Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ampelopsis grossedentata Leaf Extract as an Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agent in Human Immune Cells.

Inflammation is a vital protective response to threats, but it can turn harmful if chronic and uncontrolled. Key elements involve pro-inflammatory cells and signaling pathways, including the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Ampelopsis grossedentata, or vine tea, contains dihydromyricetin (DHM) and myricetin, which are known for their various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of an extract of A. grossedentata leaves (50 µg/mL) on inflammation factors such as inflammasome, pro-inflammatory pathways, and macrophage polarization, as well as its antioxidant properties, with a view to combating the development of low-grade inflammation. Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (APG) significantly decreased ROS production and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-12, IL-2, and IL-17a) in human leukocytes. In addition, APG reduced LPS/IFNγ -induced M1-like macrophage polarization, resulting in a significant decrease in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, along with a decrease in the percentage of M1 macrophages and an increase in M0 macrophages. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and in the expression of inflammasome genes (NLRP3, IL-1ß and Caspase 1) was observed. The results suggest that Ampelopsis grossedentata could be a promising option for managing inflammation-related chronic diseases. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and administration methods.

In vitro, ex vivo and clinical approaches to evaluate the potential effect of Gentiana lutea extract on skin.

BACKGROUND: Dark circles affect subjects of all ages and in all skin types. They can be treated by various methods, particular by topical solutions. This investigation was directed towards exploring the effect of gentiopicroside (GP) on the skin around the eyes. For this, an extract of Gentiana lutea (GIE) containing GP (65% by dry matter) was evaluated on oxidant and angiogenesis parameters using in vitro and ex-vivo studies. A clinical experimentation was also realized. METHODS: The effect of GIE at different concentrations on antioxidant gene was evaluated in vitro by RT-qPCR after treatment of NHDF. The effect of 2.93 µg mL-1 GIE on the release of VEGF-A and VEGF-C by NHDF was also studied. The effect of 87.9 µg mL-1 GIE was also evaluated on pseudotube formation in a coculture system of normal dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-d)-NHDF stimulated or not with VEGF as pro-angiogenic factor. Prior to these assays, preliminary cytotoxicity assays were performed using a standard WST-8 reduction assay. The expressions of carboxymethyl-lysine and glyoxalase-1 were quantified on skin explants topically treated with 147 µg mL-1 GIE in basal and UVA-irradiated conditions. A clinical study was conducted in 22 subjects using topical twice daily for 14 days on eye area (split-face application: cream containing 147 µg mL-1 GIE versus placebo). 3D image acquisition and skin colour measurement were performed at D0 and D14. RESULTS: Treatment of GIE upregulated the gene expression of NFE2L2 and downregulated the expression of CXCL8. GIE targeted AGEs pathways and reduced the formation of pseudotubes. A total of 147 µg mL-1 GIE gel cream significantly reduced significantly the average roughness and relief of the upper eyelid skin as well as the redness of dark circles after 14 days of application. CONCLUSION: By acting on the pathway of AGEs, VEGF-A and VEFG-C, GIE seems to allow a rejuvenation of the skin resulting, among others, in a decrease in redness. It now would be interesting to evaluate the efficacy of GIE on skin around eyes microbiota, antibacterial gentiopicroside property being well-established.

