Iron status determined changes in health measures induced by nordic walking with time-restricted eating in older adults- a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study evaluated whether stored iron determines the adaptive response induced by Nordic walking (NW) training combined with 10 hours' time-restricted eating (TRE) in older adults. TRIAL DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four participants underwent 12-week NW training supported by 10 h of TRE. The group was divided due to baseline ferritin concentration low < 75 ng/ml (LF) and high level ≥ 75 ng/ml (HF). Body composition, physical fitness and blood collection were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: NW + TRE induced a statistically significant decrease in ferritin levels in all participants (p = 0.01). Additionally, statistically significant intergroup differences in the LF vs. HF in the reduction of serum ferritin levels (p = 0.04) were observed. The procedure NW + TRE diminished HbA1c levels (p < 0.01) and glucose in all participants (p = 0.05). The range of HbA1c drop was more pronounced among those participants who experienced a greater decrease in the stored iron (p = 0.04, [Formula: see text]=0.17, F=4.59). Greater changes in body weight and percent of body fat were recorded in the HF group (for both p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Body iron stores determine the effects of a 12-week NW + TRE intervention on serum ferritin. The changes in HbA1c are more pronounced in subjects with a higher decrease in serum ferritin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: All experimental protocols were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Regional Medical Society in Gdansk, Poland (NKBBN/330/2021) according to the Declaration of Helsinki. We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The trial was registered as a clinical trial (NCT05229835, date of first registration: 14/01/2022, direct link: https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT05229835 ). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

The Effect of a Six-Week Nordic Walking Training Cycle on Oxidative Damage of Macromolecules and Iron Metabolism in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Remission-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic malignancy originating from clonal plasma cell proliferation within the bone marrow, predominantly affecting older individuals. While anemia serves as a diagnostic criterion for MM, it often ameliorates upon achieving disease remission. Iron metabolism parameters have emerged as potential prognostic indicators in MM. Notably, physical exercise has been established to influence iron metabolism. This study aimed to assess alterations in serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin concentrations, as well as leukocyte gene expression, in MM patients undergoing a six-week cycle of Nordic walking training. Thirty patients divided into an exercise group (NW, n = 15, mean age 63.1 ± 8.4 years) and a control group (CG, n = 15, mean age: 63.5 ± 3.6 years) completed the study protocol. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after three and six weeks of training, and after nine weeks. Serum ferritin, transferrin, and iron concentrations were measured, along with the leukocyte expression of genes. Additionally, serum oxidative damage marker levels were determined. Following the Nordic walking training cycle, a declining trend in serum ferritin concentrations was observed. Intracellular mRNA levels of genes associated with iron metabolism were positively influenced by the training regimen, indicating the potential impact of this physical activity on gene expression and ferritin concentrations. Although positive trends were noted, extended training periods might be requisite for significant changes. To conclude, moderate-intensity exercise induces favorable shifts in the analyzed parameters among MM patients, potentially influencing disease progression. Consequently, Nordic walking training is a safe recommendation for MM patients, though sustained training beyond six weeks could be necessary for notable effects on iron metabolism factors.

Nordic Walking training in BungyPump form improves cognitive functions and physical performance and induces changes in amino acids and kynurenine profiles in older adults.

