Plasma Lipid Profiling Identifies Phosphatidylcholine 34:3 and Triglyceride 52:3 as Potential Markers Associated with Disease Severity and Oxidative Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PURPOSE: To identify plasma alterations in lipid species in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as, relationships with smoking status, oxidative and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Plasma was obtained from 100 patients with COPD and 120 healthy controls. Pulmonary function was assessed by plethysmography. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Oxidative stress parameters were measured using standard methods. Lipids were extracted then analyzed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS). RESULTS: More than 40 lipid compounds were identified within plasma samples. Among these 19 lipid species including plasmalogens (PC O-), phosphatidylcholines (PC), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly altered in COPD. A decreased expression of PC O- (36:1, 36:2, 36:3, 36:4, 38:4, 38:5) species was found in patients with different severities compared to healthy controls. There was also a decrease in PC (34:3, 36:0, 36:4, 36:5, 40:6, 40:7) species in COPD patients. PC (34:3) levels were positively correlated with disease progression and pulmonary function decline (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)) (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) (r = - 0.77, p < 0.001). TG (50:0, 50:1, 52:1, 52:2, 52:3, 52:4, 54:4) species were altered in COPD patients and in those with advanced disease stages. Significant correlations between FEV1, TBARS, peroxynitrite, and TG (52:3) were found among COPD patients (r = - 0.69; r = 0.86; r = 0.77, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: PC (34:3) and TG (52:3) could be potential lipid signatures of COPD that correlate with altered pulmonary function and oxidative status.

Anthropometric, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Postural Observances During Ramadan in Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

This study aimed to carry out a Ramadan observance (RO) on anthropometric, psychosocial, physiological, and postural characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty COPD patients were evaluated. Tests performed 1 week before Ramadan (C), and during the second (R-2) and the fourth weeks of Ramadan (R-4) included standard anthropometry, spirometry, a quality of life questionnaire (VQ11), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), measurement of maximal voluntary contraction force of the quadriceps (MVC), Timed Get Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Unipedal Stance (UST). During R-2, there were significant decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volumes, 6MWT distance, MVC, BBS, and UST, with significant increases in TUG and significant changes in VQ11. During R-4, there was some recovery, but all variables remained significantly different from initial control data. To conclude, RO adversely affects pulmonary function, exercise performance, postural balance, and quality of life in COPD, with some recovery by the R-4. Although a number of functional consequences remain to be elucidated, functional losses were insufficient to limit daily living in our sample, but further studies are recommended in those with more severe COPD, paying particular attention to postural disturbances and a possible increase in the risk of falls.

MMPs and TIMPs levels are correlated with anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and endothelial function in obesity.

The association between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and obesity as well as obesity-related disease including metabolic syndrome is not fully explored. Our aims are that: (i) to evaluate the plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and their ratios in non-obese people, overweight and obese people with or without metabolic syndrome, (ii) to investigate correlations between MMPs or TIMPs levels and several anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, endothelial function. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were determined in 479 randomly selected participants, subdividing according to body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome status. Plasma MMPs and TIMPs levels were measured. The assessment of endothelial function was characterized in people with obesity, overweight and non-obese, using laser Doppler Flowmetry. Obese people have elevated MMP-1, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 levels and decreased MMP-3/TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios compared with non-obese people. MMP-1 levels and MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio were positively correlated with BMI and waist circumference (WC) while MMP-2 levels were negatively correlated with BMI and WC values in obese people. MMP-3 levels and MMP-3/TIMP-1 ratio were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in obese and metabolic syndrome people. Additionally, MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were negatively correlated with endothelium-dependent response in obese and metabolic syndrome people. MMP-1, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 levels were increased in obese subjects. Significant correlations between anthropometric parameters and MMP-1 as well as MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio supported these results. MMP-3 and -9 levels as well as their ratios with TIMP-1 were associated with blood pressure and endothelial-dependent response, respectively. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels were correlated with several obesity-related parameters including BMI, WC, blood pressure and endothelial-dependent response. Our findings will hopefully provide new aspects for the use of MMPs and TIMPs as clinical biomarkers in obesity-related cardiovascular diseases such as metabolic syndrome and hypertension. The lack of measure of MMPs activity in plasma and relevant organs/tissues in obesity and metabolic syndrome is considered as a limitation in this report.

