Association between the relative abundance of phyla actinobacteria, vitamin C consumption, and DNA methylation of genes linked to immune response pathways.

Introduction: There is an emerging body of evidence that vitamin C consumption can modulate microbiota abundance and can also impact DNA methylation in the host, and this could be a link between diet, microbiota, and immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate common CpG sites associated with both vitamin C and microbiota phyla abundance. Methods: Six healthy women participated in this cohort study. They were divided into two groups, according to the amount of vitamin C they ingested. Ingestion was evaluated using the 24-h recall method. The Illumina 450 k BeadChip was used to evaluate DNA methylation. Singular value decomposition analyses were used to evaluate the principal components of this dataset. Associations were evaluated using the differentially methylated position function from the Champ package for R Studio. Results and discussion: The group with higher vitamin C (HVC) ingestion also had a higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria. There was a positive correlation between those variables (r = 0.84, p = 0.01). The HVC group also had higher granulocytes, and regarding DNA methylation, there were 207 CpG sites commonly related to vitamin C ingestion and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. From these sites, there were 13 sites hypomethylated and 103 hypermethylated. The hypomethylated targets involved the respective processes: immune function, glucose homeostasis, and general cellular metabolism. The hypermethylated sites were also enriched in immune function-related processes, and interestingly, more immune responses against pathogens were detected. These findings contribute to understanding the interaction between nutrients, microbiota, DNA methylation, and the immune response.

Acute and short-term beetroot juice nitrate-rich ingestion enhances cardiovascular responses following aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension: A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in blood pressure (BP) levels in the postmenopausal period can be partly explained by the decrease in nitric oxide synthases (NOS). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute and one-week effects of beetroot juice nitrate-rich (BRJ-NO3-rich) ingestion on cardiovascular and autonomic performance in response to submaximal aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who are physically inactive. METHODS: Fourteen postmenopausal women with SAH [mean (SD) age: 59(4) y; BMI (kg/m2): 29.2(3.1)] completed submaximal aerobic exercise bouts after an acute and a one-week intervention with BRJ in a placebo-controlled, randomized, triple-blind, crossover design. Participants ingested either BRJ (800 mg of NO3-) or placebo acutely and drank either BRJ (400 mg of NO3-) or placebo every day for the next six days. After two and ½ hours, they performed a session of aerobic submaximal aerobic exercise, and their systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), heart rate (HR) recovery, and HR variability were measured. RESULTS: In the post-exercise recovery period, SBP dropped significantly in the BRJ-NO3-rich group (-9.28 mmHg [95%CI: -1.68 to -16.88] ES: -0.65, p = 0.019) compared to placebo after acute ingestion. The FMD values increased after acute BRJ-NO3-rich on post-exercise (3.18 % [0.36 to 5.99] ES: 0.87, p = 0.031). After the one-week intervention, FMD values were higher in the BRJ-NO3-rich group before (4.5 % [1.62 to 7.37] ES: 1.21, p = 0.005) and post-exercise measurements (4.2 % [1.52 to 6.87] ES: 1.22, p = 0.004) vs. placebo. HRV indices with remarkable parasympathetic modulation to heart recovered faster on the BRJ-NO3-rich group than placebo group. No between-group differences were identified in values of HR post-exercise recovery in the 30s, 60s, 120s, 180s, and 300s. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and short-term BRJ-NO3-rich ingestion may enhance cardiovascular and autonomic behavior in response to aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women diagnosed with SAH. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05384340.

