Potential Importance of Immune System Response to Exercise on Aging Muscle and Bone.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The age-related loss of skeletal muscle and bone tissue decreases functionality and increases the risk for falls and injuries. One contributing factor of muscle and bone loss over time is chronic low-grade inflammation. Exercise training is an effective countermeasure for decreasing the loss of muscle and bone tissue, possibly by enhancing immune system response. Herein, we discuss key interactions between the immune system, muscle, and bone in relation to exercise perturbations, and we identify that there is substantial "cross-talk" between muscle and bone and the immune system in response to exercise. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in our understanding of the "cross-talk" between muscle and bone and the immune system indicate that exercise is likely to mediate many of the beneficial effects on muscle and bone via their interactions with the immune system. The age-related loss of muscle and bone tissue may be partially explained by an impaired immune system via chronic low-grade inflammation. Exercise training has a beneficial effect on immune system function and aging muscle and bone. Theoretically, the "cross-talk" between the immune system, muscle, and bone in response to exercise enhances aging musculoskeletal health.

A focused review of myokines as a potential contributor to muscle hypertrophy from resistance-based exercise.

PURPOSE: Resistance exercise induces muscle growth and is an important treatment for age-related losses in muscle mass and strength. Myokines are hypothesized as a signal conveying physiological information to skeletal muscle, possibly to "fine-tune" other regulatory pathways. While myokines are released from skeletal muscle following contraction, their role in increasing muscle mass and strength in response to resistance exercise or training is not established. Recent research identified both local and systemic release of myokines after an acute bout of resistance exercise. However, it is not known whether myokines with putative anabolic function are mechanistically involved in producing muscle hypertrophy after resistance exercise. Further, nitric oxide (NO), an important mediator of muscle stem cell activation, upregulates the expression of certain myokine genes in skeletal muscle. METHOD: In the systemic context of complex hypertrophic signaling, this review: (1) summarizes literature on several well-recognized, representative myokines with anabolic potential; (2) explores the potential mechanistic role of myokines in skeletal muscle hypertrophy; and (3) identifies future research required to advance our understanding of myokine anabolism specifically in skeletal muscle. RESULT: This review establishes a link between myokines and NO production, and emphasizes the importance of considering systemic release of potential anabolic myokines during resistance exercise as complementary to other signals that promote hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Investigating adaptations to resistance exercise in aging opens a novel avenue of interdisciplinary research into myokines and NO metabolites during resistance exercise, with the longer-term goal to improve muscle health in daily living, aging, and rehabilitation.

Effects of Training With Free Weights Versus Machines on Muscle Mass, Strength, Free Testosterone, and Free Cortisol Levels.

Schwanbeck, SR, Cornish, SM, Barss, T, and Chilibeck, PD. Effects of training with free weights versus machines on muscle mass, strength, free testosterone, and free cortisol levels. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1851-1859, 2020-Free weights offer a more unstable training environment, which enhances muscle recruitment, whereas some machines have the advantage of using a "cam" pulley system that better matches strength curves. We compared the effect of training with free weights vs. machines on muscle mass, strength, free testosterone, and free cortisol concentrations. Forty-six subjects (26 women; 22 ± 3 years) were randomized to train using free weights or machines for 8 weeks (with each muscle group trained 2-3/weeks, 3-4 sets of 4-10 repetitions). Muscle thickness and strength were measured at 0 and 8 weeks. Salivary hormone concentrations were assessed before and at the end of workouts at the beginning, midway (4 weeks), and end (8 weeks) of the training intervention. Biceps and quadriceps muscle thickness increased (p < 0.01) with no difference between groups. There was a group × time interaction for machine bench press strength (p = 0.05) with the machine group increasing more than the free-weight group (13.9 vs. 8.6%). Free-weight bench press and squat, and Smith machine squat strength increased in both groups (11-19%; p < 0.01) with no difference between groups. Men in the free-weight group had a greater increase in free testosterone from before to after acute training sessions than men in the machine group and all women (p < 0.01); however, there was no differences between groups in free cortisol response to acute resistance exercise. Training sessions with free weights induced greater increases in free testosterone in men; however, training with free weights or machines resulted in similar increases in muscle mass and strength.

The systemic myokine response of decorin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-15 (IL-15) to an acute bout of blood flow restricted exercise.

