Combined physical training protects the left ventricle from structural and functional damages in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Under the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV's structure and function. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks. RESULTS: The physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes. CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

Short-term hiit does not promote oxidative stress or muscle damage / Hiit de corto plazo no promueve estrés oxidativo o daños musculares / Hiit de curto prazo não promove estresse oxidativo ou danos musculares

ABSTRACT Introduction: High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a method that is widely used today. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of HIIT on markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage in rats. Methods: The sample consisted of 60-day-old Wistar rats, divided into two groups: a control group (n=8) and an HIIT group (n=8). The training consisted of fourteen 20-second swimming sessions (loaded with weights equivalent to 14% of their body weight) with 10-second intervals between each session, performed for 12 consecutive days. Results: HIIT induced a reduction (−17.75%) in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (an oxidative stress marker) in hepatic tissue (p=0.0482). There was also a reduction (−31.80%) in the HIIT group in the level of superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in the liver (p=0.0375). However, there were no differences between the groups in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, the total content of SH sulfhydryls, hydroperoxides, or carbonylated proteins in the hepatic tissue. No significant differences were found in any of these markers in the gastrocnemius muscle. The muscle damage markers creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were also similar between the groups in the gastrocnemius. Conclusion: The conclusion was that that short-term HIIT does not cause oxidative stress or muscle damage. Level of evidence I; High-quality randomized clinical trial with or without statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento en intervalos de alta intensidad (HIIT) es un método muy utilizado actualmente. Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos del HIIT en corto plazo sobre marcadores de estrés oxidativo y daño muscular en ratones. Métodos: La muestra consistió en ratones Wistar con 60 días de edad, divididos en dos grupos: grupo control (n = 8) y grupo HIIT (n = 8). El entrenamiento consistió en catorce sesiones de natación de 20 segundos (con cargas equivalentes a 14% del peso corporal) con intervalos de 10 segundos entre cada sesión, realizadas durante 12 días consecutivos. Resultados: El HIIT indujo una reducción (-17,75%) de las sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (un marcador de estrés oxidativo) en el tejido hepático (p = 0,0482). También hubo reducción (~31,80%) en el grupo HIIT en el nivel de enzima superóxido dismutasa en el hígado (p=0,0375). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias entre los grupos con relación a catalasa, glutatión peroxidasa, glutatión reductasa, tenor total de sulfhidrilos SH, hidroperóxidos o proteínas carboniladas en el tejido hepático. No fue encontrada ninguna diferencia significativa en ninguno de esos marcadores en el músculo gastrocnemio. Los marcadores de lesión muscular, creatinina quinasa y lactato deshidrogenasa también fueron similares entre los grupos en el gastrocnemio. Conclusión: Fue posible concluir que el HIIT de corta duración no causa estrés oxidativo o daño muscular. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorizado de alta calidad con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con intervalos de información estrechos.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) é um método muito utilizado atualmente. Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos do HIIT em curto prazo sobre marcadores de estresse oxidativo e dano muscular em ratos. Métodos: A amostra consistiu em ratos Wistar com 60 dias de idade, divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (n = 8) e grupo HIIT (n = 8). O treinamento consistiu em quatorze sessões de natação de 20 segundos (com cargas equivalentes a 14% do peso corporal) com intervalos de 10 segundos entre cada sessão, realizadas por 12 dias consecutivos. Resultados: O HIIT induziu uma redução (-17,75%) das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (um marcador de estresse oxidativo) no tecido hepático (p = 0,0482). Houve também redução (-31,80%) no grupo HIIT no nível de enzima superóxido dismutase no fígado (p = 0,0375). No entanto, não houve diferenças entre os grupos com relação a catalase, glutationa peroxidase, glutationa redutase, teor total de sulfidrilas SH, hidroperóxidos ou proteínas carboniladas no tecido hepático. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada em qualquer um desses mascadores no músculo gastrocnêmio. Os marcadores de lesão muscular, creatinina quinase e lactato desidrogenase, também foram semelhantes entre os grupos no gastrocnêmio. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que o HIIT de curta duração não causa estresse oxidativo ou dano muscular. Nível de evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de informação estreitos.

