Metabolic and hormonal responses to acute high-load resistance exercise in normobaric hypoxia using a saturation clamp.

Introduction: We assessed metabolic and hormonal responses to high-load resistance exercise under varying normobaric hypoxia conditions with a saturation clamp. Methods: Employing a counterbalanced, crossover test design, ten well-trained men participated in three exercise trials with normoxic or hypoxic gas mixtures to maintain arterial oxygen saturation at -90% and 80% [moderate (MH) and severe (SH) hypoxia, respectively]. The resistance exercise regimen comprised five sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squats at 70% of one repetition maximum, with 1-min rest between sets. Metabolic and hormonal responses were measured before normoxia or hypoxia exposures (Pre 1), 15 min after the exposures (Pre 2), and at 0-, 15-, and 30-min post-exercises (T0, T15, and T30, respectively). Results: Compared to Pre 2, blood lactate concentrations and growth hormone values were elevated at T0, T15, and T30 (p ≤ 0.001), while testosterone values increased at T0 in all conditions (p ≤ 0.009). Epinephrine values increased significantly from Pre 2 to T0 in SH only (p < 0.001). SH had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations (p = 0.023), growth hormone (p = 0.050), and epinephrine (p = 0.020) values at T30 compared to NM. Cortisol values were elevated above Pre 2 at T15 in MH and SH, while lower testosterone values were noted at T0 and T15 for SH compared to NM and MH (all p ≤ 0.05). Discussion: Severe simulated hypoxia, achieved through a saturation clamp during barbell back squats, may enhance metabolic and hormonal responses, particularly 30 min post-session. Nevertheless, the acute effects of hypoxia exposure seem to be overridden by the impact of high-load resistance exercise.

Effect of ADORA2A Gene Polymorphism and Acute Caffeine Supplementation on Hormonal Response to Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind, Crossover, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Previous studies have reported that TT genotype carriers of the adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A) gene rs5751876 polymorphism have better ergogenic and anti-inflammatory responses to caffeine intake compared to C allele carriers. The aim of the present study was twofold: (1) to investigate the association of the ADORA2A rs5751876 polymorphism with acute caffeine supplementation on hormonal (growth hormone and testosterone) response to resistance exercise (RE); (2) to examine the relationship between the rs5751876 polymorphism and the resting levels of growth hormone and testosterone in athletes who are light caffeine consumers. A double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study involving 30 resistance-trained men (age 21.7 ± 4.1) was conducted to assess the impact of caffeine supplementation on serum growth hormone (GH) and testosterone (TS) levels before, immediately after, and 15 min post-RE. One hour before engaging in resistance exercise, subjects were randomly administered 6 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass or a placebo (maltodextrin). After a 7-day washout period, the same protocol was repeated. Resting testosterone and growth hormone levels were examined in the sera of 94 elite athletes (31 females, age 21.4 ± 2.8; 63 males, age 22.9 ± 3.8). Caffeine consumption led to significantly greater increases in GH and TS in men with the TT genotype compared to C allele carriers. Furthermore, in the group of athletes, carriers of the TT genotype had significantly higher testosterone (p = 0.0125) and growth hormone (p = 0.0365) levels compared to C allele carriers. In conclusion, the ADORA2A gene rs5751876 polymorphism may modify the effect of caffeine intake on the hormonal response to exercise.

Effects of submaximal and supramaximal accentuated eccentric loading on mass and function.

