Intermittent fasting and high-intensity interval training do not alter gut microbiota composition in adult women with obesity.

Obesity is advancing at an accelerated pace and yet its treatment is still an emerging field. Although studies have demonstrated the role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of obesity, this is the first study to show the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), combined or not with exercise (HIIT), on the gut microbiota composition in women with obesity. Our hypothesis is that IF combined with HIIT can promote the remodeling of the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Thirty-six women with obesity participated in the study, aged between 18 and 40 years, randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) IF associated with HIIT group (IF+EX, n = 15); 2) HIIT group (EX, n = 11); and 3) IF group (IF, n = 10). Interventions took place over 8 weeks and all assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention. The HIIT circuit was performed 3x/week, for 25 minutes/session. The IF protocol was a 5:2 (2x/week). Multiplex analysis of inflammatory cytokines, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and gas chromatography to measure fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were performed. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05237154). Exercise increased fecal acetate concentrations (P = 0.04), but no changes were observed in the composition and functional profile of the microbiota. The interventions did not change the composition of the microbiota, but exercise may play a modulatory role in the production of acetate. This investigation provides clinical insights into the use of IF and HIIT for women with obesity.

Physical activity and batokines.

Brown and beige adipose tissue share similar functionality, being both tissues specialized in producing heat through nonshivering thermogenesis and also playing endocrine roles through the release of their secretion factors called batokines. This review elucidates the influence of physical exercise, and myokines released in response, on the regulation of thermogenic and secretory functions of these adipose tissues and discusses the similarity of batokines actions with physical exercise in the remodeling of adipose tissue. This adipose tissue remodeling promoted by autocrine and paracrine batokines or physical exercise seems to optimize its functionality associated with better health outcomes.

Taurine and Exercise: Synergistic Effects on Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Inflammatory Process in Obesity.

Taurine has been investigated as a possible strategy for the treatment of obesity. The benefits of taurine supplementation and the importance of adipose tissue to the whole-body energy metabolism are undeniable; however, the impact of the association of taurine and exercise on adipose tissue dynamics remains unclear, especially in the context of obesity. The present investigation sought to explore the effects of taurine supplementation associated with physical exercise as an excellent strategy for treating and preventing obesity. We highlighted the main studies that support the effects of taurine associated with exercise on the modulation of energy and lipid metabolism and also its impacts on the adipose tissue metabolism and morphology in obese individuals and obese animal models, suggesting taurine as a promising strategy to combat obesity. However, more investigations are necessary to elucidate the safe and effective dose, the mechanisms, and the potential effects of taurine supplementation associated with exercise in the adipose tissue as a therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating obesity.

Taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated cytokines and improved subcutaneous white adipose tissue plasticity in obese women.

Interventions that can modulate subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) function, such as exercise training and nutritional components, like taurine, modulate the inflammatory process, therefore, may represent strategies for obesity treatment. We investigated the effects of taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in plasma and scWAT of obese women. Sixteen obese women were randomized into two groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8) and Taurine supplementation + exercise group (Tau + Exe, n = 8). The intervention was composed of daily taurine supplementation (3 g) and exercise training for 8 weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, and markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress were determined in plasma and scWAT biopsy samples before and after the intervention. We found that, although taurine supplementation increased taurine plasma levels, no changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. However, Tau alone decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in conjunction with exercise (Tau + Exe), increased anti-inflammatory interleukins (IL-15 and IL10), followed by reduced IL1ß gene expression in the scWAT of obese women. Tau and Tau + Exe groups presented reduced adipocyte size and increased connective tissue and multilocular droplets. In conclusion, taurine supplementation in conjunction with exercise modulated levels of inflammatory markers in plasma and scWAT, and improved scWAT plasticity in obese women, promoting protection against obesity-induced inflammation. TRN NCT04279600 retrospectively registered on August 18, 2019.

Effect of Protein and Carbohydrate Combined with Resistance Training on Muscular Adaptation.

