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

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

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

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

Effects of exercise training on hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant status in aged rats.

This study investigated the effects of exercise training on oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense markers in the liver tissues of young and aged rats. Two age groups of 4-(young) and 20-months-(aged) old male Wistar rats were performed exercise training program consisted of swimming exercise for 8 weeks. The biomarkers of pro/antioxidant status malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed by commercially available kits. PC levels were higher in the untrained aged rats compared to the young groups and exercise training decreased PC levels (p < 0.05). 8-OHdG levels were higher in the aged groups (p < 0.05). MDA and GSH levels and SOD activity did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). The present findings indicate that exercise training prevents aging-induced hepatic oxidative damage especially in the proteins.

Circulating levels of leptin, nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin in postmenopausal obese women.

The roles of leptin, nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin in the regulation of food intake and/or reproduction are well known; however, the interactions between these hormones remain unclear, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the roles of leptin, nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin in pre- and postmenopausal obese and non-obese women. The study included 83 women who were divided into four groups based on menopausal status and body mass index. The leptin level was significantly higher in the obese women than in the non-obese women (p < 0.05), but did not differ significantly between pre- and postmenopausal women (p > 0.05). The nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin-1 levels did not differ significantly between any of the study groups (p > 0.05). The present findings show that nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin levels are not affected by obesity or menopausal status.

Effects of grape seed extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male rats were divided into the following four groups: control, GSE-supplemented control, diabetic, and GSE-supplemented diabetic. Beginning on day 7 after STZ injection, the rats were administered GSE (100 mg kg(-1) day(-1) in drinking water for 6 weeks. At the end of week 6, rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels and xanthine oxidase (XO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were analyzed. RESULTS: Both XO and ADA activities increased and NO levels decreased in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). GSE supplementation normalized all of these changes. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in diabetic rats compared to the controls (P < 0.05). GSE supplementation increased antioxidant enzyme activities in both diabetic and healthy rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that 6 weeks of oral GSE supplementation may prevent oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive functions in aged female rats: the role of oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on cognitive functions as well as oxidative stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in aged female rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups according to age (young vs. aged) and treatment (GBE vs. vehicle). GBE or vehicle was given for 30 d, and a series of behavioral tests were performed. Following behavioral testing, blood samples and brain tissues were obtained for analysis of BDNF, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and glutathione levels, and superoxide dismutase activity. Locomotor activity and anxiety levels were lower in the aged rats. Based on Morris water maze probe trial findings, GBE supplementation increased the number of platform crossings in the aged rats. MDA and 8-OHdG levels were lower in the brain tissue, and BDNF levels were higher in plasma in the rates treated with GBE. Based on these findings, we concluded that GBE supplementation improved cognitive functions by decreasing oxidative damage and increasing the BDNF level in aged female rats.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxidative stress and anti-oxidant status in diabetic rat liver: effect of plant polyphenols.

Increased evidence in role of oxidative stress and grape seed extract (GSE) in diabetes and its complication led us to investigate the changes of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defence in liver tissue of diabetic rats and possible effects of GSE. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Seven days after STZ injection four groups were formed: Control, GSE-supplemented control, diabetic and GSE-supplemented diabetic and GSE was given for 6 weeks. Malondialdehyde levels and xanthine oxidase activities were not different among the groups. However, nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in diabetic and GSE supplemented groups compared with non-diabetic and non-supplemented groups, respectively. Total anti-oxidant activity (TAA) was lower in diabetic groups compared with their non-diabetic controls and it was not affected by GSE. In conclusion, GSE supplementation has limited protective effect in liver tissue of diabetic rats via affecting NO levels and was not affecting TAA.

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

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

Serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin levels in psoriatic patients treated with cyclosporin.

Cyclosporin has various effects on adipose tissue and glucose metabolism. This situation may lead to changes in serum levels of adipocyte-derived cytokines which have influence on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclosporin treatment on some adipocyte-derived cytokines in psoriatic patients. This case-control study was performed between June 2009 and March 2010, at the Department of Dermatology of Meram School of Medicine. Serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin levels were assessed in 26 patients with psoriasis before and after cyclosporin treatment and body mass index-matched 26 healthy control subjects. The adipokines levels were compared between the groups. Serum leptin, ghrelin, resistin and adiponectin levels in patients with psoriasis before the treatment were higher than those of the control group but the differences were not statistically significant. A positive correlation between serum leptin and family history of psoriasis was detected (r = 0.398, P = 0.044). A strong negative correlation between the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and serum ghrelin levels was seen (r = -0.52, P = 0.001) and there was a strong positive correlation between the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index and serum resistin levels (r = 0.62, P = 0.001). Following the treatment, a significant increase was seen in the serum level of adiponectin (P = 0.02) and resistin (P = 0.003). The correlations between the adipokines and the disease parameters before the treatment were lost after the treatment. Our results suggest that levels of some adipocyte-derived cytokines in psoriatic patients are affected by cyclosporin treatment.