CONTEXTE: Le contour des yeux est une zone sensible. Les cernes affectent les sujets de tout âge et de tout type de peau. Différentes solutions peuvent être proposées, dont les solutions topiques. Cette étude visait a explorer l'effet d'un extrait de Gentiana lutea (GIE) riche en gentiopicroside (65% de matière sèche) sur des paramètres d'oxydation et d'angiogenèse au moyen d'études in vitro et ex-vivo. Une expérimentation clinique a également été réalisée. MÉTHODES: L'effet du GIE a différentes concentrations sur des gènes antioxydants a été évalué in vitro par RT-qPCR après traitement de fibroblastes (NHDF). L'effet de 2.93 µg mL−1 GIE sur la libération de VEGF-A et VEGF-C a également été étudié. Il en est de même pour l'effet de 87.9 µg g mL−1 GIE sur la formation de pseudotubes qui a été évalué dans un système de co-culture de cellules endothéliales (HMVEC-d)- NHDF stimulées ou non avec du VEGF comme facteur pro-angiogénique. Les expressions de la carboxymethyl-lysine et de la glyoxalase-1 ont été quantifiées sur des explants cutanés traites par voie topique avec 147 µg g mL−1 GIE dans des conditions basales et irradiées par UVA. Une étude clinique a été menée sur vingt-deux sujets en utilisant un traitement topique deux fois par jour pendant 14 jours sur le contour des yeux (crème contenant 147 µg g mL−1 GIE contre placebo). L'acquisition d'images 3D et la mesure de la couleur de la peau ont été réalisées a J0 et J14. RÉSULTATS: Le traitement par GIE a augmenté l'expression génétique de NFE2L2 et diminue l'expression de CXCL8. GIE a cible les voies des AGEs et a réduit la formation de pseudotubes. 147 µg g mL−1 GIE gel crème a significativement réduit la rugosité moyenne et le relief de la peau de la paupière supérieure ainsi que la rougeur des cernes après 14 jours d'application. CONCLUSION: En agissant sur la voie des AGEs, du VEGF-A et du VEFG-C, GIE semble permettre un rajeunissement de la peau se traduisant, entre autres, par une diminution des rougeurs. Il serait maintenant intéressant d'évaluer l'efficacité du GIE sur le microbiote de la peau du contour des yeux, la propriété antibactérienne du gentiopicroside étant bien établie.

Alternative in vitro models used in the main safety tests of cosmetic products and new challenges.

BACKGROUND: Guided by ethical considerations and regulatory requirements such as the 7th Amendment to the European Cosmetics Directive N° 1223/2009, the cosmetic industry has developed and evaluated alternative test strategies such as in vitro assays, in silico approaches for toxicological endpoints and efficacy of cosmetic products and cosmetics ingredients. In consequence, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) has proposed a list of validated cell-based in vitro models for predicting the safety and toxicity of cosmetic ingredients. These models have been demonstrated as valuable and effective tools to overcome the limitations of animal in vivo studies. For example, 3D human skin equivalent models are used to evaluate skin irritation potential; and excised human skin is used as the gold standard for the evaluation of dermal absorption. OBJECTIVE: This review presents, in relation to the regulatory requirements, the main alternative in vitro models used in the safety tests of cosmetic products, focusing on skin sensitization, skin corrosion, skin irritation and skin absorption, with advantages and limitations of each model. Recent innovative 3D cell technologies such as Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) models that can bring significant improvements for toxicology and efficacy testing are also presented. CONCLUSION: The development of OoC technology is promising for assessing the toxicity of substances contained in cosmetics, particularly for repeated dose toxicity, for which no alternative in vitro methods are currently available. Nevertheless, aside from the challenges, the technology needs to be validated and accepted by regulatory organizations as an effective method. Collaboration between researchers, regulatory organizations and industry would be required to achieve this validation.

