Effects of high-protein diet containing isolated whey protein in rats submitted to resistance training of aquatic jumps.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated whey protein (IWP) can decrease body fat compared with other protein sources. The present study verified the effects of high protein diet (HD) containing IWP on several parameters of rats subjected to resistance training (RT). METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats (60 days of age) were separated into four groups (n = 8/group): sedentary normoproteic (IWP 14%; SN); sedentary hyperproteic (IWP 35%; SH); trained normoproteic (IWP 14%; TN), and trained hyperproteic (WPI 35%; TH). RESULTS: Relative tissue/organ weight (g): perirenal and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were lower in SH and TH compared with SN (no difference to TN); omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues were higher in SN compared with SH. Epididymal adipose tissue was higher in SN compared with other groups. Heart weight was higher in TH compared with TN and SN, but not SH; kidney and liver higher in TH and SH compared with SN and TN; gastrocnemius lower in SN compared with other groups; soleus higher in SH in relation to other groups. The triglycerides levels (mg/dL) was reduced in the TH groups compared with SH, TN, and SN. There were no changes both in the concentrations of adiponectin and leptin and in the protein expression of GLUT-4 and p70s6k. CONCLUSION: HD containing WPI improved body composition, increased the weight of the heart, kidneys, liver and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; however, this diet maintained the normal histomorphology of muscle and liver and, when associated with RT, reduced the serum levels of triglycerides.

Effect of administration of high-protein diet in rats submitted to resistance training.

PURPOSE: Although there is limited evidence regarding the pathophysiological effects of a high-protein diet (HD), it is believed that this type of diet could overload the body and cause damage to the organs directly involved with protein metabolism and excretion. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of HD on biochemical and morphological parameters of rats that completed a resistance training protocol (RT; aquatic jump) for 8 weeks. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 for each group): sedentary normal protein diet (SN-14%), sedentary high-protein diet (SH-35%), trained normal protein diet (TN-14%), and trained high-protein diet (TH-35%). Biochemical, tissue, and morphological measurements were made. RESULTS: Kidney (1.91 ± 0.34) and liver weights (12.88 ± 1.42) were higher in the SH. Soleus muscle weight was higher in the SH (0.22 ± 0.03) when compared to all groups. Blood glucose (123.2 ± 1.8), triglycerides (128.5 ± 44.0), and HDL cholesterol levels (65.7 ± 20.9) were also higher in the SH compared with the other experimental groups. Exercise reduced urea levels in the trained groups TN and TH (31.0 ± 4.1 and 36.8 ± 6.6), respectively. Creatinine levels were lower in TH and SH groups (0.68 ± 0.12; 0.54 ± 0.19), respectively. HD negatively altered renal morphology in SH, but when associated with RT, the apparent damage was partially reversed. In addition, the aquatic jump protocol reversed the damage to the gastrocnemius muscle caused by the HD. CONCLUSIONS: A high-protein diet promoted negative metabolic and morphological changes, while RT was effective in reversing these deleterious effects.

Heteropterys tomentosa A. Juss: Toxicological and adaptogenic effects in experimental models.

BACKGROUND: The constant pursuit of improved athletic performance characterizes high-performance sport and the use of medicinal plants as dietary supplements is becoming widespread among athletes to enhance long-term endurance performance. AIM: The present study evaluated the toxicity of Heteropterys tomentosa (HEHt) and its acute adaptogenic effects. METHODS: The in vitro safety profile was evaluated on CHO-k1 cells using the alamar Blue assay, at concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 200 µg/mL. In vivo acute oral toxicity was conducted in male and female mice with oral administration of graded doses of HEHt from 400 to 2000 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study was completed by oral administration of HEHt (50, 200 or 1000 mg/kg) and vehicle for 30 days in male Wistar rats. Clinical observations and toxicological related parameters were determined. Blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses, while histological examinations were performed on selected organs. Thereafter, an adaptogenic test consisting of progressive loads until exhaustion was conducted in rats ( n = 5/group) orally pre-treated with the vehicle and HEHt (25, 100 or 400 mg/kg). RESULTS: HEHt exhibited no cytotoxic effects on the CHO-k1 cells and, apparently, no acute toxicity in mice and no subchronic toxicity in rats. An ergogenic effect was observed only at the dose of 25 mg/kg compared with the vehicle in relation to time to exhaustion and exercise load ( p = .011 and .019, respectively). HEHt is safe at up to 400 mg/kg, contains astilbin and taxifolin as the major phytochemical compounds, and exhibited a potential adaptogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results justify its anecdotal usage as a tonic, show that the hydroethanolic maceration of the root does not cause toxicity, and provide scientific evidence of its potential as a source of new adaptogenic substance(s).

