Combined effects of sleep and objectively-measured daily physical activity on arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.

Although sleep quality and physical activity (PA) may influence on arterial stiffness, the combined effects of these two factors on arterial stiffness remain unknown. A total of 103 healthy middle-aged and older men and women (aged 50-83 years) with no history of cardiovascular disease and depression were included in this study. Arterial stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV). Poor sleepers were defined as those with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of >5.5. Using an accelerometer for seven consecutive days, low levels of PA were defined as low moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) <19.0 min/day and low step counts <7100 steps/day, respectively. Poor sleepers with low PA levels, as determined by MVPA and daily steps, showed higher cfPWV, but not faPWV or baPWV, in middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, in the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analyses adjusted for age, obesity, dyslipidemia, and sedentary behavior, the cfPWV result remained significant. Our study revealed that the coexistence of poor sleep quality and decreased PA (low MVPA or daily steps) might increase central arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults. Therefore, adequate sleep (good and sufficient sleep quality) and regular PA, especially at appropriate levels of MVPA (i.e., at least of 7100 steps/day), should be encouraged to decrease central arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.

Gut microbiota alternation with training periodization and physical fitness in Japanese elite athletes.

Introduction: The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in host homeostasis through regulating immune functions, enzyme activity, and hormone secretion. Exercise is associated with changes in gut microbiome composition and function. However, few studies have investigated the gut microbiome during training periodization. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between training periodization and the gut microbiome in elite athletes. Methods: In total, 84 elite athletes participated in the cross-sectional study; and gut microbiome was determined during their transition or preparation season period. Further, 10 short-track speed skate athletes participated in the longitudinal study, which assessed the gut microbiome and physical fitness such as aerobic capacity and anaerobic power in the general and specific preparation phase of training periodization. The gut microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: The cross-sectional study revealed significant differences in Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Alistipes genera and in enterotype distribution between transition and preparation season phase periodization. In the longitudinal study, training phase periodization altered the level of Bacteroides, Blautia, and Bifidobacterium in the microbiome. Such changes in the microbiome were significantly correlated with alternations in aerobic capacity and tended to correlate with the anaerobic power. Discussion: These findings suggest that periodization alters the gut microbiome abundance related to energy metabolism and trainability of physical fitness. Athlete's condition may thus be mediated to some extent by the microbiota in the intestinal environment.

Effects of Changes in Body Fat Mass as a Result of Regular Exercise on Hemoglobin A1c in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis.

An increase in visceral fat is associated with an increase in insulin resistance, so reducing body fat mass through exercise may help alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current meta-analysis evaluated the effect of changes in body fat via an intervention of regular exercise on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in patients with T2DM. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults with T2DM, intervention involving exercise alone, an overall duration of intervention ≥12 weeks, and reporting HbA1c and body fat mass. The mean differences (MDs) were defined as the MD between the exercise group and the control group, and the MDs in HbA1c (in percentage) and body fat mass (in kilograms) were calculated. All MDs in HbA1c were pooled as overall effects. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the MD in the body fat mass (in kilograms) and the MD in HbA1c. Twenty studies (1,134 subjects) were analyzed. The pooled MD in HbA1c (in percentage) decreased significantly (-0.4; 95% confidence interval [-0.5, -0.3]) but contained significant heterogeneity (Q = 52.7, p < .01; I2 = 41.6%). A meta-regression analysis showed that a decrease in the MD in body fat mass was significantly associated with a decrease in the MD in HbA1c (R2 = 80.0%) and heterogeneity decreased (Q = 27.3, p = .61; I2 = 11.9%), and a reduction in body fat mass of 1 kg was estimated to decrease the HbA1c (%) by approximately 0.2. The current study suggested that a decrease in HbA1c due to regular exercise depends on a reduction in body fat mass in patients with T2DM.

The association of ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with sports specificity in Japanese elite athletes.

