Exogenous erythropoietin increases hematological status, fat oxidation, and aerobic performance in males following prolonged strenuous training.

This study investigated the effects of EPO on hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), time trial (TT) performance, substrate oxidation, and skeletal muscle phenotype throughout 28 days of strenuous exercise. Eight males completed this longitudinal controlled exercise and feeding study using EPO (50 IU/kg body mass) 3×/week for 28 days. Hgb, Hct, and TT performance were assessed PRE and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 27 of EPO. Rested/fasted muscle obtained PRE and POST EPO were analyzed for gene expression, protein signaling, fiber type, and capillarization. Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were assessed during 90-min of treadmill load carriage (LC; 30% body mass; 55 ± 5% V̇O2peak) exercise using indirect calorimetry, and 6-6-[2H2]-glucose PRE and POST. Hgb and Hct increased, and TT performance improved on Days 21 and 27 compared to PRE (p < 0.05). Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and metabolic clearance rate during LC increased (p < 0.05) from PRE to POST. Myofiber type, protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, and capillarization were unchanged PRE to POST. Transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism increased from PRE to POST (p < 0.05). These data indicate EPO administration during 28 days of strenuous exercise can enhance aerobic performance through improved oxygen carrying capacity, whole-body and skeletal muscle fat metabolism.

Pioglitazone does not enhance exogenous glucose oxidation or metabolic clearance rate during aerobic exercise in men under acute high altitude exposure.

Insulin insensitivity decreases exogenous glucose oxidation and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) during aerobic exercise in unacclimatized lowlanders at high altitude (HA). Whether use of an oral insulin sensitizer prior to acute HA exposure enhances exogenous glucose oxidation is unclear. This study investigated the impact of Pioglitazone (PIO) on exogenous glucose oxidation and glucose turnover compared to placebo (PLA) during aerobic exercise at HA. Using a randomized, crossover design, native lowlanders (n=7 males, mean±SD, age: 23±6 yr, body mass: 84±11 kg) consumed 145 g (1.8 g/min) glucose while performing 80-min of steady-state (1.43±0.16 V̇O2 L/min) treadmill exercise at HA (460 mmHg) following short-term (5 days) use of PIO (15 mg oral dose per day) or PLA (microcrystalline cellulose pill). Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were determined using indirect calorimetry and stable isotopes (13C-glucose and [6,6-2H2]-glucose). Exogenous glucose oxidation was not different between PIO (0.31±0.03 g/min) and PLA (0.32±0.09 g/min). Total carbohydrate oxidation (PIO: 1.65±0.22 g/min, PLA: 1.68±0.32 g/min) or fat oxidation (PIO: 0.10±0.0.08 g/min, PLA: 0.09±0.07 g/min) were not different between treatments. There was no treatment effect on glucose rate of appearance (PIO: 2.46±0.27, PLA: 2.43±0.27 mg/kg/min), disappearance (PIO: 2.19±0.17, PLA: 2.20 ± 0.22 mg/kg/min), or MCR (PIO: 1.63±0.37, PLA: 1.73±0.40 mL/kg/min). Results from this study indicate that PIO is not an effective intervention to enhance exogenous glucose oxidation or MCR during acute HA exposure. Lack of effect with PIO suggests the etiology of glucose metabolism dysregulation during acute HA exposure may not result from insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.

Sex differences in body composition and serum metabolome responses to sustained, physical training suggest enhanced fat oxidation in women compared with men.

