Influence of pneumatic tube delivery system on laboratory results.

INTRODUCTION: The pneumatic tube system (PTS) is an automated and fast modality of transportation of biological samples, but it has been reported to induce preanalytical errors. AIM: To study the influence of transportation by PTS on biochemistry tests which are particularly sensitive to haemolysis and atmospheric pressure variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared laboratory results of arterial blood gas, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose and haemolysis index of samples conveyed simultaneously by PTS and by courier. RESULTS: We recruited 30 patients from the sampling room and 40 patients from the intensive care unit. Transport through PTS resulted in a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase and potassium without exceeding the limits of acceptability. Potassium was significantly more increased for samples transported in a higher speed line (p = .048) but without exceeding the limits of acceptability. No significant impact was noted on haemolysis indices. The pO2 variations due to PTS transportation exceeded the limit of acceptability with significant intra-individual variations. CONCLUSION: Our PTS is validated for biochemistry tests results. It reduces turnaround times without affecting sample quality. However, the interpretation of arterial blood gas results should be careful for samples transported by PTS.

The anti-Müllerian hormone: A useful tool for diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder that affects reproductive-age women with important long-term health implications. As such, the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was proposed as a helpful test to identify women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine an AMH cut-off value for the diagnosis of PCOS. METHODS: This was a two-year cross-sectional study including women of reproductive age, diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria (2003). The control group of healthy women was age-matched. AMH was performed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. AMH levels were compared and evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 130 women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 65 were diagnosed with PCOS, and 65 were healthy. No significant difference was detected in body mass index between the two groups. AMH levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS (p = < 0.001). No significant difference in AMH levels was detected between PCOS phenotypes. A cut-off of 25.1 pmol/L (3.5 ng/mL) could discriminate women with PCOS from controls with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 72.3%. The area under the curve was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.73-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that AMH had good diagnostic potential as a complement to Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis in reproductive-age women of Tunisian origin.

Vitamin D deficiency in relation with the systemic and central inflammation during multiple sclerosis.

Background: During the last decade, vitamin D (VitD) has become a topic of interest in immune regulation, especially in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. Amongst the wide range of effects reported for this vitamin on the immune system, a regulatory role on cytokines production has been described. Our aim is to analyze the status of VitD and its correlation with the circulating inflammation and the intrathecal humoral response during MS. Methods: We analyzed samples of 318 individuals: 108 MS patients and 210 controls. Determination of 25-(OH) VitD3 level in serum was made using electrochemiluminescence method. Circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-a, IL12p70 and IL-1b) were investigated using Cytometer Bead Array Technology. The central humoral response was characterized using CSF isofocusing test and IgG Index calculation. Results: As expected, mean value of VitD was significantly lower in MS group (26 nmol/L) than in control group (34.75 nmol/L) (p=0.002), with a severe deficiency in 67% of MS patients. Mean value of VitD was significantly lower in MS female patients. Regarding cytokines, mean value of TNFa was significantly higher in MS patients with oligoclonal bands of IgG in the CSF. IL6 was positively correlated with IgG level in serum of MS patients. Conclusions: Our results support the association of VitD deficiency with MS, especially in female patients of our region. However, the vitamin level seems to not correlate with inflammatory cytokines nor with disability. Interestingly, TNFa and IL6 levels were correlated with the intrathecal synthesis of IgG and the circulating IgG level, respectively.

Is moderate-intensity interval training more tolerable than high-intensity interval training in adults with obesity?