PURPOSE: Blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFR-RE) is an emerging hypertrophy training modality. A complete profile of its mechanisms of action has yet to be elucidated. Cytokines are universal intercellular messengers. Recent research has implicated certain cytokines (termed "myokines") in skeletal muscle hypertrophy pathways; however, little research has been conducted on the systemic myokine response to BFR-RE as potential hypertrophic biomarkers. Therefore, this project was conducted to determine any differences in the systemic myokine response between BFR-RE and control conditions. METHODS: The appearance of systemic myokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and decorin were measured following acute bouts of low-load resistance exercise, BFR-RE, and high-load resistance exercise in physically active young males to determine if BFR-RE modifies the exercise-induced systemic myokine response. RESULTS: No measurable levels of IL-6 were observed during the project. No significant effects were observed for IL-15. A significant time (11.91% increase pre to post exercise; p < 0.05) but no condition or condition by time effect was observed for decorin. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that BFR-RE does not modify the systemic myokine appearance of IL-6, IL-15, or decorin when compared to control conditions.

Systemic IL-6 and Myoglobin Response to Three Different Resistance Exercise Intensities in Older Men.

The purpose of this research was to identify if three different intensities of resistance exercise would acutely and differentially effect the systemic release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myoglobin in older men (≥65 years). A total of 11 older men performed isovolume resistance exercise on six different apparatuses at three different intensities (144 reps at 60%, 120 reps at 72%, and 108 reps at 80% of 1-repetition maximum), with the intensity order randomly allocated, to determine the systemic release of IL-6 and myoglobin in the blood. Blood samples were collected at six time points, including preexercise, immediately postexercise, and 3, 6, 24, and 48 hr postexercise. There were no differences between intensity levels; therefore, data for all conditions were pooled. IL-6 did not show any change from baseline values throughout all time points (p > .05), whereas myoglobin was elevated at 3, 6, and 24 hr postexercise and returned to baseline after 48 hr (p < .05).

Examining the Promotion of Healthy Eating among Exercise Specialists: A Cross-sectional Study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to survey exercise specialists about nutrition counselling practices, their own dietary practices, and to identify potential relationships. An electronic survey was used to examine characteristics and strategies used for assessing and promoting healthy eating to clients. Exercise specialists (n = 94) were recruited through a public registry and through targeted advertising on 2 professional websites in Alberta, Canada. Eighty-five percent of respondents promoted healthy eating to clients. Confidence in assessing and promoting healthy eating was moderate to low. Those with more than 6 years of professional experience reported higher confidence compared with those with less than 1 year of experience in assessing healthy eating (P < 0.05) and promoting healthy eating (P < 0.01). Confidence was higher among those with more professional experience but who did not meet Canada's Food Guide recommendations (P < 0.05). Professional experience, personal dietary practices, and confidence are important characteristics when considering the assessment and promotion of healthy eating by exercise specialists. Promoting collaborative relationships between registered dietitians and exercise specialists would likely benefit exercise specialists when they are assessing and promoting healthy eating among their clients.

Inflammatory pathway communication with skeletal muscle-Does aging play a role? A topical review of the current evidence.

Skeletal muscle plays an integral role in locomotion, but also as part of the integrative physiological system. Recent progress has identified crosstalk between skeletal muscle and various physiological systems, including the immune system. Both the musculoskeletal and immune systems are impacted by aging. Increased age is associated with decreased muscle mass and function, while the immune system undergoes "inflammaging" and immunosenescence. Exercise is identified as a preventative medicine that can mitigate loss of function for both systems. This review summarizes: (1) the inflammatory pathways active in skeletal muscle; and (2) the inflammatory and skeletal muscle response to unaccustomed exercise in younger and older adults. Compared to younger adults, it appears older individuals have a muted pro-inflammatory response and elevated anti-inflammatory response to exercise. This important difference could contribute to decreased regeneration and recovery following unaccustomed exercise in older adults, as well as in chronic disease. The current research provides specific information on the role inflammation plays in altering skeletal muscle form and function, and adaptation to exercise; however, the pursuit of more knowledge in this area will delineate specific interventions that may enhance skeletal muscle recovery and promote resiliency in this tissue particularly with aging.

Upper- vs. Whole-Body Cooling During Exercise with Thermal Protective Clothing in the Heat.