Fourteen weeks of multicomponent training associated with flexibility training modifies postural alignment, joint range of motion and modulates blood pressure in physically inactive older women: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Body relaxation and pain reduction are some of the reported benefits of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises), however their effects on posture and blood circulation are uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effects of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises) in combination with multicomponent training (MT) on blood pressure (BP), and the correlation with changes in body alignment and flexibility in physically inactive women. Methods: Women aged 60-70 years were into three groups: multicomponent training group (MT), multicomponent training plus flexibility training group (FT), and control group (CG). After randomization, the resting blood pressure was measured and the participants were reallocated into subgroups according to pressure values >130/80 mmHg (This classification is according to the American Heart Association (AHA), resulting in the subgroups: flexibility training (FT); flexibility training for hypertensive patients (FTSAH); multicomponent training (MT); multicomponent training for hypertensive patients (MTSAH); control group (CG); control group of hypertensive patients (CGSAH). The interventions lasted 14 weeks. Systolic (sBP) and diastolic (dBP) BP, range of motion (flexion and extension), and postural analysis by asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, displacement and the flexibility test were collected before (Pre) and after training (Post). In total, 141 women participated in the study (without SAH: FT = 23, MT = 20, and CG = 21; with SAH: FTSAH = 28, MTSAH = 23, and CGSAH = 26). Results: Systolic blood pressure, in the pre and post moments were: FT (116 ± 6.7 vs. 114 ± 4.7); FTSAH (144 ± 16.5 vs. 121 ± 10.1); MT: (120 ± 6.8 vs. 121 ± 7.3); MTSAH: (137 ± 10.6 vs. 126 ± 13.0); CG: (122 ± 5.3 vs. 133 ± 19.2); and CGSAH: (140 ± 9.7 vs. 143 ± 26.2), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 12.00 (<0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. The diastolic blood pressure in the pre and post moments were: FT (71 ± 4.7 vs. 74 ± 6.8); FTSAH (88 ± 9.6 vs. 70 ± 12.0); MT: (74 ± 4.5 vs. 77 ± 11.7); MTSAH: (76 ± 10.4 vs. 76 ± 10.2); CG: (69 ± 7.11 vs. 82 ± 11.4); and CGSAH: (76 ± 13.4 vs. 86.6 ± 7.7), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 8.00 (p < 0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. In the Elastic Net Regression, sBP was influenced by height (ß: -0.044); hip flexion (ß: 0.071); Shoulder extension (ß: 0.104); low back flexion (ß: 0.119) and dBP (ß: 0.115). In the Elastic Net Regression, dBP was influenced by asymmetry in the sagittal plane variables (0.040); asymmetry in the frontal plane (ß: 0.007); knee flexion (ß: -0.398); BM (ß: 0.007); Shoulder flexion (ß: -0.142); Hip flexion (ß: -0.004); sBP (ß: 0.155) and Ankle Flexion (ß: -0.001). Conclusion: The displacement of the asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, and the increase in the flexion position in the hip, lumbar, head, and knee regions, influenced the highest-pressure levels. Multicomponent training associated with flexibility training promoted improvement in body alignment, COM, and joint angles, and decreased blood pressure.

Comparing Fourteen Weeks of Multicomponent Training Versus Combined Training in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Combined (CT) and multicomponent training (MT) presents several benefits for aging individuals. However, the literature does not provide evidence on which of the two physical training models can better enhance improvements in physical capacity and health parameters in middle-aged and older women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of MT and CT on physical capacity, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial assessment, and biochemical profile of physically inactive women aged between 50 and 70 years. METHODS: Participants were randomized into two groups: MT (32 women, 64.2 ± 6.4 years) and CT (39 women, 61.4 ± 4.3 years). Both training sessions had a weekly volume of 180 min, for 14 weeks, with assessments at baseline and after the training period. RESULTS: CT showed better results when compared to MT. In the four evaluation blocks, we noticed differences in the effect size (L = large, M = moderate, S = small, and T = trivial) between the groups in 26 variables in total, highlighting the CT group (L = 11, M = 5, S = 2, and T = 8) compared to the MT group (L = 8, M = 7, S = 7, and T = 4). Our findings showed group-time differences for strength variables using the maximum dynamic repetition test in upper and lower limbs and for agility. The multicomponent training showed improvement in the functional strength of the upper limbs evaluated through the elbow flexion and extension test (p = 0.037), and HDL (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen weeks of CT showed better benefits when compared to MT.

A Single Dose of Beer after Moderate Aerobic Exercise Did Not Affect the Cardiorespiratory and Autonomic Recovery in Young Men and Women: A Crossover, Randomized and Controlled Trial.

