Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

OBJECTIVES: Glutamine can be beneficial to athletes for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males. METHODS: In an intervention study, 30 healthy males (case = 15 and control = 15) were randomly assigned into two groups. For 14 d, the intervention group received 0.3 g of glutamine per kilogram of body weight per day, with 25 g of sugar in 250 mL of water, and the control group received 25 g of sugar per 250 mL of water. At the end of the intervention, the participants completed one session of exhaustive exercise, and then fasting blood samples were taken to test serum levels of atherosclerosis markers. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the serum levels of leptin, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were lower than in the control group after 2 wk of glutamine supplementation (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 serum levels were lower in the intervention group compared to the control group after supplementation, but not significantly. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, as well as the ratio of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein, were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after exhaustive exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glutamine supplementation has beneficial effects for athletes, particularly those doing strenuous physical exercise, through reducing atherosclerosis-related biomarkers and elevating serum adiponectin levels, and it can potentially play a role in decreasing the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

The Effects of L-Citrulline on Blood-Lactate Removal Kinetics Following Maximal-Effort Exercise.

The accumulation of lactate in muscle and blood during high-intensity exercise is negatively correlated with the duration exercise can be sustained. Removal of lactate is a key component of acute recovery between consecutive bouts of such exercise. Low-intensity exercise enhances recovery by accelerating lactate turnover in metabolically active tissues, largely mediated by blood flow to these tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to clarify if L-citrulline, a nutritional supplement purported to promote vasodilation via enhanced nitric oxide availability, would augment the removal of blood lactate during active recovery (AR). L-citrulline ingestion will augment the rate of blood lactate concentration decrease during AR, reduce the oxygen-cost of submaximal exercise, and increase time-to-exhaustion and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) during a test of maximal aerobic power. Healthy university students (five males & five females) participated in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Participants exercised on a cycle ergometer at submaximal steady-state intensities followed by progressively increasing intensity to exhaustion, 10 min of AR, and then supramaximal intensity exercise to exhaustion. Oxygen uptake was measured throughout the trial and blood lactate was sampled repeatedly during AR. The protocol elicited very high peak blood lactate concentrations after exercise (11.3 + 1.3 mmol/L). L-citrulline supplementation did not significantly alter blood lactate kinetics during AR, the oxygen cost of exercise, V̇O2peak, or time-to-exhaustion. Despite a strong theoretical basis by which L-citrulline could augment lactate removal from the blood, L-citrulline supplementation showed no effect as an exercise-recovery supplement.

Effect of Genistein Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice Liver and Skeletal Muscle.

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of oral high-dose genistein (GE) administration on exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and tissue damage. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into control group (Con; sedentary/0.5% CMC-Na), GE administrated group (GE; sedentary/GE dosed), exercise group (Ex; exercise/0.5% CMC-Na), or GE administrated plus exercise group (GE + Ex; exercise/GE dosed), mice in the GE and GE + Ex group were given GE orally at the dose of 200 mg/kg weight. Results: Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, liver interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression levels and skeletal muscle IL-6, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and HO-1 gene expression levels increased immediately after exhaustive exercise. GE supplementation increased liver protein carbonyl concentrations. On the other hand, GE supplementation significantly decreased SOD1, CAT gene expression levels in the liver and Nrf2, and HO-1 gene expression levels in the skeletal muscles. Conclusions: Acute exercise induced organ damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in skeletal muscles and the liver. However, a single dose of GE supplementation before exercise did not lead to favorable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in this study.

Melatonin improves the antioxidant capacity in cardiac tissue of Wistar rats after exhaustive exercise.