INTRODUCTION: Firefighters operating in hot environments face challenges from protective garments that restrict heat dissipation, resulting in increased core temperature, thermal discomfort, and performance decline. Cooling vests represent a viable solution. The study aim was to compare effectiveness of the same amount of cooling power to the upper body (UB) or whole body (WB) in alleviating thermoregulatory and physiological stress, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing ratings of thermal discomfort and exertion, during 60 min of exercise in a hot environment (40°C, 40% relative humidity) while wearing firefighter turnout gear.METHODS: Eight healthy individuals (27.5 ± 3 y) participated in three conditions with either no cooling (Control) or active cooling with a liquid perfused shirt (UB cooling), or with a liquid perfused shirt and pants (WB cooling). In each trial, subjects performed three sets of 15 min of stepping (20 steps ⋅ min-1) and 5 min of rest.RESULTS: Both cooling strategies were beneficial compared to having no cooling at all. Subjects could only complete two exercise bouts during Control, but they completed all three bouts with active cooling. WB cooling provided an advantage over UB cooling for core and skin temperature, and thermal comfort and sensation. The advantage in minimizing the increase in core temperature was only evident during the third exercise bout.DISCUSSION: Active cooling is advantageous under these conditions. WB cooling provided some benefits vs UB cooling during heavy intensity exercise; however, it is uncertain whether these benefits would be observed during light-to-moderate exercise, which more likely reflects an actual firefighting scenario.Mansouri F, Talebian Nia M, Villar R, Cornish SM, Giesbrecht GG. Upper- vs. whole-body cooling during exercise with thermal protective clothing in the heat. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):659-666.

No evidence of hypoglycemia or hypotension in older adults during 6 months of flax lignan supplementation in a randomized controlled trial: a safety evaluation.

CONTEXT: The natural health product, BeneFlax, is a standardized flaxseed [Linum usitatissimum L. (Linaceae)] lignan enriched product with evidence of product quality and known quantity of the bioactive component, lignan. The acceptance of this natural health product for its various health benefits requires greater evidence of its safety in the general population. OBJECTIVE: We determined whether flaxseed lignan causes clinical hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy older adults as an important aspect of safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants aged 49-87 years were randomized in a double-blind trial to receive flaxseed lignan (543 mg/day in BeneFlax) or placebo while completing a 6-month walking program. The 94 participants who completed the study were stratified by age (<65 years versus ≥65 years) and treatment category to determine whether older adults were more susceptible to adverse effects. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment, average plasma glucose level (5.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (127 ± 14 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressure (80 ± 9 mm Hg) were within normal clinical range. Controlling for sex and body mass index covariates resulted in no observed differences between plasma glucose or blood pressure measurements between treatment or age groups (p > 0.05). No incidents of hypoglycemia or hypotension were observed during BeneFlax treatment, suggesting that 543 mg falls at or below the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These data suggest the flaxseed lignan product BeneFlax does not pose a risk of hypoglycemia or hypotension in healthy adults aged 49-87 years.

Efficacy of aerobic exercise following concussion: a narrative review.

Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury which results in symptoms within the physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep domains. Historically, guidelines established by expert opinion have recommended rest during the initial stages of recovery following a concussion until symptom resolution. However, recent recommendations have shifted to advise an initial period of 24-48 h of rest immediately following concussion with the gradual introduction of light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise thereafter. Given the relatively recent transition in recommendations, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on the efficacy of aerobic exercise following concussion. The current literature is limited to studies assessing the impact of standardized aerobic exercise following concussion. Upon review, literature suggests participating in aerobic exercise below the point of symptom exacerbation is safe in both the acute and chronic post-concussion symptom stages of recovery and does not delay time to medical clearance. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of aerobic exercise and differences between males and females would help support the current evidence suggesting aerobic exercise could improve time to recovery following concussion and identify any sex differences in response. As well, future studies with the purpose of identifying optimal aerobic exercise volume and intensity in the treatment of concussion could improve the specificity of the current guidelines.

A Brief Narrative Review of the Underlying Mechanisms Whereby Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Influence Skeletal Muscle: From Cell Culture to Human Interventions.

Skeletal muscle is essential for human locomotion as well as maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Age-related reduction in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function (i.e., sarcopenia) is a result of pathophysiological processes that include inflammation, alteration of molecular signaling for muscle protein synthesis and degradation, changes in insulin sensitivity, as well as altered skeletal muscle satellite cell activity. Finding strategies to mitigate skeletal muscle loss with age is deemed paramount as the percentage of the population continues to shift towards having more older adults with sarcopenia. Recent research indicates omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can influence anabolic or catabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. Our brief review will provide a synopsis of some underlying mechanisms that may be attributed to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation's effects on skeletal muscle. We will approach this review by focusing on cell culture, animal (pre-clinical models), and human studies evaluating omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, with suggestions for future research. In older adults, omega-3 fatty acids may possess some potential to modify pathophysiological pathways associated with sarcopenia; however, it is highly likely that omega-3 fatty acids need to be combined with other anabolic interventions to effectively ameliorate sarcopenia.