Introduction: Although impacts of physical activity on cognitive functions have been intensively investigated, they are still far from being completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of the Nordic Walking training with BungyPump resistance poles (NW-RSA) on the amino acid and kynurenine profiles as well as selected myokine/exerkine concentrations, which may modify the interface between physical and cognitive functions. Methods: A group of 32 older adults participated in the study. Before and after the intervention, body composition, cognitive functions, and physical performance were assessed. Blood samples were taken before and 1 h after the first and last sessions of the NW-RSA training, to determine circulating levels of exercise-induced proteins, i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, kynurenine (KYN), metabolites, and amino acids. Results: The NW-RSA training induced a significant improvement in cognitive functions and physical performance as well as a reduction in fat mass (p = 0.05). Changes were accompanied by a decline in resting serum BDNF (p = 0.02) and a slight reduction in irisin concentration (p = 0.08). Still, changes in irisin concentration immediately after the NW-RSA intervention depended on shifts in kynurenine-irisin dropped as kynurenine increased. The kynurenine-to-tryptophan and phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratios decreased significantly, suggesting their possible involvement in the amelioration of cognitive functions. No changes of glucose homeostasis or lipid profile were found. Shifts in the concentrations of selected amino acids might have covered the increased energy demand in response to the NW-RSA training and contributed to an improvement of physical performance. Conclusion: Regular Nordic Walking training with additional resistance (BungyPump) improved cognitive functions and physical performance. These positive effects were associated with a reduced BDNF concentration and kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio as well as changes in the amino acid profile.

Eight-Day Fast and a Single Bout of Exercise: The Effect on Serum Methylarginines and Amino Acids in Men.

Changes in serum concentration of methylarginines and amino acids after exercise are well documented, whereas the effects of exercise applied together with fasting are still debated and not thoroughly studied. Thus, we hypothesised that alterations in methylarginines such as ADMA, SDMA and L-NMMA might be responsible for decreased exercise performance after 8 days of fasting. Additionally, we propose that conditions in which the human body is exposed to prolonged fasting for more than a week elicit a distinctly different response to exercise than after overnight fasting. A group of 10 healthy men with previous fasting experience participated in the study. The exercise test was performed until exhaustion with a gradually increasing intensity before and after the 8-day fast. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after exercise. ADMA, SDMA, L-NMMA, dimethylamine and amino acids were analysed in serum samples by ID-LC-MS/MS. SDMA, L-NMMA and dimethylamine significantly decreased after 8 days of fasting, whereas ADMA did not change. BCAA, Phe, alanine and some other amino acids increased after fasting. Exercise-induced changes in amino acids were distinct after an 8-day fast compared to overnight fasting. A decrease in physical performance accompanied all of these alterations. In conclusion, our data indicate that neither methyl-arginine changes nor the Trp/BCAA ratio can explain exercise-induced fatigue after fasting. However, the observed decrease in hArg concentration suggests the limited synthesis of creatine, possibly contributing to reduced physical performance.

The Role of Increased Expression of Sirtuin 6 in the Prevention of Premature Aging Pathomechanisms.

Sirtuins, in mammals, are a group of seven enzymes (SIRT1-SIRT7) involved in the post-translational modification of proteins-they are considered longevity proteins. SIRT6, classified as class IV, is located on the cell nucleus; however, its action is also connected with other regions, e.g., mitochondria and cytoplasm. It affects many molecular pathways involved in aging: telomere maintenance, DNA repair, inflammatory processes or glycolysis. A literature search for keywords or phrases was carried out in PubMed and further searches were carried out on the ClinicalTrials.gov website. The role of SIRT6 in both premature and chronological aging has been pointed out. SIRT6 is involved in the regulation of homeostasis-an increase in the protein's activity has been noted in calorie-restriction diets and with significant weight loss, among others. Expression of this protein is also elevated in people who regularly exercise. SIRT6 has been shown to have different effects on inflammation, depending on the cells involved. The protein is considered a factor in phenotypic attachment and the migratory responses of macrophages, thus accelerating the process of wound healing. Furthermore, exogenous substances will affect the expression level of SIRT6: resveratrol, sirtinol, flavonoids, cyanidin, quercetin and others. This study discusses the importance of the role of SIRT6 in aging, metabolic activity, inflammation, the wound healing process and physical activity.

