The effects of a single and a series of Finnish sauna sessions on the immune response and HSP-70 levels in trained and untrained men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a Finnish sauna on the immune status parameters. The hypothesis was that hyperthermia would improve immune system's functioning by changing the proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations and would activate heat shock proteins. We assumed that the responses of trained and untrained subjects would be different. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy men (20-25 years old) were divided into groups: the trained (T; n = 10), and the untrained group (U; n = 10). All participants were subjected to 10 baths (each one consisted of: 3 × 15-minute exposure with cooled down for 2 min. Body composition, anthropometric measurements, VO2 peak were measured before 1st sauna bath. Blood was collected before the 1st and 10th sauna bath, and 10 min after their completion to asses an acute and a chronic effect. Body mass, rectal temperature and heart rate (HR) were assessed in the same time points. The serum levels of cortisol, Il-6, HSP70 were measured with use of ELISA method, IgA, IgG and IgM by turbidimetry. White blood cells (WBC), leukocyte populations counts: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils were determined with use of flow cytometry as well as T-cell subpopulations. RESULTS: No differences were found in the increase in rectal temperature, cortisol and immunoglobulins between groups. In response to the 1st sauna bath, a greater increase in HR was observed in the U group. After the last one, the HR value was lower in the T group. The impact of sauna baths on WBC, CD56+, CD3+, CD8+, IgA, IgG and IgM was different in trained and untrained subjects' responses. A positive correlation between the increase in cortisol concentrations and increase in internal temperatures after the 1st sauna was found in the T (r = 0.72) and U group (r = 0.77), between the increase in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations in the T group after the 1st treatment (r = 0.64), between the increase in IL-10 concentration and internal temperature (r = 0.75) and between the increase in IL-6 and IL-10 (r = 0.69) concentrations, also. CONCLUSIONS: Sauna bathing can be a way to improve the immune response, but only when it is undertaken as a series of treatments.

Effect of a 6-Week Cycle of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin 25(OH)D3, Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism and Muscle Damage in Multiple Myeloma Patients-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy affecting older adults. One of the most common myeloma-defining events is the development of symptomatic lytic bone disease. The serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), and vitamin 25(OH)D3 in the serum reflect bone metabolism. An enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a marker of muscle damage, but its serum activity also has an important prognostic value in MM. Myoglobin (Mb) is a small protein present in muscles; its serum level increases when myocytes are damaged. Objectives: In this study, the impact of a 6-week Nordic walking (NW) exercise program on blood parameters related to calcium-phosphate metabolism and damage of skeletal muscles was assessed. Patients and methods: A total of 33 patients with MM in the remission stage, without cytostatic treatment, were allocated and randomly assigned to one of two groups: 17 in the training group (NW) and 16 in the control group (CG). All patients were supplemented per os with vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate daily and received zoledronic acid every 4 weeks (intravenous). Nordic walking training sessions took place 3 times a week for 6 weeks, 1 h each. Blood samples were drawn before and after the 6 weeks of training sessions to assess the serum concentrations of vitamin 25(OH)D3, P, Ca, Mb, and LDH. Results: Patients from the NW group showed a statistically significant decrease in mean serum myoglobin concentration (p = 0.018) and an increase in 25(OH)D3 (p < 0.001) and total Ca (p = 0.001) concentrations. There were no statistically significant changes in the results obtained in CG. Between groups, after 6 weeks, Mb serum concentration was significantly lower in NW (p = 0.041), and 25(OH)D3 was higher (p < 0.001) compared to CG. There was a correlation between the changes in myoglobin, phosphorus, 25(OH)D3, and Ca concentrations after 6 weeks. Conclusions: NW training is a safe and beneficial form of physical exercise for patients with MM without inducing muscle damage. NW performed outside improves serum vitamin 25(OH)D3 concentration.

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.

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.

Exercise Training and Vitamin C Supplementation Affects Ferritin mRNA in Leukocytes without Affecting Prooxidative/Antioxidative Balance in Elderly Women.