The α-actinin-3 proteins regulate muscle function and are located in the Z-line of the fast skeletal muscle. A common null polymorphism of R577X in α-actinin-3 gene (ACTN3) results in its complete absence in fast-twitch muscles. The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with sprint/power performance in athletes. However, little is known about how this polymorphism impacts sports other than sprint/power-oriented sports in Japanese elite athletes. The aim of our study was to examine the association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and elite athlete status in various sports categorized as power/sprint, endurance, artistic, martial arts, and ball game sports. The subjects included 906 Japanese elite athletes and 649 Japanese controls. We analysed the genotype frequency of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in sprint/power (n = 120), endurance (n = 150), artistic (n = 45), martial arts (n = 94), and ball game (n = 497) sports athletes. A higher number of sprint/power athletes were R allele carriers compared to the controls, and the endurance and artistic athletes (OR = 1.69, 1.83, and 2.36, 95% CI: 1.02-2.79, 1.02-3.31, and 1.08-5.13, respectively). The frequency of RR genotype was higher in sprint/power, martial arts, and ball game sports athletes (OR = 1.61, 1.84, and 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-2.50, 1.11-2.95, and 1.05-1.83, respectively) compared to control. Furthermore, there is a significant linear trend with increasing R allele according to athletic status (P for trend < 0.05). The ACTN3 R allele is positively associated with sports performance requiring explosive power such as sprint/power, martial arts, and ball game sports categories.

Effects of nocturnal light exposure on circadian rhythm and energy metabolism in healthy adults: A randomized crossover trial.

Exposure to continuous light at night, including night-shift work or a nocturnal lifestyle, is emerging as a novel deleterious factor for weight gain and obesity. Here, we examined whether a single bout of bright light (BL) exposure at night affects energy metabolism via changes in circadian rhythm and nocturnal melatonin production. Ten healthy young men were randomized to a two-way crossover experimental design protocol: control (< 50 lux) and BL (approximately 10000 lux) conditions, with at least seven days of interval. The participants were exposed to each condition for 3 h (21:00-24:00) before sleep (0 lux, 00:00-07:00) in a room-type metabolic chamber. On each experimental night (21:00-07:00), energy expenditure, respiratory quotient (RQ), and substrate oxidation were measured to determine the energy metabolism. BL exposure prior to bedtime altered biological rhythms, disrupted the nocturnal decline in body temperature, and suppressed the melatonin level before sleeping, resulting in an increase in sleep latency. Indirect calorimetry data revealed that BL exposure significantly decreased the fat oxidation and increased the RQ, an indicator of the carbohydrate-to-fat oxidation ratio, throughout the whole period (light exposure and sleep). We revealed that acute BL exposure prior to bedtime exacerbated circadian rhythms and substrate oxidations, suggesting that chronic BL exposure at night may lead to obesity risk due to disturbances in circadian rhythms and macronutrient metabolism.

A clinical survey of dehydration during winter training in elite fencing athletes.

BACKGROUND: Fencing is suggested as one of the most dangerous sporting events in terms of dehydration because of the uniform and gear covering the entire body. We aimed to elucidate the change in hydration status before and after training in elite fencing athletes in winter along with the assessment of sex and fencing style differences. METHODS: Twenty-seven elite fencing athletes (14 males and 13 females) belonging to the Japanese National Team participated in this clinical survey. Dehydration status before and after winter training was assessed using body mass change, fluid intake, urine osmolarity, urine specific gravity (USG), and sodium, potassium, chlorine, and creatinine levels. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (59.3%) drank water and tea during training. The change rate of body mass (males vs. females, 1.61±0.82% vs. 0.45±0.68%, P<0.01; foil vs. epee, 2.25±0.45% vs. 1.16±0.72%, P<0.05) and sweating rate (males vs. females, 938±251 g/h vs. 506±92 g/h, P<0.01; foil vs. epee, 1136±156 g/h vs. 796±207 g/h, P<0.05) during training showed significant differences between sexes and fencing styles. Of all participants, 66.7% were dehydrated (USG≥1.020), and 37.0% were seriously dehydrated (USG≥1.030) before training. CONCLUSIONS: Fencing athletes may be susceptible to severe dehydration before training, even in winter. Additionally, males and foil fencers appear to be at a greater risk than females and epee fencers of developing dehydration during exercise.

Effects of 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl Isothiocyanate Ingestion on Muscle Damage after Eccentric Exercise in Healthy Males: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Crossover Study.

