (14/07/2021 first trial registration and 2018/31/N/NZ7/02962 second trial registration).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated disturbance of iron metabolism is blunted by swim training-role of AKT signaling pathway.

Swim training has increased the life span of the transgenic animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Conversely, the progress of the disease is associated with the impairment of iron metabolism and insulin signaling. We used transgenic hmSOD1 G93A (ALS model) and non-transgenic mice in the present study. The study was performed on the muscles taken from trained (ONSET and TERMINAL) and untrained animals at three stages of the disease: BEFORE, ONSET, and TERMINAL. In order to study the molecular mechanism of changes in iron metabolism, we used SH-SY5Y and C2C12 cell lines expression vector pcDNA3.1 and transiently transfected with specific siRNAs. The progress of ALS resulted in decreased P-Akt/Akt ratio, which is associated with increased proteins responsible for iron storage ferritin L, ferritin H, PCBP1, and skeletal muscle iron at ONSET. Conversely, proteins responsible for iron export- TAU significantly decrease. The training partially reverses changes in proteins responsible for iron metabolism. AKT silencing in the SH-SY5Y cell line decreased PCBP2 and ferroportin and increased ferritin L, H, PCBP1, TAU, transferrin receptor 1, and APP. Moreover, silencing APP led to an increase in ferritin L and H. Our data suggest that swim training in the mice ALS model is associated with significant changes in iron metabolism related to AKT activity. Down-regulation of AKT mainly upregulates proteins involved in iron import and storage but decreases proteins involved in iron export.

The Effect of a Six-Week Nordic Walking Training Cycle on Oxidative Damage of Macromolecules and Iron Metabolism in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Remission-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy originating from clonal plasma cell proliferation within the bone marrow, predominantly affecting older individuals. While anemia serves as a diagnostic criterion for MM, it often ameliorates upon achieving disease remission. Iron metabolism parameters have emerged as potential prognostic indicators in MM. Notably, physical exercise has been established to influence iron metabolism. This study aimed to assess alterations in serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin concentrations, as well as leukocyte gene expression, in MM patients undergoing a six-week cycle of Nordic walking training. Thirty patients divided into an exercise group (NW, n = 15, mean age 63.1 ± 8.4 years) and a control group (CG, n = 15, mean age: 63.5 ± 3.6 years) completed the study protocol. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after three and six weeks of training, and after nine weeks. Serum ferritin, transferrin, and iron concentrations were measured, along with the leukocyte expression of genes. Additionally, serum oxidative damage marker levels were determined. Following the Nordic walking training cycle, a declining trend in serum ferritin concentrations was observed. Intracellular mRNA levels of genes associated with iron metabolism were positively influenced by the training regimen, indicating the potential impact of this physical activity on gene expression and ferritin concentrations. Although positive trends were noted, extended training periods might be requisite for significant changes. To conclude, moderate-intensity exercise induces favorable shifts in the analyzed parameters among MM patients, potentially influencing disease progression. Consequently, Nordic walking training is a safe recommendation for MM patients, though sustained training beyond six weeks could be necessary for notable effects on iron metabolism factors.

Identification of Optimal Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Normalization for Physical Activity Intervention and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Humans.

The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique gives promising opportunities to detect and quantify RNA targets and is commonly used in many research fields. This study aimed to identify suitable reference genes for physical exercise and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation intervention. Forty healthy, physically active men were exposed to a 12-week eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation and standardized endurance training protocol. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention and mRNA levels of six potential reference genes were tested in the leukocytes of 18 eligible participants using the qRT-PCR method: GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), ACTB (Beta actin), TUBB (Tubulin Beta Class I), RPS18 (Ribosomal Protein S18), UBE2D2 (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 D2), and HPRT1 (Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase 1). The raw quantification cycle (Cq) values were then analyzed using RefFinder, an online tool that incorporates four different algorithms: NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and the comparative delta-Ct method. Delta-Ct, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder comprehensive ranking have found GAPDH to be the most stably expressed gene. geNorm has identified TUBB and HPRT as the most stable genes. All algorithms have found ACTB to be the least stably expressed gene. A combination of the three most stably expressed genes, namely GAPDH, TUBB, and HPRT, is suggested for obtaining the most reliable results.