Sex differences in energy metabolism during acute, submaximal exercise are well documented. Whether these sex differences influence metabolic and physiological responses to sustained, physically demanding activities is not well characterized. This study aimed to identify sex differences within changes in the serum metabolome in relation to changes in body composition, physical performance, and circulating markers of endocrine and metabolic status during a 17-day military training exercise. Blood was collected, and body composition and lower body power were measured before and after the training on 72 cadets (18 women). Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was assessed using doubly labeled water in a subset throughout. TDEE was greater in men (4,085 ± 482 kcal/d) than in women (2,982 ± 472 kcal/d, P < 0.001), but not after adjustment for dry lean mass (DLM). Men tended to lose more DLM than women (mean change [95% CI]: -0.2[-0.3, -0.1] vs. -0.0[-0.0, 0.0] kg, P = 0.063, Cohen's d = 0.50) and have greater reductions in lower body power (-244[-314, -174] vs. -130[-209, -51] W, P = 0.085, d = 0.49). Reductions in DLM and lower body power were correlated (r = 0.325, P = 0.006). Women demonstrated greater fat oxidation than men (Δfat mass/DLM: -0.20[-0.24, -0.17] vs. -0.15[-0.17, -0.13] kg, P = 0.012, d = 0.64). Metabolites within pathways of fatty acid, endocannabinoid, lysophospholipid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and plasmalogen metabolism increased in women relative to men. Independent of sex, changes in metabolites related to lipid metabolism were inversely associated with changes in body mass and positively associated with changes in endocrine and metabolic status. These data suggest that during sustained military training, women preferentially mobilize fat stores compared with men, which may be beneficial for mitigating loss of lean mass and lower body power.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Women preferentially mobilize fat stores compared with men in response to sustained, physically demanding military training, as evidenced by increased lipid metabolites and enhanced fat oxidation, which may be beneficial for mitigating loss of lean mass and lower body power.

Severe, short-term sleep restriction reduces gut microbiota community richness but does not alter intestinal permeability in healthy young men.

Sleep restriction alters gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function in rodents, but whether similar effects occur in humans is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of severe, short-term sleep restriction on gut microbiota composition and intestinal permeability in healthy adults. Fecal microbiota composition, measured by 16S rRNA sequencing, and intestinal permeability were measured in 19 healthy men (mean ± SD; BMI 24.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 20 ± 2 years) undergoing three consecutive nights of adequate sleep (AS; 7-9 h sleep/night) and restricted sleep (SR; 2 h sleep/night) in random order with controlled diet and physical activity. α-diversity measured by amplicon sequencing variant (ASV) richness was 21% lower during SR compared to AS (P = 0.03), but α-diversity measured by Shannon and Simpson indexes did not differ between conditions. Relative abundance of a single ASV within the family Ruminococcaceae was the only differentially abundant taxon (q = 0.20). No between-condition differences in intestinal permeability or ß-diversity were observed. Findings indicated that severe, short-term sleep restriction reduced richness of the gut microbiota but otherwise minimally impacted community composition and did not affect intestinal permeability in healthy young men.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Analysis of the Electromyographic Fatigue of the Masticatory Muscles.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease that affects motor neurons, thereby promoting functional changes in the human body. The study evaluated the electromyographic fatigue threshold of the masseter and temporal muscles of subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A total of eighteen subjects were divided into two groups: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=9) and disease-free control (n=9). The groups were equally divided according to gender (7 males, 2 females). The fatigue threshold was analysed using median frequencies obtained during the 5-second window (initial [IP], mid [MP], and final [FP] periods) of electromyographic signalling of the masseter and temporal muscles bilaterally, with reduction in muscle force during maximal voluntary dental clenching. Significant difference (p<0.05) in the left temporal muscle: IP (p=0.05) and MP (p=0.05) periods was demonstrated. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis group showed a decrease in median frequency of the electromyographic signal of the masseter and temporal muscles compared to the control group. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis promotes functional impairment of the stomatognathic system, especially at the electromyographic fatigue threshold of the masticatory muscles.

Carbohydrate intake in recovery from aerobic exercise differentiates skeletal muscle microRNA expression.