An animal study demonstrated that 6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC), a major bioactive compound in Japanese pungent spice wasabi, has an action of inhibiting the activation of calpain-1 (a protease). Increases in calpain activity can cause continual strength loss after eccentric exercise. It remains to be determined in humans whether 6-MSITC intake would modulate calpain and/or muscle damage responses after eccentric exercise. We performed a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study wherein eight healthy young males were randomly assigned to ingest 9 mg/day of 6-MSITC or placebo from 1 day before exercise to 4 days after exercise (30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors using an isokinetic dynamometer). Calpain-1 concentration, inflammatory and muscle damage markers (creatine kinase activity, urinary titin concentration, muscle strength, range of motion, muscle soreness and transverse relaxation time) were assessed. Plasma calpain-1 concentration after eccentric exercise was similar between the placebo- and 6-MSITC-treated conditions. All muscle damage and inflammatory markers were not affected by 6-MSITC relative to those in the placebo-treated condition. Our results suggest that 6-MSITC has no effect on plasma calpain-1 concentration and muscle damage and inflammatory markers measured after eccentric exercise.

In-play optimal cooling for outdoor match-play tennis in the heat.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of four cooling interventions used for reducing physiological and perceptual strain and improving exercise performance during outdoor match-play tennis in the heat. Eight competitive tennis players played four counter-balanced simulated outdoor matches in the heat (WBGT: 28.4-32.5°C) at 24- or 48-h intervals. Each match comprised 3 sets for which the "no-ad" rule was applied to limit duration variability. Players underwent the following cooling interventions: ad libitum fluid ingestion (CON), ad libitum fluid ingestion and ice vest (VEST), total ingestion of approximately 1000 g ice slurry and ice vest (Combined: BINE), or total ingestion of approximately 400 g ice slurry and ice vest (Low-combined: L-BINE). Gastrointestinal temperature was lower in the BINE and the L-BINE trials than in the CON trial at the set-break of set 1, and these differences in gastrointestinal temperature persisted throughout the remainder of the match (p < 0.05). The ratio of moderate-high intensity activity (≥10 km/h) in set 3 was significantly higher in the L-BINE trial than that in the BINE trial (p < 0.05). In the CON and BINE trials, high intensity activity was significantly lower in set 3 compared with set 1 and 2, respectively. Cooling by optimal ice slurry ingestion and ice vest may be a more effective strategy in mitigating the development of heat strain during outdoor match-play tennis in the heat.Highlights Cooling by optimal ice slurry ingestion and ice vest may be a more effective strategy in mitigating the development of heat strain during outdoor match-play tennis in the heat.Ingesting of large amounts ice slurry may be caused the bloating and stomach discomfort, in turn declined in the ratio of moderate-high intensity activity in the second half of match-play tennis in hot outdoor environments.Future studies should not only utilize match characteristics, but also measure on-court tennis specific performance.

Effects of aerobic exercise training on mental health and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with deterioration of arterial function and mental health, which are known as cardiovascular risk factors. The present study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise training on mental health and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy middle-aged and older adults were assigned to either the aerobic exercise training (N.=14) or the control groups (N.=15). The aerobic exercise training group completed 12 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise training for 3-4 session per week (30-60 minutes). The control group did not change their levels of physical activity. Before and after the 12-week period, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and carotid ß-stiffness index, peak oxygen uptake were measured. RESULTS: At the onset of the 12-week period, the GHQ score, Carotid Β-Stiffness Index, and other key variables did not differ significantly between the aerobic exercise and control groups. The 12-week of aerobic exercise training increased peak oxygen uptake. The GHQ score and Carotid Β-Stiffness Index were decreased after the 12-week period in the aerobic exercise training group; however, no significant improvements were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise enhance mental health and decrease arterial stiffness in healthy middle-aged and older adults.

The relationship between the level of exercise and hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and exercise levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients when performing various types of exercise. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults with T2DM, intervention involving exercise alone, the overall duration of intervention ≥12 weeks, and reporting HbA1c. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was defined as the mean difference between the intervention group and the control group weighted by the inverse of the squared standard error for each study, and all WMDs were pooled as overall effects. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the exercise level and the WMD in HbA1c. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies (2395 subjects) were analyzed. The pooled WMD in HbA1c decreased significantly (-0.5% [95% confidence intervals: -0.6 to -0.4]) but contained significant heterogeneity (Q = 103.8, P < 0.01; I2 = 36.6%). A meta-regression analysis showed that the intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]), time (min/session), or frequency (sessions/week) of the exercise was not associated with the HbA1c. However, the overall duration of exercise (weeks) was significantly associated with the WMD in HbA1c (meta-regression coefficient: 0.01 [95% confidence intervals: 0.002-0.016]; R2 = 70.0%), and that result did not contain significant heterogeneity (P > 0.05; I2 = 14.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The exercise intervention decreases HbA1c in T2DM patients. In addition, exercise for an extended duration was associated with an increase in HbA1c, so the effects of exercise may be evident early on, but results suggested that exercise for a prolonged period alone may increase HbA1c.

