Predicting potential SARS-CoV-2 mutations of concern via full quantum mechanical modelling.

Ab initio quantum mechanical models can characterize and predict intermolecular binding, but only recently have models including more than a few hundred atoms gained traction. Here, we simulate the electronic structure for approximately 13 000 atoms to predict and characterize binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants to the human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor using the quantum mechanics complexity reduction (QM-CR) approach. We compare four spike variants in our analysis: Wuhan, Omicron, and two Omicron-based variants. To assess binding, we mechanistically characterize the energetic contribution of each amino acid involved, and predict the effect of select single amino acid mutations. We validate our computational predictions experimentally by comparing the efficacy of spike variants binding to cells expressing hACE2. At the time we performed our simulations (December 2021), the mutation A484K which our model predicted to be highly beneficial to ACE2 binding had not been identified in epidemiological surveys; only recently (August 2023) has it appeared in variant BA.2.86. We argue that our computational model, QM-CR, can identify mutations critical for intermolecular interactions and inform the engineering of high-specificity interactors.

Partner-assisted artificial selection of a secondary function for efficient bioremediation.

Microbial enzymes can address diverse challenges such as degradation of toxins. However, if the function of interest does not confer a sufficient fitness effect on the producer, the enzymatic function cannot be improved in the host cells by a conventional selection scheme. To overcome this limitation, we propose an alternative scheme, termed "partner-assisted artificial selection" (PAAS), wherein the population of enzyme producers is assisted by function-dependent feedback from an accessory population. Simulations investigating the efficiency of toxin degradation reveal that this strategy supports selection of improved degradation performance, which is robust to stochasticity in the model parameters. We observe that conventional considerations still apply in PAAS: more restrictive bottlenecks lead to stronger selection but add uncertainty. Overall, we offer a guideline for successful implementation of PAAS and highlight its potentials and limitations.

Experimental-theoretical study of laccase as a detoxifier of aflatoxins.

We investigate laccase-mediated detoxification of aflatoxins, fungal carcinogenic food contaminants. Our experimental comparison between two aflatoxins with similar structures (AFB1 and AFG2) shows significant differences in laccase-mediated detoxification. A multi-scale modeling approach (Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Density Functional Theory) identifies the highly substrate-specific changes required to improve laccase detoxifying performance. We employ a large-scale density functional theory-based approach, involving more than 7000 atoms, to identify the amino acid residues that determine the affinity of laccase for aflatoxins. From this study we conclude: (1) AFB1 is more challenging to degrade, to the point of complete degradation stalling; (2) AFG2 is easier to degrade by laccase due to its lack of side products and favorable binding dynamics; and (3) ample opportunities to optimize laccase for aflatoxin degradation exist, especially via mutations leading to π-π stacking. This study identifies a way to optimize laccase for aflatoxin bioremediation and, more generally, contributes to the research efforts aimed at rational enzyme optimization.

Fungal and bacterial oxylipins are signals for intra- and inter-cellular communication within plant disease.

Lipids are central at various stages of host-pathogen interactions in determining virulence and modulating plant defense. Free fatty acids may act as substrates for oxidizing enzymes [e.g., lipoxygenases (LOXs) and dioxygenases (DOXs)] that synthesize oxylipins. Fatty acids and oxylipins function as modulators of several pathways in cell-to-cell communication; their structural similarity among plant, fungal, and bacterial taxa suggests potential in cross-kingdom communication. We provide a prospect of the known role of fatty acids and oxylipins in fungi and bacteria during plant-pathogen interactions. In the pathogens, oxylipin-mediated signaling pathways are crucial both in development and host infection. Here, we report on case studies suggesting that oxylipins derived from oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are crucial in modulating the pathogenic lifestyle in the host plant. Intriguingly, overlapping (fungi-plant/bacteria-plant) results suggest that different inter-kingdom pathosystems use similar lipid signals to reshape the lifestyle of the contenders and occasionally determine the outcome of the challenge.

Current and Emerging Tools of Computational Biology To Improve the Detoxification of Mycotoxins.

