Effects of grape juice consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in male volleyball players: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Some foods are also demonstrated benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ergogenic activity, similar to that of sports supplements. Grape juice has been considered an important source of polyphenols and these compounds could promote positive effects to the sports players. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the effects of purple grape juice consumption on indicators of oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, global histone H4 acetylation levels, and muscle strength and muscle power in volleyball athletes. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 12 male volleyball players (16 ± 0.6 years old) participated in three different moments with match simulation: control (without beverage) (WB), grape juice (GJ) and placebo (PLA) (400 mL/day of grape juice or placebo (maltodextrin) for 14 days in a cross-over model). Before and immediately after each match, blood collection for analysis of indicators of systemic redox status, systemic concentrations of Interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4), muscle damage, by Creatine Kinase (CK-NAC) and levels of global histone H4 acetylation were performed, as well as handgrip strength (HG) and lower limb power tests. RESULTS: Consumption of grape juice significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (p = 0.04) and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage (p = 0.01) after the match. IFN-γ levels, IL-4, CK-NAC, and histone H4 acetylation post-match did not alter with the grape juice consumption. Lower limb power improved after acute exercise in WB and GJ conditions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this pilot trial, the intake of grape juice for two weeks seems to reduce the protein oxidation and DNA damage by intermittent physical exercise, without epigenetics influence.

Ascorbate uptake is decreased in the hippocampus of ageing rats.

Ascorbate, an intracellular antioxidant, has been considered critical for neuronal protection against oxidant stress, which is supported especially by in vitro studies. Besides, it has been demonstrated an age-related decrease in brain ascorbate levels. The aims of the present study were to investigate ascorbate uptake in hippocampal slices from old Wistar rats, as well as its neuroprotective effects in in vitro and in vivo assays. Hippocampal slices from male Wistar rats aged 4, 11 and 24 months were incubated with radiolabeled ascorbate and incorporated radioactivity was measured. Hippocampal slices from rats were incubated with different concentrations of ascorbate and submitted to H(2)O(2)-induced injury, cellular damage and S100B protein levels were evaluated. The effect of chronic administration of ascorbate on cellular oxidative state and astrocyte biochemical parameters in the hippocampus from 18-months-old Wistar rats was also studied. The ascorbate uptake was decreased in hippocampal slices from old-aged rats, while supplementation with ascorbate (2 weeks) did not modify any tested oxidative status in the hippocampus and the incubation was unable to protect hippocampal slices submitted to oxidative damage (H(2)O(2)) from old rats. Our data suggest that the decline of ascorbate uptake might be involved in the brain greater susceptibility to oxidative damage with advancing age and both in vitro and vivo assays suggest that ascorbate supplementation did not protect hippocampal cells.

Efeito da hidroterapia na qualidade de vida de mulheres mastectomizadas / The Effects of Hydrotherapy in the Quality of Life of Women Undergoing Mastectomy

Introdução: O diagnóstico de câncer e todo o processo da doença são vividos pelo paciente e sua famíliacomo um momento de intensa angústia, sofrimento e ansiedade. No câncer de mama, além disso, encontram-se outras angústias ligadas à feminilidade, maternidade e sexualidade, já que o seio é um órgão de simbolismopara a mulher. A mastectomia é um procedimento cirúrgico muito utilizado no tratamento do câncer de mama,a qual, no entanto, pode causar complicações físicas e emocionais para a paciente, no qual a fisioterapia podeatuar. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar o efeito da hidroterapia, que é um recurso fisioterapêutico, naqualidade de vida de mulheres mastectomizadas. Metodologia: Participaram do estudo 3 mulheres submetidasà mastectomia, as quais responderam o questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36 antes e após realizarem 10sessões de hidroterapia. Resultados: Houve melhora da capacidade funcional, aspecto físico, vitalidade easpecto emocional. Já os componentes dor, aspectos sociais e saúde mental mantiveram-se iguais; e ocomponente estado geral de saúde apresentou piora. Conclusão: A hidroterapia é eficaz na reabilitação depacientes mastectomizadas, pois proporciona benefícios físicos e funcionais, auxilia na melhora do estadoemocional das pacientes, e consequentemente, na qualidade de vida destas.

Introduction: Cancer diagnosis and the disease process are experienced by the patient and his/her family asa moment of the intense anguish, suffering and anxiety. Moreover, in breast cancer there are other anguishesassociated to womanliness, maternity, and sexuality, once the breast is an organ with a certain symbolism forwomen. The excision of the breast is a very common surgical proceeding performed in the treatment of breastcancer. Nevertheless, it can cause physical and emotional complications for the patient, opening space forphysical therapists to act upon. Thus, the objective of this study was to verify the effect of the hydrotherapy,which is a physiotherapeutic tool, in the quality of life of women who have their breast removed. Methodology:Three women underwent mastectomy. They have answered the SF-36 life’s quality questionnaire before andafter 10-hydrotherapy sessions. Results: There was improvement of the functional capacity, physical andemotional aspects, and vitality. The components of pain, socials aspects, and mental health remained thesame; the general health condition component became aggravated. Conclusion: The hydrotherapy is effectivein the rehabilitation of patients undergoing excision of the breast because it provides functional and physicalbenefits, helps in the recovery of the patients’ emotional condition, and consequently, in their quality of life.