Effects of specific inspiratory muscle training combined with whole-body endurance training program on balance in COPD patients: Randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) combined with endurance training (ET) on balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We studied 32 male patients (62 ± 6 years) with moderate to very severe COPD. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (IMT+ET) n = 16 or a control group (ET) n = 16 with similar characteristics. The evaluations were carried out at inclusion and after eight weeks of the training period. Functional balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed-up and Go (TUG), the Single Leg Stance test (SLS), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. The strength of the inspiratory muscles (PImax) was assessed by maximal inspiratory mouth pressure. Functional exercise performance was assessed by the 6 minutes walking test (6MWT). IMT program consists in performing two daily sets of 30 inspirations with 50% of PImax increased by 10% every two weeks. ET program consists in performing 30 min treadmill exercise at 60% to 80% of the average speed achieved during the 6MWT three days per week. RESULTS: After the training period, the experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in BBS (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.019), and in ABC (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.014). However, no significant differences between groups were observed for TUG, SLS, and 6MWT. There was a significant difference between groups in PImax (IMT+ET vs. ET; p = 0.030). Significant moderate correlations were obtained between ΔPImax and ΔBBS for both groups (IMT+ET: r = 0.624, p = 0.010; ET r = 0.550, p = 0.027) as well as for ΔABC but only in the experimental group (IMT+ET: r = 0.550, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Compared to ET alone, the results suggest that IMT combined with ET enhances inspiratory muscle function and functional balance according to BBS and ABC in patients with COPD. We suggest that inspiratory muscle training might be introduced as additional training to pulmonary rehabilitation programs aimed at improving balance in COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial registry name: Clinical Trials; Registration number: NCT04084405; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04084405.

Acute Exercise and Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown the impact of acute aerobic exercises (AAE) on cognition in healthy adults or at a pre-dementia stage. Few studies, however, have explored the positive effects of AAE in moderate Alzheimer's disease (ADM) patients. OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the effect of AAE on cognitive functions in ADM patients. METHODS: Overall, 79 (age: 69.62±0.99) ADM patients were recruited. Participants were divided into three groups according to the task: aerobic exercises done alone or combined with cognitive games presented on a screen, and a control group who performed a reading task. The aerobic exercise protocol consisted of a 20-min cycling exercise of moderate intensity, corresponding to 60%of the individual target maximal heart rate recorded in a 6-minute walking test. The participants' cognition was monitored before and after the intervention using the Tower of Hanoi, Digit Span, and Stroop tasks. RESULTS: After the exercise, the participants' attention in both the physical and combined groups improved for the Stroop, the forward and backward Digit Span tasks, as well as the time taken to solve the Tower of Hanoi, although no significant differences were found in the number of moves taken in the latter. By contrast, the control group did not show any significant improvement for most of the cognitive tasks after the reading session. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that AAE may help to improve cognitive functions in ADM patients. This improvement is enhanced when the exercise is combined with cognitive games. Safe and progressive types of exercises should be promoted among ADM patients.