Background: Beer is a choice beverage worldwide and is often consumed after sports for social interaction. Beer has been suggested for hydration after exercise, but the effects on cardiovascular and autonomic systems in men and women after effort are unknown. Objectives: We assessed the effect of beer absorption immediately after moderate exercise on heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) and cardiovascular recovery after effort in women and men separately. Methods: This is a crossover, randomized and controlled trial performed on 15 healthy female and 17 male adults submitted to two protocols on two randomized days: (1) Water (350 mL) and (2) Beer (350 mL). The subjects underwent 15 minutes seated at rest, followed by aerobic exercise on a treadmill (five minutes at 50-55% of maximum HR and 25 min 60-65% of maximum HR) and then remained 3 min stood on treadmill and 57 min seated for recovery from the exercise. Water or beer was consumed between four and ten minutes after exercise cessation. Blood pressure, HR and HRV were evaluated before exercise, during exercise and during recovery from exercise. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HRV and HR changes during and following recovery from exercise were similar when women consumed beer or water. HR, systolic and diastolic blood pressures also returned to baseline levels in the beer and water protocols in males. Yet, parasympathetic indices of HRV recovery from exercise were comparable between protocols in males. Conclusions: Ingestion of 300 mL of beer did not significantly affect HRV and cardiovascular parameters following effort. Our data indicate that beer was safe for this population.

Recovery of Nonlinear Heart Rate Variability After Submaximal Exercise in Young Persons With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.

Prior studies have demonstrated that anxiety and depression explain the increase of adverse cardiovascular events an failure to modulate cardiac activity. This study of the nonlinear heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) behavior can provide additional information concerning the autonomic recovery of HR after exercise. The dynamics of these indices in exercise-mediated situations may reveal other ways to assess HRV recovery after physical effort. We studied nonlinear HRV recovery after submaximal exercise in subjects with higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Sixty-six young adults were recruited, and 50 completed the HADS rating scale to quantify their degree of anxiety and depression for later allocation to a suitable group. After experimental procedures, the final sample involved 20 participants (15 female) who were allocated to the group with low HADS scores (LHADS) and 21 (16 female) to the group with high HADS scores (HHADS). We logged HRV data before and during recovery from submaximal aerobic exercise and analyzed this data using symbolic analysis. Young adults with High HADS scores (HHADS) had a slower recovery of the symbolic analysis of HRV via index 2LV% (two like variations) and 2ULV% (two unlike variations) after aerobic exercise. Participants with higher HADS scores presented delayed nonlinear HRV recovery after submaximal exercise.

Corrigendum: Novel Zinc-Related Differentially Methylated Regions in Leukocytes of Women With and Without Obesity.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.785281.].

Novel Zinc-Related Differentially Methylated Regions in Leukocytes of Women With and Without Obesity.

Introduction: Nutriepigenetic markers are predictive responses associated with changes in "surrounding" environmental conditions of humans, which may influence metabolic diseases. Although rich in calories, Western diets could be linked with the deficiency of micronutrients, resulting in the downstream of epigenetic and metabolic effects and consequently in obesity. Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient associated with distinct biological roles in human health. Despite the importance of Zn in metabolic processes, little is known about the relationship between Zn and epigenetic. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the epigenetic variables associated with Zn daily ingestion (ZnDI) and serum Zinc (ZnS) levels in women with and without obesity. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control, non-randomized, single-center study conducted with 21 women allocated into two groups: control group (CG), composed of 11 women without obesity, and study group (SG), composed of 10 women with obesity. Anthropometric measurements, ZnDI, and ZnS levels were evaluated. Also, leukocyte DNA was extracted for DNA methylation analysis using 450 k Illumina BeadChips. The epigenetic clock was calculated by Horvath method. The chip analysis methylation pipeline (ChAMP) package selected the differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Results: The SG had lower ZnS levels than the CG. Moreover, in SG, the ZnS levels were negatively associated with the epigenetic age acceleration. The DMR analysis revealed 37 DMRs associated with ZnDI and ZnS levels. The DMR of PM20D1 gene was commonly associated with ZnDI and ZnS levels and was hypomethylated in the SG. Conclusion: Our findings provide new information on Zn's modulation of DNA methylation patterns and bring new perspectives for understanding the nutriepigenetic mechanisms in obesity.

Effect of Flexibility Training Associated with Multicomponent Training on Posture and Quality of Movement in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Multicomponent training has considerable adherence among older populations, but there is a lack of literature on the benefits of this training on older people's posture. Literature also lacks stretching protocols that work the body in an integrated/unified way and respect the principle of individuality in exercise training. We evaluated the effect of a multicomponent training protocol combined or not with flexibility training in improving the posture and quality of movement in physically inactive older women, according to a score lower than 9.11 in the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly (MBQE). METHODS: 142 participants were evaluated and randomized in three training groups: multicomponent training (MT = 52), multicomponent and flexibility training (MFT = 43), and a control group (CG = 47). We evaluated joint amplitude using goniometry, flexibility with sit and reach and hands behind the back tests, quality of movement with the functional movement screen, and posture using biophotogammetry. RESULTS: The MFT group had 15 parameters-flexibility and posture-with a very large effect size (ES > 1.30) and nine with average ES (0.50-0.79). MT presented two variables with large ES (0.80-1.25) and seven with average ES. CG presented three variables with high ES and five with average ES. Both interventions improved the quality of movement. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that 14 weeks of multicomponent and flexibility training in a group intervention can improve flexibility and posture levels in physically inactive older women.