Posttranscriptional regulation by microRNA (miRNA) facilitates exercise and diet-induced skeletal muscle adaptations. However, the impact of diet on miRNA expression during postexercise recovery remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of consuming carbohydrate or a nutrient-free control on skeletal muscle miRNA expression during 3 h of recovery from aerobic exercise. Using a randomized, crossover design, seven men (means ± SD, age: 21 ± 3 yr; body mass: 83 ± 13 kg; V̇o2peak: 43 ± 2 mL/kg/min) completed two-cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials followed by 3 h of recovery while consuming either carbohydrate (CHO: 1 g/kg/h) or control (CON: nutrient free). Muscle biopsy samples were obtained under resting fasted conditions at baseline and at the end of the 3-h recovery (REC) period. miRNA expression was determined using unbiased RT-qPCR microarray analysis. Trials were separated by 7 days. Twenty-five miRNAs were different (P < 0.05) between CHO and CON at REC, with Let7i-5p and miR-195-5p being the most predictive of treatment. In vitro overexpression of Let7i-5p and miR-195-p5 in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of protein breakdown (Foxo1, Trim63, Casp3, and Atf4) genes, ubiquitylation, and protease enzyme activity compared with control. Energy sensing (Prkaa1 and Prkab1) and glycolysis (Gsy1 and Gsk3b) genes were lower (P < 0.05) with Let7i-5p overexpression compared with miR-195-5p and control. Fat metabolism (Cpt1a, Scd1, and Hadha) genes were lower (P < 0.05) in miR-195-5p than in control. These data indicate that consuming CHO after aerobic exercise alters miRNA profiles compared with CON, and these differences may govern mechanisms facilitating muscle recovery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Results provide novel insight into effects of carbohydrate intake on the expression of skeletal muscle microRNA during early recovery from aerobic exercise and reveal that Let7i-5p and miR-195-5p are important regulators of skeletal muscle protein breakdown to aid in facilitating muscle recovery.

Supplemental Protein and a Multinutrient Beverage Speed Wound Healing after Acute Sleep Restriction in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Physiologic and psychologic stress slow healing from experimental wounds by impairing immune function. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether supplemental protein and multinutrient supplementation improved wound healing markers after acute stress induced by acute sleep restriction. METHODS: In this single-blind, crossover study in generally healthy young adults (18 males/2 females; mean ± SD age: 19.7 ± 2.30 y), experimental wounds were created by removing the top layer of forearm blisters induced via suction after 48 h of 72-h sleep restriction (2-h nightly sleep), a protocol previously shown to delay wound healing. Skin barrier restoration (measured by transepidermal water loss) assessed wound healing ≤10 d postblistering, and local immune responses were evaluated by serial measurement of cytokine concentrations in fluid collected at wound sites for 48 h postblistering. Participants consumed controlled, isocaloric diets with either 0.900 g · kg-1 · d-1 protein plus placebo (PLA) or 1.50 g · kg-1 · d-1 protein plus multinutrient beverage [l-arginine: 20.0 g/d; l-glutamine: 30.0 g/d; omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids: 1.00 g/d; zinc sulfate: 24.0 mg/d; cholecalciferol: 800 IU/d; and vitamin C: 400 mg/d] (NUT) during sleep restriction and for 4 d afterwards. RESULTS: Skin barrier restoration (primary outcome) was shorter for NUT (median: 3.98 d; IQR: 1.17 d) than for PLA (median: 5.25 d; IQR: 1.05 d) (P = 0.001). Cytokines from wound fluid (secondary outcome) increased over time (main effect of time P ≤ 0.001), except IL-13 (P = 0.07); however, no effects of treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental nutrition may promote wound healing after sleep restriction in healthy adults including military personnel, the latter of which also have a high incidence of wounds and infection.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03525184.

Serum Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolites Increase in Males When Aerobic Exercise Is Initiated with Low Muscle Glycogen.