Introduction: Eccentric-overload (EO) resistance training emerges as an alternative to more optimally prescribe intensity relative to the force generation capabilities of the eccentric muscle contraction. Given the difficulties to individually prescribe absolute eccentric loads relative to each person's eccentric ability, setting the load relative to the concentric one-repetition maximum (1-RM) is the most used EO training approach. Therefore, we investigated the effects of submaximal and supramaximal (i.e., eccentric loads above 100% of 1-RM) accentuated eccentric training on changes in lean mass, anabolic hormonal responses and muscle function. Methods: Physically active university students (n = 27) were randomly assigned to two training groups. Participants in the training groups performed dominant leg isotonic training twice a week for 10 weeks (four sets of eight repetitions). Isotonic resistance was generated by an electric-motor device at two different percentages of 1-RM for the eccentric phase; 90% submaximal load, SUB group) and 120% (supramaximal load, SUPRA group). Concentric load was the same for both groups (30% of 1-RM). Changes in total thigh lean mass (TTLM), anabolic hormonal responses (growth hormone, IGF-1, IL-6, and total testosterone), unilateral leg-press 1-RM, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), local muscle endurance (XRM), muscle power at 40 (PP40), 60 (PP60) and 80% (PP80) of the 1-RM, and unilateral vertical jump height before and after training were compared between groups. Results: After training, both SUB and SUPRA groups showed similar increases (p < 0.05) in MVIC (19.2% and 19.6%), XRM (53.8% and 23.8%), PP40 (16.2% and 15.7%), TTLM (2.5% and 4.2%), IGF-1 (10.0% and 14.1%) and IL-6 (58.6% and 28.6%). However, increases in 1-RM strength (16.3%) and unilateral vertical jump height (10.0%-13.4%) were observed for SUPRA only. Indeed, SUPRA was shown to be more favorable than SUB training for increasing 1-RM [ES = 0.77 (1.49-0.05)]. Unilateral muscle power at medium and high intensity (10.2% and 10.5%) also increased in SUB but without significant differences between groups. Discussion: Similar functional and structural effects were demonstrated after 10 weeks EO training with submaximal and supramaximal eccentric loads. Although supramaximal loading might be superior for increasing 1-RM, the use of this approach does not appear to be necessary in healthy, active individuals.

Understanding the Effects of Trenbolone Acetate, Polyamine Precursors, and Polyamines on Proliferation, Protein Synthesis Rates, and the Abundance of Genes Involved in Myoblast Growth, Polyamine Biosynthesis, and Protein Synthesis in Murine Myoblasts.

Research suggests that androgens increase skeletal muscle growth by modulating polyamine biosynthesis. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate effects of anabolic hormones, polyamine precursors, and polyamines relative to proliferation, protein synthesis, and the abundance of mRNA involved in polyamine biosynthesis, proliferation, and protein synthesis in C2C12 and Sol8 cells. Cultures were treated with anabolic hormones (trenbolone acetate and/or estradiol), polyamine precursors (methionine or ornithine), or polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, or spermine). Messenger RNA was isolated 0.5 or 1, 12, or 24 h post-treatment. The cell type had no effect (p > 0.10) on proliferation, protein synthesis, or mRNA abundance at any time point. Each treatment increased (p < 0.01) proliferation, and anabolic hormones increased (p = 0.04) protein synthesis. Polyamines increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of mRNA involved in polyamine biosynthesis, proliferation, and protein synthesis. Treatment with polyamine precursors decreased (p < 0.05) the abundance of mRNA involved in proliferation and protein synthesis. Overall, C2C12 and Sol8 myoblasts do not differ (p > 0.10) in proliferation, protein synthesis, or mRNA abundance at the time points assessed. Furthermore, anabolic hormones, polyamines, and polyamine precursors increase proliferation and protein synthesis, and polyamines and their precursors alter the abundance of mRNA involved in growth.

Associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance and anabolic hormones in young men.

Purpose: The present study examined the association of vitamin D measured by serum 25(OH)D with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men. Methods: 412 young men (age 19 ± 1 year) entering their compulsory military service volunteered to participate in the study. The study consisted of two groups from two different military bases: Group A was studied in January and group B in July. The groups were first compared with each other and due to statistically significant (p < 0.001 analyzed with independent samples t-test) differences in physical condition (sit-up, push-up, and standing long jump-tests and testosterone levels) between the groups, groups were analyzed separately. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, testosterone (TES), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Physical performance tests consisted of muscular fitness (sit-ups, push-ups, standing long jump) and aerobic fitness (12-minute-running) tests. The association of serum 25(OH)D with physical performance tests and anabolic hormones was analyzed using linear regression. Results: After controlling for the group, body mass index, and leisure-time physical activity, serum 25(OH)D level was positively associated with aerobic and muscular fitness (ß = 0.15-0.20, all p < 0.05). Also, the participants with sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (≥75 nmol/L) had better aerobic and muscular fitness and higher TES in group B, and better upper extremity muscular fitness in group A (all p < 0.05). In group A, there were 166 participants with serum levels of 25(OH) D < 75 nmol/L and 18 ≥ 75 nmol/L. In group B, the amounts were 92 (<75 nmol/L) and 136 (≥75 nmol/L), respectively. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with both aerobic and muscular fitness and those with sufficient vitamin D levels, had higher levels of TES. Thus, maintaining a sufficient serum 25(OH)D level may be beneficial for physical performance and anabolic state in young men.