The purpose was to compare the effects of protein (whey protein) and carbohydrate supplementation and protein alone both combined with resistance training on muscle strength, muscle mass and total training volume progression in untrained young men. Resistance training was performed using the leg press and knee extension until concentric failure (8-12 repetition maximum), three times a week for eight weeks. Muscle strength and muscle cross-sectional area were assessed before and after training. Total training volume progression was calculated considering the first and eighth week. Seventeen men completed the study (protein and carbohydrate, n=9, age 23.44 ± 4.56 years, weight: 62.13±6.17 kg, height: 1.75±0.02 m, body mass index: 20.29±2.08 kg/m2; protein, n=8, age 24.63±2.39 years, weight: 69.01±5.57 kg, height: 1.77±0.07 m; body mass index: 21.64±1.05 kg/m2. Both protocols showed similar increases in muscle strength (effect size: protein and carbohydrate=1.28; protein=0.97; p<0.001), muscle cross sectional area (effect size: protein and carbohydrate=0.66; protein=0.47; p<0.001) and total training volume progression (effect size: protein and carbohydrate=2.68; protein=1.63; p<0.001) after training. No differences were found between groups p>0.05). Protein and carbohydrate supplementation combined with resistance training does not induce greater gains in muscle strength, hypertrophy and total training volume compared to resistance training combined with protein alone in untrained individuals.

Açai pulp supplementation as a nutritional strategy to prevent oxidative damage, improve oxidative status, and modulate blood lactate of male cyclists.

PURPOSE: Açai pulp is a source of phytochemicals and has been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antigenotoxic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of açai pulp consumption on oxidative, inflammatory, and aerobic capacity markers of cyclist athletes. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study was developed with ten male cyclists (33.5 ± 4.7 years old, body mass index of 23.9 ± 1.38 kg/m2, and training load around 1875 ± 238 AU/week). The athletes consumed 400 g/day of pasteurized açai pulp (AP) or placebo (PL) for 15 days, with a 30-day wash-out period between trials. Lipid peroxidation, serum antioxidant capacity, DNA damage in peripheral blood (Comet assay), IL-6 and TNF-alpha, blood lactate concentration during effort, anaerobic threshold intensity (ATi), maximum workload reached (Wmax), rating of perceived exertion threshold (RPET), and heart rate threshold (HRT) were evaluated before and after each intervention. Data were analyzed using a linear regression model with mixed effects (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Increased serum antioxidant capacity (p = 0.006) and decreased lipid peroxidation (p = 0.01) were observed in subjects after intervention with AP. Blood lactate levels during effort significantly decreased (by 29%, p = 0.025) and ATi increased (p = 0.006) after AP. No significant effect on DNA damage was attributed to AP consumption. CONCLUSION: We found notable effects of AP intervention on antioxidant status in athletes. Both the reduction in blood lactate concentration and increase in ATi during the effort suggest an overall improvement in the aerobic capacity of the cyclists, confirming that AP consumption may influence variables associated with performance in endurance athletes.

Protein blend and casein supplementations before inactive phase similarly activate mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling in rat skeletal muscle.

During overnight sleep, the longest postabsorptive and inactive phase of the day causes protein catabolism and loss. However, the daytime ingestion of dairy proteins has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and growth. This study compared the effects of pre-sleep supplementation of a protein blend (PB) composed of micellar casein (MCa) and whey protein (1:1) versus isolate MCa on the plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, a critical intracellular pathway involved in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. After 10 h of fasting during the active phase, rats were fed with a single dose of PB or MCa (5.6 g protein/kg of body mass) by gavage, and samples of blood and gastrocnemius muscle were collected at 30, 90, and 450 min. PB and MCa supplementations induced an increase (~3-fold, P < 0.001) of plasma BCAAs at 30 and 90 min. Most importantly, the stimulatory phosphorylation levels of mTOR and its downstream target p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) were similarly higher (~2.5-fold, P < 0.001) 30 and 90 min after MCa and PB. Plasma levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and overall BCAAs were correlated with the activation of mTOR (P < 0.001) and p70S6K (P < 0.001). MCa and PB supplementations before the inactive phase of rats resulted in an anabolic milieu in the skeletal muscle by inducing a transient increase in plasma BCAAs and a similar activation of the mTOR/p70S6K axis.

Taurine supplementation can increase lipolysis and affect the contribution of energy systems during front crawl maximal effort.