We investigated the effects of melatonin on the onset and resolution of the oxidative stress in the cardiac muscle in melatonin-treated and nontreated rats subjected to an exhaustive exercise session. Forty male rats were divided into: melatonin-treated (20 mg/kg supplemented for 10 d) and control. On the 10th day, each group was subdivided according to euthanasia moments: control or melatonin-treated not exercised (C0h and M0h); immediately after the exercise (CIA and MIA); and 2 h after exercise (C2h and M2h). The heart of animals was removed and the levels of oxidative stress index (OSI) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, and the activities of aconitase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the protein expression of CAT, GPx, and SOD was also measured. Our data revealed significant differences on: (i) OSI (p=.029), CAT activity (p=.016), CAT content (p<.001), GPx content (p=.014), reduced glutathione levels (p<.001), and aconitase activity (p<.001) for interaction of melatonin; (ii) GPx activity (p=.005), reduced glutathione (p=.004), protein carbonyl (p=.035), and TBARS levels (p=.028) between groups, and (iii) TBARS levels (p=.016) for significance between moments. Although the exhaustive exercise protocol imposed mild oxidative stress on the cardiac tissue of rats, melatonin induced antioxidant responses that rebalanced the redox status of the cardiac tissue, especially after exhaustive exercise.

Anti-fatigue Effects of Santé Premium Silver Perch Essence on Exhaustive Swimming Exercise Performance in Rats.

Aim: Fish soup is a traditional Chinese food usually offered as a healthy supplement to elders, pregnant women and persons who just had surgery. Silver perch (Santé premium silver perch essence, SPSPE) extract contains various quality proteins, collagen, minerals, trace elements, and branch chain amino acids (BCAA) that could help individuals recover from exhaustion and control body weight. However, there are very limited studies exploring the effects of fish extracts on exercise performance and fatigue, and relevant physiological mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic SPSPE administration on exhaustive exercise performance. Method: Male Wistar rats weighing around 250 g were divided into 4 groups: Control, 1X SPSPE (6.2 ml/kg), 2X SPSPE (12.4 ml/kg) and 5X SPSPE (31.0 ml/kg). Rats were administrated SPSPE by oral gavage feeding every day for 33 days. Their body weight were measured every week. Before and after the exhaustive swimming test, the blood was collected for circulating lactate, glucose, ammonia, hormones, and myoglobin analysis. Rats were sacrificed after performing an exhaustive swimming exercise test. The liver tissues were collected for glycogen content and H&E staining. Results: After the administration of 1X and 5X SPSPE, swimming fatigue was significantly delayed (p = 0.024). There was no difference in the hormone plasma level between the control and SPSPE groups. The induction of plasma corticosterone and TBARS by exhaustive swimming exercise could be decreased by SPSPE administration. The increased plasma myoglobin concentration from exhaustive swimming exercise was weakened by SPSPE supplementation. The higher glycogen sparing contained in liver tissue was observed in SPSPE-treated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: SPSPE could efficiently delay swimming fatigue through sparing of liver glycogen and attenuation of plasma TBARS, myoglobin induction by exhaustive exercise. Our findings provide a scientific-based fundamental information and better understanding for developing a fish extract-based anti-fatigue supplement.

Acute Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress Does Not Affect Immediate or Delayed Precursor Cell Mobilization in Healthy Young Males.

Exercise is known to acutely and transiently mobilize precursor cells to the peripheral blood. To date, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated and we hypothesized that exercise-induced oxidative stress could be a mobilizing agent, either directly or via circulating apoptotic cells as mediators. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of acute exercise-induced oxidative stress on numbers of circulating angiogenic precursor cells (CACs), circulating non-angiogenic precursor cells (nCACs), mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), mature endothelial cells (ECs), and mononuclear cells (MNCs), as well as their apoptotic subsets. Healthy, young males (n = 18, age: 24.2 ± 3.5 years) completed two identical, standardized incremental cycling tests. The first, un-supplemented control test was followed by a 7-day-long supplementation of vitamin C (1,000 mg/day) and E (400 I.U./day), immediately preceding the second test. Blood samples were collected before, directly after, 30, 90, 180, and 270 min after exercise, and aforementioned circulating cell numbers were determined by flow cytometry and a hematology analyzer. Additionally, total oxidative capacity (TOC) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) were measured in serum at all timepoints. Antioxidative supplementation abolished the exercise-induced increase in the oxidative stress index (TOC/TAC), and reduced baseline concentrations of TOC and TOC/TAC. However, it did not have any effect on CACs, nCACs, and MPC numbers or the increase in apoptotic MNCs following exercise. Our results indicate that exercise-induced oxidative stress is neither a main driver of lymphocyte and monocyte apoptosis, nor one of the mechanisms involved in the immediate or delayed mobilization of precursor cells.