Blood-Flow-Restriction-Training-Induced Hormonal Response is not Associated with Gains in Muscle Size and Strength.

The aim of this study was to determine whether increases in post-exercise endocrine response to low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction and high-load resistance exercise would have association with increases in muscle size and strength after an 8-week training period. Twenty-nine untrained men were randomly allocated into three groups: low-load resistance exercise with (LL-BFR) or without blood flow restriction (LL), and high-load resistance exercise (HL). Participants from LL-BFR and LL groups performed leg extension exercise at 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM), four sets of 15 repetitions and the HL group performed four sets of eight repetitions at 80% 1RM. Before the first training session, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone, cortisol, and lactate concentration were measured at rest and 15 min after the exercise. Quadriceps CSA and 1RM knee extension were assessed at baseline and after an 8-week training period. GH increased 15 min after exercise in the LL-BFR (p = 0.032) and HL (p < 0.001) groups, with GH concentration in the HL group being higher than in the LL group (p = 0.010). There was a time effect for a decrease in testosterone (p = 0.042) and an increase in cortisol (p = 0.005), while IGF-1 remained unchanged (p = 0.346). Both muscle size and strength were increased after training in LL-BFR and HL groups, however, these changes were not associated with the acute post-exercise hormone levels (p > 0.05). Our data suggest that other mechanisms than the acute post-exercise increase in systemic hormones induced by LL-BFR and HL produce changes in muscle size and strength.

Poly(Alizarin Red S) on pyrolytic graphite electrodes as a new multi-electronic system for sensing oxandrolone in urine.

This study presents a new polymeric and multielectronic system, the poly-Alizarin Red S (PARS), obtained from the electropolymerization of Alizarin Red S (ARS) dye on an edge-plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (EPPGE) surface. During EPPGE/PARS electrochemical characterization, we identified seven stable and reversible redox peaks in acidic medium (0.10 mol L-1, pH 1.62 KH2PO4), which indicated its mechanisms underlying electropolymerization and electrochemical behavior. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use an EPPGE/PARS electrode to detect oxandrolone (OXA) in artificial urine, where PARS acts as a synthetic receptor for OXA. The interactions of OXA with EPPGE/PARS as well as the properties of PARS were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize EPPGE/PARS, and it was found that the PARS polymer formed a semi-globular phase on the EPPGE surface. The limit of detection for OXA found by the sensor was close to 0.50 nmol L-1, with a recovery rate of approximately 100% in artificial urine. In addition to the application proposed in this study, EPPGE/PARS is a low-cost product that could be applied in several devices and processes, such as supercapacitors and electrocatalysis.

Iron status, catabolic/anabolic balance, and skeletal muscle performance in men with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic derangements related to tissue energetics constitute an important pathophysiological feature of heart failure. We investigated whether iron deficiency and catabolic/anabolic imbalance contribute to decreased skeletal muscle performance in men with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and whether these pathologies are related to each other. METHODS: We comprehensively examined 23 men with stable HFrEF (median age [interquartile range]: 63 [59-66] years; left ventricular ejection fraction: 28 [25-35]%; New York Heart Association class I/II/III: 17/43/39%). We analyzed clinical characteristics, iron status, hormones, strength and fatigability of forearm flexors and quadriceps (surface electromyography), and exercise capacity (6-minute walking test). RESULTS: None of the patients had anemia whereas 8 were iron-deficient. Flexor carpi radialis fatigability correlated with lower reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHR, p < 0.05), and there was a trend towards greater fatigability in patients with higher body mass index and lower serum ferritin (both p < 0.1). Flexor carpi ulnaris fatigability correlated with lower serum iron and CHR (both p < 0.05). Vastus medialis fatigability was related to lower free and bioavailable testosterone (FT and BT, respectively, both p < 0.05), and 6-minute walking test distance was shorter in patients with higher cortisol/FT and cortisol/BT ratio (both p < 0.05). Lower ferritin and transferrin saturation correlated with lower percentage of FT and BT. Men with HFrEF and iron deficiency had higher total testosterone, but lower percentage of FT and BT. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency correlates with lower bioactive testosterone in men with HFrEF. These two pathologies can both contribute to decreased skeletal muscle performance in such patients.