Prostaglandin Endoperoxide H Synthase-2 (PGHS-2) Variants and Risk of Obesity and Microvascular Dysfunction Among Tunisians: Relevance of rs5277 (306G/C) and rs5275 (8473T/C) Genetic Markers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of six PGHS-2 genetic variants on obesity development and microvascular dysfunction. The study included 305 Tunisian subjects (186 normal weights, 35 overweights and 84 obeses). PCR analyses were used for allelic discrimination between polymorphisms. Prostaglandin (PGE2, PGI2), leptin, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP1, 2, 3, 9) levels were evaluated by ELISA. Fatty acid composition was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our results revealed that subjects carrying the PGHS-2 306CC (rs5277) and 8473CC (rs5275) genotypes present higher anthropometric values compared to wild-type genotypes (306GG, BMI (Kg/m2): 27.11 ± 0.58; WC (cm): 93.09 ± 1.58; 306CC, BMI: 33.83 ± 2.46; WC: 109.93 ± 5.41; 8473TT, BMI: 27.75 ± 0.68; WC: 93.96 ± 1.75; 8473CC, BMI: 33.72 ± 2.2; WC: 117.89 ± 2.94). A reduced microvascular reactivity and a higher PGE2 level were also found in individuals with the 306CC and 8473CC genotypes in comparison to 306GG and 8473TT carriers (306GG, Peak Ach-CVC (PU/mmHg): 0.46 ± 0.03; PGE2 (pg/ml): 7933.1 ± 702; 306CC, Peak Ach-CVC: 0.24 ± 0.01; PGE2: 13,380.3 ± 966.2; 8473TT, Peak Ach-CVC: 0.48 ± 0.05; PGE2: 7086.41 ± 700.31; 8473CC, Peak Ach-CVC: 0.23 ± 0.01; PGE2: 13,175.7 ± 1165.8). Fatty acid analysis showed a significant increase of palmitic acid (PA) (34.2 ± 2.09 vs. 16.82% ± 1.76, P < 0.001), stearic acid (SA) (25.76 ± 3.29 vs. 9.05% ± 2.53, P < 0.001), and linoleic acid (LA) (5.25 ± 1.18 vs. 0.5% ± 0.09, P < 0.001) levels in individuals carrying the PGHS-2 306CC genotype when compared to GG genotype individuals. Subjects with the 8473CC genotype showed also a significant increase of PA, SA ,and LA levels when compared to TT genotype carriers (PA: 38.02 ± 1.51 vs. 12.65% ± 1.54, P < 0.001; SA: 32.96 ± 1.87 vs. 1.38% ± 0.56, P < 0.001; LA: 26.84 ± 2.09 vs. 3.7% ± 1.54, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that PGHS-2 306CC and 8473CC variants are significantly associated with obesity status (OR 6.25, CI (1.8-21.6), P = 0.004; OR 3.01, CI (1.13-8.52), P = 0.03, respectively). Haplotypes containing the C306:T8473 (OR 2.91; P = 0.01) and G306:C8473 (OR 5.25; P = 0.002) combinations were associated with an enhanced risk for obesity development in the studied population. In conclusion, our results highlight that PGHS-2 306G/C and 8473T/C variants could be useful indicators of obesity development, inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction among Tunisians.

Polymorphisms rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 are associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development in a Tunisian cohort.

We hypothesized that polymorphisms of genes involved in the prostaglandin pathway could be associated with COPD. In this study we explored the involvement of genetic polymorphisms in PTGS2, PTGER2 and PTGER4 genes in the development and severity of COPD and their effects on plasma concentrations of inflammatory/oxidative stress markers. We identified genotypes of PTGS2, PTGER2 and PTGER4 SNPs in a Tunisian cohort including COPD patients (n = 138) and control subjects (n = 216) using PCR-RFLP and PCR TaqMan. Pulmonary function (FEV1 and FVC) were assessed by plethsmography. PGE2, PGD2 and cytokine plasma (IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, TGF-ß) concentrations were measured using ELISA and colorimetric standard methods were used to determine oxidative stress concentrations. Genotype frequencies of rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 were different between COPD cases and controls. There was no correlation between these polymorphisms and lung function parameters. For rs2745557, the A allele frequency was higher in COPD cases than in controls. For rs2075797, carriers of the GG genotype were more frequent in the COPD group than in controls. Only rs2745557 in PTGS2 had an effect on PGD2 and cytokine plasma concentrations. PGD2 was significantly decreased in COPD patients with the GA or AA genotypes. In contrast, IL-18 and NO plasma concentrations were increased in COPD rs2745557 A allele carriers as compared to homozygous GG subjects. Our findings suggest that rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 are associated with COPD development but not with its severity.

Impact of cathepsin D activity and C224T polymorphism (rs17571) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlations with oxidative and inflammatory markers.

