The Future in Motion: Insights and Update from the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.

In the evolving landscape of human movement, the Journal of Functional Movement and Kinesiology (JFMK) serves as a valuable chronicle, providing a lens through which to explore our present and the perspectives for the future of human movement analysis [...].

L-Proline Prevents Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Microglial Cells Exposed to L-azetidine-2-carboxylic Acid.

L-Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AZE) is a non-protein amino acid that shares structural similarities with its proteogenic L-proline amino acid counterpart. For this reason, AZE can be misincorporated in place of L-proline, contributing to AZE toxicity. In previous work, we have shown that AZE induces both polarization and apoptosis in BV2 microglial cells. However, it is still unknown if these detrimental effects involve endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and whether L-proline co-administration prevents AZE-induced damage to microglia. Here, we investigated the gene expression of ER stress markers in BV2 microglial cells treated with AZE alone (1000 µM), or co-treated with L-proline (50 µM), for 6 or 24 h. AZE reduced cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) secretion and caused a robust activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) genes (ATF4, ATF6, ERN1, PERK, XBP1, DDIT3, GADD34). These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence in BV2 and primary microglial cultures. AZE also altered the expression of microglial M1 phenotypic markers (increased IL-6, decreased CD206 and TREM2 expression). These effects were almost completely prevented upon L-proline co-administration. Finally, triple/quadrupole mass spectrometry demonstrated a robust increase in AZE-bound proteins after AZE treatment, which was reduced by 84% upon L-proline co-supplementation. This study identified ER stress as a pathogenic mechanism for AZE-induced microglial activation and death, which is reversed by co-administration of L-proline.

[Proposal for a diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway of the Piedmont Region on lipid-lowering and antithrombotic treatment in patients with peripheral arterial disease]. / Proposta di percorso diagnostico-terapeutico assistenziale della Regione Piemonte sulla terapia ipolipemizzante ed antitrombotica in pazienti con malattia delle arterie periferiche.

The aim of this paper is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway on peripheral arterial disease, recently developed in the Piedmont Region, Italy. It proposes a combined approach between the cardiologist and vascular surgeon for optimizing the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease, which includes the most recently approved antithrombotic and lipid-lowering drugs. The goal is to promote a greater awareness on peripheral vascular disease, in order to implement its treatment patterns and consequently to perform an effective secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2022.

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was first released in March 2016, saw significant developments in 2022 [...].

Progress of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2021.

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was first released in March 2016, has gone from strength to strength in 2021 [...].

Metformin Treatment Attenuates Brain Inflammation and Rescues PACAP/VIP Neuropeptide Alterations in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced comorbid cognitive and behavioural impairments are thought to be the result of persistent low-grade neuroinflammation. Metformin, a first-line medication for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, seems to ameliorate these comorbidities, but the underlying mechanism(s) are not clear. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are neuroprotective peptides endowed with anti-inflammatory properties. Alterations to the PACAP/VIP system could be pivotal during the development of HFD-induced neuroinflammation. To unveil the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HFD-induced neuroinflammation and assess metformin's therapeutic activities, (1) we determined if HFD-induced proinflammatory activity was present in vulnerable brain regions associated with the development of comorbid behaviors, (2) investigated if the PACAP/VIP system is altered by HFD, and (3) assessed if metformin rescues such diet-induced neurochemical alterations. C57BL/6J male mice were divided into two groups to receive either standard chow (SC) or HFD for 16 weeks. A further HFD group received metformin (HFD + M) (300 mg/kg BW daily for 5 weeks) via oral gavage. Body weight, fasting glucose, and insulin levels were measured. After 16 weeks, the proinflammatory profile, glial activation markers, and changes within the PI3K/AKT intracellular pathway and the PACAP/VIP system were evaluated by real-time qPCR and/or Western blot in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. Our data showed that HFD causes widespread low-grade neuroinflammation and gliosis, with regional-specific differences across brain regions. HFD also diminished phospho-AKT(Ser473) expression and caused significant disruptions to the PACAP/VIP system. Treatment with metformin attenuated these neuroinflammatory signatures and reversed PI3K/AKT and PACAP/VIP alterations caused by HFD. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that metformin treatment rescues HFD-induced neuroinflammation in vulnerable brain regions, most likely by a mechanism involving the reinstatement of PACAP/VIP system homeostasis. Data also suggests that the PI3K/AKT pathway, at least in part, mediates some of metformin's beneficial effects.

Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2020.

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was first released in March 2016, developed greatly in 2020 [...].

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion.

We are glad to introduce the Third Journal Club of Volume five, the third issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last years in the field of PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the Sports Medicine and Movement Sciences seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

Progress of The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2019.

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was firstly released in March 2016 [...].

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Utility and Advantages of the Eccentric Training through the Isoinertial System.

We are glad to introduce the first Journal Club of volume five, the first issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last years in the field of eccentric training, chosen by our editorial board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the sport, seen also from a scientific point of view. The editorial board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Resistance Training.

We are glad to introduce the Second Journal Club of Volume Five, Second Issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last few years in the field of resistance training, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the sport, seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

Research and Publication Ethics in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology.

Research is required to minimize uncertainty and to be reproducible, that is, the design, implementation, evaluation, interpretation, and reporting of the presented data, must follow a good practice. An appropriate experimental design, an accurate execution of the study, a strict criticism of the obtained data while avoiding overestimation, as well as a suitable interpretation of main outcomes, represent key aspects in reporting and disseminating research to the scientific community. Furthermore, author contribution, responsibility, funding, acknowledgement, and adequately declaring any conflict of interest play important roles in science. The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK), a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), is committed to the highest scientific and ethical standards and encourages all authors to take into account and to comply, as much as possible, with the contents and issues reported in this technical note. This could be useful to improve the quality of the manuscripts and avoid misconduct, as well as to stimulate interest and debate, reflecting upon uses and misuses within our disciplines belonging to the medicine area (sports medicine and movement sciences) categories: anatomy, histology, orthopedics and sports medicine, rheumatology, sports sciences, physical therapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation.

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Corrective Exercise.

We are glad to introduce the Journal Club of Volume Five, fourth Issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last few years in the field of corrective exercise, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share a passion for sport with you, seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

Assessment of Vitamin D Supplementation on Articular Cartilage Morphology in a Young Healthy Sedentary Rat Model.

Deficiency in vitamin D (Vit D) has been widely associated with several musculoskeletal diseases. However, the effects of the exogenous Vit D supplementation are still unclear in the prevention of the latter, especially in the cartilage developmental period. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Vit D supplementation and restriction on the articular cartilage development in healthy young sedentary rats. To this aim, twelve nine-week-old healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats were subjected to Vit D-based experimental diets: R, with a content in Vit D of 1400 IU/kg; R-DS, with a Vit D supplementation (4000 IU/kg); R-DR, with a Vit D restriction (0 IU/kg) for 10 weeks. The morphology, thickness and expression of cartilage-associated molecules such as collagen type II/X, lubricin and Vit D receptor (VDR), were assessed. Histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical evaluations were made on rat tibial cartilage samples. In the present experimental model, restriction of Vit D intake induced: The lower thickness of cartilage compared both to R (p = < 0.0001) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001); reduction of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix (ECM) compared both to R (p = 0.0359) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001); decreased collagen II (Col II) with respect both to R (p = 0.0076) and R-DS (p = 0.0016); increased collagen X (Col X) immunoexpression when compared both to R (p = < 0.0001) and R-DS (p = < 0.0001), confirming data from the literature. Instead, supplementation of Vit D intake induced: Higher cartilage thickness with respect both to R (p = 0.0071) and R-DR (p = < 0.0001); increase of ECM proteoglycan deposition compared both to R (p = 0.0175) and R-DR (p = < 0.0001); higher immunoexpression of lubricin with respect both to R (p = 0.001) and R-DR (p = 0.0008). These results suggest that Vit D supplementation with diet, already after 10 weeks, has a favorable impact on the articular cartilage thickness development, joint lubrication and ECM fibers deposition in a young healthy rat model.

