Prevention Is Better than Cure-Body Composition and Glycolipid Metabolism after a 24-Week Physical Activity Program without Nutritional Intervention in Healthy Sedentary Women.

Women are generally less active than men; therefore, the search for an attractive form of physical activity that benefits women's health is underway. This study aimed to investigate the influence of a 24-week physical activity program on body composition and indices of carbohydrates and lipid metabolism in sedentary, healthy women. The study comprised 18 female volunteers (mean age 35.0 ± 5.3 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized seven-day food record. Before entering the program and after completing it, each participant's body composition and indices of glycolipid metabolism were measured. Insulin resistance indexes were calculated based on the obtained data. After the physical activity program, significant decreases in body mass and composition, BMI, waist circumference, percentage of fat content, and fat mass were found. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TG), and resistin concentrations, as well as in the mean values of HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD. A substantial increase in adiponectin levels was also found. To conclude, the combined endurance-resistance physical activity program had a beneficial effect on body mass and composition and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal-weight, healthy women. Therefore, we recommend this activity to sedentary young women to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders.

Associated between cognition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and macronutrients in normal and overweight postmenopausal women.

BDNF is a protein associated with cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between BDNF and cognitive functions and the intake of macronutrients in postmenopausal women. For this purpose, 72 postmenopausal women were recruited to the study and divided into two subgroups: overweight/obese and normal weight. Using a 3-day food record, nutrition was assessed. The markers studied were the level of BDNF, which was determined from the venous blood serum collected from women, and selected cognitive functions. We observed that in the normal BMI group macronutrient intake was correlated with BDNF levels, and only total fat and carbohydrate intake were inversely correlated with BDNF levels. There were inverse correlations observed among selected parameters of cognitive functioning. In the Ov/Ob group, macronutrient intake correlated with the BDNF level for several variables, e.g. vice versa with total protein, fat and carbohydrate intake, as well as dietary cholesterol. It has also been noted that there are links between the BDNF factor and excessive body weight.

In search of biomarkers for low back pain: can traction therapy effectiveness be prognosed by surface electromyography or blood parameters?

Background: Lumbar traction therapy is a common method to reduce low back pain (LBP) but is not always effective. The search for biomarkers that would prognose the effectiveness of LBP management is one priority for improving patients' quality of life. Objectives: 1) To determine the phenotype of patients benefiting most from lumbar traction therapy. 2) To correlate systemic and electromyographic biomarkers with pain and pain-related disability. Methods: Data on muscle bioelectrical activity (surface electromyography [SEMG]) in the flexion-extension task, the concentrations of twelve systemic biochemical factors, LBP intensity (Visual Analog Scale), the Oswestry Disability Index, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were collected before and 72 h after 20 sessions of lumbar traction therapy. Patients were divided into responders and nonresponders based on the criterion of a 50% reduction in maximal pain. Results: The responders had lower maximal muscle bioactivity in the extension phase on the left side (p < 0.01) and higher flexion-extension ratios on both sides of the body in the SEMG (left: p < 0.05; right: p < 0.01), and higher adipsin, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 concentrations (p < 0.05) than nonresponders. Patients with higher interleukin-4 concentrations before therapy achieved greater reductions in maximal pain in the sitting position, bioelectrical muscle activity in flexion, and flexion-relaxation ratio on the left side of the body. Changes in adipsin and interleukin-4 concentrations correlated with changes in LBP intensity (r = 0.68; r = -0.77). Changes in stem cell growth factor and interleukin-17A correlated with changes in RMDQ (R = 0.53) and bioelectrical muscle activity in extension (left: R = -0.67; right: R = -0.76), respectively. Conclusion: Responders to traction therapy had SEMG indices of less favorable muscle activity in the flexion-extension task and elevated indices of inflammation before the study. For the first time, interleukin-4 was indicated as a potential biomarker for prognosing post-therapy changes in pain intensity and muscle activity.

Assessment of the Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Polish Professional Futsal Players: A Descriptive Study-Do Futsal Players Require Nutritional Education?