Taurine can affect the energy system metabolism, specifically the lipid metabolism, since an increase in lipid oxidation may promote carbohydrate savings. We hypothesized that taurine supplementation associated with high-intensity exercise could increase levels of lipolysis, benefiting swimmer performance. Nine male competitive swimmers performed two 400-m front crawl maximal efforts with a 1-week washout, and the athletes received 6 g of taurine (TAU) or placebo (PLA) supplementation 120 min before performing the effort. Oxygen consumption and the contribution of the energy systems were analyzed post effort using a Quark CPET gas analyzer. Blood samples were collected before, and 5 min post the effort for taurine and glycerol analysis. Immediately before and 3, 5, and 7 min post the effort, blood samples from the earlobe were collected to determine lactate levels. An increase of 159% was observed in taurine plasma levels 120 min post ingestion. Glycerol levels were higher in both groups post effort; however, the TAU condition promoted an 8% higher increase than the PLA. No changes were observed in swimmer performance or lactate levels; however, the percentage change in lactate levels (∆[La-]) was different (TAU: 9.36 ± 2.78 mmol L-1; PLA: 11.52 ± 2.19 mmol L-1, p = 0.04). Acute taurine supplementation 120 min before performing a maximal effort did not improve swimmer performance; however, it increased glycerol plasma levels and reduced both the ∆[La-] and lactic anaerobic system contribution.

Short-term creatine supplementation does not reduce increased homocysteine concentration induced by acute exercise in humans.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels after acute exercise in humans. METHODS: Twenty-three young (under-20) soccer players were divided into 2 groups: creatine (Cr)- and placebo (Pla)-supplemented groups. The supplementation was performed in double-blind controlled manner using creatine or placebo tablets with 0.3 g/kg during 7 days. Before and after 7 days of supplementation, the athletes performed an acute high-intensity sprint exercise (two consecutive running-based anaerobic sprint test protocol consisted in 6 × 35 m sprint with 10 s between them). Blood samples were collected before and after 7 days of supplementation as well as 0 and 1 h after exercise protocol. RESULTS: Homocysteine concentration significant increased (P < 0.05) 1 h after acute exercise (18%). Acute exercise also decreased red blood cell S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) 30% with no changes in SAM/SAH ratio. Seven days of creatine supplementation were able to increase (P < 0.05) plasma creatine concentration (Pla 130.1 ± 21.7 vs Cr 1,557.2 ± 220.3 µmol/L) as well as decrease (P < 0.05) plasma guanidinoacetic acid (33%). Controversially, creatine supplementation did not change Hcy plasma level after 7-day supplementation (Pla 6.9 ± 0.2 vs Cr 7.2 ± 0.2 µmol/L) or after acute exercise (Pla 8.2 ± 0.3 vs Cr 8.4 ± 0.3 µmol/L). No changes in plasma vitamin B12 and folate as well as cysteine and methionine were found. CONCLUSIONS: Seven days of creatine supplementation does not avoid increased plasma Hcy induced by acute sprint exercise in humans.

Overtraining is associated with DNA damage in blood and skeletal muscle cells of Swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: The alkaline version of the single-cell gel (comet) assay is a useful method for quantifying DNA damage. Although some studies on chronic and acute effects of exercise on DNA damage measured by the comet assay have been performed, it is unknown if an aerobic training protocol with intensity, volume, and load clearly defined will improve performance without leading to peripheral blood cell DNA damage. In addition, the effects of overtraining on DNA damage are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic training and overtraining on DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells in Swiss mice. To examine possible changes in these parameters with oxidative stress, we measured reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in total blood, and GSH levels and lipid peroxidation in muscle samples. RESULTS: Performance evaluations (i.e., incremental load and exhaustive tests) showed significant intra and inter-group differences. The overtrained (OTR) group showed a significant increase in the percentage of DNA in the tail compared with the control (C) and trained (TR) groups. GSH levels were significantly lower in the OTR group than in the C and TR groups. The OTR group had significantly higher lipid peroxidation levels compared with the C and TR groups. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic and anaerobic performance parameters can be improved in training at maximal lactate steady state during 8 weeks without leading to DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells or to oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells. However, overtraining induced by downhill running training sessions is associated with DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells, and with oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells and total blood.

Randomised Controlled Trial of Fish Oil Supplementation on Responsiveness to Resistance Exercise Training in Sarcopenic Older Women.

