Simulated Microgravity Promotes Angiogenesis through RhoA-Dependent Rearrangement of the Actin Cytoskeleton.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Microgravity leads to hydrodynamic alterations in the cardiovascular system and is associated with increased angiogenesis, an important aspect of endothelial cell behavior to initiate new vessel growth. Given the critical role of Rho GTPase-dependent cytoskeleton rearrangement in cell migration, small GTPase RhoA might play a potential role in microgravity-induced angiogenesis. METHODS: We examined the organization of actin filaments by FITC-conjugated phalloidin staining, as well as the expression and activity of RhoA by quantitative PCR and Western blot, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under normal gravity and simulated microgravity. Effect of simulated microgravity on the wound closure and tube formation in HUVECs, and their dependence on RhoA, were also analyzed by cell migration and tube formation assays. RESULTS: We show that in HUVECs actin filaments are disorganized and RhoA activity is reduced by simulated microgravity. Blocking RhoA activity either by C3 transferase Rho inhibitor or siRNA knockdown mimicked the effect of simulated microgravity on inducing actin filament disassembly, followed by enhanced wound closure and tube formation in HUVECs, which closely resembled effects seen on microgravity-treated cells. In contrast, overexpressing RhoA in microgravity-treated HUVECs restored the actin filaments, and decreased wound closure and tube formation abilities. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RhoA inactivation is involved in the actin rearrangement-associated angiogenic responses in HUVECs during simulated microgravity.

The Impact of Simulated Weightlessness on Endothelium-Dependent Angiogenesis and the Role of Caveolae/Caveolin-1.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The potential role of caveolin-1 in modulating angiogenesis in microgravity environment is unexplored. METHODS: Using simulated microgravity by clinostat, we measured the expressions and interactions of caveolin-1 and eNOS in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. RESULTS: We found that decreased caveolin-1 expression is associated with increased expression and phosphorylation levels of eNOS in endothelial cells stimulated by microgravity, which causes a dissociation of eNOS from caveolin-1 complexes. As a result, microgravity induces cell migration and tube formation in endothelial cell in vitro that depends on the regulations of caveolin-1. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insight for the important endothelial functions in altered gravitational environments.

Clinorotation enhances autophagy in vascular endothelial cells.

Individuals exposed to extended periods of spaceflight or prolonged 6° head-down-tilt bed rest often suffer from health hazards represented by cardiovascular deconditioning. Many studies have reported that alterations in vascular endothelial cells contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction induced by microgravity. Autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway, serves an adaptive role for survival, differentiation, and development in cellular homeostasis, and can be triggered by various environmental stimuli. However, whether autophagy can be induced in endothelial cells by real or simulated microgravity remains to be determined. This study was designed to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity on the activation of autophagy in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We report here that clinorotation, a simulated model of microgravity, enhances autophagosome formation, increases LC3 and beclin-1 expression, and promotes the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II in HUVECs. These results demonstrate that simulated microgravity for 48 h activates autophagy of vascular endothelial cells.

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise can prevent enhancement of popliteal vein compliance due to 4-day head-down bed rest.

Changes of venous compliance may contribute in part to postflight orthostatic intolerance. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether intermittent artificial gravity exposure with ergometric exercise could prevent venous compliance changes in the lower limbs due to simulated weightlessness. Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to simulated microgravity for 4 days of head-down bed rest (HDBR). Six subjects were randomly loaded 1.0-2.0 Gz intermittent artificial gravity (at foot level) with 40 W of ergometric workload every day (countermeasure group, CM). The six others served as the control (CON group). Venous compliance was estimated by measuring the corresponding change of cross-sectional area (CSA) of popliteal vein at each minute of various venous occlusion pressure stages. Basal CSA was significantly lower after bed rest in the control group, and preserved in the countermeasure group. The percent increase in the CSA of CON group was significantly greater almost at each minute of various venous cuff pressures after bed rest than before. Compliance of popliteal vein of CON group was significant greater when 40, 60 and 80 mmHg cuff pressure applied after bed rest than before of CON group. In conclusions, a 4-day simulated weightlessness leads to increase of popliteal venous compliance; centrifuge-induced artificial gravity with ergometric exercise can prevent enhancement of popliteal venous compliance due to 4-day head-down tilt bed rest, the effect of the countermeasure on compliance might involve changes in venous filling and changes in venous structure.