Futsal is a discipline with high training and nutritional requirements. Despite growing research interest in athletes' diet and nutritional status, no studies have examined Polish male futsal players. Therefore, the aim of this descriptive study was an assessment of the dietary intake and nutritional status in a selected group of futsal players. The study comprised 11 members of a top Polish futsal team (aged 26 ± 3.62 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. Body composition, total energy expenditure, physical fitness level, and concentrations of the biochemical indices of each participant were estimated. The energy availability in the diet was lower than recommended. Moreover, low consumption of carbohydrates was stated, as well as an inadequate intake of Vitamins E and D. Higher protein and cholesterol intake than recommended were also observed. To conclude, our results point to the need for educating athletes and coaches, particularly teaching about proper food choices, promoting quality foods, and, in some cases, using individual dietary plans to meet energy and nutrient needs. Nutrition education would help to improve their dietary and health habits and optimize their performance in sports training.

Subjective assessment and biochemical evaluation of traction therapy in women with chronic low back pain: does body mass index matter? A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Apart from the positive effect of lumbar traction on structural changes within the spine in patients with low back pain, it is likely that therapeutic effects are correlated with pain biomarkers in the blood. Among them, systemic metabolic factors related to obesity may play an important role. This is the first study designed to examine the effectiveness of traction therapy in two experimental groups with considerably different BMI and to assess relationships between blood biomarkers and low back pain intensity. METHODS: In the prospective clinical trial, women suffering from chronic low back pain were allocated into the normal-weight or obesity groups. Patients in both groups underwent twenty sessions of lumbar traction therapy (30 min a day, continuous mode with a force level of 25-30% of body weight). Before and after therapy subjective assessments of pain (VAS and PPT) were performed, and serum concentrations of aggrecan chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS-846), neuropeptide Y, leptin, adipsin and growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) were determined. The data were statistically evaluated for 28 women. RESULTS: After therapy, the maximal low back pain decreased in both groups, GDF-15 concentration was reduced in the normal-weight group and increased in the obesity group, and CS-846 concentration decreased in the obesity group. The sensation of PPT in the lumbar spine and mean concentrations of neuropeptide Y, leptin and adipsin did not change in both groups. However, the relationships of GDF-15, leptin, and adipsin concentrations with the perception of pain were revealed. CONCLUSION: Distinct differences between the normal-weight and obesity groups pointed on the role of excessive adipose tissue in aggravating the inflammatory processes and in the development of low back pain. Adipsin, CS-846 and GDF-15 aspire to be the low back pain biomarkers in women with obesity, but there is a need for further research to answer whether they might be considered reliable biomarkers for the prognosis and monitoring of chronic low back treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04507074, registered prospectively on July 6, 2020.

The use of thermal imaging for monitoring the training progress of professional male sweep rowers.

This study assesses the thermal profile of the skin in highly trained rowers and investigates the relationship between resting skin temperature (Ts) and the muscle peak torque (PT) measured in statics at the beginning (autumn) and the end (spring) of the preparatory period. Ten professional male sweep rowers, members of the Polish national rowing team, were investigated. A thermal imaging camera was used to analyze the Ts. The PT of the muscles involved in the rowing cycle were measured isometrically. No significant temperature asymmetries were found, except in front of arms after exercise in the spring (p = 0.0228). In contrast, the PT test in the autumn confirmed the significant asymmetry of the knee joint extensors (p = 0.0192). In spring compared to autumn, Ts in many areas of the body were slightly higher, as was PT of underlying muscles. Significant correlations between resting Ts and PT of the underlying muscles were found. Thermal imaging makes it possible to observe changes in skin temperature and symmetry before and after exercise. At this stage, it does not appear to be a method that, without supporting of other methods such as those assessing muscle function, will allow monitoring of training progress.

Sclerostin and bone remodeling biomarkers responses to whole-body cryotherapy (- 110 °C) in healthy young men with different physical fitness levels.