Biological organisms carry a rich potential for removing toxins from our environment, but identifying suitable candidates and improving them remain challenging. We explore the use of computational tools to discover strains and enzymes that detoxify harmful compounds. In particular, we focus on mycotoxins-fungus-produced toxins that contaminate food and feed-and biological enzymes that are capable of rendering them less harmful. We discuss the use of established and novel computational tools to complement existing empirical data in three directions: discovering the prospect of detoxification among underexplored organisms, finding important cellular processes that contribute to detoxification, and improving the performance of detoxifying enzymes. We hope to create a synergistic conversation between researchers in computational biology and those in the bioremediation field. We showcase open bioremediation questions where computational researchers can contribute and highlight relevant existing and emerging computational tools that could benefit bioremediation researchers.

Probing the mutational landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein via quantum mechanical modeling of crystallographic structures.

We employ a recently developed complexity-reduction quantum mechanical (QM-CR) approach, based on complexity reduction of density functional theory calculations, to characterize the interactions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) with ACE2 host receptors and antibodies. QM-CR operates via ab initio identification of individual amino acid residue's contributions to chemical binding and leads to the identification of the impact of point mutations. Here, we especially focus on the E484K mutation of the viral spike protein. We find that spike residue 484 hinders the spike's binding to the human ACE2 receptor (hACE2). In contrast, the same residue is beneficial in binding to the bat receptor Rhinolophus macrotis ACE2 (macACE2). In agreement with empirical evidence, QM-CR shows that the E484K mutation allows the spike to evade categories of neutralizing antibodies like C121 and C144. The simulation also shows how the Delta variant spike binds more strongly to hACE2 compared to the original Wuhan strain, and predicts that a E484K mutation can further improve its binding. Broad agreement between the QM-CR predictions and experimental evidence supports the notion that ab initio modeling has now reached the maturity required to handle large intermolecular interactions central to biological processes.

Aspergillus flavus Exploits Maize Kernels Using an "Orphan" Secondary Metabolite Cluster.

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic cosmopolitan fungus, capable of infecting crops both pre- and post-harvest and exploiting different secondary metabolites, including aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are known carcinogens to animals and humans, but display no clear effect in host plants such as maize. In a previous study, we mined the genome of A. flavus to identify secondary metabolite clusters putatively involving the pathogenesis process in maize. We now focus on cluster 32, encoding for fungal effectors such as salicylate hydroxylase (SalOH), and necrosis- and ethylene-inducing proteins (npp1 domain protein) whose expression is triggered upon kernel contact. In order to understand the role of this genetic cluster in maize kernel infection, mutants of A. flavus, impaired or enhanced in specific functions (e.g., cluster 32 overexpression), were studied for their ability to cause disease. Within this frame, we conducted histological and histochemical experiments to verify the expression of specific genes within the cluster (e.g., SalOH, npp1), the production of salicylate, and the presence of its dehydroxylated form. Results suggest that the initial phase of fungal infection (2 days) of the living tissues of maize kernels (e.g., aleuron) coincides with a significant increase of fungal effectors such as SalOH and Npp1 that appear to be instrumental in eluding host defences and colonising the starch-enriched tissues, and therefore suggest a role of cluster 32 to the onset of infection.

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca and olive produced lipids moderate the switch adhesive versus non-adhesive state and viceversa.

Global trade and climate change are re-shaping the distribution map of pandemic pathogens. One major emerging concern is Xylella fastidiosa, a tropical bacterium recently introduced into Europe from America. In last decades, X. fastidiosa was detected in several European countries. X. fastidiosa is an insect vector-transmitted bacterial plant pathogen associated with severe diseases in a wide range of hosts. X. fastidiosa through a tight coordination of the adherent biofilm and the planktonic states, invades the host systemically. The planktonic phase is correlated to low cell density and vessel colonization. Increase in cell density triggers a quorum sensing system based on mixture of cis 2-enoic fatty acids-diffusible signalling factors (DSF) that promote stickiness and biofilm. The lipidome profile of Olea europaea L. (cv. Ogliarola salentina) samples, collected in groves located in infected zones and uninfected zones was performed. The untargeted analysis of the lipid profiles of Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS) positive (+) and negative (-) plants showed a clustering of OQDS+ plants apart from OQDS-. The targeted lipids profile of plants OQDS+ and OQDS- identified a shortlist of 10 lipids that increase their amount in OQDS+ and X. fastidiosa positive olive trees. These lipid entities, provided to X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca pure culture, impact on the dual phase, e.g. planktonic ↔ biofilm. This study provides novel insights on OQDS lipid hallmarks and on molecules that might modulate biofilm phase in X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca.