Effect of Physical Training on Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Performance in Mice.

Acute exercise increases the amount of circulating inflammatory cells and cytokines to maintain physiological homeostasis. However, it remains unclear how physical training regulates exercise-induced inflammation and performance. Here, we demonstrate that acute high intensity exercise promotes an inflammatory profile characterized by increased blood IL-6 levels, neutrophil migratory capacity, and leukocyte recruitment to skeletal muscle vessels. Moreover, we found that physical training amplified leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction induced by acute exercise in skeletal muscle vessels and diminished exercise-induced inflammation in skeletal muscle tissue. Furthermore, we verified that disruption of the gp-91 subunit of NADPH-oxidase inhibited exercise-induced leukocyte recruitment on skeletal muscle after training with enhanced exercise time until fatigue. In conclusion, the training was related to physical improvement and immune adaptations. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be related to mechanisms to limit aerobic performance and its absence decreases the inflammatory response elicited by exercise after training.

Monitoramento do planejamento estratégico da escola de educação física da universidade federal de ouro preto / Monitoring strategic planning of the physical education school of a federal university of ouro preto / Seguimiento de la planificación estratégica de la escuela de educación física de la universidad federal de ouro preto

Resumo Monitorar e analisar a execução das metas pactuadas no Planejamento Estratégico da Escola de Educação Física da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, nos 18 primeiros meses de implementação. Realizaram-se 15 entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 mentores e três discentes que ocupam representações estudantis. Utilizou-se análise de conteúdo, possibilitando delineamento de quatro categorias: a) resultados preliminares obtidos; b) potencialidades do instrumento; c) barreiras e enfrentamentos; d) propostas de aperfeiçoamento. Observou-se que a maioria das metas teve ações norteadoras iniciadas, mas nenhuma concluída. Ressalta-se que o contexto da pandemia mundial (covid-19) exerceu significativo impacto, interferindo diretamente nos resultados. O estudo apresenta caráter de monitoramento em relação à ferramenta de gestão, tendo em vista a relevância de implementar mecanismos para avaliação sistematizada dos indicadores de desempenho institucionais. Espera-se que as potencialidades percebidas sejam fortalecidas, as barreiras sejam superadas e as propostas de aperfeiçoamento sejam discutidas coletivamente com a finalidade do desenvolvimento da instituição.

Abstract This study monitored and analyzed the achievement goals agreed under the Strategic Planning for Physical Education School at Federal University of Ouro Preto during 18 months of implementation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mentors and 3 student representatives. Content analysis was used, resulting in four categories: a) preliminary results obtained; b) instrument capabilities; c) barriers and confrontations; d) improvement proposals. Actions to achieve most goals had been initiated, but none was completed. The global pandemic context (COVID-19) had a significant impact on the results. The study monitored the management tool, considering the importance of implementing mechanisms for systematic evaluation of institutional performance indicators. It is expected that the perceived potential will be strengthened, barriers will be overcome, and proposals for improvement will be collectively discussed to develop the institution.

Resumen Monitorear y analizar la ejecución de las metas pactadas en la Planificación Estratégica de la Escuela de Educación Física de la Universidad Federal de Ouro Preto, en los 18 primeros meses de implementación. Se realizaron 15 entrevistas semiestructuradas con 12 mentores y tres estudiantes representantes estudiantiles. Se utilizo el análisis de contenido, lo que posibilitó delinear cuatro categorías: a) resultados preliminares obtenidos; b) potencial del instrumento; c) barreras y enfrentamientos; d) propuestas de mejora. Se observó que la mayoría de las metas tenían acciones iniciadas, pero ninguna concluida. Es de destacar que el contexto de pandemia mundial (COVID-19) tuvo un impacto significativo sobre los resultados. El estudio presenta un carácter de monitoreo en relación a la herramienta de gestión, considerando la relevancia de implementar mecanismos para la evaluación sistematizada de los indicadores de desempeño institucionales. Se espera que se fortalezca el potencial percibido, se superen barreras y se discutan colectivamente propuestas de mejora con el objetivo de desarrollar la institución.