Study on the differences between moxibustion at different points in the effects on the anti-fatigue ability of rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 8) on the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism indicators of rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming, and to explore the differences between moxibustion at different points in the effects on anti-exercise fatigue. Methods: Forty-eight male SPF rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a non-meridian and non-acupoint group, a Shenshu (BL 23) group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group, and a Shenque (CV 8) group using random number table method, with eight rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats in the other groups were subjected to replicating the one-time exhaustive model using the weight-bearing swimming experiment. Except for the model group, the other model rats received mild moxibustion immediately after swimming. Rats in the non-meridian and non-acupoint group received mild moxibustion at bilateral subcostal non-meridian and non-acupoint points, those in the Shenshu (BL 23) group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), those in the Zusanli (ST 36) group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), and those in the Shenque (CV 8) group received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min. Four hours after the exhaustive swimming, femoral artery blood was collected to detect blood lactate (BLA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels, and calculate the T/C ratio. Results: Compared with the blank group, rat's serum levels of BLA, LDH, CK, BUN and C in the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group were increased, and serum levels of CRE and T, and T/C ratios were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); compared with the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group, the serum levels of BLA, LDH, CK, BUN and C in the Shenshu (BL 23) group, Zusanli (ST 36) group and Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased, and the serum CRE and T levels, and the T/C ratios were increased (all P<0.01); compared with the Shenshu (BL 23) group, the serum CK level was decreased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01), the serum levels of T and C were decreased in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, the serum CK and BUN levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 8) shows different anti-fatigue effects by regulating the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism in rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming. Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) is better in promoting energy synthesis. Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is more effective in regulating synthesis and decomposition of the skeletal muscle proteins.

The Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and 9 After Exhaustive Exercise.

BACKGROUND: Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in plasma and skeletal muscles and an important fuel for immune system cells. It has beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may be considered as a potentially useful supplement for athletes. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on oxidative stress and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 30 healthy males (supplement =15 and control=15) were randomly assigned into two groups. The supplement group received 0.3 g/kg BW of glutamine along with 25 gr of sugar dissolved in 250 cc water per day. The control group received 25 gr of sugar in 250 cc water per day. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of 14 days of intervention. The participants underwent exercise until experiencing full-body exhaustive fatigue for 16 ± 2.84 mins, and then fasting blood samples were taken. Serum levels of TAC, MDA, MMP2, MMP9, glutathione, and hs-CRP were measured. RESULTS: Serum levels of MDA and hs-CRP significantly decreased in the supplement group (p< 0.05). The serum level of TAC significantly increased in the supplement group (p< 0.05). Glutathione serum levels significantly increased after exhaustive exercise (p< 0.05). Serum levels of MMP2 and MMP9 remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that, some biochemical factors are time-dependent and can increase or decrease over time, as well as, serum levels of hs-CRP and MDA decreased with glutamine supplementation along with the increase in the TAC serum levels, but this supplementation had no effect on serum levels of MMP2 and MMP9 in exhaustive exercise.

Metabonomic Analysis of the Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine Sanqi Oral Solution on Rats With Exhaustive Exercise.

Exhaustive exercise has emerged as an important health issue nowadays. This study was designed to assess the metabolite abnormalities of rats after exhaustive exercise and the holistic efficacy of Chinese medicine Sanqi oral solution (SQ). Through exhaustive swimming, the exhaustive exercise model in rats was established. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model, and treatment groups. SQ (12 mL·kg-1·d-1) or 0.9% saline solution was administrated orally by gastric gavage. After 4 weeks, serum samples were collected for biochemical measurements and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS)-based metabonomic study. It was found that rats with SQ intervention showed longer exhaustive swimming time (P < 0.05) than model rats, with an average of 1,160.36 ± 123.89 s in SQ group and 906.57 ± 172.11 s in model group. Among the biochemical indices, the levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose of exhaustive exercise rats increased, whereas levels of creatine kinase, urea, triglyceride, and total cholesterol decreased. These biochemical indices came normal after SQ administration, except for triglyceride. Twenty-seven potential biomarkers belonging to sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, amino acid, and other classes were identified in serum. This study indicated that SQ exerted protective effects on exhaustive exercise by significantly prolonging the swimming endurance time. The metabonomic-based findings of the metabolic state and analysis of potential biomarkers in serum well correlated with biochemical assessment, confirming that SQ had a definite efficacy. Moreover, the shifts in lipid-related metabolites and glycolytic pathway suggested that SQ may serve as a potential supplementation in sports nutrition for its pharmacological effect of regulating energy metabolism as well as improving signal transduction and muscle-cell physiological functions.