The form of exercise to decrease resting blood pressure in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The current systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between the form of exercise and changes in resting blood pressure (RBP) in older adults and the overall level of evidence. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were studies involving intervention with only regular exercise limited to subjects ≥65 years old. The combined changes in RBP in each study were calculated and the relationship between the form of exercise and changes in the RBP were evaluated. The overall evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (1081 subjects) were analyzed. The combined changes in the RBP decreased as a result of aerobic exercise or resistance exercise. The intensity of resistance exercise (METs) was related to the change in the RBP of systolic (meta-regression coefficient, -2.5 [95% confidence interval, -4.7 to -0.4]; R2=35.4%). When excluding studies with high overall risk of bias, the overall duration of aerobic exercise (weeks) was related to the change in the RBP of systolic (meta-regression coefficient, -0.6 [95% confidence interval, -1.0 to -0.2]; R2=93.2%). In addition, there was a low level of evidence overall for a decrease in RBP as a result of aerobic exercise, but there was a moderate level of evidence for a decrease in RBP as a results of resistance exercise. CONCLUSION: A decrease in the RBP of systolic may be associated with active exercise in older adults. However, there may be insufficient evidence for the decrease in RBP as a result of aerobic exercise.

Relationship between physical activity and circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 in middle-aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) increase with advancing age and may lead to the development of cardiometabolic diseases via impaired lipid and glucose metabolism. While physical activity can reduce these risks of cardiometabolic dysfunction, it remains obscure whether circulation FGF21 levels are influenced by physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between daily physical activities and circulating FGF21 levels in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study with 110 middle-aged and 102 older adults, circulating (serum) FGF21 levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the time spent in light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed using a uniaxial accelerometer. RESULTS: Serum FGF21 levels in the older group (158 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the middle-aged group (117 pg/mL). When we examined the joint association of age (middle-aged or older) and MVPA (lower or higher than the median) groups, serum FGF21 levels in the older and higher MVPA group (116 pg/mL) were significantly lower than those in the older and lower MVPA group (176 pg/mL). However, there was no difference in serum FGF21 levels between the lower and higher MVPA groups in the middle-aged group. In multivariable liner regression analysis, serum FGF21 levels were independently determined by MVPA time after adjusting for potential covariates in older adults (ß = -0.209). CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional study findings indicate that the time spent in MVPA is an independent determinant of circulating FGF21 levels, and that an age-related increase in serum FGF21 levels may be attenuated by habitually performing MVPA. (250/250 words).

The impact of aerobic fitness on arterial stiffness and adrenal cortex hormones in middle-aged and older adults.

An increase in arterial stiffness with advance aging is a risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular dysfunction is associated with the imbalance of adrenal cortex hormones, especially with the cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs) ratio. However, the impact of aerobic fitness on arterial stiffness and cortisol/DHEAs ratio is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness, arterial stiffness, and cortisol/DHEAs ratio. A total of 198 middle-aged and older adults (aged 50-79 years old) participated in this study. The aerobic fitness evaluated by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) as an indicator of arterial stiffness, and serum cortisol and DHEAs and their ratio were measured. The subjects were divided into the lower (n = 100) and the higher (n = 98) aerobic fitness groups based on the median value of VO2peak. There were no significant differences in serum cortisol and DHEAs concentration alone between the lower and higher fitness groups. However, the cortisol/DEHAs ratio and cfPWV in the higher fitness group was smaller than in the lower fitness group (p < 0.05). The cortisol/DHEAs ratio was significantly correlated with cfPWV (r = 0.159, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the cortisol/DHEAs ratio is associated with aerobic fitness and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.

Sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and renal function in older adults: isotemporal substitution modelling.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour (too much sitting) can contribute to renal dysfunction. However, the potential benefits of behavioural change (e.g. replacing sedentary behaviour with physical activity) on renal function are not well understood. We used isotemporal substitution to model potential impacts of behaviours on renal function by replacing time spent in one behaviour to another. METHODS: In 174 older Japanese adults (age, 50-83 years; females, 76%), the time spent in sedentary behaviour, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were assessed using an uniaxial accelerometer. Renal function was evaluated by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from serum creatinine and cystatin C levels. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, eGFR was significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with time spent in sedentary behaviour (rs = - 0.229), LPA (rs = 0.265), and MVPA (rs = 0.353). In the isotemporal substitution models, replacement of 30 min/day of sedentary behaviour with an equivalent LPA time was not significantly associated with eGFR (ß = 2.26, p = 0.112); however, replacement with an equivalent time of MVPA was beneficially associated with eGFR (ß = 5.49, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional findings suggest that sedentary behaviour (detrimentally) and physical activity (beneficially) may affect renal function and that replacing sedentary behaviour with MVPA may benefit renal health in older adults.

