A single dose of microencapsulated cocoa supplementation attenuated eccentric exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction.

In the present study, it was evaluated whether microencapsulated cocoa supplementation could attenuate endothelial dysfunction caused by eccentric exercise in healthy subjects. Thirteen volunteers were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), blood flow and muscle O2 saturation (StO2) were evaluated by ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), respectively, before and after microencapsulated cocoa supplementation. The eccentric exercise was performed after microencapsulated cocoa supplementation to generate vascular dysfunction. Eccentric exercise significantly reduced FMD in the PLA condition, but cocoa attenuated this exercise effect. No significant effect was observed on muscle StO2 and blood flow after eccentric exercise and nutritional supplementation. In conclusion, the present study showed that a single dose of microencapsulated cocoa ingestion attenuated FMD-induced eccentric exercise. These findings suggest that a single dose of microencapsulated cocoa may be an alternative nutritional strategy to attenuate vascular dysfunction induced by eccentric exercise in healthy individuals.

The effect of flour-based foods intake in the reduction of cardiometabolic risk: A systematic review.

Cardiometabolic risk triggers a state of chronic and subclinical inflammation, conferring a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Thus, minimal processing of foods with high nutritional value, in the form of flour, becomes an effective dietary strategy in preventing and treating cardiometabolic risk factors. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence on the effect of flour-based food intake on reducing the most common cardiometabolic risk factors. We included all randomized controlled trials published up to April 2023 in the main databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Eleven clinical trials were included. The amount of flour used in the studies ranged from 1.5 g to 36 g/day, and the supplementation period ranged from six weeks to 120 days. Green jackfruit flour, green banana flour, soy flour, flour from rind of the yellow passion fruit, and fenugreek powder demonstrated significant results in improve parameters of glucose homeostasis. Chia flour, green banana flour, soy flour, and fenugreek powder showed improvements in blood pressure measurements. Brazil nut flour and chia flour reduced total cholesterol. Chia flour also increased HDL cholesterol levels. The evidence presented in the current systematic review indicates that flour-derived foods intake is related to improve cardiometabolic risk factors parameters.

The effect of dietary nitrate on macro- and microvascular function: A systematic review.

Previous studies have investigated the impact of dietary nitrate on vascular function due to the association between dietary nitrate ingestion and improvement in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Considering that NO can present different effects through vascular beds (macro- vs. microvasculature) due to the specific characteristic (function and morphology) that each vessel exhibits, it is crucial to investigate the effect of dietary nitrate ingestion on the macro- and microvascular function to understand the effect of nitrate on vascular function. For this reason, this review aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary nitrate on macro- and microvascular function in humans. A total of 29 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 19 studies evaluated the effect of nitrate supplementation on macrovascular function, eight studies evaluated the effect on microvascular function, and two studies evaluated the impact on both macro- and microvascular function. The literature suggests that dietary nitrate ingestion seems to improve the vascular function in macrovasculature, whereas microvascular function appears to be modest. Future studies investigating the effect of nitrate ingestion on vascular function should focus on measuring macro- and microvascular function whenever possible so that the impact of nitrate-rich foods on vascular segments could be better understood.

Combined effect of oxygen-scavenger packaging and UV-C radiation on shelf life of refrigerated tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets.

This study investigated the physicochemical, instrumental and bacterial parameters of tilapia fillets subjected to oxygen-scavenger packaging, alone or in combination with UV-C radiation at two doses (0.102 and 0.301 J/cm2), stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 23 days. The oxygen scavenger, both UV-C doses, and the oxygen scavenger combined with UV-C, independently of the dose, extended the shelf life in 5, 6 and 7 days, respectively, by decreasing the bacterial growth rate and the formation of degradation compounds (e.g., TVB-N and ammonia). Oxygen-scavenger packaging, alone or in combination with UV-C at 0.102 J/cm2 and 0.301 J/cm2 showed lower amounts of free amino acids (FAA; 34.39, 34.49 and 34.50 mg L-lysine/kg fish tissue, 3.63, 3.57 and 3.61 mg L- ornithine/kg fish tissue, 27.52, 27.63 and 27.67 mg L-arginine/kg fish tissue), biogenic amines (BA; 3.81, 3.87 and 3.89 mg cadaverine/kg fish tissue, 12.88, 12.91 and 12.86 mg putrescine/kg fish tissue, 2.41, 2.44 and 2.47 mg spermidine/kg fish tissue), redness (2.53, 2.55 and 2.59), yellowness (6.65, 6.69 and 6.72), lipid oxidation (1.52, 1.53 and 1.58 mg malondialdehyde/kg fish tissue) and protein oxidation (5.06, 5.11 and 5.18 nmol carbonyls/mg protein), with higher hardness (3273.41, 2652.98 and 2687.57 g) than control (air packaging; 41.97 mg L-lysine/kg fish tissue, 4.83 mg L- ornithine/kg fish tissue, 37.33 mg L-arginine/kg fish tissue, 4.82 mg cadaverine/kg fish tissue, 16.56 mg putrescine/kg fish tissue, 3.21 mg spermidine/kg fish tissue, 4.26 of redness, 8.17 of yellowness, 2.88 mg malondialdehyde/kg fish tissue, 9.44 nmol carbonyls/mg protein and 2092.58 g of hardness), respectively, on day 13 of storage when the control fillets were unfit for consumption (7 log CFU/g) (p < 0.05). However, in the same day of storage, both UV-C doses had similar values for BA (p > 0.05), higher amounts of FAA (44.28 and 44.13 mg L-lysine/kg fish tissue, 5.16 and 5.12 mg L- ornithine/kg fish tissue, 40.20 and 40.28 mg L-arginine/kg fish tissue), redness (4.86 and 5.33), yellowness (9.32 and 10.01), lipid oxidation (3.09 and 3.52 mg malondialdehyde/kg fish tissue) and protein oxidation (10.27 and 11.93 nmol carbonyls/mg protein), as well as lower hardness (1877.54 and 1767.39 g), respectively, than control fillets (p < 0.05). The combined preservation methods were the most effective in extending the shelf life and prolonging the physicochemical quality of the refrigerated tilapia fillets and the O2 scavenger proved to be a potential alternative to prevent the negative changes induced by both UV-C doses.

Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory analyses of a nitrate-enriched beetroot gel and its effects on plasmatic nitric oxide and blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a dietary source of natural antioxidants and inorganic nitrate (NO3(-)). It is well known that the content of antioxidant compounds and inorganic nitrate in beetroot can reduce blood pressure (BP) and the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to formulate a beetroot gel to supplement dietary nitrate and antioxidant compounds able to cause beneficial health effects following acute administration. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A beetroot juice produced from Beta vulgaris L., without any chemical additives, was used. The juice was evaluated by physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The sample was tested in five healthy subjects (four males and one female), ingesting 100 g of beetroot gel. RESULTS: The formulated gel was nitrate enriched and contained carbohydrates, fibers, saponins, and phenolic compounds. The formulated gels possess high total antioxidant activity and showed adequate rheological properties, such as high viscosity and pleasant texture. The consumer acceptance test for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability of beetroot gel flavorized with synthetic orange flavor had a sensory quality score >6.6. The effects of acute inorganic nitrate supplementation on nitric oxide production and BP of five healthy subjects were evaluated. The consumption of beetroot gel increased plasma nitrite threefold after 60 min of ingestion and decreased systolic BP (-6.2 mm Hg), diastolic BP (-5.2 mm Hg), and heart rate (-7 bpm).

Hormonal response to L-arginine supplementation in physically active individuals.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplements based on the amino acid L-arginine have been hypothesized to improve exercise performance by increasing levels of insulin and growth hormone (GH). Changes of these parameters in response to L-arginine supplementation may clarify the mechanisms underlying its putative physiological effects on physical performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of L-arginine supplementation on serum insulin, GH, Growth Factor Insulin-like (IGF-1), and cortisol in response to exercise. Exercise performance was also evaluated. DESIGN: Fifteen trained runners were divided into groups supplemented with 6 g of L-arginine (ARG) or placebo (PLA). Blood samples were collected before supplementation (T0), immediately after the first exercise session (T1), after the second exercise session (T2), and after 20 min of rest (T3). The exercise consisted of two bouts of 5 km time-trial running test. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in serum GH (T0: 3.28±0.95 vs. 3.21±0.5 ng/mL; T1: 4.35±0.23 vs. 4.17±0.13 ng/mL; T2: 4.22±0.25 vs. 4.17±0.09 ng/mL; T3: 4.14±0.29 vs. 4.13±0.18 ng/mL) and cortisol (T0: 198.71±53.77 vs. 207.57±69.51 nmol/L; T1: 458.16±116.12 vs. 433.26±101.77 nmol/L; T2: 454.61±125.21 vs. 431.88±74.82 nmol/L; T3: 311.14±102.91 vs. 362.26±110.42 nmol/L) after T1, T2, and T3, with no significant difference between the ARG and PLA groups, respectively. There was also no significant difference observed in the variables of IGF-1, insulin, and total running time between the ARG and PLA groups. CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation of L-arginine did not appear to stimulate the production of insulin, GH, and IGF-1 and, thus, provided no benefit in hormonal response or exercise performance in trained runners.