A preliminary study on the effect of loaded and unloaded exercise on N-propeptide of type II collagen and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein activity of articular cartilage in healthy young adults.

The serum concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) is considered a mechanosensitive biomarker of articular cartilage turnover, and N-propeptide of type II collagen (PIIANP), a proposed biomarker of type II collagen synthesis. Few studies have investigated the anabolic and turnover response of articular cartilage in response to acute changes in body mass during exercise. Using a repeated measure cross-over design, 15 healthy adults (age 18-30 years) performed three 30 min bouts of treadmill walking exercise under three loading conditions: (1) control (no alteration to body mass); (2) loaded (12% increase in body mass using a weighted vest); and (3) unloaded (12% decrease in body mass using lower body positive pressure). Venous blood was collected before, immediately after, and 15 and 30 min after exercise to investigate cartilage turnover (sCOMP) and anabolism (PIIANP). A main time effect (p ≤ 0.05) revealed that sCOMP levels were significantly greater post-exercise (for all three body loading conditions) as compared to before exercise, 15 and 30 min post-exercise. There was a significant condition × time interaction (p ≤ 0.05) for PIIANP, indicating that in the loaded condition, PIIANP concentrations at 15 min post-exercise were 13.8% greater than immediately following exercise, and 12.9% greater than before exercise. In summary, sCOMP concentration was acutely increased with all three loading conditions. However, PIIANP increased only after exercise in the loaded condition, suggesting an acute anabolic effect on articular cartilage. NCT05925244.

Exploring the acute muscle fatigue response in resistance trained individuals during eccentric quasi-isometric elbow flexions-a cross-sectional comparison of repetition and sex.

Eccentric quasi-isometrics (EQIs) are a novel, low-velocity resistance exercise technique that incorporates a holding isometric contraction to positional fatigue, followed by voluntary resistance of the resulting eccentric muscle action. As females are typically more fatigue resistant than males during isometric and low-velocity dynamic muscle actions, this study explored sex-differences in the muscle fatigue response to an EQI protocol. Twenty-five (n = 12 female) participants completed 4 unilateral EQI elbow flexions. Absolute and relative surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude (iEMG, LE peak), mean power frequency (MPF), angular impulse (aIMP), and elbow angle were compared across repetitions and between sexes using discrete values and statistical parametric/non-parametric mapping. There were significant and substantial sex and repetition differences in absolute iEMG, MPF, and aIMP, however, males and females had statistically similar absolute aIMP by repetition 4. When expressed relatively, there were no significant sex-differences. Additionally, there were significant between repetition changes in sEMG amplitude and elbow angle with an increasing number of repetitions, largely in the first-two thirds of repetition time. The current study suggests that there are absolute, but not relative sex-differences in EQI induced muscle fatigue, and the effects across repetitions occur predominately in the first two-thirds of repetition time.

Effects of resistance training and nigella sativa on type 2 diabetes: implications for metabolic markers, low-grade inflammation and liver enzyme production.

CONTEXT: Proper nutrition and exercise are effective strategies to improve overall metabolic health in diabetic patients. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) supplementation during resistance training (RT) on some biochemical variables in type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: Forty patients were assigned to groups: RT + NS (RN), NS, RT + placebo (RP), and control (CO). RT was performed and NS was consumed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at rest immediately before and after the 8 week intervention. RESULTS: RT or NS by themselves reduced HOMA-IR, insulin, glucose, TG, TC, LDL, ESR, CRP, AST, ALT and ALP, and increased HDL and HOMA-S. The combination of RT and NS, rather than each intervention alone, had significant effects on reduction of HOMA-IR, insulin, ESR and CRP as well as increases in HDL, HOMA-ß/S. CONCLUSION: RT combined with NS is sometimes a better strategy compared to single interventions for improving diabetes related biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients.

Effect of nutritional interventions and resistance exercise on aging muscle mass and strength.

Sarcopenia, defined as the age-related loss of muscle mass, has a negative effect on strength, functional independence and overall quality of life. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial phenomenon characterized by changes in muscle morphology, protein and hormonal kinetics, oxidative stress, inflammation, physical activity and nutrition. It is well known that resistance exercise increases aging muscle mass and strength and these physiological adaptations from exercise may be further enhanced with certain nutritional interventions. Research indicates that essential amino acids and milk-based proteins, creatine monohydrate, essential fatty acids, and vitamin D may all have beneficial effects on aging muscle biology.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease which results in degeneration of cartilage within joints and affects approximately 13.6% of adults over 20 years of age in Canada and the United States of America. OA is characterized by a state of low-grade inflammation which leads to a greater state of cellular catabolism disrupting the homeostasis of cartilage synthesis and degradation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been postulated as a potential therapeutic treatment option for individuals with OA. Omega-3 PUFAs are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in the context of OA to moderate pro-inflammatory markers and cartilage loss. The purpose of this narrative review is to outline recent pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the use of omega-3 in the management of OA.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Catabolic Effects of Creatine Supplementation: A Brief Review.