The effects of a single and a series of Finnish sauna sessions on the immune response and HSP-70 levels in trained and untrained men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a Finnish sauna on the immune status parameters. The hypothesis was that hyperthermia would improve immune system's functioning by changing the proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations and would activate heat shock proteins. We assumed that the responses of trained and untrained subjects would be different. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy men (20-25 years old) were divided into groups: the trained (T; n = 10), and the untrained group (U; n = 10). All participants were subjected to 10 baths (each one consisted of: 3 × 15-minute exposure with cooled down for 2 min. Body composition, anthropometric measurements, VO2 peak were measured before 1st sauna bath. Blood was collected before the 1st and 10th sauna bath, and 10 min after their completion to asses an acute and a chronic effect. Body mass, rectal temperature and heart rate (HR) were assessed in the same time points. The serum levels of cortisol, Il-6, HSP70 were measured with use of ELISA method, IgA, IgG and IgM by turbidimetry. White blood cells (WBC), leukocyte populations counts: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils were determined with use of flow cytometry as well as T-cell subpopulations. RESULTS: No differences were found in the increase in rectal temperature, cortisol and immunoglobulins between groups. In response to the 1st sauna bath, a greater increase in HR was observed in the U group. After the last one, the HR value was lower in the T group. The impact of sauna baths on WBC, CD56+, CD3+, CD8+, IgA, IgG and IgM was different in trained and untrained subjects' responses. A positive correlation between the increase in cortisol concentrations and increase in internal temperatures after the 1st sauna was found in the T (r = 0.72) and U group (r = 0.77), between the increase in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations in the T group after the 1st treatment (r = 0.64), between the increase in IL-10 concentration and internal temperature (r = 0.75) and between the increase in IL-6 and IL-10 (r = 0.69) concentrations, also. CONCLUSIONS: Sauna bathing can be a way to improve the immune response, but only when it is undertaken as a series of treatments.

Effects of Elevated Body Temperature on Selected Physiological Indices and Thermal Stress in Athletes and Non-Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of active and passive overheating. A group of athletes (A) and non-athletic men (N) underwent an exercise stress test at elevated ambient temperature and sauna bathing until an increase in rectal temperature of 1.2°C was observed. It was shown that group A performed physical exercise for a longer period of time, which elicited significantly higher amounts of work performed in the stress test. Both forms of overheating caused a significant decrease in BM and a significant change in plasma volume, while greater dehydration was observed after active overheating. Changes observed in group A were higher than in group N. MCV levels were initially higher in group A. The levels in both groups decreased after sauna bathing, although in non-athletes the decrease was greater. Both forms of overheating increased Hb, HCT, and SBP, while only the non-athletic group showed a decrease in DBP after the exercise stress test. However, a decrease in DBP was observed in both groups after sauna bathing. The PSI increased after both tests, yet to a higher extent after the stress test than after sauna bathing. The PSI was negatively correlated with VO2max in both groups. The increase in cortisol concentration was higher after sauna bathing. There was a correlation between cortisol levels and the work performed during the stress test in group A. Endurance training resulted in more efficient thermoregulatory mechanisms in athletes.

Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Serum Levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cortisol in Young, Healthy Women.

Vibration exercises on a platform (whole-body vibration, WBV), widely used in rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness, is an alternative to strength effort. The presented study assessed the effect of a 12-week cycle of vibration training on the serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cortisol in young women (trial ID: ACTRN 12621000114842). Volunteers were assigned to three groups: performing exercises on a vibrating platform (n = 17), performing identical exercises without a platform (n = 12), and passive control group (n = 17). The concentration of BDNF and cortisol was assessed four times: before the first training session, 5 min after it, also before, and 5 min after the last training session. There were no statistically significant changes in the groups or among groups for both substances. WBV in the presented form did not increase the secretion of BDNF and is not a stressful stimulus.

Differences in the Pro/Antioxidative Status and Cellular Stress Response in Elderly Women after 6 Weeks of Exercise Training Supported by 1000 mg of Vitamin C Supplementation.