This study aims to investigate the effects of fish oil supplementation on the muscle adaptive response to resistance exercise training, physical performance and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in sarcopenic older women. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is performed with thirty-four sarcopenic women (2010 European Consensus of Sarcopenia), aged ≥ 65 years. The participants are allocated into the following two groups: Exercise and Fish Oil (EFO) and Exercise and Placebo (EP). Both groups undertook a resistance exercise programme over 14 weeks. All participants are instructed to ingest 4 g/day of food supplements; the EP group received sunflower oil capsules, and the EFO group, fish oil capsules. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps muscle is calculated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The strength of the lower limbs is measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Both groups show improvements in CSA and strength after the intervention. Changes in EFO are significantly greater compared with EP for muscle strength (peak torque, 19.46 Nm and 5.74 Nm, respectively, p < 0.001). CSA increased after the intervention in both groups (EFO; 6.11% and EP; 2.91%), although there is no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.23). There are no significant intra-group, inter-group or time differences in any of the cytokines measured. The use of fish oil supplementation potentiates the neuromuscular response to the anabolic stimulus from training, increasing muscle strength and physical performance in sarcopenic older women.

Taurine as a possible antiaging therapy: A controlled clinical trial on taurine antioxidant activity in women ages 55 to 70.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the antioxidant effects of taurine, which are capable of controlling oxidative stress in the aging process, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in women 55 to 70 y of age. METHODS: A double-blind study was conducted with 24 women (61.4 ± 4.2 y, body mass index 31.4 ± 5.1 kg/m²). The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (GC, n = 11), supplemented with placebo (1.5 g of starch); or a taurine group (GTAU, n = 13), supplemented with taurine (1.5 g), for 16 wk. As primary outcomes, taurine and oxidative stress marker levels were determined in plasma samples. Anthropometry, functional capacity testing, and plasma mineral levels were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The evaluations were performed pre- and postintervention. Food consumption was assessed before, during, and after the intervention. The results were analyzed by two-way repeated analysis of variance measures mixed model, with the Sidak post hoc (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Taurine and superoxide dismutase (SOD, antioxidant enzyme) plasma levels were increased in the GTAU group. SOD levels also were higher than in the GC group after supplementation. Glutathione reductase levels decreased regardless of the intervention. Malondialdehyde levels increased only in the GC participants. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation prevented the decrease in the antioxidant enzyme SOD, suggesting taurine as a strategy to control oxidative stress during the aging process.

Untargeted lipidomic analysis of plasma from obese women submitted to combined physical exercise.

This study aimed to determine the changes of lipidome in obese women undergoing combined physical exercise training. Fourteen adult women with obesity (mean BMI and age, 33 kg/m2 and 34 ± 5 years), were submitted to combined physical training (aerobic and strength exercises, alternately, 55 min at 75-90% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times a week) for 8 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the training intervention for lipidome, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses allowed the identification of 1252 variables, of which 160 were significant (p < 0.05), and 61 were identified as molecular species of lipids. Volcano plot analysis revealed LPC(16:0p), LPC(18:0p), LPC(20:2), and arachidonic acid upregulated and PC(38:1p), PC(40:4), PC(40:4p) downregulated after combined physical exercise. From the results of the overall Principal component analysis (PCA), the major finding was SM(d18:1/20:0), arachidonic acid, and PC(40:6) species. Other changes included a reduction in waist circumference (Δ = - 2 cm) (p < 0.05), with no weight loss. In conclusion, 8-week of combined exercise training in obese women brought changes in different classes of lipids. This study provides further information to understand the effect of combined physical exercise on lipids related to obesity.

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise increases mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation gene expression in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue of obese women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation associated or not with chronic exercise on body composition, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: A randomized and double-blind trial was developed with 24 obese women (BMI 33.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, 32.9 ± 6.3 y) randomized into three groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8); Exercise group (Ex, n = 8); Taurine supplementation + exercise group (TauEx, n = 8). The intervention was composed of 3 g of taurine or placebo supplementation and exercise training for eight weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, indirect calorimetry, scWAT biopsy for mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: No changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. The Ex group presented an increased resting energy expenditure rate, and the TauEx and Ex groups presented increased lipid oxidation and a decreased respiratory quotient. Both trained groups (TauEx and Ex) demonstrated improved scWAT mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Regarding mitochondrial markers, no changes were observed for the Tau group. The TauEx group had higher expression of CIDEA, PGC1a, PRDM16, UCP1, and UCP2. The genes related to fat oxidation (ACO2 and ACOX1) were increased in the Tau and Ex groups, while only the TauEx group presented increased expression of CPT1, PPARa, PPARγ, LPL, ACO1, ACO2, HSL, ACOX1, and CD36 genes. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation associated with exercise improved lipid metabolism through the modulation of genes related to mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting a browning effect in the scWAT of obese women.