CONTEXTE: Guidée par des considérations éthiques et des exigences réglementaires telles que le 7e amendement à la directive européenne sur les cosmétiques N° 1223/2009, l'industrie cosmétique a développé et évalué des stratégies de test alternatives telles que des tests in vitro, des approches in silico pour les paramètres toxicologiques et l'efficacité des produits cosmétiques et ingrédients cosmétiques. En conséquence, le Centre Européen pour la Validation des Méthodes Alternatives (ECVAM) a proposé une liste de modèles cellulaires in vitro validés pour prédire la sécurité et la toxicité des ingrédients cosmétiques. Ces modèles ont été démontrés comme des outils précieux et efficaces pour surmonter les limites des études animales in vivo. Par exemple, des modèles équivalents de peau humaine 3D sont utilisés pour évaluer le potentiel d'irritation de la peau; et la peau humaine excisée est utilisée comme « gold standard ¼ pour l'évaluation de l'absorption cutanée. OBJECTIF: Cette revue présente, en lien avec les exigences réglementaires, les principaux modèles alternatifs in vitro utilisés dans les tests de sécurité des produits cosmétiques, en se concentrant sur la sensibilisation, la corrosion, l'irritation et l'absorption cutanée, avec les avantages et les limites de chaque modèle. Des technologies cellulaires 3D innovantes récentes telles que les modèles Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) qui peuvent apporter des améliorations significatives pour la toxicologie et les tests d'efficacité sont également présentées. CONCLUSION: Le développement de la technologie OoC est prometteur pour évaluer la toxicité des substances contenues dans les cosmétiques, en particulier pour la toxicité à doses répétées, pour laquelle aucune méthode alternative in vitro n'est actuellement disponible. Néanmoins, outre les défis, la technologie doit être validée et acceptée par les organismes régulateurs comme une méthode efficace. Une collaboration entre les chercheurs, les organismes régulateurs et l'industrie serait nécessaire pour parvenir à cette validation.

Taurine supplementation reduces myeloperoxidase and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 levels and improves the effects of exercise in cognition and physical fitness in older women.

Immunosenescence contributes to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, and those conditions could be attenuated by non-pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies, such as exercise and supplementation with the amino acid taurine. Since taurine body content decreases with aging, we investigated the effects of supplementation (alone and combined with exercise) on oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, white blood cells, neurotrophins, cognition and physical fitness of elderly women. Forty-eight women (83.58 ± 6.98 years) were enrolled into exercise training only (EO: n = 13), taurine supplementation (TS: n = 12), exercise training + taurine supplementation (ETTS: n = 11), and control group (CG: n = 12). All interventions lasted 14 weeks. Exercise was applied twice a week, and taurine was given once a day (1.5 g). Data collection occurred before and after interventions with the determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, and white blood cell counts (WBC). Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and physical fitness tests were also evaluated. Concentration of MPO and MMP-9 decreased after intervention in TS (p < 0.05). No effect of time or time × group was observed for WBC parameters; however, univariate analysis showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes for TS, while an increase in monocytes occurred in the CG (p < 0.05). MoCA scores decreased over time in the CG (p < 0.05). Improvements in physical fitness occurred in ETTS (better agility and aerobic capacity), mostly likely due to exercise and boosted by taurine supplementation. No changes in BDNF levels were observed (p > 0.05), while NGF concentration were undetectable in almost subjects. Exercise together with taurine supplementation appears to be a valuable strategy to enhance health-related outcomes in older persons.

Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.

Feature-Based Molecular Networks Identification of Bioactive Metabolites from Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia Targeting the Dermal Papilla Cells of the Hair Cycle.

The term cosmetopoeia refers to the use of plants in folks' cosmetics. The aerial parts of Bidens pilosa L., the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum L. and the fruits of Fagraea berteroana A.Gray ex Benth are traditionally used in French Polynesia for hair and skin care. During the hair cycle, dermal papilla cells and their interaction with epithelial cells are essential to promote hair follicle elongation. The aim of our investigations was the identification of metabolites from these three plants and chemical families responsible for their hair growth activity. A bioactivity-based molecular network was produced by mapping the correlation between features obtained from LC-MS/MS data and dermal papilla cell proliferation, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The analyses pointed out glycosylated flavonols and phenolic acids from B. pilosa and C. inophyllum, along with C-flavonoids, iridoids and secoiridoids from F. berteroana, as potential bioactive molecules involved in the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Our results highlight the metabolites of the plant species potentially involved in the induction of hair follicle growth and support the traditional uses of these plants in hair care.