Vitamin C supplementation and exercise influence pro/antioxidative status and the cellular stress response. We tested the effects of exercise training for 6 weeks, supported by 1000 mg of vitamin C supplementation in elderly women. Thirty-six women were divided into two groups: a control group (CON) (n = 18, age 69.4 ± 6.4 years, 70.4 ±10.4 kg body mass) and a supplemented group (SUPP) (n = 18, aged 67.7 ± 5.6 years, body mass 71.46 ± 5.39 kg). Blood samples were taken twice (at baseline and 24 h after the whole period of training), in order to determine vitamin C concentration, the total oxidative status/capacity (TOS/TOC), total antioxidant status/capacity (TAS/TAC), and gene expression associated with cellular stress response: encoding heat shock factor (HSF1), heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A), heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). We observed a significant increase in TOS/TOC, TAS/TAC, and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in the SUPP group. There was a significant decrease in HSPA1A in the CON group and a different tendency in the expression of HSF1 and TNF-α between groups. In conclusion, vitamin C supplementation enhanced the pro-oxidation in elderly women with a normal plasma vitamin C concentration and influenced minor changes in training adaptation gene expression.

Changes in Skin Microcirculation Resulting from Vibration Therapy in Women with Cellulite.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is a cosmetic defect that affects over 80% of post-pubertal women. One of its pathomechanisms involves microvascular dysfunction. It has been suggested that vibration is a physical stimulus that may improve circulation in the skin and muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local vibration on cutaneous microcirculation and on eliminating the symptoms of cellulite in women. METHODS: A total of 57 healthy women with at least grade 1 cellulite were recruited and divided into four groups differing by treatment time (30' or 60') and position (sitting or lying) during the vibration treatments. Participants took part in 15 vibrotherapy sessions. Body composition, selected circumferences, cellulite grade, and thermographic images of buttocks and thighs were recorded. RESULTS: Significant changes in skin temperature were observed in both studied areas after the first and last treatments in each group. A significant decrease in cellulite grade was observed after a series of treatments. The strongest effects were observed for the sitting position with a treatment time of 60 min. CONCLUSION: Vibration treatment improves microcirculation in cellulite-affected areas. Over time, no adaptation was observed, and subsequent treatments maintained the beneficial effects. Extending the treatment time increased its influence on the microcirculation in the skin.

Different Changes in Adipokines, Lipid Profile, and TNF-Alpha Levels between 10 and 20 Whole Body Cryostimulation Sessions in Individuals with I and II Degrees of Obesity.

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. While cold therapy influences the pro/antioxidative status of an individual, by affecting adipokine levels and the lipid profile, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the response to cold exposure is unclear. We analyzed the link between BMI and the differences in effects of whole-body stimulation, depending on the number of treatments, on specific physiological parameters in men. Twenty-seven non-active men were divided into three groups: N (n = 9, BMI < 24.9), IOb (n = 9, BMI 30.0-34.9), and IIOb (BMI ≥ 35.0). The subjects participated in 20 3-min cryochamber sessions (-120 °C), 1/day, 5 days/week. Body composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Blood adiponectin (ADP), leptin (LEP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and the lipid profile were analyzed three times: at baseline and up to 2 h after 10 and 20 sessions. The 20 treatments caused significant changes in body composition. Between 10 and 20 whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) sessions, a significant decreased was observed in the LEP and TNF-alpha levels. No significant changes in the lipid profile were noted. However, a positive tendency to regain the metabolic balance in adipose tissue was apparent in the IOb group in the tested period (decreased TG levels, increased HDL levels or the HDL/LDL ratio, and significantly decreased visceral adiposity index levels). Collectively, for people with obesity increasing the number of treatments above the standard 10 should be recommended.