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise preserves the cardiac, but not cerebrovascular, functions during 4 days of head-down bed rest.

Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning occurring in long-term spaceflight requires new strategies to counteract these adverse effects. We previously reported that a short-arm centrifuge produced artificial gravity (AG), together with ergometer, has an approving effect on promoting cardiovascular function. The current study sought to investigate whether the cardiac and cerebrovascular functions were maintained and improved using a strategy of AG combined with exercise training on cardiovascular function during 4-day head-down bed rest (HDBR). Twelve healthy male subjects were assigned to a control group (CONT, n=6) and an AG combined with ergometric exercise training group (CM, n=6). Simultaneously, cardiac pumping and systolic functions, cerebral blood flow were measured before, during, and after HDBR. The results showed that AG combined with ergometric exercise caused an increase trend of number of tolerance, however, there was no significant difference between the two groups. After 4-day HDBR in the CONT group, heart rate increased significantly (59±6 vs 66±7 beats/min), while stroke volume (98±12 vs 68±13 mL) and cardiac output (6±1 vs 4±1 L/min) decreased significantly (p<0.05). All subjects had similar drops on cerebral vascular function. Volume regulating hormone aldosterone increased in both groups (by 119.9% in CONT group and 112.8% in the CM group), but only in the CONT group there were a significant changes (p<0.05). Angiotensin II was significantly increased by 140.5% after 4-day HDBR in the CONT group (p<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the CM group. These results indicated that artificial gravity with ergometric exercise successfully eliminated changes induced by simulated weightlessness in heart rate, volume regulating hormones, and cardiac pumping function and partially maintained cardiac systolic function. Hence, a daily 1h alternating +1.0 and +2.0 Gz with 40 W exercise training appear to be an effective countermeasure against cardiac deconditioning.

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise as a countermeasure against cardiovascular deconditioning during 4 days of head-down bed rest in humans.

We have shown previously that combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training preserved several physiologically important cardiovascular functions in humans. We hypothesized that artificial gravity (AG) and exercise is effective to prevent changes of physical problems during head-down bed rest (HDBR). To test this hypothesis, 12 healthy male subjects had undergone 4 days of 6° HDBR. Six of them were exposed to AG of an alternating 2-min intervals of +1.0 and +2.0 Gz at foot level for 30 min twice per day with ergometric exercise of 40 W as a countermeasure during bed rest (CM group), while the remaining six served as untreated controls (no-CM group). Before and after 4 days of bed rest, leg venous hemodynamics was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography and autonomic cardiovascular control estimated by power spectral analysis of blood pressure and heart rate. Further, orthostatic tolerance was evaluated by a 75° head-up tilt test and physical working capacity was surveyed by near maximal physical working capacity test before and after bed rest. The data showed that combined centrifuge and exercise applied twice daily for a total of 60 min during 4 days of HDBR prevented (a) a decrease in working capacity, (b) autonomic dysfunction (a decrease in the activity of parasympathetic cardiac innervation) and (c) an increase in leg venous flow resistance. The combination of a 30 min alternating of +1.0 and +2.0 Gz for twice per day of AG with 40 W ergometric exercise may offer a promising countermeasure to short duration simulated microgravity.

Antidepressant Effect of Paeoniflorin Is Through Inhibiting Pyroptosis CASP-11/GSDMD Pathway.

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-associated neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The role of the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), a newly identified pyroptosis executioner downstream of NLRP3 inflammasome mediating inflammatory programmed cell death, in depression has not been well defined. Here, we provide evidence that paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside compound derived from Paeonia lactiflora, ameliorated reserpine-induced mouse depression-like behaviors, characterized as increased mobility time in tail suspension test and forced swimming test, as well as the abnormal alteration of synaptic plasticity in the depressive hippocampus. The molecular docking simulation predicted that PF would interact with C-terminus of GSDMD. We further demonstrated that PF administration inhibited the enhanced expression of GSDMD which mainly distributed in microglia, along with the proteins involved in pyroptosis signaling transduction including caspase (CASP)-11, CASP-1, NLRP3, and interleukin (IL)-1ß in the hippocampus of mice treated with reserpine. And also, PF prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced pyroptosis in murine N9 microglia in vitro, evidenced by inhibiting the expression of CASP-11, NLRP3, CASP-1 cleavage, as well as IL-1ß. Furthermore, VX-765, an effective and selective inhibitor for CASP-1 activation, reduced the expression of inflammasome and pyroptosis-associated proteins in over-activated N9 and also facilitated PF-mediated inhibition of pyroptosis synergistically. Collectively, the data indicated that PF exerted antidepressant effects, alleviating neuroinflammation through inhibiting CASP-11-dependent pyroptosis signaling transduction induced by over-activated microglia in the hippocampus of mice treated with reserpine. Thus, GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in activated microglia is a previously unrecognized inflammatory mechanism of depression and represents a unique therapeutic opportunity for mitigating depression given PF administration.

Combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training improves cardiovascular function and physical working capacity in humans.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning occurring in long-term spaceflight gives rise to the needs to develop new strategies to counteract these adverse effects. Short-arm centrifuge combined with ergometer has been proposed as a strategy to counteract adverse effects of microgravity. This study sought to investigate whether the combination of short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training have advantages over short-arm centrifuge or aerobic exercise training alone. MATERIAL/METHODS: One week training was conducted by 24 healthy men. They were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) short-arm centrifuge training, (2) aerobic exercise training, 40 W, and (3) combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training. Before and after training, the cardiac pump function represented by stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular ejection time, and total peripheral resistance was evaluated. Variability of heart rate and systolic blood pressure were determined by spectral analysis. Physical working capacity was surveyed by near maximal physical working capacity test. RESULTS: The 1-week combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training remarkably ameliorated the cardiac pump function and enhanced vasomotor sympathetic nerve modulation and improved physical working capacity by 10.9% (P<.05, n=8). In contrast, neither the short-arm centrifuge nor the aerobic exercise group showed improvements in these functions. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training has advantages over short-arm centrifuge or aerobic exercise training alone in influencing several physiologically important cardiovascular functions in humans. The combination of short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise offers a promising countermeasure to microgravity.

Effect of thigh cuffs on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery and on orthostatic intolerance induced by 10 days head-down bed rest.

Thigh cuffs are used by cosmonauts to limit fluid shift during space flight, but the appropriate level of cuff pressure and the duration of application to optimize their beneficial effects require further detailed investigations. In the present study, 10 days head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest was performed to assess the effects of thigh cuffs (40 mmHg, 10 h/day) on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and on orthostatic tolerance in six healthy male volunteers. Another six healthy male volunteers without thigh cuffs served as the control group. Haemodynamic parameters of the MCA were measured using transcranial Doppler. Orthostatic tolerance was assessed before and after HDT. After HDT, the mean upright time in the control and thigh cuff groups was 14.0 +/- 4.1 and 19.2 +/- 0.7 min, respectively. Compared with values before HDT, the percentage increase in heart rate from baseline in the upright position after HDT was significantly higher in the control group and the percentage change from baseline of mean diastolic arterial blood decreased more after HDT in this group. In the control group, systolic blood velocity (Vs) and mean blood velocity (Vm) of the right MCA decreased significantly during HDT. In the thigh cuffs group, the Vs of the right MCA decreased significantly on Days 3 and 7 of HDT and the Vm of the right MCA decreased significantly on Day 7 of HDT. The results indicate that daily use of thigh cuffs during 10 days of HDT does not completely prevent the decrease in haemodynamics of the right MCA, but is effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance.

Effects of Single Versus Multiple Bouts of Resistance Training on Maximal Strength and Anaerobic Performance.

This study examined the effects of one single bout daily versus triple bouts of resistance exercise for 12 weeks on muscular strength and anaerobic performance of the upper body. Twenty young male adults (age: 22.0 ± 1.0 years, bench press: 44.0 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to a single bout (SB) or triple bouts (TB) of resistance exercise group. Maximal strength and anaerobic performance of the upper body using the bench press (one-repetition maximum) and the modified 30 s Wingate test were determined before and after the intervention. Additionally, changes in lactate levels before and after the Wingate test were measured. Although the SB and TB groups showed a significant increase in maximal strength (post-intervention, SB: 67.2 ± 9.2 and TB: 67.6 ± 7.6 kg, respectively) compared with the values at pre-intervention (SB: 44.6 ± 11.4 and TB: 43.9 ± 8.7 kg, respectively), there was no significant difference for this variable between the two groups post-intervention (p > 0.05). The anaerobic performance of the upper body in the SB and TB groups also displayed improvements without significant difference between the two groups after the completion of different training regimes. On the basis of the same training volume, multiple bouts of resistance training showed similar improvements in maximal strength and anaerobic performance to one bout of resistance training in young adult men without prior experience in resistance training.

