Aminooxy acetic acid suppresses Th17-mediated psoriasis-like skin inflammation by inhibiting serine metabolism.

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by an external red rash that is caused by abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and immune T cells. This study aimed to elucidate the role of aminooxy acetic acid (AOA) in alleviating psoriasis from the perspective of immunology and metabolomics. Therefore, contributing to the development of new drugs as candidates for psoriasis treatment. Methods: To investigate the symptom-alleviating effects and the related mechanisms of AOA on the treatment of psoriasis, we used a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced psoriasis-like skin mouse model and interleukin (IL)-17-stimulated human keratinocytes. Results: The results showed that AOA ameliorated psoriasis-related symptoms and decreased inflammation-associated antimicrobial peptides and T-helper 17 (Th17)-associated cytokines in a mouse model of psoriasis. Furthermore, AOA inhibited the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) by suppressing serine metabolism-related genes. Importantly, mTOR inhibition ameliorated psoriatic disease by affecting the differentiation of various T cells and normalizing the Th17/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance. In addition, IL-17-stimulated human keratinocytes showed the same results as in the in vivo experiments. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that targeting the serine metabolism pathway in the treatment of psoriasis is a novel strategy, and that AOA could be utilized as a novel biologic to treat psoriasis.

Relationship between Smartphone Addiction and Sleep Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study on Korean Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep satisfaction in 54,948 Korean adolescents. This study utilized the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBS). The dependent variable was sleep satisfaction. Independent variables were smartphone addiction level and usage time. Gender, school grade, stress, depression, regular physical activity (PA), asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were selected as confounding variables. A chi-squared test, logistic regression, and independent t-test were performed for data analysis. As a result of the chi-squared test, sleep satisfaction showed significant relationships with all confounding variables (all p < 0.001). As a result of adjusting all confounding variables, sleep satisfaction of smartphone normal users was significantly higher (odds ratios: 1.372, p < 0.001) than that of high-risk users with smartphone addiction. Smartphone users with a daily smartphone usage time from 2 h to 8 h a day were 1.096−1.347 times (p = 0.014 to p < 0.001) more likely to be satisfied with their sleep than smartphone users with a daily smartphone usage time over 8 h, who were unsatisfied with their sleep. The group that was not satisfied with their sleep had a significantly higher average daily smartphone usage time and total score on the smartphone addiction scale than the group that was satisfied with their sleep (both p < 0.001). In conclusion, it will be necessary to manage the use of smartphones to improve the sleep satisfaction of Korean adolescents.

The Anthropometric Measure 'A Body Shape Index' May Predict the Risk of Osteoporosis in Middle-Aged and Older Korean People.

A body shape index (ABSI) is a recently introduced index of abdominal adiposity, relative to body mass index and height, and represents an alternative to body mass index and waist circumference. We aimed to determine whether ABSI is associated with osteoporosis and the ability of ABSI to predict osteoporosis, to investigate the relationship between obesity and osteoporosis In total, 6717 Korean participants (3151 men and 3566 women; 63.6 ± 8.5 years) were recruited and placed into the Normal, Osteopenia, or Osteoporosis groups on the basis of the minimum T-scores of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and femoral neck. The T-scores of each region and ABSI were compared among the groups and odds ratios and cut-off values of ABSI for osteoporosis were calculated. In participants of both sexes, ABSI tended to increase as bone health deteriorated. The men and women in the highest quartile of ABSI were 1.887 and 2.808 times more likely to have osteoporosis, respectively, and the potential ABSI cut-off values for osteoporosis were 0.0813 and 0.0874 for male and female participants, respectively. These findings suggest that augmentation of ABSI and obesity is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and that ABSI may predict the risk of osteoporosis.

Exercise Reverses Amyloid ß-Peptide-Mediated Cognitive Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Mice Expressing Mutant Presenilin-2.