Effect of Supplementation with Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extract on Inflammatory Status and Selected Markers of Iron Metabolism in Young Football Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.

The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements in amateur and professional sports has increased in the last decades. This is because most of these products and supplements contain bioactive compounds with a variety of biological properties that exert a physiological effect on the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of dietary supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hepcidin, and selected markers of iron metabolism in a group of young football players. This double-blind study included 22 male football players (mean = 19.96 ± 0.56), divided into two groups: supplemented and placebo. Before and after a 90-day period of training combined with supplementation (6 g of lyophilized black chokeberry extract), participants performed maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run tests at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation period, with blood sampled for analysis at different times before and after exercise. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ferritin, myoglobin, hepcidin, 8-OHdG, albumin, and TAC were analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of 90-day supplementation with the lyophilized extract on changes in the IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and TAC induced by maximal aerobic effort. In conclusion, supplementation with lyophilized black chokeberry extract improves the performance and antioxidant status of serum in humans and induces protective changes in inflammatory markers.

Differences in the Pro/Antioxidative Status and Cellular Stress Response in Elderly Women after 6 Weeks of Exercise Training Supported by 1000 mg of Vitamin C Supplementation.

Vitamin C supplementation and exercise influence pro/antioxidative status and the cellular stress response. We tested the effects of exercise training for 6 weeks, supported by 1000 mg of vitamin C supplementation in elderly women. Thirty-six women were divided into two groups: a control group (CON) (n = 18, age 69.4 ± 6.4 years, 70.4 ±10.4 kg body mass) and a supplemented group (SUPP) (n = 18, aged 67.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass 71.46 ± 5.39 kg). Blood samples were taken twice (at baseline and 24 h after the whole period of training), in order to determine vitamin C concentration, the total oxidative status/capacity (TOS/TOC), total antioxidant status/capacity (TAS/TAC), and gene expression associated with cellular stress response: encoding heat shock factor (HSF1), heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A), heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We observed a significant increase in TOS/TOC, TAS/TAC, and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in the SUPP group. There was a significant decrease in HSPA1A in the CON group and a different tendency in the expression of HSF1 and TNF-α between groups. In conclusion, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the pro-oxidation in elderly women with a normal plasma vitamin C concentration and influenced minor changes in training adaptation gene expression.

Bariatric Surgery Induced Changes in Blood Cholesterol Are Modulated by Vitamin D Status.

The effect of metabolically active bariatric surgery treatment on lipid metabolism is inconclusive. The authors of this study presume that initial vitamin D status may play a regulating role in influencing the beneficial post-effects of bariatric surgery, especially the lipid profile. The biochemical data obtained from 24 patients who had undergone laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) at baseline, 3 months before the surgery, at the time of surgery, and 6 months later, demonstrate that vitamin D status influenced the postoperative lipid profile. The baseline established the partition line which divided patients into two groups according to the stated calcidiol initial concentration level of 32 ng/mL. The data shows that OAGB induces a decrease in TG and hsCRP while increasing HDL. Conversely, in patients whose 25(OH)D3 was below 32 ng/mL TC significantly increased while those above this concentration remained in the normal physiological range. The changes induced by OAGB in TG, glucose, and hsCRP were similar in both groups. Unexpectedly, the surgery did not affect vitamin D metabolites. In conclusion, the results of the study suggest that a higher concentration of serum 25(OH)D3 may enhance the protective effects of OAGB.

Planned Physical Workload in Young Tennis Players Induces Changes in Iron Indicator Levels but Does Not Cause Overreaching.