Characterisation of microbiota in saliva, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, non-malignant, peritumoural and tumour tissue in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a cross-sectional clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: While well-characterised on its molecular base, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its interaction with local microbiota remains scarcely explored. Moreover, current studies vary in source of lung microbiota, from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) to tissue, introducing potentially differing results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide detailed characterisation of the oral and multi-source lung microbiota of direct interest in lung cancer research. Since lung tumours in lower lobes (LL) have been associated with decreased survival, characteristics of the microbiota in upper (UL) and lower tumour lobes have also been examined. METHODS: Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology, we analysed microbiota in saliva, BAL (obtained directly on excised lobe), non-malignant, peritumoural and tumour tissue from 18 NSCLC patients eligible for surgical treatment. Detailed taxonomy, diversity and core members were provided for each microbiota, with analysis of differential abundance on all taxonomical levels (zero-inflated binomial general linear model with Benjamini-Hochberg correction), between samples and lobe locations. RESULTS: Diversity and differential abundance analysis showed clear separation of oral and lung microbiota, but more importantly, of BAL and lung tissue microbiota. Phylum Proteobacteria dominated tissue samples, while Firmicutes was more abundant in BAL and saliva (with class Clostridia and Bacilli, respectively). However, all samples showed increased abundance of phylum Firmicutes in LL, with decrease in Proteobacteria. Also, clades Actinobacteria and Flavobacteriia showed inverse abundance between BAL and extratumoural tissues depending on the lobe location. While tumour microbiota seemed the least affected by location, peritumoural tissue showed the highest susceptibility with markedly increased similarity to BAL microbiota in UL. Differences between the three lung tissues were however very limited. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that BAL harbours unique lung microbiota and emphasise the importance of the sample choice for lung microbiota analysis. Further, limited differences between the tissues indicate that different local tumour-related factors, such as tumour type, stage or associated immunity, might be the ones responsible for microbiota-shaping effect. Finally, the "shift" towards Firmicutes in LL might be a sign of increased pathogenicity, as suggested in similar malignancies, and connected to worse prognosis of the LL tumours. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03068663. Registered February 27, 2017.

Microbiota: a novel regulator of pain.

Among the various regulators of the nervous system, the gut microbiota has been recently described to have the potential to modulate neuronal cells activation. While bacteria-derived products can induce aversive responses and influence pain perception, recent work suggests that "abnormal" microbiota is associated with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we review how the gut microbiota modulates afferent sensory neurons function and pain, highlighting the role of the microbiota/gut/brain axis in the control of behaviors and neurological diseases. We outline the changes in gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, and their influence on painful gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, both direct host/microbiota interaction that implicates activation of "pain-sensing" neurons by metabolites, or indirect communication via immune activation is discussed. Finally, treatment options targeting the gut microbiota, including pre- or probiotics, will be proposed. Further studies on microbiota/nervous system interaction should lead to the identification of novel microbial ligands and host receptor-targeted drugs, which could ultimately improve chronic pain management and well-being.

Hair Growth Activity of Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia and Their Regulatory Effect on Dermal Papilla Cells.

Hair loss is becoming increasingly prevalent as dietary and living habits change. The search for natural products to limit hair loss has led to tapping into traditional cosmetic knowledge. We studied three plants of the Polynesian cosmetopoeia, Bidens pilosa, Calophyllum inophyllum and Fagraea berteroana, to determine their ability to promote hair growth. Their chemical content was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Their proliferative activity on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) was assessed via MTT assay and molecular targets were evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis of seven factors involved in the modulation of the hair cycle, CCND1, LEF1, DKK1, WNT5A PPARD, TGFΒ1, PPARD and RSPO2. Our results show that our extracts significantly increased proliferation of dermal papilla cells. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a diversity of molecules, flavonoids, iridoids and organic acids, some known for hair-inducing properties. Finally, specific extracts and fractions of all three plants either upregulated CCND1, LEF1 and PPARD involved in stimulating hair follicle proliferation and/or lowered the gene expression levels of hair growth inhibiting factors, DKK1 and TGFB1. Our findings suggest that extracts from B. pilosa, C. inophyllum and F. berteroana are interesting candidates to stimulate hair growth.