PURPOSE: The molecular mechanisms by which physical exercise produces beneficial effects on pathologic features and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not well understood. Herein, we examined whether regular moderate exercise could improve cognitive function and produce transcriptomic responses in the brain. METHODS: Four groups of mice were studied: nontransgenic control, mice expressing the human presenilin-2 wild type, mice expressing the human presenilin-2 with the N141I mutation (Tg-PS2m), and Tg-PS2m that were subjected to treadmill exercise (TE) at a speed of 10 m·min-1 for 50 min·d-1, 5 d·wk-1, for 6 wk (Tg-PS2m/Ex). RESULTS: Tg-PS2m/Ex mice exhibited increased preference in exploring a novel object than Tg-PS2m in the novel object recognition test, whereas differences observed in the water maze test and passive avoidance test were not significant. Western blot and histological analyses using amyloid oligomer (A11) and ß-amyloid (6E10) antibody indicated that amyloid oligomer-reactive bands and plaque deposition in the hippocampus were reduced, although not significantly, after TE. Transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) analysis and subsequent protein analysis revealed that the cell cycle regulatory gene, Cdc28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 2 (Cks2), was decreased, and the cell cycle- and apoptotic cell death-related factors, including cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and cleaved caspase-3, were increased in the hippocampus of Tg-PS2m, whereas TE reversed their altered expression. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the hypothesis that the pathologic features and behavioral symptoms of AD caused by accumulation of amyloid ß-peptide in hippocampus, causing aberrant cell cycle reentry and apoptosis, can be reversed by regular exercise.

Variation in myokine and adipokine levels according to menstrual cycle following regular resistance exercise.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences between myokine and adipokine factors under stable conditions according to the menstrual cycle (luteal and follicular phases) and to investigate the effect of regular resistance exercise on the changes in myokine and adipokine factors according to menstrual cycle in obese female college students. METHODS: The study participants were female college students with a body fat percentage of 30% or more (N.=20), divided into two groups: luteal phase (N.=12) and follicular phase (N.=8). They performed regular resistance exercise three times a week, 60 minutes daily, for 16 weeks. Parameters measured include body composition via impedance, visceral fat area using computed tomography and myokine and adipokine factors in blood. RESULTS: Levels of BDNF (P<0.05), NGF (P<0.01), and adiponectin (P<0.01) were significantly increased in the luteal phase group after 16 weeks relative to the baseline values. Leptin (P<0.01) was significantly decreased in the luteal phase group after 16 weeks. Weight, Body Mass Index, %fat, and visceral fat area were significantly decreased in both groups after 16 weeks. Muscle mass was significantly increased in both groups after 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Regular resistance exercise affected the reduction in visceral fat area and had a positive effect on body composition which might be altered favorably by myokines and adipokines. Thus, the timing of blood collection is very important in obese female college students.

The A Body Shape Index Might Be a Stronger Predictor of Chronic Kidney Disease Than BMI in a Senior Population.

The A Body Shape Index (ABSI) was recently introduced to quantify abdominal adiposity relative to the body mass index (BMI) and height. This cross-sectional study was performed to explore whether the ABSI is linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults and compare the predictive capacity of the ABSI versus BMI for CKD. In total, 7053 people aged ≥ 60 years were divided into normal, mild, and moderate-to-severe CKD groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The correlation of the ABSI with the eGFR and the differences and trends in the ABSI and BMI among the groups were analyzed, and the cutoff points for moderate-to-severe CKD were calculated. The association between the ABSI and CKD was stronger than that between the BMI and CKD. The ABSI had a better capacity to discriminate the CKD stage than did the BMI. The capacity of the ABSI to predict moderate-to-severe CKD was higher than that of the BMI and was more substantial in women than men. The ABSI cutoff points for CKD were ≥0.0822 and 0.0795 in men and women, respectively. In conclusion, the ABSI serves as a better index than the BMI for screening and detecting high-risk individuals with CKD.

Effect of External Feedback on Bimanual Coordination Control in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Bimanual coordination control requires task-specific control of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the coupling of both upper limbs. The present study examined the effects of external feedback (i.e., auditory signal) on bimanual coordination movement during patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twelve PD patients in advanced stages and 12 early stages of untreated PD patients, and 12 age-matched normal adults were instructed to perform bimanual coordination control using preference (1 Hz) and fast (1.75 Hz) speeds with metronome auditory cue. The results demonstrated that the advanced PD patients showed reduced synchronized bimanual coordination control during the anti-phase movement compared with other two groups. Moreover, the decreased movement accuracy was exhibited not only at the preference speed, but also more particularly at the fast speed with anti-phase rather than in-phase movement. This suggests that PD results in impairments in scaling the bimanual movement speed and amplitude of limb, and these deficits were more pronounced as a function of movement control speed. Overall, the current data provide evidence of the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia on the bimanual coordination movement.