We investigated the effects of single and repeated exposures to whole-body cryotherapy on biomarkers of bone remodeling and osteo-immune crosstalk: sclerostin, osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx-I), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and free soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand (sRANKL). The study included 22 healthy males, grouped in high physical fitness level (HPhL) and low physical fitness level (LPhL), all undergone 10 consecutive sessions in a cryogenic chamber (- 110 °C). We observed a significant time-effect on sclerostin (p < 0.05), OC (p < 0.01), CTx-I (p < 0.001), OC/CTx-I (p < 0.05), and significant differences in sRANKL between the groups (p < 0.05) after the 1st cryostimulation; a significant time-effect on OC (p < 0.001) and OC/CTx-I (p < 0.001) after the 10th cryostimulation, and a significant time-effect on CTx-I (p < 0.001) and OC/CTx-I (p < 0.01) after 10 sessions of WBC. In conclusion, in young men, the first exposure to extreme cold induced significant changes in serum sclerostin. The changes in sRANKL, between groups, suggest that fitness level may modify the body's response to cold. The effects of the first stimulus and the whole session are not identical, probably due to the physiological development of habituation to cold.

Assessment of Nutrition Status in Amateur Windsurfers during Regattas in the Competitive Period-A Field Study.

Windsurfing is a demanding activity that requires a high level of physical fitness as well as appropriate training and nutritional strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of amateur windsurfers and consider possible dietary mistakes. This field study was conducted among 10 Polish male amateur windsurfers (aged 22 ± 2 years, mean training experience of 9.5 ± 4 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. The total energy expenditure of each participant was estimated using a mobile fitness application. The daily energy supply in assessed portions of the windsurfers' food was lower than the estimated demand during the competition. The contribution of macronutrients to the total energy intake adhered to those guidelines, but not with the ones recommended for athletes practicing extreme sports. Daily fluid consumption was insufficient. In the windsurfers' diet, we noticed low consumption of vitamin D and calcium, while cholesterol, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake was too high. Nutritional practices of amateur windsurfers during the competitive period do not comply with current sports nutrition guidelines. The results suggest that windsurfers are in need of nutritional education and dietary counseling in order to meet macronutrient intake targets.

Evaluation of Fluid Loss and Customary Fluid Intake among a Selected Group of Young Swimmers: A Preliminary Field Study.

This study aimed to assess fluid loss (FL) and customary fluid intake (FI) during a training session, and the relationship between FL and total body water (TBW) content in a selected group of young swimmers. The study involved 17 (seven females, 10 males) individuals whose anthropometric and body composition analyses and FI during training units were carried out. The total average FI and total actual FL oscillated around 531 mL and -513 mL for the whole study group (469 mL and -284 mL for females, 574 mL and -674 mL for males). The dependent and independent sample t-tests, the Cohen's d effect size and Pearson's correlation coefficient were analysed. Significant differences were observed between pre-workout and post-workout body weights after training without FI in the whole group (66.5 kg vs. 66.0 kg, p < 0.001, d = 0.06), in females (61.2 kg vs. 60.9 kg, p = 0.015, d = 0.04) and males (70.3 kg vs. 69.6 kg, p < 0.001, d = 0.9). For the TBW content and fat-free mass (FFM) before and after training, significant differences were observed only in males (TBW: 43.8 L vs. 43.2 L, p = 0.002, d = 0.14; and 62.4% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.001, d = 0.36; FFM: 59.8 kg vs. 59.1 kg, p = 0.002, d = 0.12). Moreover, the relationship between the actual FL and TBW before training was observed in the whole (mL vs. %: r = -0.64, p = 0.006; mL vs. L: r = -0.84, p < 0.001) and the male group (mL vs. L: r = -0.73, p = 0.017). These results indicated FL in young swimmers during training and the relationship between FL and pre-training TBW content, which suggests that it is important to also pay special attention to effective hydration procedures before and during training in aquatic environments.