Apresentação de temas livres em eventos científicos de ciências e medicina do esporte e publicação em periódicos indexados / Free communication presentations in sport medicine and science meetings and publication in indexed journals

O principal objetivo do estudo foi investigar a taxa de publicação dos temas livres - formatos oral e pôster -apresentados nos congressos do American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) e do Centro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano do Sul (CELAFISCS). Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 100 temas livres (50 orais e 50 pôsteres) nos congressos do CELAFISCS e do ACSM e aqueles apresentados pelos brasileiros nesse último, realizados no ano 2001, sendo calculada a taxa de publicação nos seis anos subseqüentes. Para as estratégias de busca, foram utilizadas as seguintes base de dados: Scielo, Medline, Sport Discus, LILACS e EMBASE. A taxa de publicação dos temaslivres do ACSM foi significativamente maior do que a taxa de publicação daqueles apresentados no CELAFISCS para as formas oral (30 vs. 12%, P = 0,003), pôster (34 vs. 2%, P = 0,000) e oral + pôster (32 vs. 7%, P = 0,000). Não houve diferença significativa da taxa de publicação de temas livres oral e pôster no ACSM (30 vs. 34%, P = 0,649), ao contrário do que se observou no CELAFISCS (12 vs. 2%, P = 0,013) e para os brasileiros no ACSM (56 vs. 26%, P = 0,000). Esses dados podem contribuir para a tomada de decisão de pareceristas e assessores responsáveis pela concessão de auxílios financeiros para pesquisadores e eventos científicos. Estudos futuros são necessários para determinar as causas dessas baixas taxas de publicação...

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the publication rate of free communications - oral and poster formats - presented at meetings of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Centro de Estudos do Laboratório de Aptidão Física de São Caetano do Sul (CELAFISCS). We randomly selected 100 free communications (50 oral and 50 posters) in the CELAFISCS and ACSM meetings as well as those presented by Brazilian authors at the ACSM meetings, in the year 2001, and determined the publication rate during the following six years. A literature search was carried out on the following data bases: Scielo, Medline, Sport Discus, LILACS and EMBASE. The publication rate was higher at ACSM than at CELAFISCS for oral (30 vs. 12%, p = 0.003), poster (34 vs. 2%, p = 0.000) and oral + poster (32 vs. 7%, p = 0.000) free communications. No signifi cant difference was found in publication rates by free communication format - oral vs. poster - in the ACSM (30 vs. 34%, p = 0.649), as opposed to CELAFISCS (12 vs. 2%, p = 0.013) and to Brazilian authors presenting at the ACSM (56 vs. 26%, p = 0.000). These results may contribute to the decision-makingprocesses of reviewers responsible for the concession of fi nancial support to researchers and scientifi c meetings. Future studies are needed in order to determine the reasons for these low publication rates...

Efeitos da suplementação de beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato sobre a força e a hipertrofia: [revisão] / Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and hypertrophy: [review]

O beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato é um metabólito da leucina estudado devido aos seus efeitos anticatabólicos e possíveis implicações sobre os ganhos de força e massa muscular associados ao treinamento contra-resistência (conhecido como musculação). O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a literatura referente à suplementação de beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato e os seus efeitos sobre força e hipertrofia em adultos jovens e idosos iniciantes ou treinados em treinamento contra-resistência. Estudos em indivíduos iniciando um programa de treinamento contra-resistência sugerem que a suplementação diária de 1,5 a 3,0g de beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato pode trazer benefício ergogênico durante as primeiras quatro ou cinco semanas. Entretanto, à medida que o programa de treinamento evolui, tais efeitos não permanecem e os ganhos de força e massa muscular são proporcionados apenas pelo treinamento contra-resistência. Em indivíduos treinados, os resultados parecem não ser os mesmos, uma vez que, desde o início da suplementação, o beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato não demonstra qualquer benefício adicional aos induzidos pelo treinamento contra-resistência. Alguns efeitos do beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato na redução do colesterol total e lipoproteína de baixa densidade também foram observados, porém, devido às poucas evidências, não há recomendações para tal finalidade. Nenhum efeito adverso da suplementação foi observado, sendo, aparentemente, segura, contudo a maioria dos estudos foi realizada em curto prazo (menos de 4 semanas) e em indivíduos destreinados. Assim, mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer o mecanismo fisiológico por meio do qual o beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato exerce seus efeitos anticatabólicos em destreinados e para observar possíveis efeitos adversos.

Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate is a leucine metabolite studied for its anticatabolic effects and potential benefits on strength and muscle mass gains associated with resistance training. The aim of this review was to discuss the effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and hypertrophy in previously trained or untrained young and older adults. Studies undertaken with individuals initiating a resistance training program have suggested that a daily beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation dosage of 1.5 to 3.0g may be responsive as an ergogenic aid up to the fourth or fifth week of resistance training. Such effects do not seem to remain afterward, when gains in strength and muscle mass are the result of resistance training only. In resistance trained subjects beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation did not show any additional benefits during resistance training. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, although there seems to be no available recommendation for its supplementation, since scientific evidence is lacking. No beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate adverse effects have been observed, and its supplementation is apparently safe, however, most studies were conducted during a short-term period (less then 4 weeks) and with untrained individuals. There is a need for more studies to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying the anticatabolic action of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation in untrained subjects, and to investigate possible adverse effects.