Physical training and antioxidant supplementation may influence iron metabolism through reduced oxidative stress and subsequent lowering of mRNA levels of genes that are easily induced by this stress, including those responsible for iron homeostasis. Fifteen elderly women participated in our 12-week experiment, involving six weeks of training without supplementation and six weeks of training supported by oral supplementation of 1000 mg of vitamin C daily. The participants were divided into two groups (n = 7 in group 1 and n = 8 in group 2). In group 1, we applied vitamin C supplementation in the first six weeks of training, while in group 2 during the remaining six weeks of training. In both phases, the health-related training occurred three times per week. Training accompanied by vitamin C supplementation did not affect prooxidative/antioxidative balance but significantly decreased ferritin heavy chain (FTH) and ferritin light chain (FTL) mRNA in leukocytes (for FTH mRNA from 2^64.24 to 2^11.06, p = 0.03 in group 1 and from 2^60.54 to 2^16.03, p = 0.01 in group 2, for FTL mRNA from 2^20.22 to 2^4.53, p = 0.01 in group 2). We concluded that vitamin C supplementation might have caused a decrease in gene expression of two important antioxidative genes (FTH, FTL) and had no effect on plasma prooxidative/antioxidative balance.

The influence of Finnish sauna treatments on the concentrations of nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine and selected markers of oxidative status in training and non-training men.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of repeated Finnish sauna baths on the concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and 3-nitrotyrosine in relation to pro-oxidative and antioxidative status in young males with different physical activity levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on healthy males (aged 20-25 years), representing the training (T, N = 10) and non-training groups (NT, N = 10). The protocol included a series of 10 sauna baths during 3 weeks. One bath consisted of three 15-min sessions, with 2 min recovery. Before the first and the 10th treatment, measurements of body composition, blood pressure, rectal temperature, and plasma concentrations of the total pro-oxidative and antioxidative status, 3-nitrotyrosine and NOx were performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in physiological parameters during sauna treatments, as well as a significant decrease in the total antioxidative status before the 10th bath, were observed in both groups. The series of sauna baths caused a significant increase in the total antioxidative status in the T group, and a decrease in the total oxidative status in the NT group. A significant decrease in 3-nitrotyrosine in both groups before the last treatment, and also in the T group after the last treatment, was noted. In both groups, a significant increase in NOx concentrations was observed after the first bath. CONCLUSIONS: A series of sauna baths contributes to the improvement in the prooxidative/ antioxidative balance. The increased production of nitric oxide may lead to a better vascular relaxation and blood flow. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(2):173-85.

[Changes in selected physiological indicators and thermal stress assessment under the influence of baths in a dry and wet sauna in young healthy women]. / Zmiany wybranych wskazników fizjologicznych oraz ocena stresu cieplnego pod wplywem kapieli w saunie suchej i mokrej u mlodych zdrowych kobiet.

BACKGROUND: There are differences between dry and wet sauna baths because of the heat load and human body's reactions. High humidity in a wet sauna makes evaporation of sweat from the skin surface more difficult. In addition, the dynamics of sweating is different in men and women. The aim of the study was to assess changes in physiological indicators and to compare the impact of dry and wet saunas on the thermal comfort feeling, which was assessed using the Bedford thermal scale, and the physiological strain index (PSI) and the cumulative heat stress index (CHSI) in young healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten women aged 22-24 years took part in the study. A session in each sauna lasted 60 min and consisted of 3 thermal 15-min exposures, in 5-min intervals for rest and cooling with water. The temperature in the dry sauna was 91±1.2°C and in the wet sauna 59±1.3°C, while the humidity was 18±0.7% and 60.5±0.8%, respectively. Body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tre) and the thermal sensation (Bedford scale) were also measured. The PSI and CHSI values were both calculated. RESULTS: The average weight loss after a dry sauna bath was significantly higher than after a wet sauna bath. Significantly higher increases in Tre, as well as in HR were observed after treatment in the wet sauna, compared to the dry sauna. Both treatments resulted in an increase in SBP and a decrease in DBP. The arduousness of thermal discomfort and the levels of PSI and CHSI were skurgreater in the wet sauna bathing than in the dry sauna. CONCLUSIONS: Heat exposure in the wet sauna creates a greater burden for young women's bodies than the same dry sauna treatment, and the changes observed in the examined traits were higher than in men subjected to similar thermal loads. Med Pr. 2019;70(6):701-10.