Effects of marathon race on selected myokines and sclerostin in middle-aged male amateur runners.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the homeostatic response to extreme exercises, especially in the integrated function of muscle and bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a marathon race on selected myokines and sclerostin in 10 male recreational runners (mean age 41 ± 7.7 years). Body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and the serum concentration of myostatin, irisin, sclerostin, osteoprotegerin (OPG), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (hsIL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and myoglobin, were determined 24 h before and 24 h and 72 h after a marathon race. Post-marathon increases were observed in the levels of myostatin (1.2-fold), OPG (1.5-fold), and PTH (1.3-fold), hsIL-6 (1.9-fold), myoglobin (4.1-fold), hsCRP (fivefold), TNFα (2.6-fold), after 24 h; and in myostatin (1.2-fold), irisin (1.1-fold), sclerostin (1.3-fold), OPG (1.3-fold), and PTH (1.4-fold), hsIL-6 (1.4-fold), TNFα (1.9-fold), after 72 h compared to the baseline level. The results show that in response to the marathon run, a complex network of endocrine interactions is initiated. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term impact of prolonged high intensity exercise on the human body.

Assessment of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status in CrossFit-Trained Individuals: A Descriptive Study.

CrossFit is a discipline with high training and nutritional requirements. To date, there is only scarce data evaluating nutrition among CrossFit training and they mostly focus on selected nutritional interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was the assessment of dietary intake and nutritional status in a selected group of CrossFit-trained participants. The study consisted of 62 CrossFit athletes (31 men and 31 women, aged 31.0 ± 5.2 and 30.0 ± 4.3 years, respectively). Body composition was analyzed by electrical bioimpedance. Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. Body fat percentage for females and males was 20.3 ± 4.3% and 13.7 ± 3.3% respectively. The energy intake in the diet was lower (~1700 kcal in women and ~2300 kcal in men) than the recommended demand. Moreover, low consumption of carbohydrates was stated, as well as an inadequate intake of folate, vitamin E (in women), and minerals, such as Fe and Ca (in women). The energy, carbohydrate, iron, and calcium intake in the CrossFit participants' diet was too low in comparison to recommendations. It seems justified to educate athletes and coaches about nutritional habits, and individual energy and nutrients requirements.

Effects of whole-body cryotherapy on 25-hydroxyvitamin D, irisin, myostatin, and interleukin-6 levels in healthy young men of different fitness levels.

Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue play an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and thermogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of single and repeated exposure to whole-body cryotherapy in volunteers with different physical fitness levels on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and myokines. The study included 22 healthy male volunteers (mean age: 21 ± 1.17 years), who underwent 10 consecutive sessions in a cryogenic chamber once daily (3 minutes, -110 °C). Blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes and 24 hours after the first and last cryotherapy sessions. Prior to treatment, body composition and physical fitness levels were measured. After 10 cryotherapy treatments, significant changes were found in myostatin concentrations in the low physical fitness level (LPhL) group. The 25(OH)D levels were increased in the high physical fitness level (HPhL) group and decreased in the LPhL group. The HPhL group had significant changes in the level of high-sensitivity interleukin-6 after the first treatment. The LPhL group had significant changes in 25(OH)D, irisin, and myostatin levels after the tenth treatment. Our data demonstrated that in healthy young men, cryotherapy affects 25(OH)D levels, but they were small and transient. The body's response to a series of 10 cryotherapy treatments is modified by physical fitness level.

Vitamin D and Indices of Bone and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women Subjected to a 12-Week Aerobic Training Program-The Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic walking training on the indices of bone and carbohydrate metabolism in relation to 25(OH)D levels in postmenopausal women that were subjected to the outdoor systematic physical activity. The study was performed in 10 postmenopausal women, who participated in a 12-week Nordic walking exercise program, taking place during spring months (March to June). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the training program. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroksycholekalciferol (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin, glucose, osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and calcium were determined. After the Nordic walking exercise program, a significant increase in the serum levels of 25(OH)D and CTX and a decrease in body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and PTH concentrations were observed. The findings of the present study suggest that 25(OH)D, as important metabolic regulator, plays a role in the modification of bone markers' responses after the outdoor training program, independent of the physical activity effects.