α-Lipoic Acid Reduces Iron-induced Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in a Model of Iron Overload.

Iron toxicity is associated with organ injury and has been reported in various clinical conditions, such as hemochromatosis, thalassemia major, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Therefore, iron chelation therapy represents a pivotal therapy for these patients during their lifetime. The aim of the present study was to assess the iron chelating properties of α-lipoic acid (ALA) and how such an effect impacts on iron overload mediated toxicity. Human mesenchymal stem cells (HS-5) and animals (zebrafish, n = 10 for each group) were treated for 24 h with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC, 120 µg/mL) in the presence or absence of ALA (20 µg/mL). Oxidative stress was evaluated by reduced glutathione content, reactive oxygen species formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gene expression of heme oxygenase-1b and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase; organ injury, iron accumulation, and autophagy were measured by microscopical, cytofluorimetric analyses, and inductively coupled plasma‒optical mission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Our results showed that FAC results in a significant increase of tissue iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and autophagy and such detrimental effects were reversed by ALA treatment. In conclusion, ALA possesses excellent iron chelating properties that may be exploited in a clinical setting for organ preservation, as well as exhibiting a good safety profile and low cost for the national health system.

Physical activity and Mediterranean diet based on olive tree phenolic compounds from two different geographical areas have protective effects on early osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy and hepatic steatosis.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthitis (OA) leads to progressive loss of articular cartilage, pain and joint disability. An acute injury constitutes an important risk factor for early OA, determining an inflammatory process responsible of cartilage degeneration and muscle atrophy, due to the joint pain and immobility. The study aims to assess the effects of conjugation of physical activity and diet enriched by olive tree compounds [extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and olive leaf extract (OLE)], on the musculoskeletal system in OA rat model. METHODS: OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection and confirmed by Mankin and OARSI scores. Rats were subjected to physical activity on treadmill 5 days a week for 10 min daily and fed with experimental diets (standard diet enriched with Sicilian EVOO, Tunisian EVOO and Tunisian EVOO-OLE) for 12 weeks. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate IL-6 and lubricin expression in cartilage tissue and ELISA was used to quantify these proteins in serum at different time points. Histology and histomorphometry analysis were done to valuate liver steatosis, muscle atrophy and cartilage pathological changes. RESULTS: Compared to the OA group, the experimental groups showed general increased lubricin and decreased IL-6 expression, significant muscle hypertrophy and no signs of liver steatosis, suggesting the beneficial effects of physical activity coupled with EVOO-enriched diets on rat articular cartilage. Interestingly, the best result was shown for Sicilian EVOO-enriched diet. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the conjugation of physical activity and EVOO-enriched diet determines a significant articular cartilage recovery process in early OA.

Autologous blood reinfusion during iatrogenic acute hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade: Safety and feasibility in a cohort of 30 patients.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade (IHPT) represents a life-threating condition requiring emergency pericardiocentesis. In this clinical context, reinfusion of pericardial blood can stabilize the patient and sustain hemodynamic conditions. AIMS AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of IHPT occurred at our hospital over a 10 years span. In all patient autologous blood reinfusion through a femoral vein was performed. RESULTS: In our clinical experience of 30 consecutive patients with hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade, this technique was successful to limit blood transfusions, to prevent further clinical worsening and bridge patients with intractable bleeding, to cardiac surgery. No major adverse reactions were directly related to blood autotransfusion. CONCLUSION: In the complex clinical scenario of acute tamponade occurring during catheter-based cardiac procedures, autotransfusion of pericardial blood through a femoral vein is safe and effective. It can be a useful trick up the sleeve of the interventional cardiologist.

Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2018.

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was firstly released in March 2016 [...].

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Exercise and Osteoarthritis.

We are glad to introduce the eleventh Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in the last years in the field of exercise and osteoarthritis, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for sport seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Overtraining and Exercise Addiction.

We are glad to introduce the seventeenth Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in the last years in the field of Overtraining and Exercise Addiction, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the sport seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.