The current study aimed to examine the impact of the training load of two different training camps on the immunological response in tennis players, including their iron metabolism. Highly ranked Polish tennis players, between the ages of 12 and 14 years, participated in two training camps that were aimed at physical conditioning and at improving technical skills. At baseline and after each camp, blood samples were analyzed, and the fatigue was assessed. The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory indicators, iron, and hepcidin were determined. The levels of the heat shock proteins, (Hsp) 27 and 70, were also measured. All the effects were evaluated using magnitude-based inference. Although the training camps had different objectives, the physiological responses of the participants were similar. The applied programs induced a significant drop in the iron and hepcidin levels (a small-to-very-large effect) and enhanced the anti-inflammatory response. The tumor necrosis factor α levels were elevated at the beginning of each camp but were decreased towards the end, despite the training intensity being medium/high. The changes were more pronounced in the female players compared to the male players. Altogether, the results suggest that low-grade inflammation in young tennis athletes may be attenuated in response to adequately designed training. To this end, the applied physical workload with a controlled diet and rest-controlled serum iron levels could be the marker of well-designed training.

Different Changes in Adipokines, Lipid Profile, and TNF-Alpha Levels between 10 and 20 Whole Body Cryostimulation Sessions in Individuals with I and II Degrees of Obesity.

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. While cold therapy influences the pro/antioxidative status of an individual, by affecting adipokine levels and the lipid profile, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the response to cold exposure is unclear. We analyzed the link between BMI and the differences in effects of whole-body stimulation, depending on the number of treatments, on specific physiological parameters in men. Twenty-seven non-active men were divided into three groups: N (n = 9, BMI < 24.9), IOb (n = 9, BMI 30.0-34.9), and IIOb (BMI ≥ 35.0). The subjects participated in 20 3-min cryochamber sessions (-120 °C), 1/day, 5 days/week. Body composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Blood adiponectin (ADP), leptin (LEP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and the lipid profile were analyzed three times: at baseline and up to 2 h after 10 and 20 sessions. The 20 treatments caused significant changes in body composition. Between 10 and 20 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions, a significant decreased was observed in the LEP and TNF-alpha levels. No significant changes in the lipid profile were noted. However, a positive tendency to regain the metabolic balance in adipose tissue was apparent in the IOb group in the tested period (decreased TG levels, increased HDL levels or the HDL/LDL ratio, and significantly decreased visceral adiposity index levels). Collectively, for people with obesity increasing the number of treatments above the standard 10 should be recommended.

Erythropoietin Concentration in Boys With p.His63Asp Polymorphism of the HFE Gene.

The molecular mechanism that regulates iron homeostasis is based on a network of signals, which reflect on the iron requirements of the body. HFE-related hemochromatosis is characterized by excessive intestinal absorption of dietary iron, in particular cases resulting in pathologically high iron storage in tissues and organs. During childhood, HFE gene homozygosity or heterozygosity manifests exclusively in the form of biochemical abnormalities. Because of their mutual link, bioavailable iron and endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) are indispensable for effective erythropoiesis. We analyzed the impact of p.(His63Asp) polymorphism of the HFE gene on erythropoiesis taking into consideration endogenous EPO production in the developmental age. In the study we performed, we observed a significant, strong and negative correlation between the concentration of EPO, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count. A negative trend was also noted on the impact of iron concentration and transferrin saturation on EPO production. In conclusion, this preliminary study demonstrates an impaired impact of endogenous EPO on erythropoiesis in the presence of increased iron content in carriers of p.(His63Asp) (heterozygotes) variant of the HFE gene in developmental age.