Tramesan Elicits Durum Wheat Defense against the Septoria Disease Complex.

The Septoria Leaf Blotch Complex (SLBC), caused by the two ascomycetes Zymoseptoria tritici and Parastagonospora nodorum, can reduce wheat global yearly yield by up to 50%. In the last decade, SLBC incidence has increased in Italy; notably, durum wheat has proven to be more susceptible than common wheat. Field fungicide treatment can efficiently control these pathogens, but it leads to the emergence of resistant strains and adversely affects human and animal health and the environment. Our previous studies indicated that active compounds produced by Trametes versicolor can restrict the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi and the biosynthesis of their secondary metabolites (e.g., mycotoxins). Specifically, we identified Tramesan: a 23 kDa α-heteropolysaccharide secreted by T. versicolor that acts as a pro-antioxidant molecule in animal cells, fungi, and plants. Foliar-spray of Tramesan (3.3 µM) on SLBC-susceptible durum wheat cultivars, before inoculation of causal agents of Stagonospora Nodorum Blotch (SNB) and Septoria Tritici Blotch (STB), significantly decreased disease incidence both in controlled conditions (SNB: -99%, STB: -75%) and field assays (SNB: -25%, STB: -30%). We conducted these tests were conducted under controlled conditions as well as in field. We showed that Tramesan increased the levels of jasmonic acid (JA), a plant defense-related hormone. Tramesan also increased the early expression (24 hours after inoculation - hai) of plant defense genes such as PR4 for SNB infected plants, and RBOH, PR1, and PR9 for STB infected plants. These results suggest that Tramesan protects wheat by eliciting plant defenses, since it has no direct fungicidal activity. In field experiments, the yield of durum wheat plants treated with Tramesan was similar to that of healthy untreated plots. These results encourage the use of Tramesan to protect durum wheat against SLBC.

Designing a bioremediator: mechanistic models guide cellular and molecular specialization.

Bioremediators are cells or non-living subcellular entities of biological origin employed to degrade target pollutants. Rational, mechanistic design can substantially improve the performance of bioremediators for applications, including waste treatment and food safety. We highlight how such improvements can be informed at the cellular level by theoretical observations especially in the context of phenotype plasticity, cell signaling, and community assembly. At the molecular level, we suggest enzyme design using techniques such as Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Density Functional Theory. To provide an example of how these techniques could be synergistically combined, we present the case-study of the interaction of the enzyme laccase with the food contaminant aflatoxin B1. In designing bioremediators, we encourage interdisciplinary, mechanistic research to transition from an observation-oriented approach to a principle-based one.

Comparison of cardiovascular screening guidelines for middle-aged/older adults.

PURPOSE: Although both European (EACPR) and American (ACSM) Scientific Societies have devised cardiovascular protocols for the assessment of "middle-aged/older" individuals who are about to participate in sports or physical exercise, there are no data regarding the guidelines' sensitivity of these measures. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of different international screening protocols. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 525 subjects (80% males; median age 50 [35-85] years) seeking medical certification before participating in sports or regular exercise. The screening protocol consisted in completing a personal history profile, a physical examination, a resting ECG, a maximal exercise test, and, when required, additional instrumental evaluations. The effectiveness of the current EACPR as well as the former and new ACSM guidelines was thereby analyzed. RESULTS: The full screening protocol uncovered 100 previously undetected cardiovascular conditions (main pathologies detected: 21 coronary artery disease (CAD), 14 arterial hypertension, 38 complex arrhythmias). When the European guideline was used, 49% of these conditions went undetected, including 10 CAD. When the former American guideline was used, 29% (6 CAD) went undetected; when the recently updated edition was used, 50% including 11 CAD went undetected. CONCLUSION: The former ACSM guideline demonstrated a higher diagnostic sensitivity than the newer version and the EACPR guideline. Current screening protocols might be adapted for subjects performing high-intensity exercise due to their higher risk for cardiovascular and exercise-associated adverse events. The use of an incremental ECG-monitored maximal exercise test seems to improve these screening outcomes.