Monitoramento do planejamento estratégico da escola de educação física da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto / Monitoring strategic planning of the physical education school of a Federal University of Ouro Preto / Seguimiento de la planificación estratégica de la escuela de educación física de la Universidad Federal de Ouro Preto

Resumo Monitorar e analisar a execução das metas pactuadas no Planejamento Estratégico da Escola de Educação Física da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, nos 18 primeiros meses de implementação. Realizaram-se 15 entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 mentores e três discentes que ocupam representações estudantis. Utilizou-se análise de conteúdo, possibilitando delineamento de quatro categorias: a) resultados preliminares obtidos; b) potencialidades do instrumento; c) barreiras e enfrentamentos; d) propostas de aperfeiçoamento. Observou-se que a maioria das metas teve ações norteadoras iniciadas, mas nenhuma concluída. Ressalta-se que o contexto da pandemia mundial (covid-19) exerceu significativo impacto, interferindo diretamente nos resultados. O estudo apresenta caráter de monitoramento em relação à ferramenta de gestão, tendo em vista a relevância de implementar mecanismos para avaliação sistematizada dos indicadores de desempenho institucionais. Espera-se que as potencialidades percebidas sejam fortalecidas, as barreiras sejam superadas e as propostas de aperfeiçoamento sejam discutidas coletivamente com a finalidade do desenvolvimento da instituição.

Abstract This study monitored and analyzed the achievement goals agreed under the Strategic Planning for Physical Education School at Federal University of Ouro Preto during 18 months of implementation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mentors and 3 student representatives. Content analysis was used, resulting in four categories: a) preliminary results obtained; b) instrument capabilities; c) barriers and confrontations; d) improvement proposals. Actions to achieve most goals had been initiated, but none was completed. The global pandemic context (COVID-19) had a significant impact on the results. The study monitored the management tool, considering the importance of implementing mechanisms for systematic evaluation of institutional performance indicators. It is expected that the perceived potential will be strengthened, barriers will be overcome, and proposals for improvement will be collectively discussed to develop the institution.

Resumen Monitorear y analizar la ejecución de las metas pactadas en la Planificación Estratégica de la Escuela de Educación Física de la Universidad Federal de Ouro Preto, en los 18 primeros meses de implementación. Se realizaron 15 entrevistas semiestructuradas con 12 mentores y tres estudiantes representantes estudiantiles. Se utilizo el análisis de contenido, lo que posibilitó delinear cuatro categorías: a) resultados preliminares obtenidos; b) potencial del instrumento; c) barreras y enfrentamientos; d) propuestas de mejora. Se observó que la mayoría de las metas tenían acciones iniciadas, pero ninguna concluida. Es de destacar que el contexto de pandemia mundial (COVID-19) tuvo un impacto significativo sobre los resultados. El estudio presenta un carácter de monitoreo en relación a la herramienta de gestión, considerando la relevancia de implementar mecanismos para la evaluación sistematizada de los indicadores de desempeño institucionales. Se espera que se fortalezca el potencial percibido, se superen barreras y se discutan colectivamente propuestas de mejora con el objetivo de desarrollar la institución.