Effect of sleep efficiency on salivary metabolite profile and cognitive function during exercise in volleyball athletes.

PURPOSE: Sleep duration is known to affect physiological and circadian metabolites and human homeostasis. However, little is known about the relationship between sleep quality and metabolite and cognitive function during exercise. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of sleep quality on metabolite level and cognitive function in female volleyball athletes. METHODS: Twelve female volleyball athletes participated in this study. Sleep efficiency was measured for 1 week using NemuriSCAN (Paramount Bed Co. Ltd., Japan) as an index of sleep quality. The subjects were divided into better (n = 6) and lesser (n = 6) sleep quality groups by the median value of sleep efficiency. Saliva samples were collected using a Salimetric oral swab cotton and salivary metabolites were analysed using capillary electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The subjects performed Stroop tasks (simple and difficult tasks) at rest and during aerobic exercise in recumbent cycle ergometer at light and heavy intensity. RESULTS: Increased sleep efficiency was found in the better sleep quality group, whereas total sleep time was similar. There were differences in urea cycle and Krebs cycle metabolites between the two groups; their levels were correlated with sleep efficiency. The difficult-task response time during heavy exercise was faster in the better sleep quality group. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that sleep efficiency was associated with urea cycle and Krebs cycle metabolite levels and response time during heavy exercise in volleyball athletes. These results suggested that sleep quality may affect amino acid and energy metabolism and cognitive function during heavy exercise.

Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Vascular Endothelial Function at Rest and After Resistance Exercise.

High-intensity resistance exercise has been shown to increase arterial stiffness and reduce vascular endothelial function. Taurine supplementation has a favorable effect on maintaining vascular function. We had previously reported that taurine supplementation attenuated increases in resistance exercise-induced arterial stiffness. In the present study, we further investigate the effects of taurine supplementation on vascular endothelial function at rest and after resistance exercise.Twenty-nine healthy men were recruited and randomly assigned to either the placebo supplement group (n = 14) or the taurine supplement group (n = 15) in a double-blinded manner. Subjects were required to ingest 6 g of either a placebo or the taurine supplement for 2 weeks prior to and 3 days following the exercise. Two weeks after the commencement of supplementation, the subjects were asked to perform 2 sets of 20 repetitive unilateral maximal-effort resistance exercise of the elbow flexors on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, with each contraction lasting 3 s, with 1 repetition performed every 9 s and 4 min rest in between sets. We evaluated the changes in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the non-exercised arm as an index of vascular endothelial function. Relative and absolute FMDs were measured prior to supplementation, before exercise, and 24, 48, and 96 h after exercise.Two weeks of taurine supplementation significantly increased both relative and absolute FMDs. Baseline diameter significantly increased at 96 h following the exercise in both groups. However, there was no change in the peak diameter. Consequently, both relative and absolute FMDs were significantly reduced at 96 h after the exercise in both groups. Taurine supplementation does not affect resistance exercise-induced reduction in FMD.Two weeks of taurine supplementation (6 g/day) significantly increased vascular endothelial function at rest; however, taurine supplementation did not improve resistance exercise-induced reduction in FMD.

Curcumin supplementation attenuates the decrease in endothelial function following eccentric exercise.

PURPOSE: Eccentric exercise induces a decrease in vascular endothelial function. Curcumin, a major component of turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are associated with vascular protective effects. The present study examined the effect of acute supplementation of curcumin on eccentric exercise-induced endothelial dysfunction in healthy young men. METHODS: Fourteen healthy sedentary young men (range, 21-29 years) were assigned to either the curcumin (n = 6) or placebo (n = 8) group. All subjects consumed either curcumin or placebo before exercise, and eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors was performed with their nondominant arm. Before and 60 min after exercise, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), as an indicator of endothelial function, was measured in the non-exercised arm. RESULTS: Brachial artery FMD significantly decreased following eccentric exercise (p < 0.05) in the placebo group, but acute supplementation with curcumin before exercise nullified this change. The change in FMD before and after eccentric exercise between the placebo and curcumin groups was significantly different (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study found that acute curcumin supplementation could attenuate the decrease in endothelial function, as measured by FMD, following eccentric exercise in healthy young men.