This study used global metabolomics to identify metabolic factors that might contribute to muscle anabolic resistance, which develops when aerobic exercise is initiated with low muscle glycogen using global metabolomics. Eleven men completed this randomized, crossover study, completing two cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials, followed by 24 h of isocaloric refeeding to elicit low (LOW; 1.5 g/kg carbohydrate, 3.0 g/kg fat) or adequate (AD; 6.0 g/kg carbohydrate 1.0 g/kg fat) glycogen. Participants then performed 80 min of cycling (64 ± 3% VO2 peak) while ingesting 146 g carbohydrate. Serum was collected before glycogen depletion under resting and fasted conditions (BASELINE), and before (PRE) and after (POST) exercise. Changes in metabolite profiles were calculated by subtracting BASELINE from PRE and POST within LOW and AD. There were greater increases (p < 0.05, Q < 0.10) in 64% of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) metabolites and 69% of acyl-carnitine metabolites in LOW compared to AD. Urea and 3-methylhistidine had greater increases (p < 0.05, Q < 0.10) in LOW compared to AD. Changes in metabolomics profiles indicate a greater reliance on BCAA catabolism for substrate oxidation when exercise is initiated with low glycogen stores. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for anabolic resistance associated with low muscle glycogen, and suggest that exogenous BCAA requirements to optimize muscle recovery are likely greater than current recommendations.

DRPLA: An unusual disease or an underestimated cause of ataxia in Brazil?

BACKGROUND: Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia caused by pathological expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the ATN1 gene. Most cases were described in patients from Japanese ancestry who presented with adult-onset progressive cerebellar ataxia associated with cognitive impairment, choreoathetosis and other movement disorders. DRPLA has been rarely described in Brazilian patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational multicentric study including six different Neurology Centers in Brazil. All patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis of DRPLA had their medical records evaluated and clinical, genetic and neuroimaging features were analyzed. RESULTS: We describe of eight Brazilian patients (5 male, 3 female) from four nuclear families with genetically confirmed DRPLA. The most common neurological features included cerebellar ataxia (n = 7), dementia (n = 3), chorea (n = 2), psychiatric disturbances (n = 2), progressive myoclonic epilepsy (n = 2) and severe bulbar signs (n = 1). Progressive myoclonic epilepsy was observed in two juvenile-onset cases before 20-year. A large CAG trinucleotide length was observed in the two juvenile-onset cases and genetic anticipation was observed in all cases. Neuroimaging studies disclosed cerebellar atrophy (n = 6), as well as brainstem and cerebellar atrophy (n = 2) and leukoencephalopathy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The patients described herein reinforce that clinical features of DRPLA are highly influenced by age of onset, genetic anticipation and CAG repetition lengths. There is a large complex spectrum of neurological features associated with DRPLA, varying from pure cerebellar ataxia to dementia associated with other movement disorders (myoclonus, choreoathetosis). DRPLA is an unusual cause of cerebellar ataxia and neurodegeneration in Brazilian patients.

Initiating aerobic exercise with low glycogen content reduces markers of myogenesis but not mTORC1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: The effects of low muscle glycogen on molecular markers of protein synthesis and myogenesis before and during aerobic exercise with carbohydrate ingestion is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen on mTORC1 signaling and markers of myogenesis. METHODS: Eleven men completed two cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials separated by 7-d, followed by randomized isocaloric refeeding for 24-h to elicit low (LOW; 1.5 g/kg carbohydrate, 3.0 g/kg fat) or adequate (AD; 6.0 g/kg carbohydrate, 1.0 g/kg fat) glycogen. Participants then performed 80-min of cycle ergometry (64 ± 3% VO2peak) while ingesting 146 g carbohydrate. mTORC1 signaling (Western blotting) and gene transcription (RT-qPCR) were determined from vastus lateralis biopsies before glycogen depletion (baseline, BASE), and before (PRE) and after (POST) exercise. RESULTS: Regardless of treatment, p-mTORC1Ser2448, p-p70S6KSer424/421, and p-rpS6Ser235/236 were higher (P < 0.05) POST compared to PRE and BASE. PAX7 and MYOGENIN were lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD, regardless of time, while MYOD was lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD at PRE, but not different at POST. CONCLUSION: Initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen does not affect mTORC1 signaling, yet reductions in gene expression of myogenic regulatory factors suggest that muscle recovery from exercise may be reduced.

Metabolomic profiles are reflective of hypoxia-induced insulin resistance during exercise in healthy young adult males.