The acute effects of different frequencies of whole-body vibration on arterial stiffness.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) can decrease arterial stiffness, but the effects of low-frequency WBV on arterial stiffness are not known. The aim of this study was to clarify the acute effects on arterial stiffness of WBV by vibration frequency. This study involved 9 healthy men (age: 31 ± 7 years). Each WBV session involved 3 sets of 4 different vibrations (0 Hz [control], 12 Hz, 20 Hz, 30 Hz) lasting 60 s with a 60-s inter-session rest interval. During WBV, the participants adopted a static squat position with their knees bent. An automatic oscillometric device was used to measure brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) before (baseline) and 5, 15, and 30 min after WBV. There was a significant decrease in baPWV from baseline at 30 min (P = .02) after WBV at 30 Hz. However, there was no change in baPWV at any time points after WBV at 0 (control), 12, and 20 Hz. These results suggested that low-frequency WBV does not affect arterial stiffness.

Comparison of maximum muscle strength and isokinetic knee and core muscle functions according to pedaling power difference of racing cyclist candidates.

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences of maximum muscle strength and isokinetic knee and core muscle functions according to pedaling power of racing cyclist candidate. Subjects for this study were 200 racing cyclist candidates and divided into four groups: top 10% peak power group (TPP, n=20), low 10% peak power group (LPP, n=20), top 10% average power group (TAP, n=20), and low 10% average power group (LAP, n=20). The maximum muscle strength was consisted of grip strength, bench press and squat measured by Ariel device, and isokinetic knee and core muscle functions were analyzed by Humac Norm device. Significant differences between groups were determined with one-way repeated analysis of variance. As the result of this study, TPP and TAP groups showed significantly decreased body-fat mass and increased free fat mass when compared to LPP and LAP groups. The maximum strength of grip and squat was significantly higher in TPP and TAP than in other groups. Isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength was higher in TPP and TAP groups as well as isokinetic trunk extension and flexion functions were highest in TPP group. Thus, our findings suggest new evidence that muscle mass, maximal muscle strength, and isokinetic muscle functions might be important predictors of racing cyclist performance.

Three-dimensional motion capture data during repetitive overarm throwing practice.

Three-dimensional motion capture analysis is considered the gold standard for any movement research. Motion capture data were recorded for 7 healthy female participants with no prior throwing experience to investigate the learning process for overarm throwing during a selected period. Participants were monitored 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Each session consisted of 15 dominant and 15 nondominant hand side overarm throws. A total of 3,150 trials were recorded and preprocessed (labeling reflective markers) for further analysis. The presented dataset can provide valuable information about upper extremity kinematics of the learning process of overarm throwing without any kind of feedback. Furthermore, this dataset may be used for more advanced analysis techniques, which could lead to more insightful information.

The relationship between physical activity levels and metabolic syndrome in male white-collar workers.

[Purpose] Physical activity is important for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. White-collar workers can be inherently predisposed to chronic diseases, as their jobs are primarily sedentary. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in male white-collar workers. [Subjects and Methods] Physical activity and metabolic syndrome factors were measured in 331 male public office workers. Physical activity was classified as high (N=101), moderate (N=115), or low (N=111) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program's standard was used. [Results] Waist circumference and triglyceride levels, factors of metabolic syndrome, were significantly higher in the low physical activity group than in the moderate or high activity group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the low physical activity group than in the moderate or high activity group. Waist circumference and fasting glucose were negatively correlated with physical activity level, and HDL cholesterol showed a positive correlation with waist circumference. The odds ratios for metabolic syndrome were 2.03 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.01-4.09) in the low physical activity group than in the high physical activity group. [Conclusion] Low physical activity was a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in white-collar workers. Therefore, increasing physical activity in daily life may prevent metabolic syndrome in white-collar workers.