Role of High Physical Fitness in Deterioration of Male Sexual Function in Japanese Adult Men.

Male sexual function is regulated by vascular function and impaired vascular function is closely related with erectile dysfunction (ED). Vascular functions are positively influenced by physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and flexibility). The detailed associations between physical fitness and male sexual function remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to clarify the influence of physical fitness on male sexual function. In 177 adult men, peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), handgrip strength (HGS), and sit and reach were measured as indices of physical fitness. Arterial stiffness and erectile function were assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5) questionnaire, respectively. IIEF5 score was significantly correlated with VO2 peak ( rs = 0.52), HGS ( rs = 0.37), and cfPWV ( rs = -0.44); and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that VO2 peak, HGS, and cfPWV were significantly associated with IIEF5 score after considering confounders. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that the cutoff values for predicting ED were 29.0 ml/min/kg for VO2 peak and 39.3 kg for HGS. The IIEF5 score was the highest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were higher than their respective cutoff values, while the IIEF5 score was the lowest in the subjects with the values of both VO2 peak and HGS were lower than their respective cutoff values. These results suggest that the maintenance of high aerobic capacity and muscular strength may offset deterioration of male sexual function.

Combined effects of lactotripeptide and aerobic exercise on cognitive function and cerebral oxygenation in middle-aged and older adults.

Background: Age-related declines in cognitive function and cerebral perfusion increase the risk of dementia. Although nutrition and exercise may be effective in reducing cognitive decline, the effect of lactotripeptide (LTP) on cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LTP ingestion on cerebral oxygenation, cognitive function, and vascular function in middle-aged and older adults with or without an exercise intervention. Methods: We recruited 2 separate groups of participants, one with and one without an exercise intervention. Each group was then randomly assigned into a placebo group and an LTP group. The participants ingested a placebo or LTP every day. The exercise group performed aerobic exercises 4-6 d/wk. Before and after the 8-wk intervention, we measured oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration (oxy-Hb change) in the prefrontal cortex during the Stroop task (primary outcome), Stroop interference time, and carotid artery ß-stiffness (both secondary outcomes). Results: Sixty-four participants completed the study. Changes in oxy-Hb signal in the prefrontal cortex were greater in the LTP group than in the placebo group under both the exercise and nonexercise conditions (P < 0.05). In addition, the magnitude of improvement in the oxy-Hb change in the left prefrontal cortex was correlated with Stroop interference (r = -0.39, P < 0.05) and carotid ß-stiffness (r = -0.41, P < 0.05). Conclusions: An 8-wk intake of LTP increased cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex region in middle-aged and older adults, with and without exercise. The intervention-induced improvements in brain neural activation were associated with cognitive and vascular function. This trial was registered at www.umin.ac.jp as UMIN000022313.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Alone on Lipids in Healthy East Asians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: The purpose of the current work was to review the effects of regular aerobic exercise on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in East Asians using meta-analysis. METHODS: The randomized controlled trials analyzed involved healthy adults who were East Asians with a mean age ≥40 years, an exercise group that only performed regular aerobic exercise, and a control group that did not carry out exercise-related intervention; the trials indicated mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), or triglyceride (TG). The mean difference (MD) was defined as the difference (mean value at post-intervention in the exercise group－mean value at baseline in the exercise group)－(mean value at post-intervention in the control group－mean value at baseline in the control group) in HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, and TG and was calculated for each trial. The weighted MD was calculated with a random-effects model. RESULTS: The meta-analysis examined 994 subjects in 25 studies. The weighted MD in HDL-C, TC, and TG improved significantly (HDL-C, 2.2 mg/dL; TC, －5.8 mg/dL; TG, －13.7 mg/dL). The weighted MD in HDL-C and TC contained significant heterogeneity (HDL-C, I2＝45.1%; TC, I2＝56.2%). When trials were limited to those involving moderate-intensity exercise (55%-69% of the maximum heart rate) or an exercise volume ≥150 min/week, the weighted MD in HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, and TG improved significantly and did not contain significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the ideal form of exercise to improve lipid and lipoprotein levels in East Asians is exercise of moderate-intensity and in a volume ≥150 min/week.