Interval training (IT) has been shown to be a time-effective alternative to traditional training programmes in the management of obesity. Nevertheless, studies comparing the effects of different IT intensities on inflammation, muscle and liver damage, and perceptual responses in people with obesity are relatively scarce. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of two different IT protocols matched by the mean load and duration on biochemical and perceptual responses in sedentary adults with obesity. Twenty-two volunteers (age = 33.40 ± 10.01 years, BMI = 38.29 ± 7.09 kg/m²) were randomized to perform two conditions: moderate-intensity IT (MIIT) 5 × 3 min (70% of peak power output (PPO))/2 min (45%PPO) and high-intensity IT (HIIT) 8 × 1 min (90%PPO)/2 min (45%PPO). Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise for biochemical and haematological measurements. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed during and after exercise. Perceptual pain was evaluated before, throughout and after exercise. C-reactive protein, white blood cells and neutrophils increased only after HIIT (p < 0.001, for all). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase increased in both HIIT and MIIT (p < 0.001, for all), without any difference between sessions. HIIT induced a greater increase of blood lactate compared to MIIT (p < 0.05). Pain and RPE scores were higher during HIIT vs. MIIT (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). MIIT induced fewer immune system perturbations and less muscle pain and was perceived as more tolerable compared to HIIT session. Therefore, MIIT could be used as a first step to promote body adaptations before starting a HIIT programme in sedentary people with obesity.

Melatonin intake before intradialytic exercise reverses oxidative stress and improves antioxidant status in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate for the first time the effects of melatonin (MEL) intake on oxidative stress and cellular damage during intradialytic exercise (IEX). METHODS: Thirteen hemodialysis (HD) patients volunteered to participate in the current randomized crossover trial. Participants performed four HD sessions in four different conditions: (Exercise (EX)-MEL), (EX-Placebo (PLA)), (Control (C)-MEL), and (C-PLA). 3 mg of MEL or PLA were taken 60 min before starting exercise, or at the equivalent time in the C conditions. Blood samples were taken before HD (T0), immediately after the end of IEX (T1), 60 min after IEX (T2), or at the corresponding times in the C conditions to measure free radicals damage, antioxidant biomarkers, as well as biomarkers of muscle and liver damage. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde and Advanced Oxidation Protein Products decreased in (C-MEL) (p < 0.05, d = 2.19; p < 0.01, d = 0.99, respectively) at T2 compared to T0. Catalase and total thiol levels increased in (C-MEL) (p < 0.01, d = 1.51; p < 0.01, d = 1.56, respectively) and in (EX-MEL) (p = 0.01, d = 1.28; p < 0.01, d = 1.52, respectively) at T1 compared to T0. Total bilirubin levels increased in (EX-MEL) and (C-MEL) at T2 compared to T0 (p < 0.001, d = 2.77; p < 0.001, d = 1.36, respectively), but only at T2 compared to T1 in (EX-MEL) (p < 0.001, d = 1.67). In all conditions, uric acid levels decreased at T1 compared to T0 and at T2 compared to T1, while biomarkers of muscle and liver damage remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: This pilot study is the first to show that MEL ingestion, alone or combined with IEX, could improve oxidant-antioxidant balance during HD.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Is Associated with Proprioceptive Deficit in Adult Women: a Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study.

Proprioception is essential to several conscious and unconscious sensations and automatic control of movement in daily life activities. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) may alter proprioception as it could induce fatigue, and affect neural processes such as myelination, and neurotransmitters synthesis and degradation. This study aimed to explore the effect of IDA on proprioception in adult women. Thirty adult women with IDA and 30 controls participated in this study. The weight discrimination test was performed to assess proprioceptive acuity. Attentional capacity and fatigue were evaluated, too. Women with IDA had a significantly (P < 0.001) lower ability to discriminate weights compared to controls in the two difficult increments, and for the second easy weight (P < 0.01). For the heaviest weight, no significant difference was found. Attentional capacity and fatigue values were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients with IDA compared to controls. Moreover, moderate positive correlations between the representative proprioceptive acuity values and Hb (r = 0.68) and ferritin (r = 0.69) concentrations were found. Moderate negative correlations were found between the proprioceptive acuity values and general (r = - 0.52), physical (r = - 0.65) and mental (r = - 0.46) fatigue scores, and attentional capacity (r = - 0.52). Women with IDA had impaired proprioception compared to their healthy peers. This impairment may be related to neurological deficits due to the disruption of iron bioavailability in IDA. In addition, fatigue resulting from IDA due to the poor muscle oxygenation could also explain the proprioceptive acuity decrease in women suffering from IDA.