Does pre-competitive anxiety interfere in the performance of boxing athletes in brazil? a pilot study / A ansiedade pré-competitiva interfere no rendimento dos atletas de boxe no brasil? estudo piloto / ¿la ansiedad precompetitiva interfiere en el rendimiento de los atletas de boxeo en brasil? estudio piloto

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pre-competitive anxiety is one of the psychological factors that can greatly influence athletes' performance, especially when it comes to individual sport like boxing. Objective: To analyze the level of pre-competitive anxiety in male athletes in the adult and young adult categories, and their correlation with the final results of the last Brazilian National Championship. Methods: A total of 60 young adult athletes participated in the study: 38 non-medalists (17.17±0.54 years and 66.38±13.21 kg) and 22 medalists (17.48±0.54 years and 66.21±12.96 kg). The "adults" group consisted of 35 athletes: 11 non-medalists (22.60±4.65 years and 68.33±14.08 kg) and 24 medalists (22.60±4.82 years and 67.33 ±13.13 kg). Results: The levels of cognitive anxiety in the young adult athletes group presented significant differences: medalists presented lower scores than non-medalists (12.77±2.62 and 15.92±5.20, respectively). In the adults group, medalists presented higher scores than non-medalists (15.23±4.42 and 12.00±4.11). Significant differences were observed in somatic anxiety levels between the young adult medalists and the other groups (p = 0.038). In addition, levels of self-confidence were high in all groups (young adult non-medalists = 29.42±4.82; adult non-medalists = 26.14±4.94, young adult medalists = 31.59±4.24 and adult medalists = 28.91±4.88). Conclusion: We conclude that self-confidence may interfere with anxiety levels, considering that medal-winning boxers are less prone to cognitive anxiety than non-medalists, and that both groups have high levels of self-confidence. Level of evidence I; High quality randomized trial with statistically significant difference or no statistically significant difference but narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMO Introdução: A ansiedade pré-competitiva é um dos fatores psicológicos que pode exercer grande influência sobre o rendimento dos atletas, principalmente, quando se trata de esporte individual como o boxe. Objetivo: Analisar o nível de ansiedade pré-competitiva em atletas do sexo masculino nas categorias adulto e juvenil e sua correlação com os resultados finais do último Campeonato Brasileiro. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 60 atletas juvenis: 38 não medalhistas (17,17 ± 0,54 anos e 66,38 ± 13,21 kg) e 22 medalhistas (17,48 ± 0,54 anos e 66,21 ± 12,96 kg). O grupo "adultos" foi composto por 35 atletas: 11 não medalhistas (22,60 ± 4,65 anos e 68,33 ± 14,08 kg) e 24 medalhistas (22,60 ± 4,82 anos e 67,33 ± 13,13 kg). Resultados: Os níveis de ansiedade cognitiva no grupo de atletas juvenis apresentaram diferenças significativas: os medalhistas apresentaram escores mais baixos do que os não medalhistas (12,77 ± 2,62 e 15,92 ± 5,20, respectivamente). No grupo de adultos, os medalhistas apresentaram maiores escores do que os não medalhistas (15,23 ± 4,42 e 12,00 ± 4,11). Diferenças significativas foram observadas nos níveis de ansiedade somática entre os medalhistas juvenis e os outros grupos (p = 0,038). Além disso, os níveis de autoconfiança apresentaram-se altos em todos os grupos (não-medalhistas juvenis = 29,42 ± 4,82; não-medalhistas adultos = 26,14 ± 4,94, medalhistas juvenis = 31,59 ± 4,24 e medalhistas adultos = 28,91 ± 4,88). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a autoconfiança pode interferir nos níveis de ansiedade, considerando que boxeadores medalhistas são menos propensos a ansiedade cognitiva do que os não-medalhistas e que ambos os grupos apresentam altos níveis de autoconfiança. Nível de evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