Hypoxia-induced insulin resistance appears to suppress exogenous glucose oxidation during metabolically matched aerobic exercise during acute (<8 h) high-altitude (HA) exposure. However, a better understanding of this metabolic dysregulation is needed to identify interventions to mitigate these effects. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in metabolomic profiles during exercise at sea level (SL) and HA are reflective of hypoxia-induced insulin resistance. Native lowlanders (n = 8 males) consumed 145 g (1.8 g/min) of glucose while performing 80-min of metabolically matched treadmill exercise at SL (757 mmHg) and HA (460 mmHg) after 5-h exposure. Exogenous glucose oxidation and glucose turnover were determined using indirect calorimetry and dual tracer technique ([13C]glucose and [6,6-2H2]glucose). Metabolite profiles were analyzed in serum as change (Δ), calculated by subtracting postprandial/exercised state SL (ΔSL) and HA (ΔHA) from fasted, rested conditions at SL. Compared with SL, exogenous glucose oxidation, glucose rate of disappearance, and glucose metabolic clearance rate (MCR) were lower (P < 0.05) during exercise at HA. One hundred and eighteen metabolites differed between ΔSL and ΔHA (P < 0.05, Q < 0.10). Differences in metabolites indicated increased glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid catabolism, oxidative stress, and fatty acid storage, and decreased fatty acid mobilization for ΔHA. Branched-chain amino acids and oxidative stress metabolites, Δ3-methyl-2-oxobutyrate (r = -0.738) and Δγ-glutamylalanine (r = -0.810), were inversely associated (P < 0.05) with Δexogenous glucose oxidation. Δ3-Hydroxyisobutyrate (r = -0.762) and Δ2-hydroxybutyrate/2-hydroxyisobutyrate (r = -0.738) were inversely associated (P < 0.05) with glucose MCR. Coupling global metabolomics and glucose kinetic data suggest that the underlying cause for diminished exogenous glucose oxidative capacity during aerobic exercise is acute hypoxia-mediated peripheral insulin resistance.

Severe sleep restriction suppresses appetite independent of effects on appetite regulating hormones in healthy young men without obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Several nights of moderate (4-5 hr/night) sleep restriction increases appetite and energy intake, and may alter circulating concentrations of appetite regulating hormones. Whether more severe sleep restriction has similar effects is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of severe, short-term sleep restriction on appetite, ad libitum energy intake during a single meal, appetite regulating hormones, and food preferences. METHODS: Randomized, crossover study in which 18 healthy men (mean ± SD: BMI 24.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2, 20 ± 2 yr) were assigned to three consecutive nights of sleep restriction (SR; 2 hr sleep opportunity/night) or adequate sleep (AS; 7-9 hr sleep opportunity/night) with controlled feeding and activity designed to maintain energy balance throughout the 3-day period. On day 4, participants consumed a standardized breakfast. Appetite, assessed by visual analogue scales, and circulating ghrelin, peptide-YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), insulin, and glucose concentrations were measured before and every 20-60 min for 4hr after the meal. Ad libitum energy and macronutrient intakes were then measured at a provided buffet lunch. Food preferences were measured by Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire (LFPQ) administered before and after the lunch. RESULTS: Area under the curve (AUC) of postprandial hunger (-23%), desire to eat (-23%), and prospective consumption (-18%) ratings were all lower, and postprandial fullness AUC (25%) was higher after SR relative to after AS (p ≤ 0.02). Ad libitum energy intake at the lunch meal was 332 kcal [95% CI: -479, -185] (p<0.001) lower after SR relative to after AS, but relative macronutrient intakes and LFPQ scores did not differ. Postprandial glucose, insulin, PYY, GLP-1, and ghrelin AUCs did not differ between phases. However, mean concentrations of PYY (-11%) and GLP-1 (-4%) over the 4-hr testing period were lower, and glucose concentrations were 6% higher, after SR relative to after AS (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: In contrast with reported effects of moderate sleep restriction, severe sleep restriction reduced appetite and energy intake, had no impact food preferences, and had little impact on appetite regulating hormones. Findings suggest that severe sleep restriction may suppress appetite and food intake, at least at a single meal, by a mechanism independent of changes in food preference or appetite regulating hormones.