Effectiveness of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting and concurrent training in the management of obesity: is the combination worth the weight?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated, in men with obesity, the efficacy of the combination of two strategies (Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting 'RDIF' strategy vs RDIF plus concurrent training program 'RDIF-CT' strategy) known for their positive impact on body composition and then we explored the possible impact on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty obese men, age: 31.8 ± 7.05 years, BMI: 33.1 ± 4.2 kg m-2, performing regularly RDIF, were randomized into two groups: RDIF-CT (n = 10) and RDIF without training (RDIF-NCT) (n = 10). The RDIF-CT group participated in High intensity interval training (HIIT) program combined with resistance exercises for 4 weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, lipid profile, liver biomarkers and inflammation were assessed before and after 4-week RDIF. Both groups showed a significant decrease in weight, fat mass (FM), fat percentage (Fat%) and waist circumference (WC) and an improvement in blood glucose, lipid profile and inflammation. Fat free mass decreased significantly in RDIF-NCT (p < 0.05) while remaining unchanged in RDIF-CT. However, RDIF-CT induced greater improvements in body composition (i.e., weight, FM, Fat% and WC (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05; respectively)) as well as greater decrease in lipid biomarkers (i.e., TC, TG and LDL (p < 0.01 for all)), inflammation (i.e., CRP (p < 0.05)), and liver damage (i.e., ASAT, ALAT and Gamma-GT (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001; respectively)) compared to RDIF-NCT group pre-post intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a combination of RDIF and CT induces greater changes in body composition, lipid profile, inflammation and liver biomarkers compared to RDIF strategy alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: PACTR202203475387226.

Effects of intradialytic exercise in combination with melatonin supplementation on functional capacity, postural balance, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the effect of intradialytic concurrent (resistance-endurance) training combined with melatonin (MEL) supplementation on functional capacity, muscle strength, postural balance, and quality of life (QoL) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Thirty-three HD patients were randomized into three groups: Exercise (EX)-MEL (n = 11); EX-Placebo (PLA) (n = 11) and Control (C)-PLA (n = 11). Participants included in the EX-MEL and EX-PLA groups were submitted to concurrent training for 12 weeks. RESULTS: EX-MEL and EX-PLA improved functional capacity, muscle strength, QoL, and postural balance parameters in eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Parameters of postural balance in the dual task condition were improved only in EX-MEL. EX-MEL induced better results in some domains of QoL compared with EX-PLA. CONCLUSION: Intradialytic concurrent training induced beneficial effects on physical function, muscle strength, postural balance, and QoL in HD patients. MEL supplementation combined with intradialytic exercise lead to better improvements in postural balance and QoL.

Performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory responses to repeated high-intensity exercise following a 40-min nap.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 40-min nap opportunity (N40) on performance during, markers of muscle damage and inflammation, and the perception of fatigue and recovery, in response to a 5-m shuttle run test (5msrt). Fifteen male amateur athletes performed the 5msrt under two conditions: N40 and no-nap condition (NN). Blood biomarkers were collected at rest and after the 5msrt to measure muscle damage (i.e., creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)) and inflammation (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP)). RPE was determined immediately after each repetition of the test and PRS and DOMS were determined 5 min, thereafter. Compared to NN, N40 improved the highest distance (p<0.001, Δ=+7.9%) and the total distance (p<0.001, Δ=+7.2%) attained during the 5msrt. Pre and post the 5msrt, participants presented lower muscle damage (i.e., CK, LDH, ASAT and ALAT) and inflammation (i.e., CRP) (p<0.05) values in the N40 compared to NN. Concerning RPE, DOMS, and PRS, there was a positive effect in the N40 vs. NN (p<0.01). N40 represents an effective method for improving repeated high intensity short-term maximal performance, PRS, and associated muscle damage and inflammation, and reducing RPE and DOMS.

Melatonin Ingestion Prevents Liver Damage and Improves Biomarkers of Renal Function Following a Maximal Exercise.