Quality of Movement Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Physically Inactive Older Women.

The relationship between the quality of movement, considering different global and universal basic patterns of movement and cognition domains in older adults remain unclear. The current study explored this association in physically inactive older women. In total, 187 participants, aged 60-70 years (mean = 64.9, SD = 6.9 years), were recruited from a physical education program in a public university. The older adults performed the following tests: Functional Movement Screen, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Older Adults. The regression analysis showed an association between age (ß = -0.11, 95% confidence interval, CI, [-0.10, 0.30], p = .03); visuospatial abilities (ß = 0.36, 95% CI [0.24, 1.23], p < .001); language (ß = 0.23, 95% CI [0.20, 1.08], p < .001); and orientation domains (ß = 0.13, 95% CI [0.11, 1.22], p = .016) of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Functional Movement Screen. The quality of movement was related to both age and cognitive performance, such as the visuospatial abilities, language, and orientation domains, in physically inactive older women.

Effect of Combined Training on Muscle Co-Activation and Functional Capacity in Older Women: a Pilot Study / Efeito do Treinamento Combinado na Coativação Muscular e Capacidade Funcional em Mulheres Idosas: um Estudo Piloto

Aging is characterized by morphological and functional declines, including impairment in muscle performance and functional capacity. Herein, changes were investigated in strength promoted by combined training and its effects on muscle co-activation in older women. After tree-week adaptation period, thirteen healthy older women (60.2 ± 6.2 years) underwent a 12-week training program, three sessions a week, one hour per session, divided into 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on a treadmill or cycle ergometer and 30 minutes of strength training. Muscle strength tests and cardiopulmonary fitness assessment were performed before and after the intervention. The results herein showed improvements in strength, functional capacity, and lower limb muscle activation, but no differences in muscle co-activation. In conclusion, the data of this study suggest that 12weeks of combined training exercise may not be effective in inducing muscle co-activation but may help prevent or mitigate the decline in muscle performance and functional capacity in the older population. (AU)

O envelhecimento é caracterizado por declínios morfológicos e funcionais, incluindo prejuízo no desempenho muscular e capacidade funcional. Aqui, investigamos as mudanças na força promovidas pelo treinamento combinado e seus efeitos na coativação muscular em mulheres idosas. Após três semanas de adaptação, treze idosas saudáveis (60,2 ± 6,2 anos) realizaram um programa de treinamento por 12 semanas, três sessões semanais, uma hora por sessão, divididas em 30 minutos de exercício aeróbio em esteira ou cicloergômetro e 30 minutos de treinamento de força. Testes de força muscular e avaliação da aptidão cardiopulmonar foram realizados antes e após à intervenção. Nossos resultados mostraram melhorias na força, capacidade funcional e ativação muscular dos membros inferiores, mas nenhuma diferença na coativação muscular. Em conclusão, nossos dados sugerem que 12 semanas de exercícios de treinamento combinado podem não ser eficazes na indução da coativação muscular, mas podem ajudar a prevenir ou diminuir o declínio muscular e a melhora da capacidade funcional na população idosa. (AU)

Stretching and Multicomponent Training to Functional Capacities of Older Women: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The real benefits of stretching when used as training for the older adult population and for developing other physical capacities are still uncertain. Thus, the objective of the present work is to investigate the effects of stretching training combined with multi-component training on the physical capacities of physically inactive older women. METHODS: Women aged 60 to 70 years were randomized into three groups: multicomponent training (MT), multicomponent training combined with flexibility training (CT), and control group (CG). Both training interventions were carried out for 14 weeks, with two weekly sessions. Participants were assessed for agility, muscle strength (sitting and standing and elbow flexion/extension), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Multicomponent training with flexibility presented a very large effect on the variables of strength, agility, and aerobic fitness, while multicomponent training had a medium effect on agility and a large and very large effect on muscle strength variables. This is the first study in the literature to analyze the effect of flexibility training, associated with multicomponent training, on other physical capacities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that adding flexibility training to a multicomponent training program generates additional benefits to the development of other physical capacities.