BACKGROUND: Cathepsin D (CTSD) is an aspartyl proteinase that plays an important role in protein degradation, antigen processing and apoptosis. It has been associated with several pathologies such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and inflammatory disorders. Its function in lung diseases remains, however, controversial. In the current study, we determined CTSD activity in serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluated the correlations between this proteinase and inflammatory and oxidative parameters. We also investigated the impact of a CTSD C224T polymorphism on enzyme activity and clinicopathological parameters. METHODS: Our population included 211 healthy controls and 138 patients with COPD. CTSD activity, MMPs (-1/-7/-12), cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels were measured in patients and controls using standard methods. Genotyping of CTSD C224T polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Our results showed an increased CTSD activity in COPD patients compared to healthy controls (4.87 [3.99-6.07] vs. 3.94 [2.91-5.84], respectively, p < 0.001). COPD smokers presented also a higher CTSD activity when compared to nonsmokers (4.91[3.98-6.18] vs. 4.65[4.16-5.82], respectively, p = 0.01), while no differences were found when subjects were compared according to their GOLD stages. The activity of this proteinase was not dependent on the C224T polymorphism because we did not found any influence of this SNP on proteinase activity among patients and controls. Furthermore, our data provide the first evidence of the interrelationships between CTSD activity and both MMPs and TNF-α levels (MMP-1[r = - 0.4; p = 0.02], MMP-7[r = 0.37; p = 0.04], MMP-12[r = 0.43; p = 0.02], TNF-α [r = 0.89, p = 0.001]) in COPD smokers. There were no correlations, however, between CTSD activity and oxidative stress parameters in controls and patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CTSD could be a relevant marker for COPD disease. Alteration of CTSD activity may be related to increased MMPs and TNF-α levels, particularly in COPD smokers.

Specific physical performances among male elite youth soccer players: effect of maturity status.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies that investigated the relationship between anthropometric profile, biological maturity and specific soccer performances. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to establish normative data of anthropometric and specific physical performances and to determine the impact age and somatic maturation on young soccer players (U13-U19, n=487). METHODS: Measurements include anthropometric variables to determine the age of peak height velocity (PHV), leg muscle volume (LMV) and soccer specific test (SST); Squat jump (SJ), Counter Movement jump (CMJ), sprint 10 meter (T10m), sprint 20 meter (T20m), sprint 30 meter (T30m) and intermittent-endurance tests. RESULTS: Reference values showed a significant difference between anthropometric variables, LMV and SST according to PHV categories. (M)ANOVA analysis showed a significant age using maturity interaction effect of all anthropometric variables. A significant result was reported in the majority of SST performances for the age, the T10m and for T20m performances. The full model of multiple regressions and the multiple equations was used to determine the best predictors of physical performances according to anthropometric variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative data for anthropometric characteristics and physical performances according to chronological age (U13-U19) and maturity groups of young soccer players.

The Effect of Adding Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Endurance and Resistance Training on Exercise Capacity and Balance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigated the effectiveness of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to endurance training (ET) and resistance training (RT) on exercise tolerance and balance in COPD patients. 42 patients were assigned randomly to the ET + RT + NMES group (n = 22) or ET + RT group (n = 20). Two training programs were performed including 72 sessions. The center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the mediolateral direction (CoPML), in the anteroposterior direction (CoPAP), and the center of pressure velocity (CoPV) were recorded using a stabilometric platform with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Time up and go and Berg Balance Scale tests, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured before and after the intervention. The walking distance, the dyspnea, and the heart rate were improved after the training period (p < 0.001) for both groups (p < 0.05). The ET + RT + NMES group showed better improvement than the ET + RT group in terms of 6MWD. CoPML, CoPAP, and CoPV were significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.05; p < 0.001, respectively) more improved in EO and EC conditions in the ET + RT + NMES group than the ET + RT group. BBS, TUG, and MVC values improved in both groups after the training (p < 0.001). The performances in TUG and MVC tests were significantly greater in the ET + RT + NMES group than those in the ET + RT group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively). Combining NMES, RT, and ET improves balance in patients with COPD.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Undiagnosed COPD in Adults 40 Years and Older - Reports from the Tunisian Population-Based Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease Study.