Background: While the promotion of the beneficial effects of melatonin (MEL) ingestion on the modulation of oxidative stress is widespread, less attention is given to the biological influence that it could exert on the results of hematology and clinical chemistry parameters. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of acute MEL ingestion on these parameters during a maximal running exercise. Methods: In double blind randomized design, 12 professional soccer players [age: 17.54 ± 0.78 yrs, body mass: 70.31 ± 3.86 kg, body height: 1.8 ± 0.08 m; maximal aerobic speed (MAS): 16.85 ± 0.63 km/h; mean ± standard deviation], all males, performed a diurnal (17:00 h ± 30 h) running exercise test (RET) at 100% of their MAS following either MEL or placebo ingestion. Blood samples were obtained at rest and following the RET. Results: Compared to placebo, MEL intake decreased post-exercise biomarkers of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase, p<0.001; alanine aminotransferase, p<0.001; gamma-glutamyltransferase; p<0.05) and improved post-exercise renal function markers (i.e., creatinine, p<0.001). However, lipid profile, glucose, lactate and leukocyte were not affected by MEL ingestion. Regarding the time to exhaustion, no difference was found between MEL (362.46 ± 42.06 s) and PLA (374.54 ± 57.97 s) conditions. Conclusion: The results of this investigation clearly attest that MEL ingestion before a maximal running exercise might protect athletes from liver damage and perturbation in renal function biomarkers. However, this study comprises an acute MEL supplementation and no assessment on chronic effects or circadian rhythm the day before was done.

Cold Water Immersion Improves the Recovery of Both Central and Peripheral Fatigue Following Simulated Soccer Match-Play.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on the recovery of neuromuscular fatigue following simulated soccer match-play. In a randomized design, twelve soccer players completed a 90-min simulated soccer match followed by either CWI or thermoneutral water immersion (TWI, sham condition). Before and after match (immediately after CWI/TWI through 72 h recovery), neuromuscular and performance assessments were performed. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and twitch responses, delivered through electrical femoral nerve stimulation, were used to assess peripheral fatigue (quadriceps resting twitch force, Qtw,pot) and central fatigue (voluntary activation, VA). Performance was assessed via squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 20 m sprint tests. Biomarkers of muscle damages (creatine kinase, CK; Lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) were also collected. Smaller reductions in CWI than TWI were found in MVC (-9.9 ± 3%vs-23.7 ± 14.7%), VA (-3.7 ± 4.9%vs-15.4 ± 5.6%) and Qtw,pot (-15.7 ± 5.9% vs. -24.8 ± 9.5%) following post-match intervention (p < 0.05). On the other hand, smaller reductions in CWI than TWI were found only in Qtw,pot (-0.2 ± 7.7% vs. -8.8 ± 9.6%) at 72 h post-match. Afterwards, these parameters remained lower compared to baseline up to 48-72 h in TWI while they all recovered within 24 h in CWI. The 20 m sprint performance was less impaired in CWI than TWI (+11.1 ± 3.2% vs. +18 ± 3.6%, p < 0.05) while SJ and CMJ were not affected by the recovery strategy. Plasma LDH, yet no CK, were less increased during recovery in CWI compared to TWI. This study showed that CWI reduced both central and peripheral components of fatigue, which in turn led to earlier full recovery of the neuromuscular function and performance indices. Therefore, CWI might be an interesting recovery strategy for soccer players.

Beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil on vanadium-induced testicular injury, DNA damage and histological alterations in Wistar rats.

Vanadium has been shown to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since free radical production and lipid peroxidation are potentially important mediators in testicular physiology and pathophysiology, the present study was conducted to elucidate vanadium-induced oxidative damage in rat testis and the ameliorative role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) against the adverse effects of this heavy metal. Adult male Wistar rats were treated daily during 10 days either with ammonium metavanadate (5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), SEO (15 mg/kg bw, orally) or their combination. A group of rats receiving daily a saline solution served as a negative control. Vanadium treatment induced a significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level and sperm number and motility. An increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as a marked inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testes and seminal vesicles indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress after vanadium toxicity. Histopathological changes in testis and seminal vesicles were also observed following vanadium administration. However, co-administration of SEO to vanadium-treated rats resulted in an appreciable improvement of these parameters, emphasizing the therapeutic effects of SEO. It can be suggested that SEO mitigates vanadium-induced reproductive damage due to its antioxidant capacity. Thus, we can hypothesize that SEO supplementation could protect against vanadium poisoning.