Understanding Patients' Perspectives and Educational Needs by Type of Osteoporosis in Men and Women and People with Glucocorticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Study to Improve Disease Management.

The aim of the study was to investigate similarities and differences in health beliefs, experiences and educational needs by type of osteoporosis (OP), particularly in people with glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) and men. A qualitative study was conducted via focus groups involving post-menopausal women with or without osteoporotic fractures, osteoporotic men and people with GIOP. Fifty-three participants were included in eight groups. A wide range of health beliefs was found for all types of OP. Osteoporosis was considered a natural consequence of ageing except in men or conversely a serious disease associated with risk of new fractures and disability. GIOP patients had heterogeneous knowledge of OP and reported fewer prevention behaviours, and their quality of life was affected by the causal illness. Men had difficulties coping with the loss of their functional abilities and felt that OP was a "women's" disease. Beliefs about treatments ranged from confidence to fear of adverse effects or doubt about efficacy in all types of OP. Participants were interested in physical activity, fall prevention and diet, and preferred group sessions. GIOP patients and men had an interest in face-to-face education. Men were also interested in brief information including via the Internet. Patients' beliefs about OP differed by type of OP. Specific populations such as men or people with GIOP need particular care owing to experiences and needs. Offering group sessions in educational interventions is of interest to allow for sharing experiences and also face-to-face education for men and GIOP patients or the Internet for men.

Lifelong Voluntary Exercise Modulates Age-Related Changes in Oxidative Stress.

The hypothesis that aging and regular physical activity could influence oxidative stress has been studied by comparing antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbic acid and α-Tocopherol) and malondialdehyde level (MDA) in four groups: young sedentary (n=15; age: 20.3±2.8 years; YS), young active (n=16; age: 21.4±1.9 years; YA), old sedentary (n=15; age: 65.1±3.5 years; OS) and old active (n=17; age: 67.2±4.8 years; OA). Antioxidant activities and MDA level were assessed at rest and after an incremental exercise. There was no difference in resting antioxidant activities and lipid peroxidation between YS and OS. However, resting SOD and GR activities were higher in YA compared to OA (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) and resting MDA level was higher in OA compared to YA (p<0.01). After exercise, a significant increase in SOD and GPX activities was observed in YS, YA and OA (p<0.01). Likewise, after exercise a significant increase of MDA level in YA, OS and OA (p<0.01) was observed. In addition, the comparison of YA to OA and YS to OA revealed similar antioxidant activities and lipid peroxidation between YS and OA, whereas antioxidant activities were higher in YA compared to OA. These data suggest that beneficial effects of regular physical activity in antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation damage could be impaired by the aging process and that regular physical activity in older adults could maintain age-related decreases in antioxidant defense.

Food restriction alters salivary cortisol and α-amylase responses to a simulated weightlifting competition without significant performance modification.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of a 6-day food restriction period on the physiological responses and performance of 11 high-level weightlifters. After a period of weight maintenance (T2), they were assigned into two groups depending on whether they lost (Diet group, n = 6) or maintained their body weight (Control group, n = 5) during the course of those 6 days. An evaluation of performance and the measurement of salivary cortisol concentrations and salivary α-amylase (sAA) activity were performed during a simulated weightlifting competition which took place at T2, after a 6-day period of food restriction (T3). Dietary data were collected using a 6-day diet record. We noted a 41.8% decrease in mean energy intake during the dietary restriction period, leading to a 4.34% weight loss for the Diet group. Dietary restriction did not modify absolute performance levels, whilst a significant improvement was noted for the Control group. Furthermore, we noted a response of decreased salivary cortisol and increased sAA activity to the simulated competition stress at T3 for the Diet group. These results may indicate that dietary reduction led to a dissociation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympatho-adreno-medullary system, which could impair training adaptations and absolute performance development.