This study aimed to investigate the underdiagnosis of COPD and its determinants based on the Tunisian Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. We collected information on respiratory history symptoms and risk factors for COPD. Post-bronchodilator (Post-BD) FEV1/FVC < the lower limit of normal (LLN) was used to define COPD. Undiagnosed COPD was considered when participants had post-BD FEV1/FVC < LLN but were not given a diagnosis of emphysema, chronic bronchitis or COPD. 730 adults aged ⩾40 years selected from the general population were interviewed, 661 completed spirometry, 35 (5.3%) had COPD and 28 (80%) were undiagnosed with the highest prevalence in women (100%). When compared with patients with an established COPD diagnosis, undiagnosed subjects had a lower education level, milder airway obstruction (Post-BD FEV1 z-score -2.2 vs. -3.7, p < 0.001), fewer occurrence of wheezing (42.9% vs. 100%, p = 0.009), less previous lung function test (3.6% vs. 42.8%, p = 0.019) and less visits to the physician (32.1% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.020) in the past year. Multivaried analysis showed that the probability of COPD underdiagnosis was higher in subjects who had mild to moderate COPD and in those who did not visit a clinician and did not perform a spirometry in the last year. Collectively, our results highlight the need to improve the diagnosis of COPD in Tunisia. Wider use of spirometry should reduce the incidence of undiagnosed COPD. Spirometry should also predominately be performed not only in elderly male smokers but also in younger women in whom the prevalence of underdiagnosis is the highest.

Pulmonary diffusing capacity measured by NO/CO transfer in Tunisian boys.

BACKGROUND: The diffusing capacity, which measures gas-exchange, uses reference values based on data from American or European studies. There are currently no reference values of pulmonary diffusing capacity (TL) and its components, such as the conductance of the membrane (Dm) and capillary lung volume (Vc) for healthy North African children. OBJECTIVES: We determined the prediction equations-reference values for TL, Dm, Vc and the alveolar volume (VA) in healthy Tunisian boys. METHODS: Values of Vc, Dm, TL, and VA were measured by the NO/CO transfer method, using a single breath maneuver in 118 Tunisian boys (8-14 years old) at rest. We performed linear regression analysis of the pulmonary parameters and independent variables, such as height, weight, and age. RESULTS: The reference equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO ) was 0.201 × weight (kg) + 8.979; for TLNO was 0.76 × height (cm)-24.383; for Dm was 0.388 × height (cm)- 12.555 and for VA was 0.34 × height (cm)-3.951. Vc increased significantly with weight (P < .05) but not with age (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: References norms for TLCO and TL for nitric oxide and its components in young Tunisian boys are similar to data from other countries. The prediction equations we developed can be extended to clinical practice in Tunisia and can be considered for use in neighboring North African countries.

Six-minute walk distance equation in children and adolescents with obesity.

AIM: To develop a 6-minute walk-distance (6MWD) reference equation for children and adolescents with obesity, and to assess its determinant factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using mixed linear and multiple regression models was conducted in 497 children (235 girls and 262 boys) aged 6-18 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 97th percentile. Anthropometrics and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed. RESULTS: Mean 6MWD was 547 ± 86 m for girls and 575 ± 96 m for boys, which averaged ~80% of a reference normal-weight population matched for age and ethnicity. Age, weight and BMI were positively correlated with 6MWD whereas waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC, respectively) were negatively correlated with 6MWD for both genders. The combination of age, height, BMI and HC explained 69% of the 6MWD variability in the equation for the whole population. Moreover, the combination of age, height, HC as well as the combination of age, height, BMI and WC explained 67% and 75% of the variability in the girls' and boys' equations, respectively. CONCLUSION: This 6MWD reference equation, which was influenced by abdominal obesity markers in a gender-specific way, extends and enhances scientific knowledge and provides useful predictive tools for the care of obese children.

Effect of an 8-Week Individualized Training Program on Blood Biomarkers, Adipokines and Endothelial Function in Obese Young Adolescents with and without Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity is a chronic condition whose incidence is growing due to lack of exercise and frequent nutrition disorders. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. One of the best treatment methods is physical training. However, conflicting results have been reported regarding its clinical effectiveness. These contrasting findings may be due to the type and intensity of the adopted physical training program. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of an 8-week individualized physical training program on endothelial function, blood biomarkers and adipokine levels in obese children with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). One-hundred-and-twenty-two obese adolescents (71 obese without MS and 51 obese with MS) aged 14 ± 2 years were included in this study. The 8-week individualized training program decreased glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and leptin in obese subjects with and without MS. However, adiponectin and endothelial-dependent vasodilatation increased in the follow-up study in both groups. Taken together, the findings suggest that individualized training program is an effective means for the treatment of obesity and MS in pediatric populations.