Effects of Mongolian Warm Acupuncture on iNOS/NO and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Hippocampus of Chronic Fatigue Rats.

The inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced fatigue. Studies have found that Mongolian warm acupuncture (WA) could alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Mongolian WA on iNOS/NO signaling pathway and proinflammatory cytokines in a chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue rat model. Animals were randomly divided into Control group, Ctrl + WA group, Model group, and Model + WA group. The body weight, exhaustive swimming time test, and Morris water maze test were performed before and after the chronic exhaustive swimming. The serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and iNOS were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and iNOS in the hippocampus were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, the protein expression of iNOS in the hippocampus was measured by western blot, and the NO productions in the serum and hippocampus were detected by Griess reaction system. Chronic exhaustive exercise significantly reduced the body weight and exhaustive swimming time, and induced impairment in learning and memory, and which were reversed by WA treatment. Chronic exhaustive exercise also increased the expressions of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines, while WA treatment significantly decreased the level of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines. However, chronic exhaustive exercise did not affect the NO production. These findings demonstrated that WA could alleviate the chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue and improve the learning and memory ability, and the actions might be related to the reduction of inflammatory response and iNOS expression.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on immune system in rats with different degrees of exhaustive exercise / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on the immune system in rats with different levels of exhaustive exercise.Methods:Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=8),an exhaustive group (n=24),and a moxibustion group (n=24).The exhaustive group was randomly divided into a 1-time exhaustive group,a 4-time exhaustive group and a 7-time exhaustive group,with 8 rats in each group.According to the treatment time,the moxibustion group was randomly divided into a 1-time moxibustion group,a 4-time moxibustion group and a 7-time moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.Rats in the exhaustive groups and the moxibustion groups were subjected to replicating the exhaustive swimming models.Rats in each moxibustion group received mild moxibustion for 15 min immediately after the exhaustive modeling,once every other day.Twenty-four hours after the corresponding exhaustive exercise,the rats in each group were tested for the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G,IgA,IgM and acid phosphatase (ACP),and the morphological changes of spleen tissues were observed.The level of IgA was detected by immunoturbidimetric assay,and the levels of IgG,IgM and ACP were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:Compared with the 1-time exhaustive group,swimming time of rats in the 4-time exhaustive group was significantly prolonged (P＜0.01),and swimming time of rats in the 7-time exhaustive group was significantly shortened (P＜0.01).Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group,exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time moxibustion group was significantly prolonged (P＜0.01).Compared with the blank group,the IgG level in the 1-time exhaustive group was significantly decreased (P＜0.01),and the levels of IgG,IgA and IgM in the 4-time exhaustive group and the 7-time exhaustive group were all significantly decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the ACP level was increased significantly (both P＜0.01).Microscopically,the number of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time exhaustive group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time exhaustive group was damaged;the number of splenic corpuscles in the 7-time exhaustive group was reduced,and there was no obvious germinal center.Compared with the 4-time exhaustive group,the IgA level in the 4-time moxibustion group was significantly increased (P＜0.01),and the ACP level was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group,the levels of IgG,IgA and IgM in the 7-time moxibustion group were significantly increased (all P＜0.01),and the ACP level was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Microscopically,the number of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time moxibustion group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time moxibustion group was damaged together with hyperplasia of some splenic corpuscles;blast cells were proliferated in the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 7-time moxibustion group.Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the levels of igG,igA and igM,reduce the ACP level,repair damaged spleen tissues,and enhance the immunity of the body to some extent in the long-term fatigue rats.

Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Exhaustive exercise causes muscle damage accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation leading to muscle fatigue and muscle soreness. Lemon verbena leaves, commonly used as tea and refreshing beverage, demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a proprietary lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise in comparison to a placebo product. METHODS: The study was performed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with parallel design. Forty-four healthy males and females, which were 22-50 years old and active in sports, were randomized to 400 mg lemon verbena extract once daily or placebo. The 15 days intervention was divided into 10 days supplementation prior to the exhaustive exercise day (intensive jump-protocol), one day during the test and four days after. Muscle strength (MVC), muscle damage (CK), oxidative stress (GPx), inflammation (IL6) and volunteer-reported muscle soreness intensity were assessed pre and post exercise. RESULTS: Participants in the lemon verbena group benefited from less muscle damage as well as faster and full recovery. Compared to placebo, lemon verbena extract receiving participants had significantly less exercise-related loss of muscle strength (p = 0.0311) over all timepoints, improved glutathione peroxidase activity by trend (p = 0.0681) and less movement induced pain (p = 0.0788) by trend. Creatine kinase and IL-6 didn't show significant discrimmination between groups. CONCLUSION: Lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated natural sports ingredient, by reducing muscle damage after exhaustive exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the clinical trials registry (clinical trial.gov NCT02923102). Registered 28 September 2016.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and its role in exhaustive-exercise-induced changes in female rat ovulatory cycle.

Exhaustive exercises can cause delayed menarche or menstrual cycle irregularities in females. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are incorporated into a wide range of benefits in many physiological systems. Our work aimed to assess the role of ω-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the deleterious effects of exhaustive exercise on the female reproductive system in rats. Virgin female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (12 rats in each): control group, omega-3 group treated with DHA, exhaustive exercise group, and exhaustive exercised rats treated with DHA. Omega-3 was given orally to the rats once daily for 4 estrous cycles. Exhaustive exercises revealed lower levels in progesterone and gonadotropins together with histopathological decrease in number of growing follicles and corpora lutea. Moreover, the exercised rats showed low levels of ovarian antioxidants with high level of caspase-3 and plasma cortisol level that lead to disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. ω-3 PUFA DHA has beneficial effects on the number of newly growing follicles in both sedentary and exercised rats with decreasing the level of caspase-3 and increasing the antioxidant activity in ovaries. Exhaustive exercises can cause ovulatory problems in female rats that can be improved by ω-3 supplementation.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on free radical metabolism in rat's hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on free radical metabolism in rat's hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise.Methods:A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=8),a model group (n=32) and a moxibustion group (n=32).According to the times of modeling or treatment,the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup,a 4-time model subgroup,a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup (n=8);the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup,a 4-time moxibustion subgroup,a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup (n=8).Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model.Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min immediately after modeling,once every other day.The concentration of malic dialdehyde (MDA),as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in rat's hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise.Results:Compared with the 1-time model subgroup,the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup (P＜0.01),while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups (both P＜0.01).Compared with the matched model subgroup,the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged (both P＜0.01).Compared with the normal group,the MDA concentration was increased significantly (P＜0.01),and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup (both P＜0.05);the MDA concentration was increased (all P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) in the 4-time,7-time and 10-time model subgroups.Compared with the matched model subgroup,the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time,7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups (all P＜0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat's hippocampus.To some extent,this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) against exercise-induced fatigue.