Hyperactivity of the Sympatho-Adrenomedullary System Without Any Modification of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis After Food Restriction Among High-Level Weightlifters.

Durguerian, A, Filaire, E, Drogou, C, Sauvet, F, Bougard, C, and Chennaoui, M. Hyperactivity of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system without any modification of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after food restriction among high-level weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1643-1655, 2018-We examined the effects of 6 days of food restriction on salivary α-amylase (sAA), cortisol and dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA) awakening responses, psychological parameters and performance among 11 international weightlifters. Assessments were made at baseline (T1) and 6 days after a normal period of training while maintaining body weight (T2). Then, participants were assigned to 2 groups depending on whether they lost (Diet group) or maintained (Control group) their body mass. Anthropometric, psychological, physical, and physiological assessments were also realized 6 days (T3) after the restricted dietary period for the Diet group. Food restriction (T3) induced a significant rise of sAA awakening response (364.6%, p ≤ 0.05), whereas no significant variations were observed among the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (cortisol and DHEA). Significant alterations of the general Recovery Score and General stress Score, evaluated through the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for athletes, were noted after food restriction. Weightlifting performance, evaluated during a simulated weightlifting competition, was maintained after the 6-day food restriction; we even noted an increased weightlifting performance related to body mass (Sinclair coefficient). Our findings support the hypothesis that food restriction induces a challenging situation to the organism, resulting in an asymmetry between the 2 stress systems activation. These results reinforce the necessity to cautiously plan and monitor the weight regulation process before competition to avoid potential negative outcomes on psychophysiological parameters. In this regard, the psychobiological approach, especially the awakening responses, seems a useful tool.

Dietary Intake, Eating Behaviors, and Diurnal Patterns of Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Secretion Among Professional Young Adult Female Tennis Players.

PURPOSE: The aims of study were to examine the eating behaviors among 26 professional female tennis players and to assess the diurnal patterns of stress hormones through the measurement of awakening and diurnal profiles of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol concentrations. METHODS: Eating behaviors were assessed through three questionnaires (Eating Attitudes Test-26; Eating Disorders Inventory 2; and Body Shape Questionnaire), food intake by a 7-day diet record, and menstrual status by questionnaire. Perceived stress scale and anxiety state were also evaluated. Saliva samples were collected at awakening, 30 min, 60 min, and 12 hr post awakening after 6-days' rest. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of tennis players presented Disordered Eating attitudes (DE) (n = 12) with a lower body mass index, and higher state anxiety as compared with the group without DE. No differences in the Perceived Stress Scale scores were noted. Mean energy intake, protein and carbohydrates intakes were lower (p < .05) in the DE group as compared with the group without DE. Although in both groups, sAA concentrations presented a decrease in the first 30 min after awakening, and then progressively rose toward the afternoon, DE players exhibited reduced concentrations of the sAA with a decrease in its overall day secretion. Moreover, they showed a higher overall day secretion of salivary cortisol and a higher Cortisol Awakening Response. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is impaired whereas the cortisol awakening response is enhanced. The long-term consequences of these modifications on health remain to be elucidated.

Big Five Personality Traits and Eating Attitudes in Intensively Training Dancers: The Mediating Role of Internalized Thinness Norms.