Fasting and Exercise Induce Changes in Serum Vitamin D Metabolites in Healthy Men.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays pleiotropic roles in the body and hence, changes in its metabolism and distribution during starvation could play an important role in the adaptive response to famine. We aimed to identify the responses of some vitamin D metabolites to 8 d of fasting and exercise. METHODS: A repeated-measures design was implemented, in which 14 male volunteers fasted for 8 d and performed an exercise test before and after fasting. Serum samples were collected on day 1 after night fasting and after 8 d of complete food restriction, before and 1 h and 3 h after exercise. RESULTS: After 8 d of fasting, compared with baseline values, serum 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased; those of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 were unaffected; and those of 25(OH)D2 decreased. Exercise on the first day of fasting induced an increase in serum 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels, while exercise performed after 8 d of fasting induced an increase in 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, 25(OH)D2, and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels. CONCLUSION: Increases in 24,25(OH)2D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels imply that fasting stimulates vitamin D metabolism. The effects of exercise on serum vitamin D metabolites, which are most pronounced after fasting and in subjects with serum 25(OH)D3 above 25 ng/mL, support the notion that fasting and exercise augment vitamin D metabolism.

Complex effects of whole body cryostimulation on hematological markers in patients with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Adaptation, including changes in blood properties, to whole-body cryostimulation may depend on many factors, including body mass. AIM: This study investigates whether hematological parameters change similarly in a group of people with obesity and a group of men with normal body weight after 10 and 20 cryostimulation treatments. METHODS: In our non-randomized trial, the participants were divided into two groups based on their body fat percentage: 14 men with a high (HBF = 29.35%) and 10 with a normal percent of body fat (NBF = 11.40%) and subjected to 20 whole body cryostimulation treatments (-120°C for 2-3 minutes). Blood samples were taken before the first and after the 10th and 20th cryostimulation. The following parameters were determined: red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), red blood cell distribution width (RDW-SD), mean platelet volume (MPV), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EO) and basophiles (BASO). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in red blood cells parameters such as RBC, HCT, MCV and MCHC. Time influence was noted for HCT, MCV and MCHC. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant correlation (for time and group) for 2 paramateres: RBC and MCV. For platelet parameters statistically significant differences were found for PLT (group influence) and MPV (time and group interaction). In white blood cells parameters statistically significant differences in levels of LYMPH were noted. Higher levels were observed for HBF group. CONCLUSIONS: All observed changes were within the reference range, but hematological markers changed unevenly in people who are obese and non-obese. Therefore, it appears that an amount of fat tissue could be a factor causing the differences in adaptation to low temperature. It is suggested that 20 whole body cryostimulation sessions restore the state of homeostasis disturbed after 10 sessions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN 12619000524190.

Effect of 8-Day Fasting on Leukocytes Expression of Genes and Proteins Involved in Iron Metabolism in Healthy Men.

The popularity of fasting and restricted food intake is increasing. While the body's adaptability to dietary insufficiency is crucial for health, molecular mechanisms of adaptive changes are not well understood. Here, we compared the effects of fasting and exercise on the expression of leukocyte genes and proteins involved in the storage, export, and acquisition of iron, an essential element with physiological roles. Healthy men participated in the study (age, 30-70 years; body weight, 60-100 kg; body mass index, 20-29.9 kg/m2). The participants performed an exercise test with a gradually increasing intensity until the individual maximum exercise capacity was reached, before and after 8-d fast. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 h after exercise. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein levels were analyzed by immunobloting. Eight days of total starvation diet affected the body composition and decreased exercise capacity. Further, fasting decreased the expression of genes associated with iron storage and export, and increased the expression of genes involved in iron acquisition. Conversely, only PCBP2 protein increased after fasting; however, an upward trend was apparent for all proteins. In conclusion, the body adapts to starvation by adjusting iron economy.

Beneficial effects of whole-body cryotherapy on glucose homeostasis and amino acid profile are associated with a reduced myostatin serum concentration.