Associação de dor crônica com força, níveis de estresse, sono e qualidade de vida em mulheres acima de 50 anos / Asociación de dolor crónico con fuerza, niveles de estrés, sueño y calidad de vida en mujeres mayores de 50 años / Association of chronic pain with strength, levels of stress, sleep and quality of life in women over 50 years

RESUMO A literatura apresenta a necessidade de investigar as dores osteoarticulares crônicas em idosos, uma vez que essas influenciam negativamente parâmetros biopsicossociais. Entender a relação entre as dimensões da dor e parâmetros de saúde dos indivíduos acometidos é necessário para melhor abordagem preventiva e terapêutica. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de identificar relações entre níveis de dores crônicas e força, qualidade de vida, estresse e sono em mulheres (as mais acometidas pelas dores osteoarticulares crônicas). Foram recrutadas participantes de um programa de educação física para idosos, com idade entre 50 e 70 anos. A dor foi avaliada por meio de um instrumento multidimensional. Foram avaliados também estado cognitivo global, nível de atividade física, qualidade de vida, estresse e sono. A força muscular das participantes foi analisada por meio do teste de sentar e levantar e do teste de flexão e extensão de cotovelo. Participaram 56 mulheres, com média de idade de 63,7±7,7 anos, e 28,7±4,7kg/m2 de índice de massa corporal (IMC). A maior parte das participantes relatou sentir dor (89,2%); 21,4% relataram dor nos membros inferiores e 67,8% relataram dor nos membros superiores. A dimensão sensorial de dor foi associada ao estresse, mas não às demais variáveis, que não se relacionaram a nenhum dos aspectos da dor. Além disso, pode haver influência da idade na interpretação da dor avaliativa.

RESUMEN La literatura presenta la necesidad de investigar los dolores osteoarticulares crónicos en ancianos, ya que estos dolores influencian negativamente parámetros biopsicosociales. Entender la relación entre las dimensiones del dolor y los parámetros de salud de los individuos afectados es necesario para un mejor enfoque preventivo y terapéutico. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de identificar relaciones entre niveles de dolores crónicos y fuerza, calidad de vida, estrés y sueño en mujeres (las más acometidas por los dolores osteoarticulares crónicos). Se reclutaron participantes de un programa de educación física para ancianos, con edad entre 50 y 70 años. El dolor fue evaluado por medio de un instrumento multidimensional. Se evaluaron también el estado cognitivo global, el nivel de actividad física, la calidad de vida, el estrés y el sueño de las participantes. La fuerza muscular fue analizada por medio de la prueba de sentarse y levantarse y de la prueba de flexo-extensión de codos. Participaron de la investigación 56 mujeres, con media de edad de 63,7±7,7 anos, y 28,7±4,7kg/m2 de índice de masa corporal (IMC). La mayoría de las participantes relató sentir dolor (89,2%); el 21,4% relató dolor en los miembros inferiores y el 67,8% relató dolor en los miembros superiores. La dimensión sensorial del dolor se asoció al estrés, pero no a las demás variables, que no se relacionaron a ninguno de los aspectos del dolor. Además, puede haber influencia de la edad en la interpretación del dolor evaluativo.

ABSTRACT The literature presents the need for investigations related to the chronic osteoarticular pains of older adults, which are more prevalent in women, since they negatively influence biopsychosocial parameters. To understand the relationship between pain dimensions and health parameters of these individuals is necessary for a better preventive and therapeutic approach. This study aims to identify associations between levels of chronic pain and levels of strength, quality of life, stress and sleep in women. Participants were recruited from a physical education program for older adults, aged between 50 and 70 years. Pain was assessed using a multidimensional instrument on pain parameters. Global cognitive status, physical activity level, quality of life, stress and sleep were also assessed. The muscular strength of the participants was analyzed using the sit up test and the elbow flexion and extension test. The participants were 56 women, mean age 63.7±7.7 years, and 28.7±4.7 kg/m2 body mass index (BMI). Most participants reported feeling pain (89.2%), 21.4% reported lower limb pain, and 67.8% reported experiencing upper limb pain. The sensory dimension of pain was associated with stress, but not with the other variables, which were not related to any aspects of pain. In addition, there may be an influence of age in the interpretation of evaluative pain.