Dancers are at high risk of developing disordered eating attitudes, notably because of internalized thinness norms. Although the big five personality traits have been shown to be associated with eating attitudes in daily life, in dancers where eating issues and thinness norms internalization could be salient little is known about these associations and the role of the internalization of thinness norms in this relationship. The main objectives of this study were thus to examine the relationships between the personality traits defined in the big five model and the self-regulation of eating attitudes, and to assess the role of internalized thinness norms in this association. The study included 180 intensively training dancers with an average age of 15.6 years (SD = 2.8). Dancers completed questionnaires measuring the big five personality traits, internalization of thinness norms and self-regulation of eating attitudes in sport. Bootstrapped mediation analyses showed that neuroticism was negatively associated with self-regulation of eating attitudes, both directly and indirectly through the mediating role of internalized thinness norms. This study suggested that: (a) neuroticism is a vulnerability factor for self-regulation of eating attitudes in dancers, as already evidenced in the general population, and (b) the internalization of thinness norms is a pathway through which neuroticism affects self-regulation of eating attitudes. The big five model is therefore partially related to the internalization of thinness norms and eating attitudes in dancers. Key pointsThe big five model relates to the internalization of thinness norms and eating attitudes in dancers.Neuroticism is negatively related to the self-regulation of eating attitudes.The internalization of thinness norms is correlated to the relationship between neuroticism and self-regulation of eating attitudes.

Evaluations of the psychometric properties of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes among a sample of young French table tennis players.

This study used confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) among a sample of young French table tennis players to test: (a) original 19-factor structure, (b) 14-factor structure recently suggested in literature, and (c) hierarchical factor structure of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport). 148 table tennis players completed the RESTQ-Sport and other self-report questionnaires between one to five occasions with a delay of 1 mo. between each completion. Results of CFAs showed: (a) evidence for relative superiority of the original model in comparison to an alternative model recently proposed in literature, (b) a good fit of the data for the 67-item 17-factor model of the RESTQ-Sport, and (c) an acceptable fit of the data for the hierarchical model of the RESTQ-Sport. Correlations between RESTQ-Sport subscales and burnout and motivation subscales also provided evidence for criterion-related validity of the RESTQ-Sport. This study provided support for reliability and validity of the RESTQ-Sport.

Effects of Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation on Stress-Related Variables: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Stressful situations lead to change in or damage to the central nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and autonomic function. Techniques for reducing stress such as yoga and mindfulness meditation have been reported to improve emotional regulation and mindfulness skill, as well as stress response. Mindfulness skill relies on intense focus to quiet the mind and bring concentration to the present moment. The present study was a randomized control trial to investigate the effects of an 8-week training program (three 45-minute sessions/week, one session with an instructor and two sessions as home practice) in mindfulness meditation or in yoga on stress and related variables in healthy people. Forty-four healthy participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a mindfulness group (n = 16), a yoga group (n = 13), and a control group (n = 15). The yoga training significantly modified heart rate variability, contributing to decreased relative power of the low-frequency band; the relative power of the high-frequency band increased after training. The mindfulness meditation training significantly improved mindfulness skill and concentration performance. In the present study, yoga was associated with increased heart rate variability and mindfulness meditation was associated with an increase in mindfulness skill and concentration performance.

Antihyperalgesic properties of gut microbiota: Parabacteroides distasonis as a new probiotic strategy to alleviate chronic abdominal pain.

ABSTRACT: The potential role of gut microbiota in pain modulation is arousing an emerging interest since recent years. This study investigated neuromodulatory properties of gut microbiota to identify next-generation probiotics to propose alternative therapies for visceral pain management. Neuromodulation ability of 10 bacterial strains isolated from a healthy donor was assessed both on ND7/23 immortalized cell line and primary neuronal cells from rat dorsal root ganglia. This screening highlighted the neuroinhibitory property of Parabacteroides distasonis (F1-2) strain, supported both by its intracellular content and membrane fraction, which was further investigated in visceral pain mouse models. Oral administration of F1-2 resulted in a significant decrease of colonic hypersensitivity (CHS) in dextran sulfate sodium (0.5%) model associated with low-grade inflammation and a significant decrease of CHS in Citrobacter rodentium postinfectious models. No effect of F1-2 oral administration on CHS was observed in a neonatal maternal separation stress model. Antihyperalgesic effect unlikely involved modulation of inflammatory processes or restoration of intestinal barrier. Exploration of direct dialogue mechanisms between this strain and nervous system, assessed by calcium imaging experiments, revealed that F1-2 interacts directly with nociceptors by reducing activation level on capsaicin, inflammatory soup, and bradykinin stimulations. Our study provides new insights about bacteria-host interaction and places P distasonis as a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of visceral pain observed in leaky gut-associated pathologies.