Moderate exercise based on artificial gravity preserves orthostatic tolerance and exercise capacity during short-term head-down bed rest.

Numerous countermeasures have been proposed to minimize microgravity-induced physical deconditioning, but their benefits are limited. The present study aimed to investigate whether personalized aerobic exercise based on artificial gravity (AG) mitigates multisystem physical deconditioning. Fourteen men were assigned to the control group (n=6) and the countermeasure group (CM, n=8). Subjects in the CM group were exposed to AG (2 Gz at foot level) for 30 min twice daily, during which time cycling exercise of 80-95 % anaerobic threshold (AT) intensity was undertaken. Orthostatic tolerance (OT), exercise tests, and blood assays were determined before and after 4 days head-down bed rest (HDBR). Cardiac systolic function was measured every day. After HDBR, OT decreased to 50.9 % and 77.5 % of pre-HDBR values in control and CM groups, respectively. Exercise endurance, maximal oxygen consumption, and AT decreased to 96.5 %, 91.5 % and 91.8 % of pre-HDBR values, respectively, in the control group. Nevertheless, there were slight changes in the CM group. HDBR increased heart rate, sympathetic activity, and the pre-ejection period, but decreased plasma volume, parasympathetic activity and left-ventricular ejection time in the control group, whereas these effects were eliminated in the CM group. Aldosterone had no change in the control group but increased significantly in the CM group. Our study shows that 80-95 % AT aerobic exercise based on 2 Gz of AG preserves OT and exercise endurance, and affects body fluid regulation during short-term HDBR. The underlying mechanisms might involve maintained cardiac systolic function, preserved plasma volume, and improved sympathetic responses to orthostatic stress.

[Development and application of self-powered short arm human centrifuge].

OBJECTIVE: To present the development and application of a self-powered short arm human centrifuge. METHOD: Self-powered short arm human centrifuge consisted of human power, adjustable resistance trig, short arm and supporting construction parts. It was driven by human power. The short arm turned around the supporting part so artificial gravity is produced. The physical load can be adjusted by the adjustable resistance part. G-level depends on the rotative velocity of the central shaft. Nine healthy male volunteers received self-powered short arm human centrifuge training for 5 min per day with rotative velocity of 30-34 r min-1 for 7 d. Cardiac pumping function was measured before and after training. RESULT: Heart rate (HR) decreased significantly while left ventricular ejection time (LVET) increased significantly after 3 d training, and HR and LVET changed further after 7 d training. Stroke volume increased significantly only after 7 d training. CONCLUSION: Self-powered short arm human centrifuge combines artificial gravity and exercise and included other advantages of safety and economy of construction. Cardiac pumping function could be improved by 7 d training. It may be used for anti-G physiological training or as a countermeasure to counteract the effect of microgravity.

[Development of self-generating lower body negative pressure device].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a kind of self-generating lower body negative pressure device. METHOD: The device consists of a flexible bellows, reinforced by several steel rings and sealed by gasproof adhesive plaster. An adjustable valve, a one-way flap valve, shoulder straps and handles are incorporated on the top of the bellows. The user's lower body was contained in the bellows. As the user's legs were extended, the bellows was elongated and the air pressure in it decreased. RESULT: Negative pressures of -58, -46, -38 and -26 mm-Hg respectively was created with the adjustable inlet valve completely closed, one-quarter open, half open, or fully open. CONCLUSION: This self-generating lower body negative pressure device combines exercise and LBNP into one thing and is safe and easy to use. It might be used in preventing cardiovascular deconditioning during spaceflight or for anti-G training of pilots.