Survey of protein-based sport supplements for illegally added anabolic steroids methyltestosterone and 4-androstenedione by UPLC-MS/MS.

There is some evidence that marketable supplements contain hormones not declared on the product label. The presence of these androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) in sports supplements can be considered an adulteration and affect the health of consumers, who are predominantly athletes. This study aimed to measure anabolic hormones (methyltestosterone and 4-androstenedione) in sport supplements. Ultra Performance Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive mode was employed under the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) ion program. To overcome matrix effects and quantify the selected analyte, the calibration curve was made using Matrix Match method. The LOQ and LOD were 1 ng/g and 0.3 ng/g for both analytes. The recovery of 4-androstenedione and methyltestosterone was in the range of 86.87-107.35 and 77.31-113.98, respectively. In terms of reproducibility, CV % for 4-androstenedione and methyltestosterone ranged from 6.56 to 16.87% and 1.45-15.12%, respectively. 4-androstenedione was found in 11 samples including 9 whey as 1.578 ±â€¯0.154 ng/g and 2 whey albumin samples with an amount of 1.134 ng/g and 1.474 ng/g. Consequently, continuous controlling of sport supplements comprising intentionally or unintentionally added androgens could be important for health and discuss in the context of compliance with anti-doping.

Relationship of Anabolic Hormones With Motor Unit Characteristics in Quadriceps Muscle in Healthy and Frail Aging Men.

CONTEXT: Anabolic hormones are important factors in maintaining muscle mass for aging men, but their role in overall motor unit structure and function is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to determine associations of anabolic and reproductive hormone levels with motor unit characteristics in quadriceps muscle in older healthy and frail men. DESIGN: This work is an observational cohort study of community-dwelling men. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included healthy and frail men younger than 65 years. INTERVENTION: No intervention was performed. OUTCOME MEASURE: Quantitative assessments of electromyography-derived motor unit potential size (MUP) and compound muscle action potential size (CMAP) of the vastus lateralis muscle. RESULTS: We studied 98 men (mean ±â€…SD: age 73 ±â€…6 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.7 ±â€…4.0 kg/m2; diabetes 11%) of whom 45% were prefrail and 18% frail. After adjusting for age, BMI, and prevalent diabetes, higher total and free testosterone levels were significantly related to larger CMAP (total testosterone: ß [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.08-0.53]; free testosterone: 0.34 [0.13-0.56]). Exploratory analysis showed the relationship between free testosterone and CMAP was stronger in frail rather than robust men. In univariate analyses, estradiol was associated with CMAP size (0.37 [0.16-0.57]); and vitamin D was associated with MUP size (0.22 [0.01-0.43]) but these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Our data highlight the associations between androgen levels and the electrophysiological characteristics of older men, particularly in the frail. Clinical trials involving administration of androgens will help to elucidate the potential benefits of intervention on neuromuscular function and/or frailty status.

Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation for 12 weeks on serum levels of anabolic hormones, anaerobic power, and aerobic performance in active male subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Maintenance of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) concentration at recommended levels is essential due to its role in the regulation of anabolic hormones and athletic performance. However, the results of the clinical experiments in athletes are controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplement on serum levels of anabolic hormones, cortisol, anaerobic and aerobic performance in active males. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 46 active males randomly assigned to vitamin D3 supplement (VDS; 2000 IU/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The Wingate test, VO2max, and serum levels of 25-OH-D, Parathyroid hormone (PTH), total testosterone, growth hormone (GH), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and cortisol were assessed. Subjects in the VDS group had a higher serum level of 25-OH-D (p = 0.004), VO2max (p = 0.016), and average power (p = 0.044) compared to the placebo at the end of the study. Also, lower levels of PTH (p = 0.004) and fatigue index (p < 0.001) were observed in VDS group at the end of the study. The serum cortisol levels were reduced significantly only in subjects with vitamin D deficiency in VDS group (p = 0.042). There was a significant reduction in serum testosterone levels in VDS group (p = 0.013). No change was indicated in serum levels of GH and IGF-1 in VDS group compared to the placebo (p > 0.05). The present study showed an improvement in aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, and vitamin D status following vitamin D3 supplementation. However, more studies are required for the effect of vitamin D3 on serum concentration of anabolic hormones.