The study investigated the effect of single and chronic (10 sessions) whole-body cryotherapy (WBC; 3-min, - 110 °C) on amino acid (AA) profile, myostatin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin and adiponectin in relation to glucose homeostasis. Thirty-five, healthy men were randomly split into experimental (young: 28 ± 7 years and middle-aged: 51 ± 3 years) and control groups. Blood samples were taken before and 1 h after the first and last (10th) WBC session. Baseline myostatin correlated significantly with visceral fat area, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and irisin (all p < 0.05). The single session of WBC induced temporary changes in AA profile, whereas chronic exposure lowered valine and asparagine concentrations (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively) compared to the baseline. The chronic WBC reduced fasting glucose (p = 0.04), FGF21 (- 35.8%, p = 0.06) and myostatin (-18.2%, p = 0.06). Still, the effects were age-dependent. The decrease of myostatin was more pronounced in middle-aged participants (p < 0.01). Concentrations of irisin and adiponectin increased in response to chronic WBC, while BDNF level remained unchanged. By improving the adipo-myokine profile, chronic WBC may reduce effectively the risk of the metabolic syndrome associated with hyperinsulinemia, increased levels of valine and asparagine, and muscle atrophy.

Effect of six weeks 1000 mg/day vitamin C supplementation and healthy training in elderly women on genes expression associated with the immune response - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the effects of supplementation and exercise on the expression of genes associated with inflammation like CCL2, CRP, IL1, IL6, IL10 mRNA in elderly women. METHODS: Twenty four participants divided randomly into two groups were subjected to 6 weeks of the same health training program (three times per week). SUP group (supplemented, n = 12, mean age 72.8 ± 5.26 years and mean body mass 68.1 ± 8.3 kg) received 1000 mg of Vitamin C/day during the training period, while CON group (control, n = 12, mean age 72.4 ± 5.5 years and body mass 67.7 ± 7.5 kg) received placebo. RESULTS: No significant changes in IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and CRP mRNA were observed within and between groups. However, there was a clear tendency of a decrease in IL-6 (two-way ANOVA, significant between investigated time points) and an increase in IL-10 mRNA noted in the supplemented group. A significant decrease in CCL2 mRNA was observed only in the CON group (from 2^0.2 to 2^0.1, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded, that 6 weeks of supplementation and exercise was too short to obtain significant changes in gene expression in leukocytes, but supplementation of 1000 mg vitamin C positively affected IL-6 and IL-10 expression - which are key changes in the adaptation to training. However, changes in body mass, IL1 and CCL2 were positive in CON group. It is possible that Vitamin C during 6 weeks of supplementation could have different effects on the expression of individual genes involved in the immune response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Blood pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in young men with class II obesity after 20 sessions of whole body cryostimulation: a preliminary study.

Objectives: In obesity, there is a shift in the pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance towards the oxidationreactions. However, it has been shown that in people with normal body composition, after a series of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), the balance shifts in the opposite direction. Design: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of 20 WBC treatments on blood pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Interventions: Study included 14 obese (BMI > 35) and 10 non-obese volunteers. Methods: The total antioxidative (TAS/TAC) and pro-oxidative status (TOS/TOC) in serum and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes were determined before the first and 2 hours after the last cryostimulation. Results: In the obese group, a significantly higher level of TOS/TOC, and its significant decrease after the WBC series, was observed. Cryotherapy had no influence on TAS/TAC level which was similar in both groups. Changes in activity of antioxidant enzymes were multidirectional. An increase in CAT activity in the obese group was observed. OSI, both before and after a series of treatments, was significantly higher in obese subjects. Conclusions: A beneficial effect on the level of TOS/TOC and CAT activity was indicated, but the proposed number of treatments for patients with class II obesity turned out to be insufficient. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12619000524190.

Habitually inactive physically - a proposed procedure of counteracting cognitive decline in women with diminished insulin sensitivity through a high-intensity circuit training program.