Swim training affects Akt signaling and ameliorates loss of skeletal muscle mass in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

We tested the hypothesis that swim training reverses the impairment of Akt/FOXO3a signaling, ameliorating muscle atrophy in ALS mice. Transgenic male mice B6SJL-Tg (SOD1G93A) 1Gur/J were used as the ALS model (n = 35), with wild-type B6SJL (WT) mice as controls (n = 7). ALS mice were analyzed before ALS onset, at ALS onset, and at terminal ALS. Levels of insulin/Akt signaling pathway proteins were determined, and the body and tibialis anterior muscle mass and plasma creatine kinase. Significantly increased levels of FOXO3a in ALS groups (from about 13 to 21-fold) compared to WT mice were observed. MuRF1 levels in the ONSET untrained group (12.0 ± 1.7 AU) were significantly higher than in WT mice (1.12 ± 0.2 AU) and in the BEFORE ALS group (3.7 ± 0.9 AU). This was associated with body mass and skeletal muscle mass reduction. Swim training significantly ameliorated the reduction of skeletal muscle mass in both TERMINAL groups (p < 0.001) and partially reversed changes in the levels of Akt signaling pathway proteins. These findings shed light on the swimming-induced attenuation of skeletal muscle atrophy in ALS with possible practical implications for anti-cachexia approaches.

Effect of 8-Day Fasting on Leukocytes Expression of Genes and Proteins Involved in Iron Metabolism in Healthy Men.

The popularity of fasting and restricted food intake is increasing. While the body's adaptability to dietary insufficiency is crucial for health, molecular mechanisms of adaptive changes are not well understood. Here, we compared the effects of fasting and exercise on the expression of leukocyte genes and proteins involved in the storage, export, and acquisition of iron, an essential element with physiological roles. Healthy men participated in the study (age, 30-70 years; body weight, 60-100 kg; body mass index, 20-29.9 kg/m2). The participants performed an exercise test with a gradually increasing intensity until the individual maximum exercise capacity was reached, before and after 8-d fast. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 h after exercise. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein levels were analyzed by immunobloting. Eight days of total starvation diet affected the body composition and decreased exercise capacity. Further, fasting decreased the expression of genes associated with iron storage and export, and increased the expression of genes involved in iron acquisition. Conversely, only PCBP2 protein increased after fasting; however, an upward trend was apparent for all proteins. In conclusion, the body adapts to starvation by adjusting iron economy.

Serum levels of bone formation and resorption markers in relation to vitamin D status in professional gymnastics and physically active men during upper and lower body high-intensity exercise.

PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: To compare serum levels of bone turnover markers in athletes and non-athletes, and to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and exercise-induced changes in biomarker levels. METHODS: Sixteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EG; 21.4 ± 0.8 years-old) and 16 physically active men (the control group, PAM; 20.9 ± 1.2 years-old) performed lower and upper body 30-s Wingate anaerobic tests (LBWT and UBWT, respectively). For biomarker analysis, blood samples were collected before, and 5 and 30 min after exercise. Samples for vitamin D levels were collected before exercise. N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) was analysed as a marker of bone formation. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was analysed as a marker of bone resorption. RESULTS: UBWT fitness readings were better in the EG group than in the PAM group, with no difference in LBWT readings between the groups. UBWT mean power was 8.8% higher in subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels over 22.50 ng/ml and in those with 24,25(OH)2D3 levels over 1.27 ng/ml. Serum CTX levels increased after both tests in the PAM group, with no change in the EG group. PINP levels did not change in either group; however, in PAM subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels above the median, they were higher than those in EG subjects. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D metabolites affect the anaerobic performance and bone turnover markers at rest and after exercise. Further, adaptation to physical activity modulates the effect of anaerobic exercise on bone metabolism markers.