The Impact of Vibration Therapy Interventions on Skin Condition and Skin Temperature Changes in Young Women with Lipodystrophy: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite affects 85-98% of women aged over 20 years. In a given context, mechanical vibrations have not been applied in the therapy of gynoid lipodystrophy (GL) until now. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the condition and temperature of skin affected by cellulite after vibration therapy interventions in young women with GL. METHODS: 10 healthy women (21.5 ± 1.5 years old) with stage 1 or 2 Nürnberger-Müller scale of severity of GL participated in the study. The subjects underwent 20 vibration interventions with the use of a Rehabilitation Massage Device Vitberg+. Vibration therapy was applied 5 times a week for 60 minutes during 4-week period. Before and after first and last interventions, grade of lipodystrophy was assessed and thermographic images were taken. RESULTS: Visual and palpation analysis performed before and after a series of treatments proved a total cellulite remission after the intervention among 40% of subjects (from stage 1 to stage 0). Among the remaining 60% with stage 2 of cellulite, an improvement in the skin condition was observed, and cellulite grade was determined as stage 1. The mean skin temperature in the lateral part of thigh as well as on the posterior surface of thigh and buttocks increased significantly (p<0.00001) after both the first (respectively: 4.0°C ± 0.9°C, 3.9°C ± 0.8°C) and the last vibration therapy interventions (respectively: 3.1°C ± 1.1°C, 2.8°C ± 1.1°C). After the series of interventions, a statistical significant (p=0.00705) increase in the mean skin temperature in the lateral thigh was observed-before the first treatment: 27.9°C ± 0.7°C; before twentieth treatment: 29.0°C ± 1.2°C. CONCLUSION: The series of vibration interventions contributed to the reduction of GL among the participants. The thermographic imaging analysis proved an impact of both single and serial vibration interventions.

The Possibilities of Using Chromium Salts as an Agent Supporting Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in women in reproductive age with the so far undetermined causes of development. In the etiopathogenesis of PCOS, the role of insulin resistance is emphasised, which was an indication for the attempts at using chromium III salts (Cr) in augmenting pharmacotherapy applied in patients. The analysis of the usefulness and efficacy of this approach was the direct goal of this thesis. Animal tests confirmed the efficacy of chromium in maintaining the appropriate level of glycaemia and insulinaemia, normalisation of plasma concentrations of microelements and also a correlation between the Cr level, insulin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was found. A decrease in the expression of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was identified in adipose tissue. Clinical studies, although sparse, show that the supplementation with chromium can improve BMI and the parameters evaluating the control of glycaemia and increase the chances for ovulation and regular menstruation. However, the small number and a variability in study protocols makes comparing them very difficult. A completely new subject that has not been yet studied is the possibility of using chromium in levelling mood disorders in patients with PCOS. Currently, there are still no sufficient proofs for introducing chromium as a standard in treating and preventing insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. However, this direction remains open, and treating insulin resistance is an important challenge in clinical practice.

[Biological significance of chromium III for the human organism]. / Biologiczne znaczenie chromu III dla organizmu czlowieka.