[Effects of preventative moxibustion on AMPK and mTOR in myocardial tissue in rats with exhaustive exercise].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of preventative moxibustion on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in myocardial tissue in rats with exhaustive exercise, and to explore the action mechanism of preventative moxibustion for myocardial injury by exhaustive exercise. METHODS: Eighteen SD male rats were randomly divided into a blank group, an exhaustive exercise group and a moxibustion group, 6 rats in each one. Rats in the blank group were treated with immobilization for 5 min per day, without any intervention. Rats in the exhaustive exercise group were treated with no intervention in the first 10 days. Rats in the moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4), 5 cones for each acupoint, for 10 days.On 11th day, rats in the exhaustive exercise group and moxibustion group were sacrificed to collect sample after exhaustive swimming, and time of exhaustive exercise was recorded. HE staining was used to observe the inflammatory changes of myocardial tissue; colorimetric method was used to measure lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA); immune suppression method was used to measure the content of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) in serum; Elisa method was used to measure the content of troponinT (cTnT) in serum; western blot method was applied to measure the content of AMPKα2 and mTOR in myocardial tissue. RESULTS: The time of exhaustive exercise was (4 831.17±689.88) s in the moxibustion group, which was longer than (3 509.50±1 232.49) s in the exhaustive exercise group (P<0.05); HE staining indicated structure of the myocardium was clear and inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in the moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the contents of serum LDH, CK-MB, cTnT were increased in the exhaustive exercise group (all P<0.05); MDA content was increased and SOD activity was decreased (both P<0.05); the AMPK α2 content in myocardial tissue was increased and the mTOR content was decreased (both P<0.05). Compared with the exhaustive exercise group, the contents of serum LDH, CK-MB, cTnT were reduced in the moxibustion group (all P<0.05); MDA content was decreased and SOD activity was increased (both P<0.05); the AMPKα2 content in myocardial tissue was increased, and the mTOR content was decreased (both P<0.05); AMPKα2 and mTOR were negatively correlated (r=-0.764, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preventative moxibustion is likely to regulate the expression of AMPK and mTOR to induce signaling pathway to recover myocardial injury by exhaustive exercise.

Effect of broccoli extract enriched diet on liver cholesterol oxidation in rats subjected to exhaustive exercise.

The effect of broccoli extract (BE)-enriched diet was studied in order to evaluate its ability to counteract liver cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) induced by acute strenuous exercise in rats. Thirty-two female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control diet without exercise (C), BE-enriched diet without exercise (B), control diet with acute exhaustive exercise (S) and BE-enriched diet with acute exhaustive exercise (BS). The study lasted 45days and on the last day, rats of S and BS groups were forced to run until exhaustion on a treadmill. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were determined in liver. Exhaustive exercise was clearly responsible for tissue damage, as evidenced by the increase of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) plasma activity in the S group. Moreover, the exercise protocol reduced CAT activity in liver, while it did not affect GST, GR and GPx. BE-enriched diet raised GST, GR and CAT activities in rats of BS group. The main COPs found were 7α-hydroxycholesterol, 7ß-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, cholestanetriol, 24-hydroxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol. The BE-enriched diet led to reduced cholesterol oxidation following exhaustive exercise; the highest level of COPs was found in the S group, whereas the BS rats showed the lowest amount. This study indicates that the BE-enriched diet increases antioxidant enzyme activities and exerts an antioxidant effect towards cholesterol oxidation in rat liver, suggesting the use of phytochemicals in the prevention of oxidative damage and in the modulation of the redox environment.

Experimental study on the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for long-term exercise-induced fatigue / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on fatigue in rats with chronic exercise-induced exhaustion. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each group. Except rats in the blank group, the remaining rats were subjected to create long-term exhaustion models by repeated swimming. After successful modeling, rats in the moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min, once every other day with a total of 10 times. Rats in the model group and the blank group did not receive moxibustion. At the end of the treatment, the exhausted times, and the body weight of rats before and after the experiment were compared among groups. The levels of blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and urea nitrogen (BUN), as well as the activities of aspartate transarninase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, 24 h after the exhausting excise. Results: The 10th swimming time was significantly longer in the moxibustion group than that in the model group (P<0.01). The increase rate of the body weight was lower in the rats of the moxibustion group than that in the model group before the 7th and the 10th exhausting excise (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum MDA and BUN, as well as the activities of AST, ALT and LDH in the model group were higher than those in the blank group (all P<0.01). The levels of serum MDA and BUN, as well as the activities of AST, ALT and LDH in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can decrease the serum levels of MDA and BUN, as well as activities of AST, ALT and LDH in the long-term fatigue rats, thus to improve the symptoms of fatigue.