Effect of six weeks 1000 mg/day vitamin C supplementation and healthy training in elderly women on genes expression associated with the immune response - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation and exercise on the expression of genes associated with inflammation like CCL2, CRP, IL1, IL6, IL10 mRNA in elderly women. METHODS: Twenty four participants divided randomly into two groups were subjected to 6 weeks of the same health training program (three times per week). SUP group (supplemented, n = 12, mean age 72.8 ± 5.26 years and mean body mass 68.1 ± 8.3 kg) received 1000 mg of Vitamin C/day during the training period, while CON group (control, n = 12, mean age 72.4 ± 5.5 years and body mass 67.7 ± 7.5 kg) received placebo. RESULTS: No significant changes in IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP mRNA were observed within and between groups. However, there was a clear tendency of a decrease in IL-6 (two-way ANOVA, significant between investigated time points) and an increase in IL-10 mRNA noted in the supplemented group. A significant decrease in CCL2 mRNA was observed only in the CON group (from 2^0.2 to 2^0.1, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded, that 6 weeks of supplementation and exercise was too short to obtain significant changes in gene expression in leukocytes, but supplementation of 1000 mg vitamin C positively affected IL-6 and IL-10 expression - which are key changes in the adaptation to training. However, changes in body mass, IL1 and CCL2 were positive in CON group. It is possible that Vitamin C during 6 weeks of supplementation could have different effects on the expression of individual genes involved in the immune response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Homocysteine-induced decrease in HUVEC cells' resistance to oxidative stress is mediated by Akt-dependent changes in iron metabolism.

PURPOSE: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and also promotes neuronal death in various neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence that iron can mediate homocysteine (Hcy) toxicity. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Hcy on iron metabolism in HUVEC and SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS: HUVEC and SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 3 mM Hcy for a defined time. RESULTS: We demonstrate that Hcy induced the upregulation of ferritins type L and H in HUVEC cells in a time-dependent manner and had no effect on the ferritins in SH-SY5Y cells. The change in ferritin expression was preceded by a significant decrease in the cellular level of the active form of Akt kinase in HUVEC but not in SH-SY5Y cells. An increase in ferritin L and H protein levels was observed in the Akt1, Akt2, Akt3 siRNA transfected cells, while in the cells transfected with FOXO3a siRNA, a decrease in both ferritins levels was noticed. Moreover, in the HUVEC cells treated with Hcy for 6 days, the active form of kinase Akt returned to the control level and it was accompanied by a drop in ferritin L and H protein levels. Cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide significantly increased in HUVEC cells pre-treated with Hcy for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that Hcy induces an increase in cellular ferritin level, and the process is mediated by alterations in Akt-FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Immunological Response and Match Performance of Professional Tennis Players of Different Age Groups During a Competitive Season.

ABSTRACT: Kozlowska, M, Zurek, P, Rodziewicz, E, Góral, K, Zmijewski, P, Lipinska, P, Laskowski, R, Walentukiewicz, AK, Antosiewicz, J, and Ziemann, E. Immunological response and match performance of professional tennis players of different age groups during a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2255-2262, 2021-We aimed to investigate the effect of physical workloads on immunological response, match performance, and iron metabolism in professional tennis players of different age groups throughout the tournament season and to determine the interdependence of vitamin D status and inflammation. Thirty-eight young, male tennis players with a top national ranking (1-25) participated in this study and were assigned to the following age groups: cadets (CG), juniors (JG), and seniors (SG). Blood samples were collected at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the tournament season to assess the proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), anti-inflammatory myokines (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-10), heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP27), iron metabolism markers, and vitamin D concentrations. The total number of matches (won and lost) at the national and international events was recorded. The IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations significantly increased across all groups in the middle and end of the tournament season (effect large and very likely). The TNF-α concentration was elevated at the end of the season in CG and SG. The increase in TNF-α concentration corresponded with an increase in hepcidin concentration in these groups. The significant increase in HSP27 concentration was only noticed in SG with normal vitamin D concentrations. In JG and SG, a mild seasonal increase in vitamin D concentration was noted, but still it was insufficient. The immunological response was not affected by the number of tennis matches; however, the anti-inflammatory effect was regulated by higher concentrations of vitamin D. Unexpectedly, most tennis players had vitamin D deficiency. Iron status remained unchanged.