Plasma oxysterols in drug-free patients with schizophrenia.

Evidence from clinical, genetic, and medical studies has shown the neuronal developmental disorder aspect of schizophrenia (SZ). Whereas oxysterols are vital factors in neurodevelopment, it is still unknown whether they are involved in the pathophysiology of SZ. The current study aims to explore the profile of oxysterols in plasma, ratio to total cholesterol (Tchol) and the association with clinical factors in patients with SZ. Forty men diagnosed with SZ and forty healthy controls matched for age and sex were included in the study. The ratios of cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) and Cholestanol to Tchol increased in the schizophrenic group compared to controls. However, levels of 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC) were not significantly different between patients and controls. For the SZ patients, the plasma 24-OHC levels were positively correlated with the positive and negative syndrome total scores (PANSS) but negatively correlated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (MOCA). Moreover, the ratio Cholestanol to Tchol was negatively correlated with MOCA scores and positively correlated with PANSS general. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the ratio Cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol/TChol could be considered as an independent risk factor for SZ. On the other hand, the receiver's operating characteristics analysis corresponding to potential biomarkers on SZ showed Areas Under the Curve (AUCs) of 82.1%; 69.7% and 77.6% for the ratio of Cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol/TChol, 27-OHC/TChol and Cholestanol/TChol respectively. The relevance of Cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol, 27-OHC and Cholestanol assays as biomarkers of this disease deserves further investigation.

Selected plasma oxysterols as a potential multi-marker biosignature panel for Behçet's Disease.

Clinical, genetic, and medical evidence has shown the inflammatory vasculitis aspect of Behçet's Disease (BD). Whereas oxysterols are vital factors in inflammation and oxidative stress, it is still unknown whether they are involved in the pathophysiology of BD. The current study aims to explore the profile of oxysterols in plasma of BD patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with BD and forty healthy controls matched for age and gender were included. Results showed that the cholestane-3ß,5α,6ß-triol, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) and cholestanol levels were higher in BD than controls. In addition, plasma levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC) were lower in BD patient. However, levels of 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC) did not significantly differ. For BD patients, the plasma 7-KC level was negatively correlated with the BD activity index (BDAI) while 27-OHC was positively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with active course of the disease. According to ROC analysis, a remarkable increase in the area under the curve (AUC) with a higher sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for 7-KC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC combined markers was observed. The present study indicated that the identification of the predictive value of these three-selected biomarkers related to oxidative stress and inflammation in patients should lead to a better identification of the etiological mechanism of BD.

Subacute toxicity studies of meals prepared from genetically modified potato overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factor in rats.

BACKGROUND: Potato tubers from genetically modified plants overexpressing the StDREB1 or the VvWRKY2 transcription factors that exhibited improved tolerance to salt and resistance to Fusarium solani infection were characterized and evaluated for safety in a 30 day rat feeding study. Male Wistar rats were split into four groups and provided with a diet composed of 33% (w/w) of either one of the two genetically modified potatoes (GMPs), 33% of the commercial Spunta variety (Sp), or a control group fed with the basal rats' diet. The influence of the GMPs on rat behavior and overall health parameters was evaluated and compared with that of commercial potato (i.e. the Sp group) and control diet. RESULTS: Small differences were noticed in the chemical composition of the different tubers, but all the diets were adjusted to an identical caloric level. Results showed no sign of toxic or detrimental effects on the rats' overall health as a result of these diets. The rats fed with the GMPs meal showed hematological and biochemical compositions of the plasma comparable to the control groups. No histopathological damage nor any structural disorganization, severe congestion, or acute inflammation were noticed in the rats' tissues. CONCLUSION: Under these study conditions, the GMP diets did not induce any apparent or significant adverse effects on rats after 30 days of dietary administration in comparison with rats fed diets with the corresponding non-transgenic diet and the standard diet group. These two GMPs were therefore considered to be as safe as their commercial comparator. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Melatonin reduces muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise in people with overweight/obesity.