[Effects of self-generated LBNP training on cardiovascular function and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tolerance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of cardiac function and lower body negative pressure tolerance after self-generated Lower Body Negative Pressure device training and provide experimental evidences for its appliance. METHOD: Twelve healthy male subjects were randomly divided into two groups, and received training on two conditions for entirely closing the valve or opening to -30 mmHg of peak LBNP separately. The group A was trained for five days and three minutes per day. Heartfunction, HUT and tolerance of LBNP were measured in pre-training, 3 d and post-training. The group B was trained for ten days and five minutes each day. All the measurements that was the same as in group A were made. RESULT: Heart function of group A decreased and tolerance of LBNP increased significantly (P<0.05). In group B, heart function increased significantly after 8 days training, so did tolerance of LBNP. CONCLUSION: It suggested that lower body negative pressure tolerance could be improved by self-generated Lower Body Negative Pressure device training. The changes of cardiac function, however, were based on the project of training.

[Effects of +Gz exposure time on memory and behavior in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of +Gz exposure time on memory and behavior in rats. METHOD: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (A), +10 Gz/3 min group (B) and +10 Gz/5 min group (C). Rats in group A and B were exposed to +10 Gz for 3 min or 5 min respectively. Changes of memory and behavior in rats were observed after +Gz exposure. RESULT: As compared with control, percentage of right reflex decreased significantly and reaction time lengthened significantly immediately, 1 d, 2 d, 4 d and 6 d after +10 Gz/5 min exposure (P<0.01); reaction time lengthened significantly immediately and 2 d after +10 Gz/3 min exposure (P< 0.01). As compared with +10 Gz/3 min, percentage of right reflex decreased significantly and reaction time lengthened significantly at 1 d, 2 d, 4 d and 6 d after +10 Gz/5 min exposure (P<0.01). As compared with control and +10 Gz/3 min, time stayed in center grille lengthened significantly immediately after +10 Gz/5 min exposure (P<0.01); balancing function decreased significantly immediately and 2 d after +10 Gz/5 min exposure (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that +10 Gz/ 3 min exposure may induce a provisional disturbance in memory function and a change in behavior in rats, and +10 Gz/5 min exposure may induce a sustained disturbance in memory function and an obvious change in behavior in rats.

[Effects of repeated lower g exposures on high-G induced memory and balance changes in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of repeated +4 Gz/3 min exposures on memory and balance changes induced by +10 Gz/5 min exposure in rats. METHOD: 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C) ; +10 Gz/5 min group (10 Gz); 3 d training group (3 d) ; 5 d training (5 d) group (exposed to +4 Gz/3 min per day for 3 or 5 days before +10 Gz/5 min exposure). Changes of memory and balance in rats of all the 4 groups were observed after +10 Gz/5 min exposure. RESULT: In +10 Gz group, the percentage of correct reaction (CR) decreased significantly at all times after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01), and the reaction time (RT) lengthened significantly at all times after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01); as compared with control group. In 3 d training group, CR decreased significantly at 1 d, 2 d and 6 d after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.05), RT lengthened significantly at all times after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.05); as compared with control group. CR increased significantly at 2 d, 4 d and 6 d after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01), RT shortened significantly at 1 d, 2 d, 4 d and 6 d after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01) as compared with +10 Gz group. In 5 d training group, there were no apparent changes compared to control group; but CR increased significantly and RT shortened significantly at the time of 1 d, 2 d, 4 d and 6 d after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01) as compared with +10 Gz group. Balancing function (BF) of +10 Gz group decreased significantly immediately and 2 d after +10 Gz exposure (P<0.01) as compared with control group. BF in 3 d and 5 d training group improved significantly immediately and 2 d after +10 Gz exposure as compared with +10 Gz group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that repeated low +Gz exposures could provide protective effect on memory and balance changes induced by high +Gz exposure in rats.

[Changes of serum alkaline phosphatase and electrolytes during 21 d head down bed-rest].

Objective. To investigate the effect of simulated weightlessness on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, magnesium, chlorine and phosphorus. Method. 6 healthy males, aged 24.8 +/- 6.1, were exposed to -6 degrees HDT bed rest for 21 d. Activity of serum alkaline phosphatase, serum contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl) and phosphorus (P) ions were assayed before HDT (d-3), on the 3rd, 10th and 21st day during HDT and after HDT (d+2). Ca was measured by methyl thymol blue method, P was determined with ultraviolet spectrophotography, determination of Mg and Cl were made with enzyme method, ALP was examined with 4-nitrobenzene phosphate method. Result. Serum Ca2+ levels were significantly higher at d10, d2l and d+2 than the value of d-3 (P<0.01). P3+ levels declined significantly on d2l as compared with d-3 (P<0.01). During the HDT and after HDT, Mg2+ declined to a level below that before HDT (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Cl- were significantly higher at d2l and d+2 than the value of d-3 (P<0.01). ALP level was higher on d2l than on d-3 (P<0.01). Conclusion. 21 d HDT induced increase of Ca, Cl, ALP, and decline of Mg and P. The changes may reflect the imbalance of metabolism.