Strong muscles, weak heart: testosterone-induced cardiomyopathy.

Exogenous anabolic androgen steroid use is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A 53-year-old bodybuilder presented with 3 months of exertional dyspnoea. Physical examination showed tachycardia and pan-systolic murmur; an echocardiogram showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 15%. Evaluations included normal coronary angiogram, iron panel and thyroid studies, a negative viral panel (human immunodeficiency virus, Lyme disease, and hepatitis), and urine toxicology. He admitted to intramuscular anabolic steroid use; his testosterone level was 30 160.0 ng/dL (normal 280-1100 ng/dL). In addition to discontinuation of anabolic steroid use, he was treated with guideline-directed heart failure medical therapy. Repeat echocardiogram at 6 months showed an EF of 54% and normalized testosterone level of 603.7 ng/dL. Anabolic steroid use is a rare, reversible cause of cardiomyopathy in young, otherwise healthy athletes; a high index of suspicion is required to prevent potentially fatal side effects.

The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Anabolic Hormone Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men With Prediabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between men with prediabetes (PD) and a control group as well as to investigate the relationship between HRQoL and anabolic hormones. The analysis was carried out in 176 middle-aged (40-59 years) and elderly (60 80 years) men with PD, and 184 control peers. PD was defined according the American Diabetes Association and HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. Total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured. Analysis of the standardized physical and mental component summary scores (SF-36p and SF-36m) revealed that patients with PD had lower SF-36p and SF-36m than control group ( p < .02 and p < .001). Middle-aged men with PD had lower SF-36p and SF-36m than control peers, whereas elderly men with PD had lower only SF-36p. In men with PD negative correlations between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and SF-35m score ( r = -0.3768; p = .02) and between HbA1c and SF-36p score ( r = -0.3453; p = .01) were reported. In middle-aged prediabetic men, SF-36p was associated with high free testosterone and low HbA1c while SF-36m with high TT and high DHEAS. In elderly patients with PD, SF-36p was associated with high TT, high IGF-1, and low HbA1c, while SF-36m correlated with high free testosterone and high DHEAS. In conclusion, PD in men is associated with decreased HRQoL in comparison with healthy men, and generally better quality of life is associated with higher testosterone, higher free testosterone, higher DHEAS, and lower HbA1c.

New surveillance concepts in food safety in meat producing animals: the advantage of high throughput 'omics' technologies - A review.

The misuse of anabolic hormones or illegal drugs is a ubiquitous problem in animal husbandry and in food safety. The ban on growth promotants in food producing animals in the European Union is well controlled. However, application regimens that are difficult to detect persist, including newly designed anabolic drugs and complex hormone cocktails. Therefore identification of molecular endogenous biomarkers which are based on the physiological response after the illicit treatment has become a focus of detection methods. The analysis of the 'transcriptome' has been shown to have promise to discover the misuse of anabolic drugs, by indirect detection of their pharmacological action in organs or selected tissues. Various studies have measured gene expression changes after illegal drug or hormone application. So-called transcriptomic biomarkers were quantified at the mRNA and/or microRNA level by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology or by more modern 'omics' and high throughput technologies including RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). With the addition of advanced bioinformatical approaches such as hierarchical clustering analysis or dynamic principal components analysis, a valid 'biomarker signature' can be established to discriminate between treated and untreated individuals. It has been shown in numerous animal and cell culture studies, that identification of treated animals is possible via our transcriptional biomarker approach. The high throughput sequencing approach is also capable of discovering new biomarker candidates and, in combination with quantitative RT-qPCR, validation and confirmation of biomarkers has been possible. These results from animal production and food safety studies demonstrate that analysis of the transcriptome has high potential as a new screening method using transcriptional 'biomarker signatures' based on the physiological response triggered by illegal substances.