Sport injury prevention in individuals with chronic ankle instability: Fascial Manipulation® versus control group: A randomized controlled trial.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is one of the most common syndromes that occurs following an initial ankle sprain. Sprains are often correlated with recurrent sprains, loss of range of motion (ROM) and deficits in proprioception and postural control. The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of Fascial Manipulation® (FM) as a preventative measure in semi-professional athletes with CAI, and to monitor the symptomatology, equilibrium and ROM of the injured ankle. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in the rehabilitation department of a medical centre. Twenty-nine semi-professional male footballers were recruited. Nine subjects with no previous symptomatology, were assigned to a baseline group, twenty symptomatic subjects were randomized into either the study or the control group. All three groups followed a specific training program. The control group followed normal training protocols and received standard medical care. The study group received an additional three FM treatment sessions. Symptomatology and ROM outcomes were recorded for all players at baseline, before each treatment for the treatment group, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. At one year, an additional follow-up on was performed via phone. Four severe ankle traumas and one mild ankle trauma were reported in the control group during the trial period. The 6-month outcomes in the study group showed statistically significant improvements. The 1-year follow-up reported the absence of any reported trauma in the study group. FM was effective in improving ROM and symptomatology in footballers with CAI. FM intervention was effective in preventing injury in the study sample.

Inter-arm Systolic Blood Pressure Difference in Physically Active, Adult Subjects.

INTRODUCTION: Increased inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (ΔPsys) has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease in elderly patients with CV risk factors. However, its significance in healthy subjects is unclear. AIM: To determine the relationship between ΔPsys, the individual level of physical activity and the global CV risk in apparently healthy adults. METHODS: Systolic blood pressure was measured in both arms in 400 subjects aged 46.5 ± 12.2 years, using a simultaneous oscillometric device (WatchBP Office, Microlife, Widnau, Switzerland). In the subjects with ΔPsys ≥ 10 mmHg (Cases n = 20) and in a Control group (20 subjects without ΔPsys ≥ 10 mmHg), another simultaneous measurement was repeated during a second visit. The physical activity level was assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) with a photoplethysmographic method (Angioflow-Microlab, Padova, Italy) and the CV risk via the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). RESULTS: The prevalence of ΔPsys ≥ 10 mmHg in the whole population was 5% (95% CI 3.24-8.01%). Cases and Controls were comparable in gender, age, and BMI. ΔPsys ≥ 10 mmHg was only confirmed in 17.6% of the Cases. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for IPAQ-SF, ABPI, or FRS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ΔPsys ≥ 10 mmHg in this population was only slightly lower than what observed in older, hypertensive or diabetic patients. Cases and Controls did not differ in physical activity level, ankle brachial pressure index and CV risk. However, low test-retest reliability might limit the use of ΔPsys as a reliable marker for CV screening in this population.

Effects of exercise on cancer patients suffering chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy undergoing treatment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common neurological and clinically relevant side effect of many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, little effort has been done to investigate the potentially beneficial effects of specific exercises to counteract the CIPN symptoms. OBJECTIVE: This document aims to summarize and analyze systematically the current body of evidence about the effects of specific exercise protocols on CIPN symptoms, balance control, physical function and quality of life in patients with CIPN. LITERATURE SURVEY: Specific terms were identified for the literature research in MEDLINE, Scopus, Bandolier, PEDro, and Web of Science. METHODOLOGY: Five manuscripts were considered eligible for this review. Quality appraisal distinguished two studies as high quality investigations while three with low quality. Results were summarized in the following domains: "CIPN symptoms", "Static balance control", "Dynamic balance control", "Quality of life and Physical function". SYNTHESIS: Significant improvements were detected on postural control. Additionally, patients' quality of life and independence were found ameliorated after exercise sessions. Combined exercise protocols including endurance, strength and sensorimotor training showed larger improvements. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review comes from a highly selected but small source of data. Nevertheless, specific exercise for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with CIPN symptoms should be recommended since these interventions appeared as feasible and have been demonstrated as useful tools to counteract some of the limitations due to chemotherapy.