RESUMEN Introducción: La ansiedad precompetitiva es uno de los factores psicológicos que puede ejercer gran influencia sobre el rendimiento de los atletas, principalmente, cuando se trata de deportes individuales como el boxeo. Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de ansiedad precompetitiva en atletas del sexo masculino en las categorías adulto y juvenil, y su correlación con los resultados finales del último Campeonato Brasileño. Métodos: Participaron en el estudio 60 atletas juveniles: 38 no medallistas (17,17 ± 0,54 años y 66,38 ± 13,21 kg) y 22 medallistas (17,48 ± 0,54 años y 66,21 ± 12,96 kg). El grupo "adultos" fue compuesto por 35 atletas: 11 no medallistas (22,60 ± 4,65 años y 68,33 ± 14,08 kg) y 24 medallistas (22,60 ± 4,82 años y 67,33 ± 13,13 kg). Resultados: Los niveles de ansiedad cognitiva en el grupo de atletas jóvenes presentaron diferencias significativas: los medallistas presentaron puntuaciones más bajas que los no medallistas (12,77 ± 2,62 y 15,92 ± 5,20 respectivamente). En el grupo de adultos, los medallistas presentaron puntuaciones más altas que los no medallistas (15,23 ± 4,42 y 12,00 ± 4,11). Se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles de ansiedad somática entre medallistas juveniles y los otros grupos (p = 0,038). Además, los niveles de autoconfianza se presentaron altos en todos los grupos (juveniles no medallistas = 29,42 ± 4,82; adultos no medallistas = 26,14 ± 4,94, medallistas juveniles = 31,59 ± 4,24 y medallistas adultos = 28,91 ± 4,88). Conclusión: Se concluyó que la autoconfianza puede interferir en los niveles de ansiedad, considerando que los boxeadores medallistas son menos propensos a la ansiedad cognitiva que los no medallistas y que ambos grupos tienen altos niveles de autoconfianza. Nivel de evidencia I; Estudio clínico aleatorio de alta calidad con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con intervalos de confianza estrechos.

Evaluation of a program of physical exercise on blood markers and sleep quality in elderly / Evaluación de un programa de ejercicio físico sobre los marcadores de sangre y la calidad del sueño en mayores / Avaliação de um programa de exercício físico sobre marcadores de sangue e qualidade do sono em idosos

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the effects of a physical exercise program on blood markers and sleep quality in the elderly. METHOD: A total of 112 elderly people with metabolic diseases controlled by hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic medications participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups, an exercise group composed of 54 individuals with a mean age of 62 years and control group of 58 individuals with a mean age of 63 years. RESULTS: Blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels showed a mean reduction of 27.47, 18.13, and 23.48 mg/dl, respectively, and an increase of 8.98 mg/dl in the high-density lipoprotein level was seen. A significant change was seen in the low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, and calcium levels on comparing the exercise group post-test values with that of the control group pre-test. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score showed a significant reduction of 3.15 (p < 0.001, μp2=0.78) on comparing the exercise group with the control group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the physical exercise program, consisting of supervised walking and gymnastics with localized quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises, performed for 16 weeks at a frequency of three times a week for 60 min, was effective in improving the low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein levels and sleep quality of the elderly

OBJETIVO: Analizar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico sobre los marcadores sanguíneos y la calidad del sueño en ancianos. MÉTODO: Un total de 112 personas mayores con enfermedades metabólicas controladas por medicamentos hipocolesterolémicos e hipoglucemiantes participaron en el estudio. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos, un grupo de ejercicio compuesto por 54 individuos, con una edad media de 62 años y un grupo control de 58 individuos, con una edad media de 63 años. RESULTADOS: Los niveles de glucosa en sangre, colesterol total y triglicéridos mostraron una reducción media de 27.47, 18.13 y 23.48 mg/dl, respectivamente, y se observó un aumento de 8.98 mg/dl en el nivel de lipoproteínas de alta densidad. Se observó un cambio significativo en los niveles de lipoproteínas de baja densidad, lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad y calcio al comparar los valores de grupo de ejercicio post-test con los del grupo control pre-test. La puntuación del Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index mostró una reducción significativa de 3.15 (p <0.001, μp2=0.78) al comparar el grupo de ejercicio con el grupo control. CONCLUSIONES: Se puede concluir que el programa de ejercicio físico supervisado, consistente en caminar y realizar ejercicios de fortalecimiento muscular de cuádriceps, durante 16 semanas con una frecuencia de tres veces por semana durante 60 minutos, fue eficaz para mejorar los niveles de lipoproteínas de baja densidad, lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad y la calidad del sueño de las personas mayores