Dynamic plantar pressure patterns in children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

BACKGROUND: The dynamic plantar pressure patterns of children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and its relationship to musculoskeletal alterations may help to understand the natural history of the disease and improve therapeutic interventions. RESEARCH QUESTION: The study compared dynamic plantar pressure patterns in children and adolescents with and without CMT. It also tested the associations between isometric muscle strength (IMS), passive range of motion (ROM), foot posture and dynamic plantar pressure patterns in CMT. METHODS: This cross-sectional study compared children and adolescents (aged 8-18 years) with CMT (n = 40) with a typical group (n = 40). The plantar pressure distribution during gait was recorded, and the contact area (CA), peak pressure (PP), contact time (CT) and pressure-time integral (PTI) in five foot regions (rearfoot, midfoot lateral, midfoot medial, lateral forefoot and medial forefoot) were analysed. The IMS of the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors, passive ROM, and foot posture were also recorded. RESULTS: PP (medial midfoot and medial forefoot) and PTI (rearfoot, lateral midfoot and medial forefoot) were higher in children with CMT compared with the typical group. The adolescents with CMT presented a less CA (whole foot) and a higher CT (medial midfoot) when compared with typical group. For CMT, in the medial midfoot, plantar flexor IMS associated with PP (ß=-11.54, p = 0.01) and PTI (ß=-3.38, p = 0.04); supinated foot posture associated with PP (ß = 33.89, p = 0.03) and PTI (ß = 12.01, p = 0.03). SIGNIFICANCE: Children with CMT showed clear changes in most of the dynamic plantar pressure variables, while adolescents with CMT showed changes mostly in CA and CT. This information together with the associations established between supinated foot, dorsiflexion ROM and plantar flexions IMS can be useful for guiding rehabilitation professionals in their therapies.

Essential amino acid-enriched whey enhances post-exercise whole-body protein balance during energy deficit more than iso-nitrogenous whey or a mixed-macronutrient meal: a randomized, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of ingesting varying essential amino acid (EAA)/protein-containing food formats on protein kinetics during energy deficit are undetermined. Therefore, recommendations for EAA/protein food formats necessary to optimize both whole-body protein balance and muscle protein synthesis (MPS) during energy deficit are unknown. We measured protein kinetics after consuming iso-nitrogenous amounts of free-form essential amino acid-enriched whey (EAA + W; 34.7 g protein, 24 g EAA sourced from whey and free-form EAA), whey (WHEY; 34.7 g protein, 18.7 g EAA), or a mixed-macronutrient meal (MEAL; 34.7 g protein, 11.4 g EAA) after exercise during short-term energy deficit. METHODS: Ten adults (mean ± SD; 21 ± 4 y; 25.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2) completed a randomized, double-blind crossover study consisting of three, 5 d energy-deficit periods (- 30 ± 3% of total energy requirements), separated by 14 d. Whole-body protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB), and net balance (NET) were determined at rest and in response to combination exercise consisting of load carriage treadmill walking, deadlifts, and box step-ups at the end of each energy deficit using L-[2H5]-phenylalanine and L-[2H2]-tyrosine infusions. Treatments were ingested immediately post-exercise. Mixed-muscle protein synthesis (mixed-MPS) was measured during exercise through recovery. RESULTS: Change (Δ postabsorptive + exercise to postprandial + recovery [mean treatment difference (95%CI)]) in whole-body (g/180 min) PS was 15.8 (9.8, 21.9; P = 0.001) and 19.4 (14.8, 24.0; P = 0.001) greater for EAA + W than WHEY and MEAL, respectively, with no difference between WHEY and MEAL. ΔPB was - 6.3 (- 11.5, - 1.18; P = 0.02) greater for EAA + W than WHEY and - 7.7 (- 11.9, - 3.6; P = 0.002) greater for MEAL than WHEY, with no difference between EAA + W and MEAL. ΔNET was 22.1 (20.5, 23.8; P = 0.001) and 18.0 (16.5, 19.5; P = 0.00) greater for EAA + W than WHEY and MEAL, respectively, while ΔNET was 4.2 (2.7, 5.6; P = 0.001) greater for MEAL than WHEY. Mixed-MPS did not differ between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: While mixed-MPS was similar across treatments, combining free-form EAA with whey promotes greater whole-body net protein balance during energy deficit compared to iso-nitrogenous amounts of whey or a mixed-macronutrient meal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier no. NCT04004715 . Retrospectively registered 28 June 2019, first enrollment 6 June 2019.