Currently, chromium is probably the most controversial transition metal. In recent publications it is clearly stated that it is not an essential micronutrient and should be considered to have a pharmacological effect. Conflicting scientific reports along with a huge amount of dietary supplements, as well as dietary and sports nutrients available on the market have prompted the authors to investigate the available information on the range of possible application, efficacy and safety of products containing salts or chelates of chromium III. The authors reviewed articles in electronic databases for the years 1959-2016, and selected works describing the biochemical, physiological and toxic properties of chromium salts and chelates and the range of possible applications in medicine, dietetics and sport. A critical analysis of reports dealing with the effect of chromium on the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, body composition, lean body mass and sports performance was carried out. The authors indicated papers analyzing the mechanism of action of chromium in the cognitive and affective disorders. Much attention has been paid to the safety use of chromium III supplements. There are still some unsolved issues. In the field of toxicology, a limited number of reports about environmental exposure to trivalent chromium in the workplace draws our attention. In the field of biochemical research, there is still a need to clarify the mechanism of psychiatric and endocrinological activity, especially in conjunction with the immune system. Med Pr 2018;69(2):211-223.

Effects of a 6-week Nordic walking training on changes in 25(OH)D blood concentration in women aged over 55.

BACKGROUND: Nordic walking is a form of physical activity recommended for people of all ages and it is used in disease prevention and health promotion. The study was aimed to determine if and in what ways a six-week Nordic walking training program in late autumn may affect 25(OH)D concentration in postmenopausal overweight women. METHODS: Two series of measurements were carried out in a group of 17 women aged 57±4.20 years with low physical activity level. The first series encompassed a 6-week Nordic walking training program at the intensity of 60-70% VO2max. Before and after the training program body composition was determined with a densitometer, and biochemical indices were measured in blood samples drawn at rest. After a year a second series of measurements at rest was carried out to determine whether changes in the vitamin D (25(OH)D) blood level were season-induced or modified by physical activity. RESULTS: The Nordic walking training program contributed to a significant reduction of body mass, percentage fat volume and BMI in the examined women. The mean 25(OH)D concentration in the examined women significantly decreased after 6 weeks of training. No similar vitamin D level changes were observed in the II measurement series. CONCLUSIONS: A six-week Nordic walking training program in late autumn contributed to the lowering of 25(OH)D blood concentration in women after 55 years of age. The decreased 25(OH)D concentration may have been a result of reduced dermal biosynthesis of vitamin D or due to vitamin D contribution to muscle metabolism. This is an indication that vitamin D3 supplementation should be recommended in periods of intense physical activity during months with little insolation, especially to overweight postmenopausal women.

The effect of sauna bathing on lipid profile in young, physically active, male subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of Finnish sauna bathing on lipid profile in healthy, young men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male subjects (20-23 years) were subjected to 10 sauna bathing sessions in a Finnish sauna every 1 or 2 days. The mean sauna temperature was 90±2°C, while humidity was 5-16%. Each session consisted of three 15-minute parts and a 2-minute cool-down between them. The following measurements were taken before and after the sauna sessions: body mass, heart rate, body skinfold thickness. The percentage fat content and then, the lean body mass were calculated. Total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, lipoprotein cholesterol LDL and HDL were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was observed during 3 weeks of sauna treatment and in the week afterwards. A significant decline in triacylglycerols was found directly after the 1st and 24 h directly after the 10th sauna session. After the 10th sauna session the level of HDL cholesterol remained slightly increased, but this change was not statistically significant. A decrease in blood plasma volume was found directly after the 1st and the last sauna bathing session due to perspiration. An adaptive increase in blood plasma volume was also found after the series of 10 sauna sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Ten complete sauna bathing sessions in a Finnish sauna caused a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol fraction levels during the sessions and a gradual return of these levels to the initial level during the 1st and the 2nd week after the experiment. A small, statistically insignificant increase in HDL-C level and a transient decline in triacylglycerols were observed after those sauna sessions. The positive effect of sauna on lipid profile is similar to the effect that can be obtained through a moderate-intensity physical exercise.

Disturbances in pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance after passive body overheating and after exercise in elevated ambient temperatures in athletes and untrained men.