Effects of preventative moxibustion on AMPK and mTOR in myocardial tissue in rats with exhaustive exercise / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of preventative moxibustion on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in myocardial tissue in rats with exhaustive exercise, and to explore the action mechanism of preventative moxibustion for myocardial injury by exhaustive exercise.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen SD male rats were randomly divided into a blank group, an exhaustive exercise group and a moxibustion group, 6 rats in each one. Rats in the blank group were treated with immobilization for 5 min per day, without any intervention. Rats in the exhaustive exercise group were treated with no intervention in the first 10 days. Rats in the moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4), 5 cones for each acupoint, for 10 days.On 11th day, rats in the exhaustive exercise group and moxibustion group were sacrificed to collect sample after exhaustive swimming, and time of exhaustive exercise was recorded. HE staining was used to observe the inflammatory changes of myocardial tissue; colorimetric method was used to measure lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA); immune suppression method was used to measure the content of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) in serum; Elisa method was used to measure the content of troponinT (cTnT) in serum; western blot method was applied to measure the content of AMPKα2 and mTOR in myocardial tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The time of exhaustive exercise was (4 831.17±689.88) s in the moxibustion group, which was longer than (3 509.50±1 232.49) s in the exhaustive exercise group (<0.05); HE staining indicated structure of the myocardium was clear and inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced in the moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the contents of serum LDH, CK-MB, cTnT were increased in the exhaustive exercise group (all<0.05); MDA content was increased and SOD activity was decreased (both<0.05); the AMPK α2 content in myocardial tissue was increased and the mTOR content was decreased (both<0.05). Compared with the exhaustive exercise group, the contents of serum LDH, CK-MB, cTnT were reduced in the moxibustion group (all<0.05); MDA content was decreased and SOD activity was increased (both<0.05); the AMPKα2 content in myocardial tissue was increased, and the mTOR content was decreased (both<0.05); AMPKα2 and mTOR were negatively correlated (=-0.764,<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Preventative moxibustion is likely to regulate the expression of AMPK and mTOR to induce signaling pathway to recover myocardial injury by exhaustive exercise.</p>

Extraction of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides using ultrasound-assisted way and its bioactivity.

In the present article, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis were investigated. The aim of the study is to examine the extraction parameters such as ultrasound power (140-180W), the ratio of liquid to solid (5-7), extraction time (40-50min) and extraction temperature (80-100°C) and to obtain the best possible combinations of these parameters through response surface methodology (RSM). Based on contour plots and variance analysis, optimum operational conditions for maximizing polysaccharides yield were found to be 180w, 7, 45min and 90°C. Under the optimum operating conditions determined, 6.96% polysaccharides were achieved. In addition, the results showed that A. sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) could increase antioxidant enzymes activities and decrease the MDA levels in the skeletal muscle of exhaustive exercise rats. This study provides strong evidence that A. sinensis polysaccharides supplementation possessed protective effects against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Oral conjugated linoleic acid supplementation enhanced glycogen resynthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle.

Present study examined the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on glycogen resynthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle. Twelve male participants completed a cross-over trial with CLA (3.8 g/day for 8 week) or placebo supplements by separation of 8 weeks. CLA is a mixture of trans-10 cis-12 and cis-9 trans-11 isomers (50:50). On experiment day, all participants performed 60-min cycling exercise at 75% VO2 max, then consumed a carbohydrate meal immediately after exercise and recovered for 3 h. Biopsied muscle samples from vastus lateralis were obtained immediately (0 h) and 3 h following exercise. Simultaneously, blood and gaseous samples were collected for every 30 min during 3-h recovery. Results showed significantly increased muscle glycogen content with CLA after a single bout of exercise (P < 0.05). Muscle glucose transporter type 4 expression was significantly elevated immediately after exercise, and this elevation was continued until 3 h after exercise in CLA trial. However, P-Akt/Akt ratio was not significantly altered, while glucose tolerance was impaired with CLA. Gaseous exchange data showed no beneficial effect of CLA on fat oxidation, instead lower non-esterified fatty acid and glycerol levels were found at 0 h. Our findings conclude that CLA supplementation can enhance the glycogen resynthesis rate in exercised human skeletal muscle.