Skeletal Muscle Cell Damage Indicators in Volleyball Players after the Competitive Phase of the Annual Training Cycle.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the competitive phase on physiological and metabolic indices and selected markers of skeletal muscle damage in male volleyball players. The study group consisted of 24 young male volleyball players. During the study, participants underwent two series of measurements, before and after the competitive phase of the annual training cycle. In both study terms, players performed an incremental treadmill running test to determine their ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen uptake. Venous and capillary blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. There was no significant difference in the physical fitness level, values of biochemical variables and the level of antioxidant status in the surveyed athletes between the two study terms. Significant changes within skeletal muscle damage markers were observed between the beginning and the end of the competitive period: an increase in the concentration of cellular DNA damage products (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine; p < 0.0001) and a decrease in muscle activity of creatine kinase (p<0.05). In spite of the increment in cell damage markers, the unaffected level of physiological and biochemical markers may indicate that the experienced cell destruction did not negatively affect the level of physical fitness. When designing the annual training plan, coaches and athletes need to take into consideration that temporary physiological states - oxidative stress and inflammation - may be required to attain training adaptation.

Effects of Nordic Walking on Oxidant and Antioxidant Status: Levels of Calcidiol and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Middle-Aged Women.

OBJECTIVES: Nordic walking (NW) is relatively new and popular type of physical exercise with less studied effects than other sports activities. The aim of the study was to analyze possible changes in somatic indices, oxidant and antioxidant status, interleukins, and calcidiol levels in middle-aged women after a 12-week NW training program. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, we examined the effects of NW training on selected measures and changes in body weight, fat mass, and calcidiol levels. METHODS: The study group consisted of 13 women (46 ± 4.2 years), who took part in trainings. Before and after the training program, some anthropometric indices were determined and selected biochemical parameters were measured in blood. RESULTS: NW training led to a significant decrease of the total body mass and fat mass and to an increase in lean body mass (p < 0.05). It also contributed to a significant increase in total antioxidative status (TAS) and calcidiol levels (p < 0.05). Before training, a reverse correlation between IL-6 and total oxidative capacity (TOC) levels (p < 0.05) was found, while after training between IL-6 and calcidiol levels (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 12-week NW training undertaken by premenopausal women not only has a positive effect on body composition but also on the plasma antioxidative capacity.

Serum irisin and myostatin levels after 2 weeks of high-altitude climbing.

Exposure to high-altitude hypoxia causes physiological and metabolic adaptive changes by disturbing homeostasis. Hypoxia-related changes in skeletal muscle affect the closely interconnected energy and regeneration processes. The balance between protein synthesis and degradation in the skeletal muscle is regulated by several molecules such as myostatin, cytokines, vitamin D, and irisin. This study investigates changes in irisin and myostatin levels in male climbers after a 2-week high-altitude expedition, and their association with 25(OH)D and indices of inflammatory processes. The study was performed in 8 men aged between 23 and 31 years, who participated in a 2-week climbing expedition in the Alps. The measurements of body composition and serum concentrations of irisin, myostatin, 25(OH)D, interleukin-6, myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, osteoprotegerin, and high-sensitivity soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (sRANKL) were performed before and after expedition. A 2-week exposure to hypobaric hypoxia caused significant decrease in body mass, body mass index (BMI), free fat mass and irisin, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels. On the other hand, significant increase in the levels of myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and osteoprotegerin were noted. The observed correlations of irisin with 25(OH)D levels, as well as myostatin levels with inflammatory markers and the OPG/RANKL ratio indicate that these myokines may be involved in the energy-related processes and skeletal muscle regeneration in response to 2-week exposure to hypobaric hypoxia.

Effects of a 6-week Nordic walking training on changes in 25(OH)D blood concentration in women aged over 55.