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos de um programa de exercício físico sobre marcadores sanguíneos e qualidade do sono em idosos. MÉTODO: Um total de 112 idosos com doenças metabólicas controladas por medicações hipocolesterolêmicas e hipoglicemiantes participaram do estudo. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos, um grupo exercício composto por 54 indivíduos com idade média de 62 anos e grupo controle de 58 indivíduos com média de idade de 63 anos. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de glicose no sangue, colesterol total e triglicerídeos mostraram uma redução média de 27.47; 18.13 e 23.48 mg/dl, respectivamente, e um aumento de 8.98 mg/dl no nível de lipoproteínas de alta densidade foi observado. Uma mudança significativa foi observada nos níveis de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade, lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade e Cálcio na comparação dos valores do pós-teste do grupo exercício com o pré-teste do grupo controle. O escore do Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index mostrou uma redução significativa de 3.15 (p <0.001, μp2=0.78) na comparação do grupo exercício com o grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que o programa de exercícios físicos, consistindo em caminhada supervisionada e ginástica com exercícios de fortalecimento muscular do quadríceps localizados, realizado por 16 semanas na freqüência de três vezes por semana durante 60 min, foi efetivo na melhora dos níveis de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade e lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade e da qualidade do sono dos idosos

Does Croton Argyrophyllus Extract Has an Effect on Muscle Damage and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats Submitted to High Intensity Strength Exercise?

Many species of the genus Croton have been used for anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antidiabetic, and antitumor purposes. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract (HEE) from the inner bark of Croton argyrophyllus (Euphorbiaceae) on muscle damage and oxidative stress in rats after high intensity exercise. The animals were divided into four groups: (i) the sedentary group (SV; n = 7), (ii) the exercise vehicle group (EV, n = 7), (iii) the sedentary group HEE (SHG; n = 7) composed of sedentary animals and treated with the hydroethanolic extract of C. argyrophyllus (200 mg/kg, v.o.), and (iv) the HEE exercise group (HEE; n = 7) composed of animals submitted to resistance exercise (RE) and treated with the hydroethanolic extract of C. argyrophyllus (200 mg/kg, v.o.). In the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the HEE showed lower values of inhibition potential (IP%) at 39.79% compared to gallic acid, 87.61%, and lipoperoxidation inhibition at 27.4% (100 µg/mL) or 28.6% (200 µg/mL) (p < 0.001). There was inhibition in free radicals in vivo. The HEE of C. argyrophyllus partially reduced the biomarkers of oxidative stress in muscle tissue and muscular damage (creatine kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)) (p < 0.05) in rats, and in this sense it can be an aid to the recovery process after exhaustive efforts.

Role of adipose tissue inflammation in fat pad loss induced by fasting in lean and mildly obese mice.