Effects of high versus standard essential amino acid intakes on whole-body protein turnover and mixed muscle protein synthesis during energy deficit: A randomized, crossover study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Consuming 0.10-0.14 g essential amino acids (EAA)/kg/dose (0.25-0.30 g protein/kg/dose) maximally stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS) during energy balance. Whether consuming EAA beyond that amount enhances MPS and whole-body anabolism following energy deficit is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of standard and high EAA ingestion on mixed MPS and whole-body protein turnover following energy deficit. DESIGN: Nineteen males (mean ± SD; 23 ± 5 y; 25.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2) completed a randomized, double-blind crossover study consisting of two, 5-d energy deficits (-30 ± 4% of total energy requirements), separated by 14-d. Following each energy deficit, mixed MPS and whole-body protein synthesis (PS), breakdown (PB), and net balance (NET) were determined at rest and post-resistance exercise (RE) using primed, constant L-[2H5]-phenylalanine and L-[2H2]-tyrosine infusions. Beverages providing standard (0.1 g/kg, 7.87 ± 0.87 g) or high (0.3 g/kg, 23.5 ± 2.54 g) EAA were consumed post-RE. Circulating EAA were measured. RESULTS: Postabsorptive mixed MPS (%/h) at rest was not different (P = 0.67) between treatments. Independent of EAA, postprandial mixed MPS at rest (standard EAA, 0.055 ± 0.01; high EAA, 0.061 ± 0.02) and post-RE (standard EAA, 0.055 ± 0.01; high EAA, 0.065 ± 0.02) were greater than postabsorptive mixed MPS at rest (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Change in (Δ postabsorptive) whole-body (g/180 min) PS and PB was greater for high than standard EAA [mean treatment difference (95% CI), 3.4 (2.3, 4.4); P = 0.001 and -15.6 (-17.8, -13.5); P = 0.001, respectively]. NET was more positive for high than standard EAA [19.0 (17.3, 20.7); P = 0.001]. EAA concentrations were greater in high than standard EAA (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that high compared to standard EAA ingestion enhances whole-body protein status during underfeeding. However, the effects of consuming high and standard EAA on mixed MPS are the same during energy deficit. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT03372928, https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Which Factors in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 Patients Are Associated with Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease?

There is evidence of a higher prevalence of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED) in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), although the factors underlying this association remain unknown. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of RLS/WED in SCA3 patients and to investigate which factors of SCA3 patients are associated with presence of RLS/WED. From February to August of 2006, we carried out clinical interviews in 40 controls and 40 SCA3 patients, diagnosed and followed up at Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Twenty-seven SCA3 patients were submitted to a detailed clinical protocol, electroneuromyography, blood work up, polysomnography (PSG), suggested immobilization test (SIT), and magnetic resonance image (MRI). RLS/WED was found in 27.5% of SCA3 patients and 2.5% of normal controls (p = 0.003). The factors related to RLS/WED in SCA3 patients were female gender, age at start of the symptoms of ataxia after 30 years, presence of peripheral neuropathy, and documented iron deficiency. Among SCA3 patients, those with RLS showed higher values of maximal discomfort level and discomfort level sum compared to non-RLS individuals on SIT. There is a relation between RLS/WED and SCA3, which seems to be resultant of different factors whose identification could improve the quality of assistance to those patients as well as to promote a better comprehension of the pathophysiology of both RLS/WED and SCA3.