New insights into the effects of irisin levels in HIV-infected subjects: correlation with adiposity, fat-free mass, and strength parameters

ABSTRACT Objective Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of metabolic disorders and alterations on irisin levels. Therefore, the purpose of the current investigation was to quantify the circulating irisin concentration in HIV-infected subjects under highly active antiretroviral therapy and to determine possible correlations between irisin levels with fat mass, fat-free mass, body mass index (BMI), and muscle strength. Subjects and methods Cross-sectional study of 10 men (36.7 ± 11.3 years) and 10 women (42.5 ± 10.3 years) infected with HIV, recruited from the Specialized Service Center in the State Center of Reference for High and Medium Complexity. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma irisin levels, glucose, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass) and anthropometrics (body mass index; BMI) were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Muscle strength was assessed using a mechanic hand dynamometer and one maximum repetition tests. Results Irisin levels correlated positively with fat mass (r = 0.67; p = 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.48; p = 0.036). In contrast, there was an inverse correlation between irisin levels and fat-free mass (r = -0.41; p = 0.008) and five strength parameters: right hand grip (r = -0.46; p = 0.044); left hand grip (r = -0.50; p = 0.027), relative hand grip (r = -0.79; p = 0.001), bench press (r = -0.58; p = 0.009), leg press (r = -0.40; p = 0.085), and biceps curl (r = -0.059; p = 0.009). Conclusion Irisin levels correlated positively with body fat and negatively with fat-free mass and strength parameters in HIV-infected patients. Female patients infected with HIV receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy have higher levels of irisin compared with men in a similar circumstance.

New insights into the effects of irisin levels in HIV-infected subjects: correlation with adiposity, fat-free mass, and strength parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of metabolic disorders and alterations on irisin levels. Therefore, the purpose of the current investigation was to quantify the circulating irisin concentration in HIV-infected subjects under highly active antiretroviral therapy and to determine possible correlations between irisin levels with fat mass, fat-free mass, body mass index (BMI), and muscle strength. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 10 men (36.7 ± 11.3 years) and 10 women (42.5 ± 10.3 years) infected with HIV, recruited from the Specialized Service Center in the State Center of Reference for High and Medium Complexity. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma irisin levels, glucose, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass) and anthropometrics (body mass index; BMI) were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Muscle strength was assessed using a mechanic hand dynamometer and one maximum repetition tests. RESULTS: Irisin levels correlated positively with fat mass (r = 0.67; p = 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.48; p = 0.036). In contrast, there was an inverse correlation between irisin levels and fat-free mass (r = -0.41; p = 0.008) and five strength parameters: right hand grip (r = -0.46; p = 0.044); left hand grip (r = -0.50; p = 0.027), relative hand grip (r = -0.79; p = 0.001), bench press (r = -0.58; p = 0.009), leg press (r = -0.40; p = 0.085), and biceps curl (r = -0.059; p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Irisin levels correlated positively with body fat and negatively with fat-free mass and strength parameters in HIV-infected patients. Female patients infected with HIV receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy have higher levels of irisin compared with men in a similar circumstance.

Effects of combined exercise training on immunological, physical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The practice of exercise has shown to be beneficial to quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Thus, the present study analysed the effects of a combined exercise training in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Ten participants participated in the present study. The following variables were analysed: viral load and cell counts for TCD4+/TCD8; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); total mass, absolute fat mass, relative fat mass, absolute lean mass, relative lean mass and body mass index; fasting glycaemia, fasting insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (insulin resistance - homeostatic model assessment (IR-HOMA)); total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL); superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The combined exercise training consisted of resistance exercises plus aerobic training (60 min · session(-1), three times per week, during 20 weeks). The number of TCD4+ cells, absolute lean mass and relative lean mass, muscle strength for the 45° leg press, seated row and triceps extension, HDL-c levels as well as VO2max increased post-training. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were diminished post-training. Finally, it can be concluded that combined exercise training is able to change positively several variables related to health of individuals with HIV/AIDS, mainly the immune system as well as antioxidant mechanisms re-establishment.