The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase +35A/C (rs2234694) variant correlates with altered levels of protein carbonyls and glutathione and associates with severity of COPD in a Tunisian population.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality that has been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of the present case-control study was to determine the relationships between oxidative stress-related genetic variants and the risk and severity of COPD, as well as, the influence of these variants on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. Genotyping of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) + 35 A/C (rs2234694), catalase [A-21T (rs7943316), C-262T (rs1001179)] and glutathione peroxidase 1 (reduced glutathione (GSH)-Px1) 198Pro/Leu (rs1050450) was carried out in 143 patients with COPD and 216 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), while the levels of reduced GSH, total antioxidant status (TAS), H2O2, lipid peroxides (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (PCs) were determined using spectrophotometric methods. We also evaluated the activities of GSH-Px, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both plasma and erythrocytes. We did not observe significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of chosen variants between COPD patients and healthy controls. A significant correlation was retrieved between the SOD1 + 35A/C variant and disease severity (odds ratios (OR) = 0.15, p = 0.04). In addition, patients having the +35AC genotype presented increased plasma levels of GSH and a reduced level of PCs (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). The present data highlighted the important role of antioxidant enzymes and their genetic variants in the oxidative stress-mediated pathogenesis and progression of COPD.

Effect of diet and diet combined with chronic aerobic exercise on chemerin plasma concentrations and adipose tissue in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: Chemerin concentrations are elevated in obesity and associated with inflammation and insulin resistance. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, which may be facilitated by changes in chemerin. We explored the effects of 24 -week aerobic exercise program, diet and both combined on serum and abdominal adipose tissue (AT) chemerin, and adiponectin concentrations in obese women. METHODS: Thirty volunteers participated in a 24-week intervention whereby the women were randomly categorised into three groups: 1) exercise (EX), 2) diet (DI) and 3) exercise and diet group (EXD). Blood samples were taken before and after 12-week and 24-week of the intervention. Adipose Tissue (AT) biopsies were gathered only at baseline and at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: We found increases in VO2max in EXD (21.8 and 39.5%, p < 0.05) and in the EX group (18.1 and 41%, p < 0.05) after the 12 and 24-week training, respectively. Chemerin circulating levels were reduced in EXD and DI groups, after 24-week training program (p < 0.01). HOMA-R decreased only in the EXD group (p < 0.05). However, circulating adiponectin increased in both EXD and DI groups after 24-week training (p < 0.01). After 6 months training, AT biopsies showed decreases in chemerin levels in EXD and DI groups (p < 0.01). No changes in AT biopsies were observed in EX group. Nevertheless, adiponectin increased (p < 0.05) in AT. CONCLUSION: Aerobic training and diet, whether applied exclusively or combined have an impact on circulating or AT levels of adiponectin and chemerin in to the exclusion of the EX group. Therefore The 24-week training program and diet used in this study was very effective for producing significant benefits to body composition, insulin resistance and lipids profile, as well as lowering chemerin levels in these obese women. Therefore, our data suggests that chemerin serum concentrations are associated with insulin resistance.

Effect of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation training to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation on walking tolerance and balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN:: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING:: Outpatient, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Tunisia. SUBJECTS:: A total of 45 patients with COPD were assigned to an intervention group ( n = 25) or a control group ( n = 20). INTERVENTIONS:: The intervention group underwent a neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation, and the control group underwent only a pulmonary rehabilitation, three times per week during six months. MAIN MEASURES:: Measures were taken at baseline and after six months of training. A stabilometric platform, time up and go, Berg balance scale tests, 6 minute walking test, and the maximal voluntary contraction were measured. RESULTS:: In the intervention group, an increase in an exercise tolerance manifested by a longer distance walked in 6 minute walking test 619.5 (39.6) m was observed in comparison to the control group 576.3 (31.5) m. The values of the time up and go, Berg balance scale, and maximal voluntary contraction in the intervention group at follow-up were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P = 0.0002, respectively). The center of pressure in the mediolateral and in the anteroposterior directions, as well as the center of pressure area was significantly more improved in open eyes and closed eyes in the intervention group compared to the control group ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:: The neuromuscular electrical stimulation added to pulmonary rehabilitation group benefited from better walking tolerance and greater balance improvement than the only pulmonary rehabilitation.