It is well established that creatine supplementation, primarily when combined with resistance training, significantly increases measures of muscle mass and performance (primarily strength). Emerging research also indicates that creatine supplementation may have favorable effects on measures of bone biology. These anabolic adaptations may be related to creatine influencing cellular hydration status, high-energy phosphate metabolism, growth factors, muscle protein kinetics, and the bone remodeling process. Accumulating research also suggests that creatine supplementation has anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic properties, which may help create a favorable environment for muscle and bone accretion and recovery from exercise. Creatine supplementation has the ability to decrease markers of inflammation and possibly attenuate cancerous tumor growth progression. From a musculoskeletal perspective, there is some evidence to show that creatine supplementation reduces measures of muscle protein catabolism (primarily in males) and bone resorption when combined with resistance training. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize the current body of literature examining the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects of creatine supplementation across various research populations.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation Alone and Combined with Resistance Exercise on Skeletal Muscle in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sarcopenia negatively affects skeletal muscle mass and function in older adults. Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid supplementation, with or without resistance exercise training (RET), is suggested to play a role as a therapeutic component to prevent or treat the negative effects of sarcopenia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the impact of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation with or without RET on measures of muscle mass and function in older adults (≥55 y). The data sources included SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Medline. All the study types involving ω-3 fatty acid supplementation on measures of muscle mass and function in older adults (without disease) were included. The mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled effects assessed. Sixteen studies (1660 females, 778 males) met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. ω-3 fatty acid supplementation did not impact lean tissue mass (SMD 0.09 [-0.10, 0.28]). Benefits were observed for lower body strength (SMD 0.54 [0.33, 0.75]), timed-up-and-go (MD 0.29 [0.23, 0.35]s), and 30-s sit-to-stand performance (MD 1.93 [1.59, 2.26] repetitions) but not walking performance (SMD -0.01 [-0.10, 0.07]) or upper body strength (SMD 0.05 [-0.04, 0.13]). Supplementing with ω-3 fatty acids may improve the lower-body strength and functionality in older adults.

Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health.

While the vast majority of research involving creatine supplementation has focused on skeletal muscle, there is a small body of accumulating research that has focused on creatine and the brain. Preliminary studies indicate that creatine supplementation (and guanidinoacetic acid; GAA) has the ability to increase brain creatine content in humans. Furthermore, creatine has shown some promise for attenuating symptoms of concussion, mild traumatic brain injury and depression but its effect on neurodegenerative diseases appears to be lacking. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current body of research pertaining to creatine supplementation on total creatine and phophorylcreatine (PCr) content, explore GAA as an alternative or adjunct to creatine supplementation on brain creatine uptake, assess the impact of creatine on cognition with a focus on sleep deprivation, discuss the effects of creatine supplementation on a variety of neurological and mental health conditions, and outline recent advances on creatine supplementation as a neuroprotective supplement following traumatic brain injury or concussion.

Sex- and age-specific immunomodulatory effects of dietary soya protein isolate and isoflavones in rats.

The present study examined, using rats as a model, the effects of sex and age of exposure to dietary soya components on serum total and soya-specific antibody content. In Expt 1, Sprague-Dawley rats at 50 d of age were fed diets containing 20 % casein or 20 % alcohol-washed soya protein isolate (SPI) with or without supplemental isoflavones (ISF, 250 mg/kg diet) for 70, 190 or 310 d. The offspring were fed the same diets as their parents. In Expt 2, juvenile Sprague-Dawley rats at 30 d of age were fed diets containing 20 % casein with or without supplemental ISF (50 mg/kg diet) or increasing amounts of alcohol-washed SPI (5, 10 or 20 %) for 90 d. Exposure of rats to dietary SPI before the age of 28 d increased serum total IgA and IgM, and induced the production of SPI-specific IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE antibodies. Feeding of juvenile or adult rats with SPI elevated serum total IgA in females, while the opposite occurred in males, and markedly stimulated the production of SPI-specific IgM in females and IgG in males. Our data suggest that the effects of soya proteins and ISF on the production of serum total and SPI-specific antibodies appear to be sex dependent and also related to the age of exposure to soya in rats. However, the physiological significance of these immune responses remains to be determined.