The aim of the study was to investigate pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance in two series of examinations with two types of stressors (exogenous heat and the combined exogenous and endogenous heat) in trained and untrained men. The exogenous stressor was provided by Finnish sauna session, whereas the combined stressor was represented by the exercise in elevated ambient temperature. The men from the two groups performed the physical exercise on a cycle ergometer with the load of 53 ± 2% maximal oxygen uptake at the temperature of 33 ± 1 °C and relative humidity of 70% until their rectal temperature rose by 1.2 °C. After a month from completion of the exercise test the subjects participated in a sauna bathing session with the temperature of 96 ± 2 °C, and relative humidity of 16 ± 5%. 15-minutes heating and 2-minute cool-down in a shower with the temperature of 20 °C was repeated until rectal temperature rose by 1.2 °C compared to the initial value. During both series of tests rectal temperature was measured at 5-minute intervals. Before both series of tests and after them body mass was measured and blood samples were taken for biochemical tests. Serum total protein, serum concentration of lipid peroxidation products and serum antioxidants were determined. The athletes were characterized by higher level of antioxidant status and lower concentration of lipid peroxidation products. Physical exercise at elevated ambient temperature caused lower changes in oxidative stress indices compared to sauna bathing. Sauna induced a shift in pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance towards oxidation, which was observed less intensively in the athletes compared to the untrained men. This leads to the conclusion that physical exercise increases tolerance to elevated ambient temperature and oxidative stress.

Effect of a single finnish sauna session on white blood cell profile and cortisol levels in athletes and non-athletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Finnish sauna bathing on a white blood cell profile, cortisol levels and selected physiological indices in athletes and non-athletes. The study evaluated 9 trained middle-distance runners and 9 male non-athletes. The subjects from both groups participated in 15-minute sauna sessions until their core temperature rose by 1.2°C (mean temperature in the sauna room was 96° ± 2°C; relative humidity was 15 ± 3%) with a 2 minute cool down with water at a temperature of 19-20°C. Body mass was measured before and after the session and blood samples were taken for tests. Rectal temperature was monitored at five-minute intervals during the whole session. Serum total protein, haematological indices and cortisol levels were determined. Sauna bathing caused higher body mass loss and plasma volume in the athletes compared to the group of non-athletes. After the sauna session, an increased number of white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophil counts was reported in the white blood cell profile. Higher increments in leukocyte and monocyte after the sauna bathing session were recorded in the group of athletes compared to untrained subjects. The obtained results indicated that sauna bathing stimulated the immune system to a higher degree in the group of athletes compared to the untrained subjects.

Changes in the lipid profile of blood serum in women taking sauna baths of various duration.

OBJECTIVES: There is little information on lipid metabolism after sauna treatment in the literature. The present research is aimed to determine the influence of sauna baths on fat metabolism in young women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy, eumenhorreic, female volunteers (19-21 yr old) were exposed to Finnish sauna bath seven times every second day. In group I (n = 10) each time the sauna treatment lasted 30 min, whereas in group II (n = 10) 40 min with 5-minute break to cool down. Body mass, heart rate and blood pressure were measured before and after sauna bath. Rectal temperature was monitored during stay in sauna room. Prior to the sauna bath and during its last two minutes the minute oxygen uptake and the level of CO2 exhalation were analyzed in the exhaled air, and the respiratory quotient RQ was calculated. In the blood samples collected before the sauna bath and immediately afterwards hematocrit, hemoglobin, and lipid profile--total lipids, free fatty acids, total free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipids (HDL), low density lipids (LDL) were analyzed. RESULTS: Rectal temperature was lower in the last sauna bath than in the first one. Losses of plasma were greater during the seventh bath than during the first one. Acceleration of the metabolism of lipids occurs after every sauna bath. A reduced level of TC and LDLC and a raised level of HDL was observed after repeated sauna baths. CONCLUSION: After 2 weeks of repeated sauna session some changes in total cholesterol and concentration of LDLC were observed, while concentration of HDLC increased after 7th sauna bath in group I. Those kinds of changes may be good prognoses of ischemic heart disease prevention, but further research on the influence of sauna on fat metabolism is needed.