Energy deficit increases hepcidin and exacerbates declines in dietary iron absorption following strenuous physical activity: a randomized-controlled cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Strenuous physical activity promotes inflammation and depletes muscle glycogen, which may increase the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin reduces dietary iron absorption and may contribute to declines in iron status frequently observed following strenuous physical activity. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of strenuous physical activity on hepcidin and dietary iron absorption and whether energy deficit compared with energy balance modifies those effects. METHODS: This was a randomized, cross-over, controlled-feeding trial in healthy male subjects (n = 10, mean ± SD age: 22.4 ± 5.4 y, weight: 87.3 ± 10.9 kg) with sufficient iron status (serum ferritin 77.0 ± 36.7 ng/mL). Rest measurements were collected before participants began a 72-h simulated sustained military operation (SUSOPS), designed to elicit high energy expenditure, glycogen depletion, and inflammation, followed by a 7-d recovery period. Two 72-h SUSOPS trials were performed where participants were randomly assigned to consume either energy matched (±10%) to their individual estimated total daily energy expenditure (BAL) or energy at 45% of total daily energy expenditure to induce energy deficit (DEF). On the rest day and at the completion of BAL and DEF, participants consumed a beverage containing 3.8 mg of a stable iron isotope, and plasma isotope appearance was measured over 6 h. RESULTS: Muscle glycogen declined during DEF and was preserved during BAL (-188 ± 179 mmol/kg, P-adjusted < 0.01). Despite similar increases in interleukin-6, plasma hepcidin increased during DEF but not BAL, such that hepcidin was 108% greater during DEF compared with BAL (7.8 ± 12.2 ng/mL, P-adjusted < 0.0001). Peak plasma isotope appearance at 120 min was 74% lower with DEF (59 ± 38% change from 0 min) and 49% lower with BAL (117 ± 81%) compared with rest (230 ± 97%, P-adjusted < 0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Strenuous physical activity decreases dietary iron absorption compared with rest. Energy deficit exacerbates both the hepcidin response to physical activity and declines in dietary iron absorption compared with energy balance. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03524690.

Huntington's disease-like 2: a phenocopy not to miss.

A 67-year-old Brazilian man of African ancestry and his 60-year-old sister both presented with choreiform movements, although in the man these were significantly overshadowed by additional parkinsonism. The man also had a history of four epileptic seizures. Neurological examination in each also found slow saccades and a dysexecutive syndrome. Genetic tests for Huntington's disease were negative but were positive for Huntington's disease-like 2. There are various genetic causes of chorea diseases, and their correct identification is important for appropriate clinical management and genetic counselling.

Effects of carbohydrate supplementation on aerobic exercise performance during acute high altitude exposure and after 22 days of acclimatization and energy deficit.

BACKGROUND: The ergogenic effects of supplemental carbohydrate on aerobic exercise performance at high altitude (HA) may be modulated by acclimatization status. Longitudinal evaluation of potential performance benefits of carbohydrate supplementation in the same volunteers before and after acclimatization to HA have not been reported. PURPOSE: This study examined how consuming carbohydrate affected 2-mile time trial performance in lowlanders at HA (4300 m) before and after acclimatization. METHODS: Fourteen unacclimatized men performed 80 min of metabolically-matched (~ 1.7 L/min) treadmill walking at sea level (SL), after ~ 5 h of acute HA exposure, and after 22 days of HA acclimatization and concomitant 40% energy deficit (chronic HA). Before, and every 20 min during walking, participants consumed either carbohydrate (CHO, n = 8; 65.25 g fructose + 79.75 g glucose, 1.8 g carbohydrate/min) or flavor-matched placebo (PLA, n = 6) beverages. A self-paced 2-mile treadmill time trial was performed immediately after completing the 80-min walk. RESULTS: There were no differences (P > 0.05) in time trial duration between CHO and PLA at SL, acute HA, or chronic HA. Time trial duration was longer (P < 0.05) at acute HA (mean ± SD; 27.3 ± 6.3 min) compared to chronic HA (23.6 ± 4.5 min) and SL (17.6 ± 3.6 min); however, time trial duration at chronic HA was still longer than SL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that carbohydrate supplementation does not enhance aerobic exercise performance in lowlanders acutely exposed or acclimatized to HA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT, NCT02731066, Registered March 292,016.