Inflammation induced by obesity contributes to insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Indeed, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines trigger chronic low-grade inflammation and promote detrimental metabolic effects in the adipose tissue. On the other hand, inflammation seems to control fat pad expansion and to have important functions on lipolysis and glucose metabolism. Thus, it is possible that inflammation may also drive fat pad loss, as seen during long-fast periods. Herein, we have used fasting as a strategy to induce weight loss and evaluate the possible role of inflammation on adipose tissue remodeling. Male BALB-c mice were fed with chow diet (lean mice) or with high-carbohydrate refined diet (mildly obese mice) for 8 weeks. After that, animals were subjected to 24 h of fasting. There was a 63% reduction of adiposity in lean mice following fasting. Furthermore, the adipose tissue was enriched of immune cells and had a higher content of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, TGF-ß and CXCL-1. Interestingly, mildly obese mice, subjected to the same 24-h fasting period, lost only 33% of their adiposity. Following fasting, these mice did not show any increment in leukocyte recruitment and cytokine levels, as did lean mice. Our findings indicate that inflammation participates in fat mass loss induced by fasting. Although the chronic low-grade inflammation seen in obesity is associated with metabolic diseases, a lower inflammatory response triggered by fasting in mildly obese mice impairs fat pad mobilization.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors are associated with severity of kidney dysfunction in pediatric chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: In adult chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, there is a positive association between inflammation and progressive renal dysfunction. Higher levels of soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor (sTNFR) have been related to worst prognosis of adult CKD patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate soluble TNF receptors in children and adolescents with CKD and to search for an association with clinical and laboratory features. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were evaluated in 34 pediatric patients with CKD and in 34 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Blood samples were collected in both groups to measure sTNFR by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The modified Schwartz formula was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). RESULTS: Pediatric patients with CKD had significantly higher plasma concentrations of soluble TNF receptors types 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in comparison to sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 increased progressively as renal function worsened, being inversely and significantly correlated with GFR (r = - 0.853 for sTNFR1 and GFR, r = - 0.729 for sTNFR2 and GFR). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with CKD exhibited higher plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 than healthy controls, which increased in relation to renal function deterioration. Plasma levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 emerge as markers of progressive CKD in pediatric patients.

Strength Training Session Induces Important Changes on Physiological, Immunological, and Inflammatory Biomarkers.

Strength exercise is a strategy applied in sports and physical training processes. It may induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy. The hypertrophy is dependent on the eccentric muscle actions and on the inflammatory response. Here, we evaluate the physiological, immunological, and inflammatory responses induced by a session of strength training with a focus on predominance of the eccentric muscle actions. Twenty volunteers were separated into two groups: the untrained group (UTG) and the trained group (TG). Both groups hold 4 sets of leg press, knee extensor, and leg curl at 65% of personal one-repetition maximum (1RM), 90 s of recovery, and 2″conc/3″eccen of duration of execution in each repetition. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after, 2 hours after, and 24 h after the end of the exercise session. The single session of strength training elevated the heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), visual analog scale (VAS), and lactate blood level in UTG and TG. Creatine kinase (CK) levels were higher at 2 and 24 h after the end of the exercise in UTG and, in TG, only at 24 h. The number of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils increased in UTG and TG, post and 2 h after exercise. Lymphocytes increased postexercise but reduced 2 h after exercise in both groups, while the number of monocytes increased only immediately after the exercise session in UTG and TG. The strength training session elevated the levels of apelin and fatty acid-binding proteins-3 (FABP3) in both groups and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in TG. The single exercise session was capable of inducing elevated HR, RPE, lactate level, and CK levels. This protocol changed the count/total number of circulating immune cells in both groups (UTG and TG) and also increased the level of plasmatic apelin, BDNF, and FLTS1 only in TG and FABP3 myokines in both groups.

Oxidants, antioxidants, and the beneficial roles of exercise-induced production of reactive species.

This review offers an overview of the influence of reactive species produced during exercise and their effect on exercise adaptation. Reactive species and free radicals are unstable molecules that oxidize other molecules in order to become stable. Although they play important roles in our body, they can also lead to oxidative stress impairing diverse cellular functions. During exercise, reactive species can be produced mainly, but not exclusively, by the following mechanisms: electron leak at the mitochondrial electron transport chain, ischemia/reperfusion and activation of endothelial xanthine oxidase, inflammatory response, and autooxidation of catecholamines. Chronic exercise also leads to the upregulation of the body's antioxidant defence mechanism, which helps minimize the oxidative stress that may occur after an acute bout of exercise. Recent studies show a beneficial role of the reactive species, produced during a bout of exercise, that lead to important training adaptations: angiogenesis, mitochondria biogenesis, and muscle hypertrophy. The adaptations occur depending on the mechanic, and consequently biochemical, stimulus within the muscle. This is a new area of study that promises important findings in the sphere of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the relationship between oxidative stress and exercise.