Nordic Walking Can Be Incorporated in the Exercise Prescription to Increase Aerobic Capacity, Strength, and Quality of Life for Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and analyze the effects of Nordic Walking on physical fitness, body composition, and quality of life in the elderly. Keyword "Nordic Walking" associated with "elderly" AND/OR "aging" AND/OR "old subjects" AND/OR "aged" AND/OR "older adults" were used in the online database MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus. Only studies written in English language and published in peer-reviewed journals were considered. A meta-analysis was performed and effect sizes calculated. Fifteen studies were identified; age of participants ranged from 60 to 92 years old. Comparing with a sedentary group, effect sizes showed that Nordic Walking was able to improve dynamic balance (0.30), functional balance (0.62), muscle strength of upper (0.66) and lower limbs (0.43), aerobic capacity (0.92), cardiovascular outcomes (0.23), body composition (0.30), and lipid profile (0.67). It seemed that Nordic Walking had a negative effect on static balance (-0.72). Comparing with a walking (alone) training, effect sizes showed that Nordic Walking improved the dynamic balance (0.30), flexibility of the lower body (0.47), and quality of life (0.53). Walking training was more effective in improving aerobic capacity (-0.21). Comparing Nordic Walking with resistance training, effect sizes showed that Nordic Walking improved dynamic balance (0.33), muscle strength of the lower body (0.39), aerobic capacity (0.75), flexibility of the upper body (0.41), and the quality of life (0.93). Nordic Walking can be considered as a safe and accessible form of aerobic exercise for the elderly population, able to improve cardiovascular outcomes, muscle strength, balance ability, and quality of life.

Reliability of a device for the knee and ankle isometric and isokinetic strength testing in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity muscle mass, strength, power, and physical performance are critical determinants of independent functioning in later life. Isokinetic dynamometers are becoming very common in assessing different features of muscle strength, in both research and clinical practice; however, reliability studies are still needed to support the extended use of those devices. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the test-retest reliability of knee and ankle isokinetic and isometric strength testing protocols in a sample of older healthy subjects, using a new and untested isokinetic multi-joint evaluation system. METHODS: Sixteen male and fourteen female older adults (mean age 65.2 ± 4.6 years) were assessed in two testing sessions. Each participant performed a randomized testing procedure that includes different isometric and isokinetic tests for knee and ankle joints. RESULTS: All participants concluded the trial safety and no subject reported any discomfort throughout the overall assessment. Coefficients of correlation between measures were calculated showing moderate to strong effects among all test-retest assessments and paired-sample t test showed only one significant difference (p<0.05) in the maximal isokinetic bilateral knee flexion torque. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-joint evaluation system for the assessment of knee and ankle isokinetic and isometric strength provided reliable test-retest measures in healthy older adults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Ib.

Functional Evaluation in Obese Patients Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become an important treatment option in severe obesity, cardiorespiratory and muscle function after SG has not adequately been investigated. METHODS: This is an observational study in 26 obese patients (BMI 45.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2), comparing physical function before and after 6 months from SG. All available patients listed for SG were here included. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests, standardized strength tests, and balance analysis were performed. RESULTS: The substantial weight loss (-33.4 ± 11.0 kg) after SG led to increased peak work capacity (metabolic equivalents, METs) and relative peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak/kg) (both p < 0.001). However, the absolute VO2peak, oxygen pulse (VO2/heart rate (HR)), and the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) significantly declined after SG (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, HR/VO2-slope significantly worsened after SG (p < 0.001), whereas the HR reserve and HR recovery improved (all p ≤ 0.01). Parameters of ventilatory efficiency were not affected by SG. The time-constant (Tau τ) of the fundamental component of VO2-kinetics, reflecting oxygen metabolism in skeletal muscles, was found to be significantly worsened after SG (p < 0.05). Finally, muscle strength and balance parameters were not much affected by SG. CONCLUSIONS: The ventilatory and cardiac function do not appear negatively affected by SG; thus, we hypothesize that the decrease in aerobic capacity could be due to alterations in peripheral muscles. This might in part be due to a loss of muscle mass, although our patients' muscle strength did not decrease. Pilot results from VO2-kinetics analysis seem to support the hypothesis of a deterioration of oxidative muscle metabolism after SG.