BACKGROUND: Nordic walking is a form of physical activity recommended for people of all ages and it is used in disease prevention and health promotion. The study was aimed to determine if and in what ways a six-week Nordic walking training program in late autumn may affect 25(OH)D concentration in postmenopausal overweight women. METHODS: Two series of measurements were carried out in a group of 17 women aged 57±4.20 years with low physical activity level. The first series encompassed a 6-week Nordic walking training program at the intensity of 60-70% VO2max. Before and after the training program body composition was determined with a densitometer, and biochemical indices were measured in blood samples drawn at rest. After a year a second series of measurements at rest was carried out to determine whether changes in the vitamin D (25(OH)D) blood level were season-induced or modified by physical activity. RESULTS: The Nordic walking training program contributed to a significant reduction of body mass, percentage fat volume and BMI in the examined women. The mean 25(OH)D concentration in the examined women significantly decreased after 6 weeks of training. No similar vitamin D level changes were observed in the II measurement series. CONCLUSIONS: A six-week Nordic walking training program in late autumn contributed to the lowering of 25(OH)D blood concentration in women after 55 years of age. The decreased 25(OH)D concentration may have been a result of reduced dermal biosynthesis of vitamin D or due to vitamin D contribution to muscle metabolism. This is an indication that vitamin D3 supplementation should be recommended in periods of intense physical activity during months with little insolation, especially to overweight postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D, Iron Metabolism, and Diet in Alpinists During a 2-Week High-Altitude Climb.

A defensive mechanism against hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude is erythropoesis. Some authors point to the contribution of vitamin D to the regulation of this process. The aim of the present study was to assess the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) level and its associations with iron metabolic and inflammatory indices in participants of a 2-week mountaineering expedition. The study sample included 9 alpinists practicing recreational mountain climbing. Every 2 or 3 days they set up a different base between 3200 and 3616 m with the intention of climbing 4000 m peaks in the Mont Blanc massif. Before their departure for the mountains and 2 days after returning to the sea level anthropometric parameters, hematological parameters, serum levels of 25(OH)D and iron metabolic indices were measured in all the participants. The composition of the participants' diet was also evaluated. The comparative analysis showed a significant decrease in body mass, BMI values, total iron, and 25(OH)D concentrations (p<0.05). Also significant increases in unsaturated iron-binding capacity, hematocrit, and C-reactive protein concentrations (p<0.05) were found. It can be concluded that the 2-week climbing expedition contributed to the reduction of 25(OH)D levels and these changes were associated with modulation of immune processes. Moreover, the climbers' diet requires some serious modifications.

Bone mass and bone metabolic indices in male master rowers.

The purpose of this study was to assess bone mass and bone metabolic indices in master athletes who regularly perform rowing exercises. The study was performed in 29 men: 14 master rowers and 15 non-athletic, body mass index-matched controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were performed for the total body, regional areas (arms, total forearms, trunk, thoracic spine, pelvis, and legs), lumbar spine (L1-L4), left hip (total hip and femoral neck), and forearm (33 % radius of the dominant and nondominant forearm). Serum concentrations of osteocalcin, collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide, visfatin, resistin, insulin, and glucose were determined. Comparative analyses showed significantly lower levels of body fat and higher lean body mass values in the rowers compared to the control group. The rowers also had significantly higher values of total and regional (left arm, trunk, thoracic spine, pelvis, and leg) BMD, as well as higher BMD values for the lumbar spine and the left hip. There were significant differences between the groups with respect to insulin, glucose, and the index of homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance. In conclusion, the systematic training of master rowers has beneficial effects on total and regional BMD and may be recommended for preventing osteoporosis.

Serum concentration of visfatin is decreased in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in the role of adipocytokines in cardiovascular pathophysiology. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare visfatin levels, a novel adipokine, in patients with heart failure (HF) due to the left ventricular systolic dysfunction with those in age- and body mass index (BMI) - matched healthy controls in relation to the parameters of glucose metabolism and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 28 males with systolic HF referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing, divided into two subgroups based on their NYHA class (HF patients NYHA(I+II), n=17, and HF patients NYHA(III+IV,) n=11), and 23 controls. The following indices were measured in a serum samples: visfatin, hsCRP, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, and the insulin resistance index HOMA(IR) (homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance) was calculated. RESULTS: Concentrations of visfatin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) in the HF subjects were significantly lower (p≤0.01) than in controls. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences between three groups (controls and both subgroups of heart failure patients) in mean levels of visfatin, hsCRP, glucose, HOMA(IR) and HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Serum visfatin concentrations in patients with systolic HF, particularly with more advanced NYHA classes, are significantly lower in comparison to healthy controls and are independent of age or anthropometric and metabolic parameters.