Effects of aerobic exercise on the resting heart rate, physical fitness, and arterial stiffness of female patients with metabolic syndrome.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the resting heart rate, physical fitness, and arterial stiffness or female patients with metabolic syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=12) or a control group (n=11). Subjects in the exercise group performed aerobic exercise at 60-80% of maximum heart rate for 40 min 5 times a week for 12 weeks. The changes in metabolic syndrome risk factors, resting heart rate, physical fitness, and arterial stiffness were measured and analyzed before and after initiation of the exercise program to determine the effect of exercise. Arterial stiffness was assessed based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). [Results] Compared to the control group; The metabolic syndrome risk factors (weight, % body fat, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and HDL-Cholesterol) were significantly improved in the exercise: resting heart rate was significantly decreased; VO2max, muscle strength and muscle endurance were significantly increased; and ba-PWV was significantly decreased. [Conclusion] Aerobic exercise had beneficial effects on the resting heart rate, physical fitness, and arterial stiffness of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Hormone responses to an acute bout of low intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise in college-aged females.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the acute hormone response to exercise differed between low intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise and traditional high-intensity resistance exercise in college-aged women. A total of 13 healthy women (aged 18-25 yrs), who were taking oral contraceptives, volunteered for this randomized crossover study. Subjects performed a session of low intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFR) (20% of 1-RM, 1 set 30 reps, 2 sets 15 reps) and a session of traditional high intensity resistance exercise without blood flow restriction (HI) (3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 1-RM) on separate days. Fasting serum cortisol and growth hormone (GH) and blood lactate responses were measured in the morning pre and post exercise sessions. GH (Change: HI: 6.34 ± 1.72; BFR: 4.22 ± 1.40 ng·mL(-1)) and cortisol (Change: HI: 4.46 ± 1.53; BFR: 8.10 ± 2.30 ug·dL(-1)) significantly (p < 0.05) increased immediately post exercise for both protocols compared to baseline and there were no significant differences between the protocols for these responses. In contrast, blood lactate levels (HI: 7.35 ± 0.45; BFR: 4.02 ± 0.33 mmol·L(-1)) and ratings of perceived exertion were significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the HI protocol. In conclusion, acute BFR restricted resistance exercise stimulated similar increases in anabolic and catabolic hormone responses in young women. Key PointsGrowth hormone and cortisol levels significantly increased after a single bout of low intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise in young women.There were no significant differences in hormone responses between the low intensity blood flow restricted protocol and the traditional high intensity higher total workload protocol.Low intensity blood flow restricted resistance exercise provides a sufficient stimulus to elicit anabolic and catabolic hormone responses in young women.

Jump test performance and sarcopenia status in men and women, 55 to 75 years of age.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Jumping mechanography uses maximal countermovement jumps to test obtain such as jump power (JPow). Recently, it has been shown to be a safe method for assessing muscle function in older adults; however, little is known about the relationships between JPow, muscle strength, and sarcopenia status. The purpose of this study was to examine jump performance, muscle strength, and sarcopenia status in older adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included men (n = 27) and women (n = 33) (55-75 years) recruited from the general community. Participants completed health status and physical activity questionnaires. Body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), bone free lean body mass, and relative skeletal muscle mass index, were assessed by total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans. The criteria for sarcopenia were relative skeletal muscle mass index values less than 7.26 kg/m2 for men and less than 5.45 kg/m2 for women. Three vertical jumps on a jump mat were performed to assess JPow, jump velocity (JVel), and jump height (JHt). Muscle strength was measured by 1RM testing for leg press (LP) and right and left hip abduction isotonic resistance exercises. RESULTS: Sarcopenia was found in 20% (12/60) of the participants. Jump power was significantly lower (P = .001) in the sarcopenia group than in the normal group, 651.1 (41.7) W versus 851.0 (27.4) W, respectively. Jump power and JHt were significantly (P < .01) positively correlated (r = 0.54-0.77) with ASM and bone free lean body mass. Significant (P < .01) positive correlations (r = 0.43-0.70) were also reported between jump test variables (JPow, JVel, JHt) and muscle strength (LP, right and left hip abduction). DISCUSSION: The jump test protocol was conducted safely with no injuries or balance issues. Our finding of lower JPow in sarcopenic individuals adds new information to the existing literature on age-related declines in muscle power. CONCLUSION: Community-dwelling individuals classified as sarcopenic had significantly lower JPow but not muscle strength compared with their counterparts with normal amounts of muscle mass. Jump test variables were positively correlated with lean tissue and lower body muscle strength. Based on our findings, JPow may be useful for sarcopenia screening in the middle-aged and older adults; however, more research is needed to determine the utility of this method in clinical populations.