Repeated sprint ability is not enhanced by caffeine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids in moderately trained soccer players.

The aim was to investigate the effect of a dietary supplementation on the repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance in recreationally trained team sports athletes. Twelve young men underwent a RSA exercise protocol in five trials, in which participants ingested carbohydrates (CHO) plus caffeine (Caf), CHO plus arginine (Arg), CHO plus branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), CHO plus Caf, Arg, and BCAA (ALL), and CHO only. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, hematic lactate, ratings of perceived exertion, average sprint time, total time, best sprint time, peak power, and average power were taken. Data revealed no significant effects neither on physiological nor performance parameters with any of the supplements.

Breathing parameters associated to two different external nasal dilator strips in endurance athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of two different external nasal dilator strips (ENDS) on nasal respiratory flow, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), nasal VO2max, time to exhaustion and subjective nasal obstruction in adult triathletes participating in exhaustive, controlled physical exercise tests. METHODS: Thirteen healthy triathletes without nasal symptoms were recruited and randomly tested in three different conditions: without ENDS, wearing the Breathe Right® dilator strip and wearing the Master-aid Roll-flex® strip. We investigated the variations in the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire before and after an exhaustive treadmill test. VO2max, nasal VO2max, time to exhaustion, total time of nasal respiration values were also registered and compared. RESULTS: Post-exercise PNIF was higher than the pre-exercise PNIF. Pre-exercise PNIF was higher in athletes wearing the Master-aid Roll-Flex® than in those wearing the Breathe Right® strips; no differences in post-exercise PNIF values were found in the three different conditions. Nasal VO2max value was higher when both types of ENDS were worn. Nasal respiration time to exhaustion was longer when the athletes were wearing either type of ENDS. Both ENDS gave a better sensation of nasal airflow passage after physical exercise. CONCLUSION: ENDS had similar effects, improving the subjective sensation of nasal patency, the nasal respiration time, and the nasal VO2max, anyway Master-aid Roll-flex® is more economic than the Breathe Right® and it can be cut to fit the nasal anatomy. As ENDS affect the cross-sectional area, especially at the level of the nasal valve, in future studies should be conducted also by means of acoustic rhinometry in order to evaluate if any difference could be find at this level when wearing either one of the two ENDS.

Health Benefits of Zumba Fitness Training: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: As an alternative to the traditional approach to physical exercise, new kinds of organized physical activity have been developed designed to engage large segments of the population. Among these, Zumba fitness is extremely popular, with a growing number of participants. This article aims to summarize and analyze the body of evidence on the effects of Zumba fitness interventions on physical function, fitness, and wellbeing. TYPE: Systematic review. LITERATURE SURVEY: Keyword "Zumba" was identified as term for the literature research in MEDLINE, Scopus, Bandolier, PEDro, and Web of Science. Only studies published in peer-reviewed journals written in English language were considered. METHODOLOGY: Eleven manuscripts were classified as eligible with 586 total participants, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years. After a quality appraisal, we classified 4 studies as high-quality investigations and 7 as low quality. Results were summarized in several domains: "anthropometric parameters and body composition," "hormonal and metabolic profiles," "aerobic and cardiovascular performance," "muscular fitness parameters," and "quality of life, pain score and physical activity questionnaire." SYNTHESIS: Results from this systematic review indicated that Zumba fitness could be considered an effective type of physical activity able to improve aerobic capacity. Small but positive benefits were noted for reducing body weight and other body measurements. Furthermore, other effects, including psychological and social benefits on quality of life, were found after Zumba fitness interventions. Otherwise, limited evidence described positive effects on muscular strength and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: Zumba fitness could be considered an effective type of physical activity able to improve aerobic capacity. Limited evidence described positive effects on muscular strength and flexibility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.