Correction to: Beta alanine supplementation effects on metabolic contribution and swimming performance.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Beta alanine supplementation effects on metabolic contribution and swimming performance.

BACKGROUND: Investigations of ß-alanine supplementation shows effects on metabolic (aerobic and anaerobic) participation and performance on swimming by a possible blood acidosis buffering. Considering this background, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of ß-alanine supplementation on metabolic contribution and performance during 400-m swim. METHODS: Thirteen competitive swimmers underwent a 6-week, double-blind placebo-controlled study, ingesting 4.8 g.day- 1 of ß-alanine or placebo. Before and after the supplementation period, the total anaerobic contribution (TAn) and 30-s all-out tethered swimming effort (30TS) were assessed. Anaerobic alactic (AnAl) and lactic energy (AnLa) was assumed as the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and net blood lactate accumulation during exercise (∆[La-]), respectively. Aerobic contribution (Aer) was determined by the difference between total energy demand and TAn. In addition to conventional statistical analysis (Repeated measures ANOVA; p > 0.05), a Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA was used to evidence the effect probability (BFincl). RESULTS: No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate reduce in ∆Lactate (p: 0.001; BFincl: 25.02); absolute AnLa (p: 0.002; BFincl: 12.61), fatigue index (p > 0.001; BFincl: 63.25) and total anaerobic participation (p: 0.008; BFincl: 4.89). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the results demonstrated that all changes presented were evidenced as a result of exposure to the training period and ß-alanine supplementation doesn't affect metabolic contribution and performance during 400-m freestyle.

The effects of short-term combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women: a prospective, interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Telomere length is inversely associated with the senescence and aging process. Parallelly, obesity can promote telomere shortening. Evidence suggests that physical activity may promote telomere elongation. OBJECTIVE: This study's objective is to evaluate the effects of combined exercise training on telomere length in obese women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty pre-menopausal women (BMI 30-40 kg/m2, 20-40 years) submitted to combined training (strength and aerobic exercises), but only 13 finished the protocol. Each exercise session lasted 55 min/day, three times a week, throughout 8 weeks. Anthropometric data, body composition, physical performance (Vo2max), and 8-h fasting blood samples were taken before and after 8 weeks of training. Leukocyte DNA was extracted for telomere length by RT-qPCR reaction, using the 2-ΔΔCt methodology. RESULTS: After the training intervention, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in telomere length (respectively before and after, 1.03 ± 0.04 to 1.07 ± 0.04 T/S ratio), fat-free mass (46 ± 7 to 48 ± 5 kg), Vo2max (35 ± 3 to 38 ± 3 ml/kg/min), and waist circumference (96 ± 8 to 90 ± 6 cm). In addition, an inverse correlation between waist circumference and telomere length was found, before (r = - 0.536, p = 0.017) and after (r = - 0.655, p = 0.015) exercise training. CONCLUSION: Combined exercise promoted leukocyte telomere elongation in obese women. Besides, the data suggested that greater waist circumference may predict shorter telomere length. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT03119350. Retrospectively registered on 18 April 2017.

Taurine Supplementation Increases Post-Exercise Lipid Oxidation at Moderate Intensity in Fasted Healthy Males.

Based on the fact that taurine can increase lipid metabolism, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of acute taurine supplementation on lipid oxidation levels in healthy young men after a single bout of fasting aerobic exercise. A double-blind, acute, and crossover study design was conducted. Seventeen men (age 24.8 ± 4.07y; BMI: 23.9 ± 2.57 kg/m²) participated in the present study. Different doses of taurine (TAU) (3 g or 6 g) or placebo were supplemented 90 minutes before a single bout of fasting aerobic exercise (on a treadmill at 60% of VO2 max). The subjects performed three trials, and each one was separated by seven days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the exercise protocol of each test to analyze plasma levels of glycerol and taurine. Lipid and carbohydrate oxidation were determined immediately after exercise for 15 minutes by indirect calorimetry. We observed that TAU supplementation (6 g) increased lipid oxidation (38%) and reduced the respiratory coefficient (4%) when compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). However, no differences in lipid oxidation were observed between the different doses of taurine (3 g and 6 g). For glycerol concentrations, there were no differences between trials. Six grams of TAU supplementation 90 minutes before a single bout of aerobic exercise in a fasted state was sufficient to increase the lipid oxidation post-exercise in healthy young men.