Comparing the effects of 3 weeks of upper-body vibration training, vibration and stretching, and stretching alone on shoulder flexibility in college-aged men.

This study compared the effects of 3 weeks of upper-body vibration training, vibration and stretching, and stretching alone on shoulder flexibility in college-aged men. Twenty-one men were randomly assigned to vibration-stretching (VS; n = 8), vibration only (VO; n = 6), or stretching only (SO; n = 7) groups that trained 3 times per week for 3 weeks. All 3 groups performed 9 total sets of 30-second stretches. The VS group performed four 30-second upper-body vibration exercises and five 30-second upper-body stretching exercises. The VO group performed nine 30-second upper-body vibration exercises. The SO group performed nine 30-second upper-body stretching exercises. Shoulder flexion (SF), shoulder extension (SE), and shoulder transverse extension (STE) were assessed by a Leighton Flexometer and back scratch tests bilaterally (BSR, BSL) were measured via tape measure. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluated groups at baseline and a 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA evaluated the interventions over time. At baseline, there were no group differences in age, height, or weight. There was a significant (p < 0.01) time main effect for each flexibility outcome variable (SF: +6.1%, +3.9%, +3.4%; SE: +8.9%, +13.5%, +26.9%; STE: +12.8%, +8.7%, +24.3%; BSR: +4.4 cm, +3.4 cm, +3.1 cm; BSL: +3.6 cm, +2.3 cm, +6.1 cm) for SO, VO, and VS, respectively. Shoulder extension was the only variable that showed a significant (p < 0.05) interaction effect for group by time. In conclusion, vibration training, alone or combined with stretching, is a viable alternative to a standard stretching routine when attempting to increase shoulder flexibility. Adding vibration training to a flexibility regimen may improve the likelihood of regularly performing flexibility sessions because of increased variety.

Reliability of the one-repetition maximum test based on muscle group and gender.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of muscle group location and gender on the reliability of assessing the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. Thirty healthy males (n = 15) and females (n = 15) who experienced at least 3 months of continuous resistance training during the last 2 years aged 18-35 years volunteered to participate in the study. The 1RM for the biceps curl, lat pull down, bench press, leg curl, hip flexion, triceps extension, shoulder press, low row, leg extension, hip extension, leg press and squat were measured twice by a trained professional using a standard published protocol. Biceps curl, lat pull down, bench press, leg curl, hip flexion, and squat 1RM's were measured on the first visit, then 48 hours later, subjects returned for their second visit. During their second visit, 1RM of triceps extension, shoulder press, low row, leg extension, hip extension, and leg press were measured. One week from the second visit, participants completed the 1 RM testing as previously done during the first and second visits. The third and fourth visits were separated by 48 hours as well. All four visits to the laboratory were at the same time of day. A high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.91) was found for all exercises, independent of gender and muscle group size or location, however there was a significant interaction for muscle group location (upper body vs. lower body) in females (p < 0.027). In conclusion, a standardized 1RM testing protocol with a short warm-up and familiarization period is a reliable measurement to assess muscle strength changes regardless of muscle group location or gender. Key pointsThe one repetition maximum (1RM) test is considered the gold standard for assessing muscle strength in non-laboratory situations.This study was done to examine the influence of muscle group location and gender on the reliability of assessing the 1RM test.The standardized 1RM testing protocol with a short warm-up and familiarization period is a reliable measurement technique to assess muscle strength changes regardless of muscle group location or gender.