Changes in natural killer cell subpopulations over a winter training season in elite swimmers.

Immune changes and increased susceptibility to infection are often reported in elite athletes. Infectious episodes can often impair training and performance with consequences for health and sporting success. This study monitored the occurrence of episodes of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) and the variation in circulating NK cells, CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells subpopulations, over a winter swimming season. Nineteen national elite swimmers and 11 non-athlete controls participated in this study. URS episodes were monitored using daily log books. Blood samples were taken at rest at four time points during the season: before the start of the season (t1--middle September), after 7 weeks of an initial period of gradually increasing training load (t2--early November), after 6 weeks of an intense training cycle (t3--late February) and 48 h after the main competition (t4--early April) and from the controls at three similar time points (t1--early November; t2--late February; t3--early April). In the swimmers, the occurrence of URS clustered around the periods of elevated training load (67 %). No URS were reported at equivalent time points in the non-athletes. Athletes showed a decrease in the percentage (t2 = 21 %; t3 = 27 %; t4 = 17 %) and absolute counts of circulating NK cells (t2 = 35 %; t3 = 22 %; t4 = 22 %), coinciding with the periods of increased training load, never recovering to the initial values observed at the start of the season. The reduction in the CD56(dim) and an increase in the CD56(bright) NK cell subpopulations were significant at t2 and t3 (p < 0.05). Concomitant with the fall in values of NK cells, in athletes that shown more than three URS episodes, a moderate correlation (r = 0.493; p = 0.036) was found between CD56(bright)/CD56(dim) ratio and the number of URS episodes after the more demanding training phase (t3). At t3, a lower value of CD56 cell counts was found in the group who reported three or more URS episodes (t = 2.239; p = 0.032). A progressive significant decrease in the expression of CD119, the receptor for IFN-γ, on the CD56(dim) cells was found over the season and an elevation in Granzyme B expression was coincident with the more demanding training phases. Periods of highly demanding training seem to have a negative impact on innate immunity mediated by NK cell subsets, which could partially explain the higher frequency of URS observed during these training phases.

Focus on Bioburden Culture Media and Medical Devices.

Medical devices are a vital part of the global health care system that can have a far-reaching impact on patient treatment. Therefore, they must be sterile to ensure patient safety. The prevalent microorganism's type on a medical device, also known as "bioburden", is a useful indicator of a potential contamination source. Indeed, bioburden is a potential risk to the patient not only because the sterilization process might not be completely effective, but also post-processing because of the possible presence of residual materials. Although bioburden may be confidently killed by destructive sterilization processes, its proliferation before sterilization should be avoided. For the bioburden determination, the culture media and incubation conditions must be carefully selected. The culture medium is of fundamental importance for most microbiological tests: to obtain pure cultures, to grow and count microbial cells, and to cultivate and select microorganisms. A culture medium is essentially composed of basic elements (water, nutrients) to which must be added different growth factors that will be specific to each bacterium and necessary for their growth. Without high-quality media, the possibility of achieving accurate, reproducible, and repeatable microbiological test results is reduced. In ISO 11737-1:2018 "Sterilization of Health Care Products-Microbiological Methods-Part 1: Determination of a Population of Microorganisms on Products", methods for the determination and microbial characterization of bioburden are proposed. However, few guidelines are given as to culture media other than examples and incubation times. Several studies show that other culture media can also be effective, such as Plate Count Agar (PCA). The purpose of this review was to focus on parameters that can have an impact on the bioburden evaluation, specifically the culture medium type for the microorganisms' detection on medical devices. Experimentations conducted in our laboratories showed that PCA appeared to be a medium of primary importance for the detection of bioburden on medical devices; this medium also respects the 3Rs rule.