Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation affects tryptophan metabolism during a 12-week endurance training in amateur runners: a randomized controlled trial.

The effects of long-term omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation during endurance training on tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and mental state of healthy individuals have not been evaluated so far. Concentrations of plasma Trp, its metabolites and IL-6 were assessed in 26 male runners before and after a 12-week training program combined with supplementation of n-3 PUFAs (O-3 + TRAIN group) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs; TRAIN group). After the 12-week program participants' mood before and after stress induction was also assessed. The effects of the same supplementation protocol were evaluated also in 14 inactive subjects (O-3 + SEDEN group). Concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and picolinic acid (PA) significantly increased only in the O-3 + TRAIN group (p = 0.01; [Formula: see text] = 0.22 and p = 0.01; [Formula: see text]= 0.26). Favorable, but not statistically significant changes in the concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.14), xanthurenic acid (XA) (p = 0.07; [Formula: see text]= 0.13) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.15) and in the ratio of neurotoxic to neuroprotective metabolites were seen also only in the O-3 + TRAIN group. No changes in mood and IL-6 concentrations were observed in either group. Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs during endurance training has beneficial effects on Trp's neuroprotective metabolites.Trial registry: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT05520437 (14/07/2021 first trial registration and 2018/31/N/NZ7/02962 second trial registration).

The relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in males: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) among physically active individuals tends to be lower compared to sedentary controls. This association seems to be moderated by gender and level of physical activity (PA). The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the relationship between PA and DS in males based on different levels of PA. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted following the PRISMA Statement for Systematic Reviews. The literature search was conducted from January 1, 2003 to February 20, 2023. Cross-sectional and cohort studies including male participants aged 18 years or older were included in the analysis. Evidence from selected studies was synthesised as differences between odds ratios to assess whether DS were exhibited among those who were engaged in low, moderate, and high PA via random-effects meta-analyses. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42023417219. RESULTS: Out of 1737 records identified, 5 eligible studies were included with a total of 35,811 participants. Results indicated significant effects of moderate PA on DS (OR = 0.68; 95 % C.I. 0.50-0.93). No effect of low and high PA on DS was found (OR = 0.79; 95 % C.I. 0.52-1.20 and OR = 0.78; 95 % C.I. 0.47-1.30). CONCLUSION: Males who engage in moderate PA present lower prevalence of DS compared to no-PA reference. Such associations were not found for low or high PA. Hence, mental health benefits of PA could possibly be achieved at appropriate levels of PA. High heterogeneity between the studies should be considered when interpreting the results.

Somatic comorbidity and the progression of cognitive impairment.

Background: There are usually multiple factors underlying dementia in old age. Somatic comorbidity is one important element that influences the progression of cognitive impairment. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the progression of cognitive impairment and the presence and severity of comorbidities based on a four-year observation. Material: Out of 128 patients from the Clinic for Outpatients in Gdansk, who were recruited into the study based on the criteria of the Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment, a total of 93 participants completed the four-year observation. Only the data from participants who completed the full period of observations were analysed. The mean age of the group was M = 75.93 (SD = 9.43). The level of progression of cognitive impairment was measured using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale - Sum of Boxes, the severity of comorbidities was measured using the modified Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, and, additionally, at the time of inclusion in the study, participants were assessed using the MMSE scale and the Activity Scale, and sociodemographic data were collected. The Generalized Estimating Equations method was employed to fit a marginal model for analyzing the data collected in a repeated measures design. The tested model elucidated the role of the overall severity of comorbidities in explaining the progression of cognitive impairment, while controlling for everyday activity and basic demographic variables. Results: During the four-year observation, a significant decline in cognitive function (B = 1.86, p < 0.01) was observed in the examined sample. The statistical analysis revealed that individuals with higher overall severity of comorbidities exhibited significantly more pronounced progression of cognitive impairment over time. Regarding particular comorbidities, metabolic diseases were found to be associated with a poorer prognosis (rho = 0.41, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a time physical activity interaction was identified as predicting cognitive impairment, indicating that individuals who were more physically active at the beginning of the study exhibited significantly less pronounced progression of cognitive impairment over the course of the 4 years. Conclusion: This study suggests the important roles of comorbidities and physical activity for the prognosis of mild cognitive impairment.

Anxiety and coping during COVID-19. Investigation of anxiety management types in a German and Polish sample.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the differences in anxiety management types between German and Polish samples. The research was conducted in the context of health-related variables and anxiety management types during the period of March to April 2020. The research project was approved by the Ethical Committee at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Gdansk, Poland. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: German Sample: Consisted of 323 subjects with an average age of 46 years. 73% were females, and 26% were males. Polish Sample: Included 100 subjects with an average age of 42 years. 73% were females, and 27% were males. The study collected data on various health-related variables and anxiety management types using specific measurement procedures. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the frequency distribution of anxiety management types between the Polish and German samples (p < .001). In the Polish sample, 60% showed negative anxiety management types (Sensitizer, Repressor, Highly anxious), compared to the German sample with 52%. 40% of the Polish and 48% of the German sample showed positive expressions. There were stronger significant differences in both samples regarding health-related variables, with the Polish sample being at a disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides a comprehensive insight into the anxiety management types between German and Polish samples, revealing distinct differences in their responses. The Polish sample exhibited a higher prevalence of negative anxiety management types compared to the German sample. These disparities can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including historical traumas, transgenerational experiences, and the influence of dominant religions in each country. The findings underscore the importance of considering cultural, historical, and religious contexts when assessing and addressing mental health and coping mechanisms across different populations. Further research with larger samples and diverse groups could offer a more nuanced understanding of these patterns and their underlying causes.