Effects of 4 weeks of traditional resistance training vs. superslow strength training on early phase adaptations in strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity in college-aged women.

This study compared SuperSlow resistance training (SRT) to traditional resistance training (TRT) during early phase adaptations in strength, aerobic capacity, and flexibility in college-aged women. Subjects were randomly assigned to SRT (n = 14); TRT (n = 13); or control (CON; n = 8) groups. To equalize training times, TRT trained 3 times per week for 25 minutes each session, whereas SRT trained twice a week for 35 minutes each session. Both groups trained for 4 weeks, whereas the CON group maintained normal daily activities. Workouts consisted of 5 exercises: shoulder press, chest press, leg press, low row, and lat pull down. The SRT group completed 1 set of each exercise at 50% 1RM until momentary failure with a 10-second concentric and a 10-second eccentric phase. The TRT group completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions at 80% 1RM for each exercise, with 4 seconds of contraction time for each repetition. Groups were statistically similar at baseline. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.01) time main effect for flexibility with the greatest improvements occurring for the training groups (SRT 14.7% and TRT 11%). All strength tests had significant (p ≤ 0.01) time main effects but no group or group by time interactions. Both training groups had large percent improvements in strength compared to CON, but the large variability associated with the SRT group resulted in only the TRT group being significantly different from the CON group. In conclusion, percent improvements were similar for the TRT and SRT groups, but only the TRT group reached statistical significance for the strength improvements, and both groups were equally effective for improving flexibility.

Effect of different types of resistance exercise on arterial compliance and calf blood flow.

Low-intensity blood flow restricted (LI-BFR) resistance training has been shown to produce comparable increases in muscle hypertrophy to traditional high-intensity (HI) resistance training. However, a comparison of the acute vascular responses between the two types of exercise has not been made. The purpose of this study is to compare the acute vascular responses of HI, low-intensity (LI), and LI-BFR resistance exercise. Using a randomized, cross-over design, 11 young (28 ± 5 years) males completed three acute resistance exercise bouts (HI, LI and LI-BFR). Before (Pre), and starting at 15- and 45-min after each exercise bout, large (LAEI) and small (SAEI) artery compliance and calf blood flow were assessed. Calf blood flow was normalized per unit pressure as calf vascular conductance (CVC). Repeated measures (condition × time) ANOVA revealed a main time effect for LAEI and a main condition effect for SAEI. LAEI increased following exercise but returned to baseline at 45-min post. SAEI was greater during the HI condition compared to the LI or LI-BFR conditions. There was a significant condition × time interaction for CVC. CVC was elevated at 15- and 45-min post during the HI condition and at 15-min following the LI condition. CVC was not altered following the LI-BFR condition. These results suggest that HI, LI, and LI-BFR resistance exercise cause similar acute increases in large artery compliance but HI causes greater increases in small artery compliance and calf vascular conductance than LI or LI-BFR resistance exercise.

Effects of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on visfatin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese middle-aged women.

Visfatin is a highly expressed protein with insulin-like functions located predominantly in visceral adipose tissue and has been linked to obesity and increased health risks. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on visfatin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese middle-aged women. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. The training group exercised for 1 hour, 3 days per week during the 12 week supervised training program. The training program included 3 sets of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) resistance exercise as well as aerobic exercise at an intensity of 60-70% of their heart rate reserve (HRR). The control group was asked to maintain their normal daily activities. Two-way (group X time) repeated measured analysis of variance revealed no significant main effects, but there was a significant group X time interaction for the following variables: body weight (p < 0.01), percent body fat (% fat) (p < 0.01), waist hip ratio (WHR) (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05), fasting glucose level (p < 0.01), triglyceride levels (TG) (p < 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C) (p < 0.05), and visfatin (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the 12 week combined resistance and aerobic training program used in this study was very effective for producing significant benefits to body composition and metabolic syndrome factors, as well as lowering visfatin levels in these obese middle-aged women. Key pointsRecent studies have linked visfatin to obesity and increased health risks.The study was done to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on visfatin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese middle-aged women.The exercise program used in this study was found to be very effective for lowering visfatin levels in obese middle-aged women.