This study verified the impact of five weeks of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on changes in concentration of exerkines in relation to cognitive functions. Sedentary women (n = 33; age=39±13 years) were randomly assigned into the HICT (n = 21) group or the control group (n = 12). The HICT group performed 15 training sessions; meanwhile, the control group performed the HICT twice, only at baseline and at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected before, 1 h and 24 h after the first and last HICT, to evaluate the concentration of exerkines: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cathepsin B (CATB) using enzyme immunoassay method. Cognitive functions and quality of life were assessed using the Vienna Test System and the Short Form Health Survey. HICT induced improvement of cognitive function and quality of life, and these changes were accompanied by an increase of BDNF and shifts in CATB concentration. HICT program caused a decrease in FGF-21 concentration, which was modified by age and insulin sensitivity. The improvement of cognitive functions was more pronounced in females, who experienced a drop in FGF-21. In summary, HICT program, that can be performed during pandemic, enhanced cognitive functions and this response was related to changes in exerkines.

Nail Changes in Lichen Planus: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory condition that can affect skin, mucous membranes, hair follicles, and/or nails. Nail abnormalities are estimated to occur in around 10% of LP cases. Clinical characteristics of nail involvement have been the subject of very few studies, which have mainly focused on isolated nail LP. OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe nail alterations in patients with LP. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) were included in the study. The diagnosis of LP was histologically confirmed in each case. Onychomycosis was excluded in each patient. RESULTS: Nail lesions were present in 21 (28%) patients (mean age 58.1 ± 12.55 years) with CLP. On an average, patients had 9.38 nails affected. A slight female preponderance was noted (57%). Nail involvement was independent of age, gender, presence of pruritus, the affected skin area, or the duration of CLP. The most common finding in the fingernails (n = 122) was longitudinal ridging (85.2%), followed by nail plate thinning (38.2%) and onycholysis (17.2%). Pterygium formation (6.6%) and red lunulae (8.2%) were limited to the fingernails. In the fingernails, matrix involvement (98.4%) was more frequent than nail bed involvement (27%). The most common finding in the toenails (n = 75) was hyperkeratosis (82.7%) with yellowish discoloration (69.3%). No cases of trachyonychia or anonychia were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Nail abnormalities in patients with CLP may be more common than initially assessed. Rare formation of pterygium and absence of anonychia in patients with predominant cutaneous involvement might point at mild course of the nail disease in such cases.

Dermoscopy of discoid lupus erythematosus - a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) may lead to disfiguring scarring and permanent hair loss. Dermoscopy may serve as a noninvasive tool useful in the preliminary diagnosis of hair loss and inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of the paper was to summarize and analyze the dermoscopic features of DLE lesions in various anatomical locations. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was performed using the search terms: 'lupus' OR 'discoid lupus' OR 'cutaneous lupus' combined with 'dermoscopy' OR 'dermatoscopy' OR 'videodermoscopy' OR 'videodermatoscopy' OR 'trichoscopy' OR 'mucoscopy' OR 'onychoscopy'. RESULTS: About 29 out of 318 initially identified papers were included in the analysis. In scalp DLE (n = 166), the most common findings were: white structureless areas (62%), arborizing vessels (57.8%), white scales (54.2%), follicular keratotic plugs (47%), absent follicular openings (45.8%), perifollicular scaling (43.9%), pink-white background (40.4%), speckled brown pigmentation (38%), and fibrotic white dots (33.7%). In non-scalp DLE (n = 129), the most frequent features were: follicular keratotic plugs (66.7%), white perifollicular halo (65.9%), white scale (39.5%), speckled brown pigmentation (38.8%), white structureless areas (37.2%), and arborizing vessels (34.9%). There are scarce data in the literature on dermoscopic findings in labial (n = 8), mucosal (n = 3) and ungual DLE (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: DLE is characterized by a wide variety of dermoscopic findings with variable frequencies depending on the location of the lesions. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in order to reliably assess frequencies, correlation with disease stage and significance of individual dermoscopic features.