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

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

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma adiponectin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in men.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF )-alpha levels in sedentary men. Fourteen healthy, nonsmoking, sedentary men participated in the study. The protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of our institution. This study was a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Blood samples were collected from all participants before coenzyme Q10 or placebo supplementation. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups. Seven participants received oral coenzyme Q10 (100 mg/day) supplementation, and seven participants received placebo (glucose) for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, a second blood sampling was performed. After a 4-week washout period, placebo was given to the participants who used coenzyme Q10 the first time, and vice versa, and blood sampling was repeated. Plasma was stored at -80 degrees C until the time of analysis for adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Both CoQ10 and placebo supplementation did not affect plasma adiponectin and TNF-alpha levels. IL-6 level increased with coenzyme Q10 supplementation, but this increase did not differ from that seen with placebo supplementation. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation did not affect plasma adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels in sedentary men.

Changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity during walking and running of the same and different intensities.

The aim was to investigate the changes in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and muscle damage in the same and different exercise intensities during walking and running. Fourteen healthy males participated in this study. The subjects' individual preferred walk-to-run transition speeds (WRTS) were determined. Each subject covered a 1.5-mile distance for 4 exercise tests; walking (WRTS-W) and running (WRTS-R) tests at WRTS, 2 kmxh-1 slower walking than WRTS (WRTS-2) and 2 kmxh-1 faster running than WRTS (WRTS+2). Blood samples were taken pre, immediately, and 30 minutes post each test. The changes in (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and creatine kinase activities were measured. Oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, oxygen uptake per kilogram of body weight, and heart rate during exercises were significantly higher in both the WRTS-W and the WRTS+2 exercises compared with the WRTS-2 and WRTS-R. Oxygen consumption and energy expenditure were higher in walking than in the running exercise at the preferred WRTS and only WRTS-W exercise significantly increased MDA levels. Catalase activities were increased by WRTS-W, WRTS-R, and WRTS+2 exercises. Changes in SOD and CAT activities were not different between walking and running exercises at the preferred WRTS. Total plasma GSH increased in response to WRTS-W exercise, which could be associated with an increase in MDA. Also, total GSH levels 30 minutes postexercise were significantly lower than postexercise in WRTS-2, WRTS-W, and WRTS+2 exercises. Our results indicate that walking and running exercises at the preferred WRTS have different oxidative stress and antioxidant responses.

Determination of the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the percentages of peripheral blood leukocytes and histology of lymphoid organs of the mouse.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of very weak, extremely low frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on the relative spleen weight, lymphoid organ histology, peripheral blood leukocyte and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase positive (ANAE- positive) lymphocyte percentages of the mouse. METHODS: The study was carried out in Scientific Research and Application Center of Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey in 2005. A total of 120 Swiss albino mice were divided into 6 groups (20 in each group). The experimental animals were exposed to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 microT flux intensities (rms) of EMF at 50 Hz for 40 days. RESULTS: In the exposure groups with 20 animals, the body weight (BW) increased gradually in higher field intensities and reached at peak level in the 4 microT, and then slightly decreased. The relative spleen weight (% of the BW) was not affected. The ELF-EMF treatment did not cause any significant change in lymphocyte, monocyte and ANAE-positive lymphocyte ratios, whereas percentages of neutrophils and basophiles changed non-linearly. Any change in the lymphoid organ histology, which is attributable to the field effect, was not observed in the exposure groups. CONCLUSION: Extremely low frequency-EMF exposure with the flux intensities between 1-5 microT for 40 days did not cause any effect on the relative spleen weight, lymphoid organ histology, leukocyte and ANAE-positive lymphocyte percentages of the mouse.

Comparison of the effects of two antidepressants on exercise performance of the female patients with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two antidepressants on exercise performance of the female patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Fifteen patients with fibromyalgia participated in this randomized, double-blind crossover study composed of two trials separated by a 2-week washout phase. The pharmacy randomly assigned patients to two groups: (a) placebo (glucose) in the morning and 25 mg amitriptyline at bedtime or (b) 20 mg fluoxetine in the morning and placebo at bedtime. The VO(2max) and Wingate anaerobic test were evaluated. Within 24 h after 15-day medication, the tests were repeated. RESULTS: Peak power and fatigue index increased, and VO(2max) and VT did not change with both fluoxetine and amitriptyline. Mean power significantly increased after fluoxetine but not after amitriptyline. CONCLUSION: Both amitriptyline administration and fluoxetine administration in patients with fibromyalgia have beneficial effects on anaerobic performance. These effects may be important in life quality of the female patients with fibromyalgia.

Serum leptin concentration and anaerobic performance do not change during the menstrual cycle of young females.

OBJECTIVES: It was aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the leptin levels and short term exercise performance during the menstrual cycle of the young females who had normal menstrual cycle and no pregnancy story. SETTING AND DESIGN: Fifteen sedentary females aged 19-23 yrs were included. All had regular menstrual cycle of 28-30 days and no pregnancy story. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of serum estradiol, progesterone and leptin levels and Wingate test was applied on a Monark 818E ergometer with 75 g/kg load on the 7th, 14th and 21st cycle days, randomly. RESULTS: The differences in serum leptin levels and peak power, mean power and fatigue index during these days and the correlations between serum leptin and FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone levels were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that performance in a short intense exercise which require high motivation is not affected by menstrual cycle and in young females with normal menstrual cycle, serum leptin concentration does not change during the cycle. Further studies constituting more standard groups, controlling food intake, timing the blood sampling, studying more days of menstrual cycle will help to obtain more accurate results.