[Effects of lower body negative pressure in the first and last week during 21 d head-down bed rest on orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function during 21 d head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest and effect of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in the first and the last weeks in humans. METHOD: Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to -6 degrees HDT bed rest for 21 d. Six subjects received -30 mmHg LBNP sessions for 1 h/d from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 15th to the 21st day of the HDT, and the other six who did not receive LBNP served as control. Orthostatic tolerance was assessed by means of standard tilt test. The cardiac pumping function and cardiac systolic function were measured before and during HDT. RESULT: Before HDT, all the subjects in the two groups completed the tilt tests. After 10 d and 21 d of HDT, all the subjects of the control group and one subject of the LBNP group could not complete the tilt test due to presyncopal or syncopal symptoms. The mean time of upright standing in the control group (15.0 +/- 3.2 min) was significantly shorter than those in the LBNP group (19.7 +/- 0.9 min). The stroke volume and cardiac output decreased significantly in the control group on days 3 and 10 of HDT, but remained unchanged throughout HDT in the LBNP group. A significant increase in preejection period (PEP)/left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was observed on days 3 and 14 of HDT in both groups. The PEP/LVET in the LBNP group was significantly lower than those in the control group on days 3 of HDT, while LVET in LBNP group was significantly higher than those in the control group on days 3, 7 and 14 of HDT. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the brief daily LBNP sessions in the first and the last weeks were effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance and the reduction of cardiac pumping function and cardiac systole function induced by 21 d HDT bed rest.

Effects of sweet cassava polysaccharide extracts on endurance exercise in rats.

BACKGROUND: Sweet cassava tubers have abundant carbohydrates consisting of monosaccharides and polysaccharides. In addition, polysaccharides extracted from plants improve sports performance, according to recent studies. We therefore examined whether the administration of sweet cassava polysaccharides (SCPs) benefited endurance performance in rats METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30, 7 weeks old) were divided into three groups: control (C), exercise (Ex), and exercise plus SCPs administration (ExSCP) (at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight by gastric intubation for six days in addition to standard rat food and water). An exercise program was implemented in the Ex and ExSCP groups for five days (with no exercise on the sixth day), and then all rats were sacrificed to determine the glycogen content of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and the blood metabolites after the ExSCP and Ex groups had completed exhaustive running. RESULTS: The running time to exhaustion of the ExSCP group was significantly longer than that of the Ex group by 49% (64 vs. 43 min). After running to exhaustion, it was seen that although the glycogen content in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles of the Ex and ExSCP groups was lower compared to the C group, values in the ExSCP group were significantly higher than in the Ex group (p > 0.05). In addition, blood glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were significantly higher in the ExSCP than in the Ex group (p > 0.05). However, no significant differences for blood glucose or FFA were found between the ExSCP and C groups. CONCLUSIONS: SCP supplementation can prolong exercise endurance in rats. Higher muscle glycogen levels and stable glucose and FFA concentrations in the circulation contributed to the prolonged time to exhaustion.

Effects of different exercise intensities with isoenergetic expenditures on C-reactive protein and blood lipid levels.

We investigated the effects of different exercise intensities on C-reactive protein (CRP), and whether changes in CRP levels correlated with blood lipid levels. Ten men exercised at 25%, 65%, and 85% of their maximum oxygen consumption rates. Participants' blood was analyzed for CRP and blood lipid levels before and after the exercise sessions. Although there was an intensity effect for postexercise high-density lipoprotein levels, there were no significant differences or correlations for postexercise CRP levels or between CRP and lipid levels across the three exercise intensities. In an acute aerobic bout model with isoenergetic expenditures, CRP was not affected by the exercise intensity. Additionally, changes in blood lipid levels might not have been connected to CIRP levels for physically fit participants.