Efeitos do treinamento físico combinado realizado na intensidade do limiar anaeróbio sobre a composição corporal e sistema imune de sujeitos com HIV / Effects of combined physical training performed at anaerobic threshold intensity on the body composition and immune system of subjects with HIV

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do treinamento físico combinado (TC) de 16 semanas sobre a composição corporal e o sistema imune, bem como velocidade e inclinação da esteira rolante obtidos na intensidade do limiar anaeróbio (LAn) em indivíduos com HIV. Participaram do estudo10 indivíduos, sendo 5 homens e 5 mulheres (44,7±8,97 anos; Tempo de Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Ativa [HAART]: 8,89±6,21 anos; Tempo Portador: 9,14±5,37 anos; Carga Viral: indetectável), os quais foram submetidos a 16 semanas de TC. Os dados foram expressos como média±desvio padrão (p≤0,05). Foram observadas melhoras em relação à massa magra relativa (MMR; %) (Pré: 45,5 [32,8 – 63,0]; Pós: 47,9 [33,7 – 66,3]) e massa magra absoluta (MMA; %) (Pré: 67,0 [55,0 – 75,2]; Pós: 68,8 [56,6 – 75,7]). O índice de massa corporal (IMC; kg/m2 ) não sofreu alteração pós TC (Pré: 24,2 [21,3 – 28,7]; Pós: 23,7 [21,8 – 30,0]). A carga viral permaneceu indetectável, sendo que houve aumento no número delinfócitos T CD4+ (Pré: 529 [426,0 – 900,0]; Pós: 694 [381,0 – 1175,0]). Além disso, houve melhora nosvalores de VO2 (ml.kg.min-1) (Pré: 16,2±4,9; Pós: 21,2±3,2), velocidade (km/h) (Pré: 5,7±0,9; Pós: 6,3±1,0) e inclinação (%) (Pré: 3,8±1,2; Pós: 4,9±1,0) obtidos na intensidade do LAn. Conclui-se que oTC melhorou o VO2 na intensidade do LAn e induziu a aumentos de MMR e de MMA. Finalmente, o TC promoveu aumento no número de linfócitos T CD4+, sem efeito negativo sobre a carga viral. Estes resultados são de extrema importância para a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com HIV.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of combined physical training (CT) on body composition and immune system, as well as, speed and inclination obtained at the intensity of anaerobic threshold (AT) in subjects with HIV. Ten individuals, 5 men and 5 women, united in a single group (44.7±8.97 years of age; Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy [HAART] time: 8.89±6.21 years; HIV-Bearer Time: 9.14±5.37 years; Viral Load: undetectable), were subjected to 16 weeks of CT. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation (p ≤ 0.05). Both relative lean mass (RLM; %) (Pre: 45.5 [32.8-63.0]; Post: 47.9 [33.7-66.3]) and absolute lean mass (ALM; %) (Pre: 67.0[55.0-75.2]; Post: 68.8 [56.6-75.7]) were improved after CT. The body mass index (BMI; kg/m2 ) did not change post-CT (Pre: 24.2 [21.3 – 28.7]; Post: 23.7 [21.8 – 30.0]). The viral load remained undetectable, while the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was increased (Pre: 529 [426.0-900.0]; Post: 694 [381.0-1175.0]). In addition, VO2(ml.kg.min-1) (Pre: 16.2 ± 4.9; Post: 21.2 ± 3.2), speed (km/h) (Pre: 5.7 ± 0.9; Post: 6.3 ± 1.0) and inclination (%) (Pre: 3.8 ± 1.2; Post: 4.9 ± 1.0), obtained at AT intensity, were improved. It was concluded that CT was able to improve the VO2 at the intensity of AT and induced increases in RLM and ALM. Finally, the CT increased the number of CD4 + T lymphocytes, with no negative effect on the viralload. These results are extremely important for the quality of life of patients with HIV.