An association between bone mineral density and anabolic hormones in middle-aged and elderly men with prediabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Prediabetes (PD) leads to reduced testosterone (T) in males, but the association between the anabolic hormones and bone mineral density (BMD) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: We investigated an association between the anabolic hormones and BMD in middle-aged and elderly men with PD. METHODS: We investigated 84 prediabetic and 56 control men. Total T (TT), calculated free T (cFT), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured, and BMD was assessed using DXA methods. RESULTS: Patients with PD had lower TT (p < .001), cFT (p < .005), and DHEAS (p < .02) than control group. BMD values of the lower lumbar spine (p < .02) and total body (p < .05) in prediabetic men were lower than in control group. Lumbar spine BMD correlated with TT (r = 0.376), cFT (r = 0.235), and HbA1c (r = -0.368); femoral neck BMD correlated with TT (r = 0.412) and cFT (r = 0.421). The high lumbar spine and femur neck BMD was associated with high TT, cFT, and low HbA1c, while the high total body BMD with high TT, cFT, and low HbA1c. CONCLUSION: The anabolic hormones significantly affect BMD in male with PD, and screening for low BMD is necessary in these patients.

Control of Anabolic Hormone Residues in Tissues of Slaughter Animals in Poland During the Period of 2011-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Studies of anabolic hormone residues in the tissues of slaughter animals have been carried out in Poland for more than 25 years. During the period of 2011 to 2015, a total of 35 387 samples from different animal species were tested in the National Residue Control Programme for the presence of residues of compounds that cause hormonal effects, as listed in Annex 1 of Directive 96/23/EC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted in the National Reference Laboratory and eight regional laboratories in departments of veterinary hygiene located throughout the country. Urine, muscle tissue, serum, kidney fat, and drinking water were the targeted matrices. Test methods based on instrumental techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry were applied, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS: The concentration of detected hormones exceeded the decision limits in 30 samples, the consequence of which was 41 non-compliances with current applicable criteria. The hormones found present pseudo-endogenous (nortestosterone and boldenone) only, while synthetic hormones were not identified. CONCLUSION: The non-compliant findings constitute a small percentage (0.085%) of the five-year analysis compilation. On this basis the related food produced in Poland can be accepted as safe for human consumption with regard to the hormone residues tested.

Effect of low-intensity resistance training with heat stress on the HSP72, anabolic hormones, muscle size, and strength in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Several recent studies have reported that heat stress stimulates the activation of heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), leading to an increase in muscle synthesis. Some studies suggested that low-intensity resistance training combined with heat stress could improve muscle size and strength. AIM: This study aimed to identify the effect of low-intensity resistance training with heat stress over 12 weeks on the HSP72, anabolic hormones, muscle size, and strength in elderly women. METHODS: The subjects were physically healthy women of 65-75 years, who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a low-intensity resistance training with heating sheet group (HRT group, n = 8), a moderate-intensity resistance training (RT group, n = 6), and a heating sheet group (HEAT group, n = 7). Computed tomography scans, 1-repetition maximum (1RM), and blood samples were taken pre- and post-training. RESULTS: The HSP72 did not vary significantly between the different groups and times. The IGF-1 and 1RM had significantly increased in all three groups after the training (respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps showed a significantly greater increase in the HRT group than in the HEAT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that low-intensity training with heat stress stimulated the anabolic hormones of elderly women, improving their muscle strength and hypertrophy. We believe that low-intensity training with heat stress is an effective way to prevent muscle atrophy and to improve muscle strength in elderly women.

Recovery responses of testosterone, growth hormone, and IGF-1 after resistance exercise.

The complexity and redundancy of the endocrine pathways during recovery related to anabolic function in the body belie an oversimplistic approach to its study. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of resistance exercise (RE) on the recovery responses of three major anabolic hormones, testosterone, growth hormone(s), and insulin-like growth factor 1. Each hormone has a complexity related to differential pathways of action as well as interactions with binding proteins and receptor interactions. Testosterone is the primary anabolic hormone, and its concentration changes during the recovery period depending on the upregulation or downregulation of the androgen receptor. Multiple tissues beyond skeletal muscle are targeted under hormonal control and play critical roles in metabolism and physiological function. Growth hormone (GH) demonstrates differential increases in recovery with RE based on the type of GH being assayed and workout being used. IGF-1 shows variable increases in recovery with RE and is intimately linked to a host of binding proteins that are essential to its integrative actions and mediating targeting effects. The RE stress is related to recruitment of muscle tissue with the glandular release of hormones as signals to target tissues to support homeostatic mechanisms for metabolism and tissue repair during the recovery process. Anabolic hormones play a crucial role in the body's response to metabolism, repair, and adaptive capabilities especially in response to anabolic-type RE. Changes of these hormones following RE during recovery in the circulatory biocompartment of blood are reflective of the many mechanisms of action that are in play in the repair and recovery process.