BACKGROUND: Intense physical exercise leads to inflammation, oxidative stress and muscle damage, and these responses are of greater magnitude in people with obesity. Melatonin (MLT) is considered an endogenous antioxidant which may have beneficial effects against inflammation, oxidative stress and promote tissue repair after exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of MLT on inflammatory parameters, oxidative stress and muscle damage in people with overweight/obesity after a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). METHODS: A total of 23 subjects with obesity (9 men and 14 women) age: 33.26 ± 9.81 years, BMI: 37.75 ± 8.87 kg.m-2 were randomized to participate in two experimental sessions: HIIE + Placebo and HIIE + MLT (3 mg). The HIIE protocol corresponds to 8 intervals of 1 min (90% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP)) alternating with 2 min recovery (45% of the MAP). Blood samples were drawn before and 5 min after each exercise session. RESULTS: MLT ingestion attenuated the increase of inflammation (C-reactive protein, white blood cells (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45; for both) and Neutrophils (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.36)) and hepatic and muscle damage (Aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.25), Alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.27) and Creatine kinase (P = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.23). MLT also attenuated the exercise induced lipid and protein peroxidation (i.e., Malondialdehyde (P = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.19) and AOPP (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.55)). Concerning the antioxidant status, MLT intake increased Thiol (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.26) and Catalase (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.32) and decreased Uric acid (P = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.2) and Total bilirubin (P < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: MLT intake before HIIE reduced muscle damage by modulating oxidative stress and preventing overexpression of the pro-inflammatory mediators in people with obesity.

Effect of Medicago sativa compared To 17ß-oestradiol on osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice.

Phytoestrogens, with a wide range of beneficial effects, prevent bone loss caused by oestrogen deficiency.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Medicago sativa ethanol extract compared to 17ß-oestradiol on osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice.The study was carried out on female mice, divided into five groups: control mice (GI), Medicago sativa treated mice (0.75 g/kg BW/day) (GII), ovariectomized mice (GIII) and ovariectomized mice treated either with Medicago sativa (GIV) or with 17ß-oestradiol (50 µg/Kg BW/day) (GV).Our results showed that Medicago sativa or 17ß-oestradiol treatments significantly attenuated perturbations of mineral levels, histological changes and oxidative stress in the femurs of ovariectomized mice.Medicago sativa prevented bone loss induced by oestrogen deficiency, which could be attributed to its richness in kaempferol, syringic acid, naringenin and myrictin. Its effects were more beneficial or similar compared to 17ß-oestradiol.

Diagnostic value of miR-199a and miR-21 in the plasma of infertile women with dysregulated AMH levels.

This work aimed to explore the expression pattern of circulating miR-199a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-let7i-3p in infertile women with dysregulated AMH levels. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure miR-199a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-let7i-3p expression levels in 60 plasma samples of infertile women with low or high AMH levels. Bioinformatic analyses for microRNAs predicting target genes and molecular pathways were performed according to gene ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathways. Only miR-199a-3p and miR-21-5p were significantly over and under-expressed, respectively, in the plasma samples of all infertile women with low or high AMH levels versus controls (p-value = 0.01). Furthermore, the diagnostic value miR-199a-3p yielded a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 with a 95% CI [0.72-0.92] and an AUC of 0.81, for miR-21-5p, 95% CI [0.69-0.92]. The combined ROC curve of miR-21 and miR-199a provided an optimal combination with AUC = 0.98, 95% CI [0.96-1], and, a cut-off point (0.42) which provided 98% sensitivity and 87% specificity. In conclusion, circulating miR-199a-3p and miR-21-5p vary significantly whenever AMH levels of infertile women are disturbed and could potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers in distinguishing infertile from fertile women.