Microparticle miRNAs as Biomarkers of Vascular Function and Inflammation Response to Aerobic Exercise in Obesity?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the role of nine microRNAs (miRNAs) in microparticles (MPs) on the efficacy of aerobic exercise in the regulation of inflammation and vascular function in obesity. METHODS: Sedentary women with normal weight (n = 6, BMI < 25 kg/m2 ) and women with obesity (n = 9, BMI > 30 kg/m2 ) were recruited at F. Hached Hospital (Sousse, Tunisia) and enrolled in an 8-week aerobic program. Vascular function was assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry/iontophoresis, circulating MPs by flow cytometry, miRNAs by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and inflammation by ELISA, before and after exercise. RESULTS: Women with obesity presented with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and a higher circulating MP level compared with healthy subjects. The MP miRNA profile was significantly different in the two groups. Exercise reduced BMI and inflammation in both groups and significantly improved endothelial-dependent response (acetylcholine cutaneous vascular conductance) for healthy subjects, with a trend for women with obesity. Circulating MP level was increased after exercise, and miRNA expression was differentially modulated in both populations. Pearson analysis revealed a correlation between MPs miR-124a and miR150 and adiponectin, TNFα, or IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The relation between MPs and miRNA profile, inflammation, vascular function, and exercise is of particular interest for defining "miRNA biomarker signature" in patients with cardiovascular disease who are potentially susceptible to respond to exercise.

Somatotype Hormone Levels and Physical Fitness in Elite Young Soccer Players over a Two-Year Monitoring Period.

The effect of two soccer-training seasons on the growth, development and somatotype hormone concentrations of elite youth soccer players were evaluated. Eighteen elite soccer players and 18 age-matched non-athletic control subjects participated in the study. Anthropometric-measurements, aerobic and anaerobic performance tests and serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and growth hormone (GH) were assessed at 5 time points across two competitive seasons. Soccer players revealed higher GH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 than the control group across all-time points. Significant moderate correlations were observed only in soccer players between hormonal concentrations (IGF-1 and IGFBP-3) and the jumping tests (r = 0.45-0.48; p < 0.01). Somatotropic axis hormones, anthropometric and physical parameters increased to a greater degree with growth and soccer training combined compared to growth alone. Results from this investigation revealed that intense training did not impair growth or development in these young soccer players across 2-year period.

Kinematic analysis of the shot-put: A method of assessing the mechanical work of the hand action force.

The aims of this study were to (1) propose a method for evaluating shot-putters mechanical power, (2) investigate the relationship between mechanical work of hand action force (WHAF), peak power output (PPO) of different limbs and shot-put performance and (3) show which of these two parameters (WHAF, PPO) were the most appropriate to characterize the explosive abilities of the shot-putter. Twelve junior right-handed shot-putters, practised glide technique shot-put throwers (personal best = 13.57 ± 1.72 m), participated in this study. Arm and leg force-velocity tests were performed to measure PPO. Kinematic analysis was conducted during a shot-putting event in regular conditions to quantify the WHAF at the release moment and shot-put performance. Significant correlations were found between absolute arm and leg PPO with upper and lower muscle volumes (r = .67; p = .03; r = .76; p = .01; r = .74, p = .01; r = .65, p = .04). Positive relationships were recorded between absolute arm and leg PPO and shot-put performance (r = .67, p = .02; r = .81, p = .004, respectively). Shot-put performance was also closely related to the WHAF (r = .93, p = .0001) and release velocity parameter (r = .86, p = .001). The present results confirm that force-velocity test and WHAF constitute useful tools for assessing mechanical power in throwing. The WHAF could be considered as more suitable than force-velocity test.